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C
larification to all turkey hunt- stimulus to attract wild turkey and it is not Young people looking for an opportunity to gain leadership experi-
ers…turkey reaping is illegal in anchored to a fixed point in the ground, ence and explore outdoor recreation issues statewide should consider a
Michigan. A year ago, we pub- nor does it only move exclusively by the stint with the Youth Conservation Council, a program started a few years
lished a story written by Kenny power of natural wind since the hunter ago by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. The council is ac-
Darwin on stalking turkeys using a simple moves the device.” The law states: Sec. cepting applications now through April 30 for new members, ages 14 to
turkey fan decoy and we quickly found 3.301(1) an individual hunting wild 18, to serve a two-year term.
out that is illegal and passed that informa- turkey shall not use or possess afield an Ray Rustem, council advisor for the Michigan Department of Natural
tion on to our readers in the next issue. electronic device to simulate, replicate or Resources, said that time serving on the council is a great way for young
So, Kenny did some follow up imitate wild turkey calls or sounds.” people to both shape the conversation about the great outdoors and find
research and here’s what he found… Ex- Further, Conservation Order 3.301 new ways of connecting more kids and young adults with those resourc-
actly what is reaping? “When carefully indicates “mechanical decoy means any es.
practiced in a safe manner, the strategy of device that by design or construction uses “Our kids are losing a tremendous outdoor heritage of trail hikes and
using a tom decoy to fan your way into motion as a visual stimulus to attract a campfires and the stories told around them,” Rustem said.
shooting range of a longbeard can carry wild turkey except a wind sock or similar “On the council, members work together to brainstorm ideas about
amazingly high success rates,” according decoy body anchored at a fixed point into ways to protect and promote outdoor recreation and wise use of the
to David Holder, Host of Raised Hunt- the ground and whose only motion is state’s natural resources."
ing. “Turkey reaping is simply taking a derived exclusively by power of natural Council members should plan to participate in three to four meet-
tom decoy and crawling towards another wind,” indicates Golder. The old law in- ings each year. At least two of the meetings will be weekend training
tom, staying behind the decoy as you go,” dicates it is illegal to stalk turkey with any sessions (typically at the end of June and early December) at a conference
reports Holder. “I have heard it called kind of decoy. Hunter beware because facility; other meetings will be shorter, with possible attendance through
fanning as well and it is the most effective moving a decoy is illegal. Further it is teleconferencing and/or web-based applications.
technique we have ever tried. When done illegal to use a pull cord, which comes The council continues to explore how to use social media to engage
correctly reaping is probably 75 percent with many new decoys. Decoys can only
successful.” The great thing about this move by the influence of the wind. You
youth, and already has developed a Facebook page and established a
tactic is it can be done virtually any time cannot walk with a decoy, wiggle it or youth blog and an Instagram photo-sharing site (#yccoutdoors).
of the turkey season,” said Holder. “It move it in any manner to use motion as “The youth is the next generation of outdoorsmen and women. As
can also be done on the same turkey more an attractant. Nor can you hide behind a adults, we need to allow kids to get dirty, play, and simply have fun in the
than once. Since each time you do it, he tail fan, umbrella, half decoy, or anything rain!” wrote council member Graham Smith in a recent blog post.
thinks he is seeing another tom mov- that resembles a turkey and crawl toward Know someone who might be interested? Get details on the council
ing into his area. And that’s when the turkeys in an attempt to fill your tag.” webpage or contact Ray Rustem at 517-284-6070.
gobbler’s natural instincts kick in and he Kenny absolutely disagrees with the
defends his ladies or his turf.” DNR position and inquired about chang- investigation discovered the hunter Bottom line...turkey reaping is illegal
Kenny continues; So, why is reaping ing the law with Golder who indicated was sprayed with pellets because he in Michigan. A big thanks to Kenny
considered illegal in Michigan? Well, I “The DNR has no plans to change the was trespassing on private land and for clearing this matter up. Now if you
contacted the state and heard back from law, which protects hunter safety.” Kenny the owner wanted to make a point. disagree you need to contact the MDNR
Edward Golder, DNR Public Information questions turkey hunter safety as he found Further, the NWTF (National Wild with your thoughts and feelings!
Officer. According to Golder, “From the no recorded accident in this state or any Turkey Federation) told me they have Be sure to hunt safe and take a young
understanding of the process of ‘reaping’ other regarding reaping. He writes, “I no recorded case of anyone being shot person or non-hunter turkey hunting this
it involves the use of a device that meets heard from a DNR Officer that somebody while reaping.” spring! n
the definition of ‘mechanical decoy’ in the in Kansas
Michigan Wildlife Conservation Order
3.301, which is prohibited. Specifically
got shot
while reap- Hunters invited to collaborate
it is a device that uses motion as a visual ing. But my
on Michigan’s CWD response
SEASONS The Michigan Department of Natural Resources
and the Michigan Natural Resources Commission
will host a series of public engagement meetings on
• DeWitt, April 19 – 6 to 8 p.m., DeWitt High
School Auditorium, 13601 S. Panther Drive.
• Marquette, April 24 – 6 to 8 p.m., Marquette
NOW - 2018 fishing license required
Open All Year – Pike and walleye season on Lower Peninsula chronic wasting disease – a fatal central nervous sys- High School, 1203 W. Fair Ave.
Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers tem disease found in deer, elk and moose. The meet- • Iron Mountain, April 25 – 6 to 8 p.m. (central
Open All Year – Salmon and trout season on Great Lakes, St. ings will provide an opportunity for the commission time), Bay College, 2801 North US 2.
Marys River, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers and department to hear suggestions and observations • Gaylord, May 1 – 6 to 8 p.m., Ellison Place,
Open All Year – Catch-and-immediate-release bass season on from hunters and residents interested in the health of 150 Dale Drive.
all Michigan waters open to fishing the state’s deer herd. • Newberry, May 2 – 6 to 8 p.m., Tahquamenon
Now-Dec. 31 – Pure Michigan Hunt Application Period Vicki Pontz, chair of the Natural Resources High School Auditorium, 700 Newberry Ave.
Now-May 31 – Leftover spring wild turkey licenses go on Commission, said that both the commission and the • Houghton, May 3 – 6 to 8 p.m., Magnuson
sale over-the-counter DNR are focused on achieving specific CWD man- Hotel, 820 Shelden Ave.
April 28 - March 15 – Walleye and pike open in Lower agement objectives that include: “Michigan’s hunters have successfully partnered
Peninsula inland waters
• Slowing the spread of the disease. with the DNR for many decades on wildlife and con-
May 1 - June 1 – Elk Hunt Application Period
May 1 - June 1 – Bear Hunt Application Period
• Achieving a low prevalence rate. servation challenges and opportunities,” said DNR
May 15 - March 15 - Walleye and pike open in Upper • Preventing the disease from reaching new areas. Director Keith Creagh. “We know they care deeply
Peninsula Great Lakes, inland waters & St. Marys River • Maintaining Michigan’s rich hunting traditions. about the long-term health and vitality of Michigan’s
May 26 – Dec. 31 – Smallmouth and largemouth bass catch- “Hunter and citizen involvement and support of wildlife, and right now the state’s wild deer popula-
and-keep on all waters, including Great Lakes (except Lake efforts to contain and eradicate chronic wasting dis- tion faces no more serious issue than chronic wasting
St. Clair and St. Clair and Detroit Rivers. ease are critical,” Pontz said. “We want to hear from disease.”
June 16 – Dec. 31 - Smallmouth and largemouth bass catch- our stakeholders. We are asking them to share their Since May 2015, CWD-positive deer have been
and-keep on Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers thoughtful opinions on any new hunting regulations found in Clinton, Ingham, Ionia, Kent and Montcalm
*Consult the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest, Fishing Digest, or they believe may be needed before the start of the counties. As of mid-January 2018, 57 free-ranging
other species-specific hunting digests for a more complete list of dates 2018 deer hunting season.” deer in those counties have tested positive for chronic
and regulations regarding each season or hunt period.
At the meetings, DNR staff members will provide wasting disease. CWD has not been found in the
a CWD update and then collect attendees’ written Upper Peninsula; however, the disease has been dis-
MJC MJC ideas on how best to address this issue. Those unable covered in Wisconsin, approximately 40 miles from
ARCHERY ARCHERY to attend a meeting may participate in a web-based the western Upper Peninsula border.
MACOMB OAKLAND opportunity available starting April 10 at michigan. Since the first CWD finding, the DNR has taken
gov/cwd. quick, thoughtful action based on Michigan’s com-
CWD public engagement meetings will take place in: prehensive CWD response and surveillance plan.
• Detroit, April 17 – 6 to 8 p.m., Doubletree Meeting information, additional ways to provide
19744 15 Mile Rd 3001 Rochester Rd
Clinton Twp. 48035 Royal Oak, MI 48073
Detroit-Dearborn, 5801 Southfield Freeway. input on CWD management, the latest testing num-
• Rockford, April 18 – 6 to 8 p.m., Rockford Fine bers and more information are available at michigan.
586-791-4600 248-589-2480 Arts Auditorium, 4100 Kroes St. NE. gov/cwd.
4 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 5
Michigan Anglers... POACHING COSTS POACHERS
Crappie Take advantage of
your great fisheries
“BIG BUCKS”
Jeff Pendergraff page 44
waters of Guest Column page 52
A day in the life of
the U.P. KAYAK FISHING
Betty Sodders page 58
Michigan Conservation Officers
Bob Gwizdz page 54
Spring fly rod fun! Dear Fish Diary...
George Rowe page 64 We’re growing WHATTTT?
Ron St. Germain page 65
FEATURE
BOAT SMART...
Red-Headed Woodpecker
A PFD can’t save you
Jonathan Schechter page 28
if you don’t wear it
Bill Ziegler...page 24 Canoe portage made easy Capt. Fred Davis page 73
Darryl Quidort page 42
HUNTING FISHING OPINIONS
2017 Ruger
Retailer of the Year Michigan pheasant hunting, a
Strutting Gobbler Tactics Dragging Tubes for Tom Lounsbury page 62 tradition gone but not forgotten
Kenny Darwin page 12 GIANT SMALLIES Ken Dalton page 70
Joe Bauer page 8 Michigan’s Coastal
Turkey ears: Management Program
bigger than they appear A spin on bouncers and blades Rachel Coale page 74
Adam Lewis page 16 Mark Martin page 14
Sporting Collectibles...
Booner U.P. Bear Calibrating Line Counter Reels It’s still out there!
Richard P. Smith page 34 Mark Romanack page 20 Terry McBurney page 76
Sharonville State Game Area MICHIGAN MEANDERS... Park rangers wear many hats
MDNR page 40 Steelhead: Spring Heat Bob Gwizdz page 78
Tom Huggler page 22
OUTDOOR NEWS
Spring, Summer, Fall...
Lead core catches it all Carp Tank Innovation Challenge
page 41
Mark Romanack page 26
DNR urges ORV riders
The art of netting a fish to know the rules
Mark Sak page 30 page 51 Big U.P.
Michigan Trout Unlimited
Fly Fishing School
Pure Michigan Hunt Winners
page 57 Buck
John Cleveland page 31
Volunteer to guard Richard P. Smith...page 35
Turkeys
and
NEXT BITE...
Warm water walleyes
Michigan’s sturgeon
page 61
Human risk
Gary Parsons/Keith Kavajecz
Morels page 32 Saginaw Bay Fishery News
Michael Veine page 70
associated with CWD
John Ozoga page 71
Kenny Darwin...page 46 West side offers
great early fishing
John Bergsma page 36
PERSPECTIVE GUNS/AMMO
Guest Column... Ron was one of those guys Traditional Black Powder...
My 2017 U.P. Buck How to make a fly rod work Randy Jorgensen page 18 “Patience, patience...”
page 50 William T. Mangan page 48 Dennis Neely page 38
Woods-n-Water News
$4.00
DEPARTMENTS...
Trophy Page. . . 66-67 Classifieds . . . . 80-81
Michigan’s Premier Outdoor Publication
COVER PHOTOS
Morels and Shed
TURKEYS & MORELS!
A Spring Combination Hunt 1-810-724-0254
Photo By www.woods-n-waternews.com
Jacob VanHouten
P.O. Box 278, Imlay City, MI 48444
Tom Turkeys • Poaching Cost BIG BUCKS • Walleyes...A Spin on Bouncers & Blades
• Dragging Tubes for GIANT SMALLIES • Human Risk and CWD • U.P. Crappies
Photo By Kenny Darwin www.facebook.com/woodsnwaternews
• Booner Bear! • Saginaw Bay Fishery News • Lead Core Catches It All
www.woods-n-waternews.com • Like us on facebook Follow us on
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Send to: Woods-N-Water News
P.O. Box 278 • Imlay City, MI 48444 Or Call (810) 724-0254
GIANT
SMALLIES By Joe Bauer
A
pril showers bring not only May flowers,
but hordes of hungry smallmouth, cruis-
ing shallow flats of Lake St. Clair. These
gargantuan beasts are looking to fatten up
from the long winter months. Enormous 5-6
pound females make their way from their
winter homes in the deeper water and begin
showing up along the shallow Michigan
shoreline. This is the area where they will
begin their spawning rituals once the water
warms into the upper 50s and the weather stabilizes. As
soon as they end their trek to the shallow flats, they begin
feasting on perch and gobies to get through the spawning
cycle. The bait that best resembles a goby or perch creep-
ing along the bottom is a plastic tube bait.
Tubes have been around for quite some time and
many anglers have a pack of them tucked away some-
where in their boat. Tube baits are plastic dipped baits
that have a hollow cavity that runs all the way to the top
of the bait. The bottom of the bait has several tentacles
resembling a squid that wiggle as it is pulled along the
bottom of the lake. Tubes come in several different sizes
and colors, but a savvy bass angler only needs a couple
different varieties to get them through the spring.
In my opinion, the best lake in the state of Michigan
to catch a 6-7 pound behemoth smallmouth is by far Lake
St. Clair. With several access points along the Michigan
side, you are always just a short boat ride away from the
mother lode of giant smallies. Throughout the month of
April there will be schools of smallies scattered all the
way from the mouth of the Detroit River to the northern
end of Anchor Bay. I recommend that you use the boat
ramp that is nearest the area of the lake that you plan to
fish. Not only does your truck get way better gas mileage
than an outboard boat motor, but increased boat traffic
in the afternoon and winds building strength as the air
warms throughout the day can make for a rough boat ride
back to the ramp.
There are several DNR boat launches throughout
Lake St. Clair. As long as you have your DNR Recreation
Passport, you are able to park at any of these ramps. If
you plan to fish the southern end of the lake, the Clinton
River Cut-Off DNR boat launch is a great choice. There
is a large parking lot that can hold over 50 trucks and
trailers. When your plans are taking you to the middle of
the lake near Metro Point, the Harley Ensign DNR launch
is the best choice. Again this is a very large facility
capable of holding well over 100 trucks and trailers. The
best access point for Anchor Bay all the way to the North
Channel is the Selfridge DNR launch, which will hold
The author holds up another Lake St. Clair 6 pounder. The presence of the round goby has close to 100 trucks and trailers as well.
created a buffet for roaming smallmouth bass. The size of the fish has exploded in the past
few years, making Lake St. Clair a bucket list destination for smallmouth anglers. Giant Smallies page 10
8 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
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Anderson’s Pro Bait Clean H20 Tackle Frank’s Great Outdoors Lake Shore Outfitter’s Northwood’s Wholesale
Port Huron Edwardsburg Linwood Saugatuck Pinconning
Al and Bob’s D&R Frankfort Tackle Box Lakeside Fishing Outdoorsman
Grand Rapids Sports Center Frankfort St. Claire Shores Jenison
Andy’s Tackle Kalamazoo Hick’s Outdoors Michigan Tackle RP2
Melvindale Fish On Clio Specialties Mt. Clemens
Bob’s Gun & Tackle Bait & Tackle Jay’s Sporting Goods Battlecreek Sportsman’s Direct
Hastings Spring Lake Clare Northern Michigan Harrison Twp
Broadlow’s Fishing Hole Fishing Tackle Grab Bag Johnson’s Great Outdoors Fast Cash Tackle Haven
St. Joseph Davison Montague Alpena Benton Harbor
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 9
On sunny days fish tend to stay grouped up
Giant Smallies: and relate closely to the structure. They use the
sunshine to see their prey more clearly. Small-
mouth are sight feeders and will use the condi-
tions to their favor. When they can see their prey
from page 8 very well, they will move several feet to gobble
up their unsuspecting target. They smash the bait
If you are new to Lake St. Clair, launching with such force, that it can nearly pull the rod
at Harley Ensign is a great place to start. Once from your hands. When the conditions present you
you idle outside of the breakwall, you will be in with cloud cover, smallies tend to venture away
between two points that protrude eastward into the from these ambush points and move out along the
lake. On your Humminbird fish finder, use your breakline in search of food. If you are struggling
Lakemaster mapping chip and locate the 7 foot to get bit, just put your trolling motor on high and
breakline that runs along either of those points. cover water until you collide with one. As soon as
On this breakline you will find several rock piles you get one bite, there is certain to be many more
and mussel beds. This time of the year the smal- chubby bronzebacks in the vicinity.
lies will relate to a hard bottom. Giant females There are thousands of tubes on the market and
will use these rock piles as ambush points to stuff the selection can be very intimidating. I prefer the
their guts full of gobies and perch, while the males 4” model from Poor Boys Baits. These tubes are
begin making beds in the same area. Smallmouths very durable and can take a beating from rocks,
like to make their beds next to some sort of struc- mussels, and wood without tearing. I limit my
ture. This structure could be anything from rocks, choices to only two colors, green pumpkin and
weeds or even an old tire. You will be able to see goby. These colors appear very natural under the
these hard spots and rock piles on your electron- water and look nearly identical to a juvenile perch
ics. You can idle over an area and drop waypoints or goby.
to mark the edges of the structure, this will allow In post frontal conditions, where the bite can
you to turn the boat around and know right where be tough and the fish just simply do not want to The before and after of a smallmouth beatdown.
to make your casts. feed, I will use a smaller profile tube. The 2.75” Using a durable tube will allow you to keep us-
Begin by casting your tubes around the outside ISG Intimidator tube is a great choice when the ing the same bait fish after fish, without having
of the area and pick off the most aggressive fish in fish are being picky. The area where you do need to take time to retie frequently. Spooling your
the school. Once your tube hits the water, tighten to have variety is with your jig heads. Having sev- spinning reels with braided line will allow you to
your line so that you can feel the tube fall toward eral different sizes ranging from 1/8 to 1/2 ounce cast fur ther and drive the hooks deeper and will
the bottom. When the bait hits the bottom it will is crucial. Maintaining bottom contact is para- lead to landing more fish. Author photos
stir up some dust, and spark the interest of any mount to your success with a tube. I like to use the
smallies nearby. Let the bait sit on the bottom for lightest head that I can get away with. If the condi- I pair this rod with a 2500 series spinning reel.
a few seconds before moving it. If the bait lands tions are calm and there is no current I will drop When I am picking out a spinning reel I look for
right next to a feeding fish they will pick it right down to a 1/8 ounce head. This allows your bait to a one that has 7-10 bearings. The rule of thumb
off of the bottom as soon as they can see it. Begin have a fluttering action that drives giant smallies is that the more bearings a spinning reel has, the
by twitching your rod tip a couple inches at a time bonkers as it falls to the bottom. When the wind smoother the drag is going to be. Having a smooth
making sure that your bait is trickling along the and current increase, it makes keeping your bait drag on your spinning setups is essential to get
bottom of the lake. Crawl the bait all the way back on the bottom harder and it will tend to drift back these giant 6 pound smallies in the boat. Just as
to the boat and be ready for a strike at any second. toward the boat creating slack in your line, making you think you have won the battle and the bloated,
Giant smallies have a tendency to follow the bait it nearly impossible to feel a bite. This is where tiger striped, giant has given up, they always make
the entire duration of the cast, and attack your tube you need to increase the weight of your jig head one last line stripping run that will test the limits
right underneath the boat. and it will keep your bait in the strike zone longer. of your knots. I spool up my reel with 30 pound
Other ways of working the tube include hop- Rigging the tube is very simple. Before tying Seaguar Smack Down braid. This braid has a very
ping it and steadily reeling the bait. When hopping the hook onto the line, slide the lead colored jig thin diameter that allows you to launch bombing
the bait, snap your rod from 90 degrees parallel head all the way to the top of the hollow cavity casts and has zero stretch which gives you the
to the water, to nearly straight up. Let the bait fall leaving the bend of the hook exposed. Once the jig ability to feel everything.
back to the bottom and repeat. Most of the bites head is secured, poke the eye of the hook through At the end of the braid I attach a 6 foot section
will come when the bait is falling back to the bot- the plastic tube. Now you are ready to tie it to of 12 pound fluorocarbon leader. I tie the two lines
tom. As you make your next hop, you will feel the your line. Using an exposed hook will increase together using an alberto knot. This knot is very
behemoth tug back and the fight is on. your catch rate substantially compared to rigging streamline and flows through the guides of your
Smallmouth are pack feeders; once you are it weedless. When the hook is exposed, it has rod very well. I prefer the line to line knot over
able to get one fish to eat your tube, the rest of the direct contact with the roof of the smallies mouth a swivel because if you unintentionally reel your
pack begins searching for other morsels of food. and doesn’t have to puncture any plastic before bait up too far, the swivel has a tendency to tear up
Many experienced anglers refer to this as “firing it makes contact with the fish. In April you don’t the ceramic insert in the guide, whereas the knot
up the school.” Other fish feel that they are miss- have to worry about snagging weeds as the aquatic will just slide through.
ing out on a meal and will actively seek out food vegetation has not yet begun to grow. However, Last year was a banner year for Lake St. Clair
and slam the first offering that they are presented you may encounter a few more snags on rocks and in regards to the number of giant smallies caught.
with. It is important to make your cast in the exact wood, so bringing a few extra baits is a great idea. Many local tournaments took over 25 pounds with
same spot where you got the last fish to bite. The My rod of choice is a 7’3” to 7’6” Medium a 5 bass limit to win. The largest stringer recorded
next plump bronzeback will be waiting for the bait Heavy spinning rod that has an extra fast tip. of 30.31 pounds was caught in 2017. The outlook
as soon as it hits the bottom. In order to make the The longer rod allows you to make longer casts, for 2018 is outstanding. Ice fishermen have re-
exact same cast, you can use the spot-lock feature and control a slob smallie as he dances across corded high levels of perch located around Metro
on your electric trolling motor. This will keep you the surface of the water. Using a Medium Heavy Point throughout the winter. This solid forage base
locked in the same location without the hassle of will give you plenty of backbone to drive home will have smallies feasting throughout the month
a heavy anchor and rope that always seems to be the hookset. The extra fast tip allows you to feel of April. This area loads up with so many fish that
tangled. If you do not have that feature simply which kind of structure you are dragging your tube you can catch them until your arms are too tired to
drop a floating marker buoy off the side of the through. There is a distinct difference between reel them in.
boat. This way you will have a visual object in the rocks, weeds, and sand. Knowing what kind of So what do you say? Does catching loads of
water that is marking the location where the boat structure the fish are relating to will allow you to trophy smallmouth bass tipping the scales to 6
was. Trying to just use a waypoint on your graph more quickly find another school. The sensitive tip pounds sound like a riot to you?
can be difficult to maintain your position, espe- also gives you the ability to feel any subtle bites, If it does, grab a pack of your favorite tubes
cially when you are not surrounded by shoreline especially when a slob smallie eats your tube and and get out to Lake St. Clair this month for the
that allows you to triangulate your position. starts swimming toward you. hottest action all year.n
10 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
ROSY BROTHERS INC.
5727 DRYDEN ROAD
DRYDEN, Michigan 48428
810-796-3770
I
got up at 4:30 a.m. and after they hit the ground and gather
made my way to the edge hens. So, I decided to get off my tail
of a stubble corn field in feathers, shake off the mid-morning
an effort to ambush a gob- doldrums and head to a new spot
bler. But come daylight where toms were struttin’. The field
the toms stopped gob- I selected was loaded with short
bling and only a couple brown plants covered with small Gobblers establish strut zones in open timber, along ridges and in
jakes entered the field. It was 9:45 BB size seeds and turkeys were large fields where hens can see them. Kenny Darwin photos
and I hadn’t heard a turkey in over gathering in the location for daily
field fully fanned, turning in tight New Archery Products Gobbler
two hours. It’s not uncommon for luncheons. More importantly, three
circles, displaying, gobbling and Getter smashed his spine and he
big turkeys to stop talking shortly big gobblers were showing up in the
struttin’ their stuff. The beautiful dropped like a rock.
toms were entering the field about I jumped to my feet and rushed
11 and staying until roosting time. to the fallen bird to make certain he
I arrived just in time to see the big did not revive and run away. But
black feathered adult gobbler head- the beautiful bird was down for the
ing toward my decoy. count and like most success turkey
Once he got a glimpse of hunters I did a little happy dance
the fully fanned decoy with brightly around the kill. I was elated to score
custom painted head he was con- so quickly on a trophy bird and it
vinced it was an intruder on his turf, was because I made a move to the
a new adult gobbler challenging the location where the gobbler struts.
resident long beard and he aggres- I set up in the exact hot spot that
sively charged the decoy. When payed a big dividend. If your goal
he got 20 yards from the decoy he is to harvest a dandy gobbler this
stopped, fanned out his huge tail spring listen up because I’ve got
and made a tight circle showing off some hunting advice that can put
his long beard, monster 25 lb. body you on the winners’ board at light-
and made a loud gobble. The noise ning speed.
was so loud it made me jolt and for So, what is a strut zone and how
an instant the big bird jerked out of do you identify it? A strut zone is
the scope on my crossbow. Then he anywhere where a gobbler spends
dropped his fan, lowered his head time struttin’, gobbling, spittin’ and
and slowly marched directly at the displaying his full fan in an effort to
decoy. When he was kissin’ close attract a hen. Gobblers often select
he went into half fan, puffed up his specific locations where they spend
feathers to look even bigger and his time struttin’. Some remain in rela-
head turned bright red. He sauntered tively small areas for long periods of
within spurring distance and began time displaying, waiting and eventu-
Some gobblers share strut zones with family members while others calling the decoy profane names ally attracting a mate. Some toms
prefer solitude for strutting and breeding. when the crossbow barked and the fly down from a roost directly to a
12 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
strut zone, others show up midday
and others don’t reach certain zones
until late afternoon after they have
covered their entire travel route, dis-
playing in several locations. A strut
zone is covered with tracks, feathers
and fresh turds, but the best way to
find one is to see birds in an open
area. Sure some fields attract turkeys
year round and others only infre-
quently. But the trick is to scout,
find the strutting location and set up
in the exact spot.
Hot spots are open areas in
woods or fields often highlighted by
higher ground where birds can see
and be seen for long distances.
Some slam dunk locations are
found far from the road where gob-
blers can carry out their business
without being detected. Not every
open field becomes a strut zone and A receptive hen is drawing the attention from adult gobblers fully displaying in the background.
some larger fields may have a hot the road to a super-fast hunt. Most sparingly and totally go silent once showing up again.
spot in a specified location and the gobblers fly down from the roost the incoming gobbler gets a peek at I’ve got to admit that I’m a
remainder of the field is unoccupied. and follow hens to predictable loca- your decoy. Call just enough to let type “A” hunter wanting immedi-
Once you see strut zones enough it tions. Gobblers like to gather hens, any tom in the area know you are ate action. That’s why I hunt only in
becomes second nature to identify gobbling and strutting while females there but try soft clucks and don’t areas where I’ve seen birds strut-
features wild turkeys prefer. feed. Some gobblers wander off if spook wary trophy gobblers by tin’. I prefer to hunt out of a pop-up
The best way to find strutting they cannot locate a receptive hen calling too loudly or too frequently. blind with a comfortable chair and
zones is by scouting. Some Michi- and they go to a reliable strutting Keep in mind a wild bird knows that I bring snacks, drinks and friends
gan hunters like to scout prior to zone that they claim as their home wild hens talk very little after the who love to share the thrill of the
the season and ambush gobblers on turf. Here they gobble, strut and first hour of daylight. Persistent loud hunt. Sure, I take the occasional cat
opening day. Others diligently scout remain visible in an attempt to draw calling will bump birds to the next nap but keep in mind most gobblers
during hunting season and find loca- receptive hens looking for a partner. section and those coming to investi- show up without making a sound.
tions that are hot and those that are Toms that gravitate to particular lo- gate will be very nervous. They slip silently through the forest
not. If you see a gobbler in an open- cations are difficult to pull away, no Nothing in wild turkey hunting and undercover and suddenly appear
ing a half hour before dark you can matter how good your calling skills. is absolute but your chance of filling and simply start struttin’. It is such
bet he will roost within 100 yards of Savvy hunters use full fan gobbler your tag increases if you identify a thrill to have a big gobbler pop out
the zone and come daylight he will decoys to get the attention of territo- a strutting zone and set up in the of the woods and go into full fan
return to the breeding location. rial toms. area. Chances are excellent gobblers close to your blind.
At times gobblers will use The most popular turkey hunting will return to the scene, provided Smart wild turkey hunters have
strutting zones to gather a harem of strategy is to identify strutting zones you are not blowing them out of learned to not simply set up ran-
hens. Old toms generally show up and be set up in the exact location Dodge with loud calling and your domly and rely on loud calling to
about an hour after daylight. Some before dawn. Half the challenge is camouflage conceals your human bring gobblers. Most identify turkey
gobblers switch zones in an effort beating the bird to his strut zone. outline. You increase your odds by strutting zones and patiently wait
to pin down hot hens and it is your The hottest tactic is to head straight selecting strutting locations rather for birds to return. When the gob-
challenge to determine locations that to the zone under the cover of dark- than random run-n-gun calling to bler of a lifetime suddenly marches
are on fire and those that have gone ness and set up and wait. Sometimes silent birds. One thing is certain, if a toward your decoy it’s time to forget
dead. Some gobblers are simply big gobblers show up in a matter of tom is using a specific location on a calling, pick up the weapon and get
creatures of habit and they simply minutes like ghosts slipping from routine basis, you can count on him your finger on the safety.n
return to exact strutting locations the darkness of the forest. Other
while others roam around following times a big tom will get sidetracked
hens and they strut darn near every- and his attention is riveted on a hot
where if hens are close, watching. If hen and he will show up at the zone
you find a zone in a large field make an hour or more after sunrise. One
certain you identify specific breed- thing is certain, if a big tom has
ing locations and you test shoot your been frequenting a specific location The author
gun to see how it performs at vari- he will certainly show up again. tagged this
ous distances. Sure you want to use a decoy to Michigan trophy
North Country gobblers often bring him extra close. A receptive
strut along ridge tops or in open hen or jake decoy will work but I’m in a small field
areas. Wooded habitat is challeng- absolutely sold on full fan gobbler around 11:30.
ing to scout especially if birds are look alikes. The huge gobbler look The big gobbler
silent but once you find a hot spot alike is easy for birds to see from was using the
the shooting action can be in your afar but the idea of the gobbler de- remote, hidden
face. Some savvy hunters use trail coy is to anger a territorial tom, get open location as
cameras to record the habits of local him ready to fight because a strange a daily secretive
turkey populations. Cameras record turkey is trying to take over his turf. strut zone.
activity from daylight till dark and Ignite a wild turkey’s jealousy and
are reliable sources of intelligence toss in some breeding displays of
data. Savvy hunters often move your own and you will be surprised
cameras to pin down exact areas how quickly wary gobblers become
where gobblers like to hang out. unglued, ready to fight and aggres-
Typically gobblers are very pre- sively approach your fake bird.
dictable and once you get reliable Don’t make the common mis-
scouting information you are on take of over-calling. Use calls
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 13
A spin on
bouncers
and blades
When it comes to catching walleyes
with bottom-bouncers and crawler
harnesses, it’s the little details that
mean a lot…By Mark Martin
I
f I were to invoke up a amount of line out to do the fol-
guess, which I am, I’d lowing– drop the rod’s tip towards
say more walleyes are the water’s surface so that I feel the
targeted by anglers with weight just “poke” the bottom, then
crawler harnesses and lift it back up so it then rides up off
bottom bouncers within the lake’s floor. I do this about every
the natural lakes and reservoirs of 30 seconds to make certain my
the United States than any other rig. bouncer is near bottom, not drag-
And, for good reasons… ging on it. If I don’t feel the bottom
The lures themselves have loads when I lower my tip, I’ll press the
of flash and vibration to help fish thumb bar of my ABU Garcia bait-
notice them from afar. The bait has a casting reel and let out just enough
natural scent and taste fish are keen line so that the bouncer once again Pulling bottom-bouncers has helped walleye tournament angler Mark
to. And the method of getting the prods bottom, and then reel it in a Mar tin place high in the rankings during many derbies. David A. Rose photo
above duo down and into the fish’s foot or two.
strike zone is about as straightfor- Dragging the weight not only Make Your ‘Eyes Spin’ To keep my night crawlers as
pulls the crawler harness to the bot- Another overlooked component fresh as possible—because the smell
ward as can be, and, allows anglers of dying worms repels fish, not
to cover a large area in a short time. tom, but makes an unnatural ruckus to pulling crawler harnesses behind
that frightens fish. Keeping the bouncers is the lure’s blades. While attracts—I keep them cool and moist
Using the bouncer-and-harness (not wet) in a foam-lined container.
system improperly, however, is a weight up off bottom too far, on the choosing the right color can be cru-
other hand, might keep the harness cial, so too is picking out the right I like ones that will hold several
problem. It’s not that the arrange- dozen large worms and bedding,
ment of towing a weight trailing up and out of the strike zone. size and shape, as well as nipping on
(Tip: To help keep tangles at only the highest-quality bait. yet is small enough to fit in a cooler
spinner and live bait is hard to when the summer sun’s beating
employ, it’s more the little details bay when more than one angler is Before agonizing over color
in the boat, I have the person in the schemes, I’ll first change the size of down in the boat.
of pulling these rigs that often get And when panfish are being
overlooked; minute niceties that if back use lighter bouncers than those my harnesses blades as well as vary
pesky and nipping the tails off my
anglers don’t fine tune will have in the front, thus they will swing shapes.
crawlers, I’ll thread on a Berkley
walleyes turning tail without as back farther and out of the path of Colorado’s, Indiana’s and wil-
GULP! Night Crawler. The sent
much as taking a first look. the leading weight. A half-ounce low leaf blades, even in the same
wafting from these softbaits attract
difference is all that’s needed to ac- size, differ from one another enough
Poke and Prod complish snarl-free fishing.) that it will change position of walleye from afar, and although they
The first mistake many anglers Besides the classic Rock-Runner where the harness rides in the water feel like the real thing, are tough
make is what they do with the bottom-bouncer Northland Tackle column depending on what one you enough to withstand the constant
bottom-bouncers themselves - drag is known for, they also produce the use. The deep cup and round shape pecking from perch, bluegills, rock
them along the lake’s floor rather Slick-Stick - a 12-inch rolled stain- of a Colorado gives off the most bass and the like.
than have them hovering just above
it.
less steel weight that slides freely “thump” in the water, while the A Little Particular
up and down your main line. The Indiana spins easiest at slow speeds. In my mind, more walleyes are
Crawler harnesses work best Slick-Stick’s unique shape keeps it The thin shape of a willow leaf targeted by anglers with crawler har-
when trolling speed is maintained from snagging up and the alloy it’s blade has very little water resistance
at .8 to 1.5 MPH. I can determine nesses and bottom bouncers within
made of makes it the most sensitive and allows the lure a deeper run the natural lakes and reservoirs of
speed easily via the screen of my weight on the market - the vibration through the water.
Lowrance HDS Carbon, and keep the United States than any other rig.
of the weight ticking bottom reso- New this year for Northland
But pulling then properly is crucial.
it constant no matter the wind with nates like a tuning fork, telegraph- fishing Tackle is the Butterfly Blade
my electric trolling motor mounted ing through the device, up the line, Harness, with a uniquely-shaped It’s the little particulars that matter.
at the bow of my Lund Pro-V, or, through my medium-action Fenwick blade made of Polycarbonate, which Keep your bouncer at bottom, not
via my 9.9-hp four-stroke Mercury Elite Tech Walleye series rod and will vibrate at speeds as slow as .25 on it; change blade sizes and shapes
outboard on its transom. into my hand. MPH. until you find the one that sets off
When pulling a harness behind I use 10-pound-test Berkley For the most part, I use a variety strikes; use only healthy live bait.
a bouncer, I make sure to use the FireLine when bottom-bouncing of Northland Tackle’s crawler har- Mark Martin is a touring walleye
proper amount of weight so that my for walleyes. The superline’s thin nesses right out of their package. If tournament pro and instructor with
line goes back at an angle from my diameter slices through the water I snag up or damage the hooks or the Fishing Vacation/Schools (fish-
rod tip no more than 45 degrees, with very little resistance, and the line, I’ll re-tie the components using ingvacationschool.com) who lives
which will vary depending on depth, no-stretch properties of FireLine 12-pound-test Berkley Trilene XT in SW Lower Michigan. For more
speed and line diameter. makes it super sensitive for detect- (Extra Tough) monofilament and information, check out his website
This ensures I have just the right ing light bites. razor-sharp Daiichi hooks. at markmartins.net.n
14 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 15
Turkey ears; bigger
than they appear
They hear our calls, but how well they hear unwanted
M
noises could make all the difference this spring...
ost hunters know get busted, or get a picture hold-
turkey have very ing up a longbeard by the feet? If
sharp senses, espe- they can hear that pathetic mouth-
cially sight. Any- call attempt your buddy makes at
one that has been 200 yards, then what about walk-
hunting this big ing through the woods (breaking
bird for any amount of time a branch, scraping some
has been picked off by their brush), setting up a blind
superhuman eyeballs, and or decoy spread (clunking
probably scratched their plastic, clanging metal here
heads a time or two won- and there, that big obnox-
dering how they saw such iously loud zipper), and
a small movement. Even all the other noises turkey
a twitch can sometimes hunters tend to make? It
spell the end for a hunter, turns out, we should be
and much attention (rightly paying much more attention
so) is given by the
hunting community By Adam Lewis to these things.
An interview
to being concealed with Bob Eriksen, Although they have no external ears, turkey hear exceptionally well.
from their vision (blinds, head nets, retired regional biologist for the
and camo clothing from head to NWTF, reveals some eye-opening on finding food. Wild turkey have an allowing them to react quickly to
toe). facts about this often overshadowed uncanny ability to locate the source predators or other environmental
But what about that oftentimes sense of turkeys. According to Erik- of a sound. When they identify a factors.” And their biggest predator
overlooked sense of hearing, and son, “Hearing allows the bird to de- noise, their immediate response is in the spring...hunters.
how does it determine whether you tect a threat if its eyes are occupied to look in the direction of the sound, Just like whitetail utilize their
y Sprin
Turke g
Bear
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Ron Woodworth with a smallmouth bass from Eagle Bay in
Michigan's tip of the Thumb.
• Advertising Information
www.woods-n-waternews.com Ron was one
Also, check us out on
Facebook
of those guys
A gifted fisherman, hunter,
and Twitter! outdoorsman and story teller
It’s Easy . . . H
e was just one of those could deliver a story.
guys. You couldn’t walk Ron didn’t pretend to be any-
away from a conversation body other than himself. After all,
with Ron Woodworth, 81, with- there was no need to be anyway.
VISIT
out a smile on your face. He was People liked that about him, he was
friendly, fun, eager to teach, eager humble but proud.
to learn and eager to please. He He was a good man, a good
was someone you simply enjoyed husband to his wife Betty, a good
being around. father and grandfather. Ron was
Ron loved to tell stories and born, and raised his family, in Im-
had one for most lay City. He was a veteran of the
any occasion. I Korean war and loved his country
TODAY!
might add, not and community. He retired from
all his stories the Fisher Body Tech Center where
were suitable for he seldom missed work and did his
mixed company. job with pride.
He certainly Ron passed away last week
By Randy Jorgensen
18 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
after an ongoing battle with cancer. annual trips to Drummond Island asked of him. But his strong suit
As family and friends gathered, hoping to get into the sometimes was at the exit gate stamping hands
(standing room only) to celebrate his tremendous runs of herring. He en- to return to the show.
life, it soon became clear there was joyed catching any fish that swims; If you have been to the Out-
no shortage of ‘Ron Woodworth’ walleye, whitefish, pike, crappie, door Weekend you’ve met Ron. He
stories to share. And share they bluegill, salmon and perch. wore an orange “Staff” shirt, faded
certainly did. The outdoors is where Ron Woods-N-Water News camo cap,
Quite often, Ron’s stories went really stood out, he was most medium build, huge smile on his
a little like this, “Hey! Did you hear comfortable there. He was disci- face and said to each one leaving for
the one about....” a smile growing plined, determined and respectful the day, “Thanks for coming, hope
on his face, as he grabbed your arm as a sportsman and a fine example you enjoyed yourself, see you next
and squeezed your neck. “Well, for the rest of us. year!”
there was this fella,” he’d say and Ron helped us at the Woods-N- No one asked Ron to say that.....
you knew you were in for a ‘doozy’ Water News Outdoor Weekend each it was just Ron being Ron. It was Ron
of a tale or joke. year, willing to do whatever was just the kind of guy he was.n Woodworth
Like most of the Woodworth
clan, Ron loved to hunt and fish and
989-879-1110
friend of mine and I once wrote,
“Jim could catch a fish out of a mud
puddle!” If such a statement could
be true, I’m certain Ron could do it
as well. And I’m not so sure their
other brother, Butch, couldn’t catch
one out of the mud puddle on the
other side of the street.
Ron introduced me to wader-
fishing for smallmouth at Eagle Bay
in the tip of Michigan’s Thumb. It
was a tradition for him, his sons
Rick and Mike, grandson Allen and
whoever else ventured into the cold
waters around Memorial Day week-
end.
With a butter cup full of leeches
around his neck, chest high waders,
sunglasses, an ultra-light rod and
reel and a smile from ear to ear he’d
make the slow walk out into Eagle
Bay.
As we waded out someone
asked, “How do we know how deep
it is?”
Ron with out missing a beat jok-
ingly said, “All waders have a built
in depth finder, you’ll know when
you’re too deep!”
We’d search for and surround
those familiar round smallmouth
beds. Casting to the beds and one by
one picking off the smallmouth who
patrolled them.
Ron quietly passed out other
instructions to the novices in the
group as he cast to a bed and before
he could finish explaining he would
have one on. “Just like that, fellas,”
he’d say, his rod bent in half, belly
laughing as he guided the feisty
smallie to himself.
And before you knew it, and just
that fast, he’d catch another and an-
other. I remember saying to myself,
“How is he doing it?”
I watched him a little closer to
make sure he was even taking a fish
off the hook, it seemed he always
had one on. It was not uncommon
for Ron to catch two to my one and I
might be giving myself far too much
credit.
Ron also loved his whitetail, rab-
bit and squirrel hunting. I’m certain
he also got his share of pheasants While supplies last. NO RAIN CHECKS
back in the day.
I recall Ron telling me of his Check us out at . . . www.northwoodsoutlet.com
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 19
Calibrating...
Line Counter Reels
By Mark Romanack
At least once a year the author recommends “calibrating” line counter reels to get the most accuracy from these essential fishing tools. A reel is per-
S
fectly calibrated when 100 clicks on the digital line counter is exactly 100 feet of line out. Mark Romanack photos
ince back in January the Fish-
ing 411 TV crew has traveled
that distance. Now return to the rods/reels and
zero out all of the line counters. Open the bail The Proper Way
to a half dozen cities in the on each reel and pull off exactly 100 feet of line to Calibrate Reels
Great Lakes region and con- from each reel. Any brand and model of line counter reel can
ducted more than 40 fishing In theory, the line counters of each reel will be calibrated with any line type and diameter using
seminars. At these seminars a read 100 feet, but in reality each reel is certain to a simple process that involves putting the exact
lot of questions are tossed at our crew. The most produce a different reading. The reason for this amount of line on each reel. The process starts by
common question asked among these guests discrepancy is because each reel is loaded with a loading the desired line onto the reel until the reel
targeted line counter reels. Do I really need to different amount of line. The process of calibrat- spool appears to be loaded to capacity. Many manu-
calibrate my line counter reels and if so how is ing a line counter reel is in fact the process of facturers of line counter reels have a mark on the
the best way to accomplish this goal? putting just the right amount of line on each reel reel spool to indicate when the reel spool is filled to
My tongue and cheek answer often takes so that when an actual 100 feet of line is played capacity.
fishermen for a loop... even a blind squirrel finds off the reel, the line counter will also indicate 100 Once the reel is filled to capacity, do not cut the
an acorn once in a while! The process of calibrat- on the digital read out. line from the bulk spool. Instead measure off a dis-
ing line counter reels so that every reel an angler Accomplishing this fundamental but critically tance of 100 feet and put two stakes in the ground
has on his or her boat contains exactly the same important goal is easy, but calibrating reels does to indicate the zero mark and the 100 foot mark. On
type, diameter and amount of fishing line isn’t a take a few minutes and some trial and error to the zero mark stake use a rubber band to attach a
new concept, but it has become a fact of fishing complete the job. The reason it is critical to have planer board line release to simply hold the line on
perceptive anglers are paying much more atten- the same amount of line on every reel is because the stake. Take the line from the rod tip and place it
tion to. line counters function by allowing a certain into the line release on the zero stake. Now reel up
Most anglers mistakenly believe that the line amount of line off the reel for every rotation of the slack line until the rod tip touches the stake and
counter reels they own are inherently accurate at the reel spool. When the reel spool is over full, zero out the line counter on the reel. Open the reel
metering lead lengths. That assumption would more line is played off the reel per rotation. When bail and walk away to the 100 foot stake.
only be true if the angler had loaded his reel or the reel spool is under full, less line is played off When you have walked away exactly 100 feet
reels with the line type, diameter and amount of the reel per rotation. consult the clicker on the line counter reel. If the
line that was used by the manufacturer to cali- clicker is a number less than 100 feet, the reel has
brate these reels. What About Clip too much line loaded and line must be taken off the
Most manufacturers use 20 pound test mono- On Line Counters? reel and wrapped back onto the spool. If the num-
filament line to calibrate their line counter reels. Anglers who are frustrated with the funda- ber on the line counter is greater than 100, more
This line type and diameter is used because it mental discrepancies associated with line counter line must be added to the reel spool.
represents about the middle of the pack in terms reels often turn to after-market clip on style line The best way to add or subtract line from the
of line diameters commonly used for trolling. counter devices designed to allow the line to pass reel when fine tuning the calibration is in incre-
The moment an angler loads a line of a different through them while clicking off feet measure- ments of about 20 feet at a time. It might take two
diameter onto his or her line counter reel, that ments. Unfortunately, clip on line counters are or three tries of adding or removing line from the
factory calibration is lost. less accurate than the line counters found on bet- fishing reel before the line counter on the reel reads
Most anglers also mistakenly believe if they ter trolling reels. The reason clip on line counters 100 feet when exactly 100 feet of line has been
simply load their reels to capacity, the line coun- don’t work is the line often slips between the played out.
ters will be consistent and accurate. Wrong again, wheels, allowing line to play off the reel without The Precision Trolling Data web page www.
because most anglers have no clue exactly how actually causing the wheels to turn and record the precisiontrollingdata.com features a detailed video
much line is being loaded to their reels, they in amount of line played out. on exactly how to calibrate line counter reels.
turn end up with reels that are way out of calibra- In short, clip on line counters are a waste of Consulting this video will clarify any questions an
tion. time and money and will lead anglers to further angler might have about the calibration process.
To prove this fact to yourself, take all of your frustrations. The only viable solution to this prob- Also, it’s interesting to note that Precision Trolling
line counter reels into the back yard and lay them lem is to invest in some high quality line counter uses Daiwa SG27LC Sea Line reels for their testing
down on the grass next to one another. Measure reels and to take the time to calibrate each reel purposes. When exactly 1,400 feet of Berkley 10
off a known distance using a tape measure, say using the exact type, diameter and amount of line pound test XT line is spooled onto these reels they
100 feet and put a stake in the ground to mark on each reel. are perfectly calibrated.
20 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
Why is Reel reels such as the 15 class reels produced by some
manufacturers have such a limited line capacity
Calibration important? that they are inherently less accurate and practical
The question still remains, why is calibrat- to use than larger reels with greater line capacity.
ing line counter reels so important? The answer
is simple. When reels are calibrated it’s possible Top Dressing Saves Money
to accurately and quickly duplicate productive The first time a reel is loaded with line it’s
lead lengths with other rods/reels. When all of necessary to fill the entire reel spool. When it
these reels are calibrated with the same line type, comes time to replace that line, don’t remove all 3 1/4”, 1/3 oz
diameter and amount of line anglers can target the old line from the reel. Keeping about 150 to 11 colours
fish at specific depths with amazing accuracy and 200 yards of old line on the reel to function as
success. backing and top dressing each reel with about
The lure and diving device depth data that 150 to 200 yards of premium fresh line is an ex-
is published by Precision Trolling Data in their cellent way of saving money and still getting the
popular phone apps is collected using line counter maximum value from each line counter reel. 4 1/4”, 3/5 oz
reels that are carefully calibrated for the line type
and diameter listed on the phone apps. When avid Reel Quality 11 colours
anglers consult this data and in turn apply the The major manufacturers of trolling reels
information using line counter reels that are also produce several models of line counter reels sold
calibrated, it’s possible to target fish spotted on a at various price points. The less expensive reels
sonar screen with uncanny accuracy. tend to use more plastic parts in the manufactur-
The other reason it’s a good idea to calibrate ing process. More expensive reels are more rug-
Candied Ice
CDIC
Genuine silver
& 24k gold.
Nothing matches
the visibility.
reels is to avoid inadvertently playing out too gedly built with metal and carbon parts designed
much line and snagging and breaking off valuable to provide years of trouble free service. The ole
lures on the bottom. adage that “you get what you pay for” is very true
Wh at if Line i s Lost? with line counter reels. Less expensive models
just don’t hold up when exposed to serious troll-
Anglers are also curious what happens if they ing chores, costing anglers more money in the
snag and some line is lost from a reel? Does that long run.
reel have to be re-calibrated? The answer depends
on how much line is lost. It takes about 20 feet of
lost line to change the reel calibration about one Summing It Up
foot on the counter. So if modest amounts of line A lot of anglers are resistant to calibrating
are lost, it is not necessary to re-calibrate the reel. their line counter reels, feeling that close is good
enough when trolling. It’s true that anglers can
Doe Ree l Siz e Matter? catch fish when using reels that are not calibrated.
Another question often asked regarding line It’s also true that those anglers who take the time
counter reels is does size matter? The answer is to calibrate their reels are going to be catching /williamslures
that any size or brand of line counter reel can more fish. It takes about five minutes per reel to www.williams.ca
be calibrated. The problem is that smaller sized calibrate. You make the call.n
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 21
Steelhead: Spring Heat
M
ichigan’s Manistee
River is loaded
with snags, and
the powerful steel-
head I had hooked
found one. I tried
to nudge her into another power
play, but the snagged line merely
hummed through the graphite rod to
my hand.
I dropped the tip to give slack
while my partner lifted the anchor
that held our banana-shaped drift
boat in place. Like a skilled video
game player, he maneuvered the
boat into a new position below the
steelhead while I pulled hard. Pop-
ping free, the fish tried to bull her
way downstream, but I removed my
glove and thumbed her to a stop. As
I gingerly worked her back to our
boat, she turned over in the cold cur-
rent, gills flaring in defeat. The gold
crankbait was stuck to her nose by a
single barb of the treble hook.
Some would say I was insane
for even being out here on a frigid
morning in early spring while fin-
gers turned blue and snow salted my
parka. I say I was lucky.
The day’s first river steelhead The spring steelhead being released was caught by the author on a Hot-N-Tot.
was a 12-pound hen. When my part-
ner turned her loose, she slimed him even months—before they spawn, spawn in the fall.” spawn knotted into nickel-sized
with a wet slap of her broad tail. anytime from late February to early Another question that baffles an- bags also work as do brightly col-
Oh, yes, you want to be here in May. But the fact is that some fish glers is why some stream steelhead ored yarn flies and streamers.
spite of the discomforts. “stage” in rivers during the bust lures with gusto while others Today, my boat partner and I
One reason is the lack of winter. simply slurp natural bait such as were working Hot-N-Tots, active
fishing pressure. Another is Jim Bedford, a veteran salmon eggs, mayfly larvae or night little crankbaits that dig down into
the fact that small schools steelheader and fishing crawlers. Bedford believes that the the current and drive steelhead nuts.
of steelhead enter many of instructor from Lansing, of- memory of flashing objects may Other popular cranks include Flat-
the Great Lakes’ 450 tribu- fered his opinion years ago. influence behavior. Irritation, anger Fish, Wiggle Warts, Tadpollies and
taries throughout the winter “Early spawners enter and excitement are other possible River Runts. Any plug or crankbait
in preparation for the spring first,” he said, ‘‘and there factors. with a violent action will trigger
spawn. is some evidence that wild Spoons, plugs and spinners with strikes, especially if you rely on
Little is understood fish show up in rivers be- bright colors and plenty of action hot-colored lures such as fluorescent
red, yellow and orange, fire tiger or
Michigan Meanders
about why fore hatchery- can be very productive. Bedford,
steelhead reared steel- a wading angler, fishes with ¼- or even bubble gum patterns.
By Tom Huggler
enter rivers head. A few ½-ounce weighted spinners, that he Find deep, dark river runs where
weeks—or fish actually makes himself. Fresh steelhead steelhead typically lie and either
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22 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
anchor your boat above the run or
have a partner scull oars to hold
you steady in the current. Run your
lures 30 to 70 feet behind the boat
and let them dig down into the lie,
then release a couple feet at a time.
You can actually “herd” fish down
through the run, and that is why
many strikes occur at the tag end
just before the current lips out into
shallower water.
Besides the Manistee, other
good Lake Michigan rivers in west-
ern Michigan include the St. Joseph, Great spring steelhead fishing for 3-15 pound fish occurs throughout the entire Great Lakes region.
Muskegon, Pere Marquette, Betsie
and Platte. The Black and Au Sable
rivers rate best on the Michigan
side of Lake Huron. Smaller flows,
such as the Ocqueoc, Tawas, Rifle
and East Branch AuGres, are good
choices for wading fishermen.
In truth, great spring steelhead
fishing for 3- to 15-pound fish oc-
curs throughout the entire Great
Lakes region. The action can be
hot enough to make a fisherman zip
open his snowmobile suit, even in
the coldest weather.
That’s because the strike of a
steelhead excites like nothing else.
One minute you’re half asleep from
By Jonathan Schechter
ers go unseen by un-seeking human how it’s of Oakland characteristic bright red head and
eyes, except for those that frequent described County brilliant white wings that are most
feeders filled with suet, or perhaps by the down in noticeable when in flight. The third
discover much to the chagrin of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, my go the Lower Peninsula, but earlier this one was puzzling. Its flight pat-
homeowner that drainpipes, wood to source for detailed information on spring I had a chance up close and tern and body color said red-headed
siding and metal trim on homes and the birds in our midst, “The gor- personal encounter with one that set woodpecker, but there were dark
cabins are places where the reso- geous Red-headed Woodpecker is me out on a foot chase over hills and brown patches on its head mixed
nance is best. so boldly patterned it’s been called between dead ash trees and stately with splashes of dull red. A bit of
April is also the month I hear an a “flying checkerboard,” with an oaks to try to capture images. research and chats with my birder
often repeated question, “What kind entirely crimson head, a snow-white It’s not easy to chase a wood- friends revealed that young red-
of woodpecker has a red head?” body, and half white, half inky pecker. It’s foolish. But it’s some- headed woodpeckers molt into full
That’s a tough question to an- black wings. These birds don’t act thing a nature loving tree-hugger color by their second year, but often
swer easily for the words “red head” quite like most other woodpeckers: might do. It took about two hours have an odd patchwork of gray,
means different things to different they’re adept at catching insects in of fruitless but fun searching before brown, and red plumage on their
people. the air, and they eat lots of acorns sensibility reached me. I thought to heads well into their first winter.
But only one North American and beech nuts, often hiding away myself, stop searching, start think- The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
species of woodpecker truly has a extra food in tree crevices for ing, find a place to sit and just wait might as well have been describing
red head, and that honor goes to the later. This magnificent species has quietly and perhaps I’d get better the rural glacially sculpted land-
red-headed woodpecker (Melaner- declined severely in the past half- images than my first few blurry scape of much of lower Michigan
ones. And so that’s what I did on when they described red-headed
the southern slope of a wooded hill woodpecker habitat this way on
overlooking a marsh. their website, “Red-headed wood-
That woodland looked like peckers breed in deciduous wood-
LUNCH
prime woodpecker SERVED
habitat. After just lands with oak or beech, groves of
a few minutes of sitting and listen- dead or dying trees, river bottoms,
────
ing to the chatter of chickadees that burned areas, recent clearings, bea-
took note of my presence, I spotted ver swamps, orchards, parks, farm-
not just one red-headed woodpecker land, grasslands with scattered trees,
butDON’T MISS
three separate OUT
individuals. forest edges, and roadsides. During
Migrants I suspected, a fact later the start of the breeding season they
confirmed by────the Cornell Lab with move from forest interiors to forest
these words. “Red-headed Wood- edges or disturbed areas.”
SATURDAY,
and western parts of their range for planned photo safari, I searched
Financing
winter, but where they go depends credible links for more information
MAY 12THTH
, 2018
DON’T MISS OUT on acorn and beech nut crops. Dur- on the red-headed woodpecker and
MAY 6 , 2017
ing migration────
seasons they may discovered they store food under
wander widely in loose flocks (pos- bark and in cracks of wood, and not
sibly family groups), moving during just seeds and nuts; live grasshop-
On The Spot
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(Left-to-right) The true (and only) red-headed woodpecker. Next are three species with red caps; red-bellied woodpeckers, rather com-
mon across much of our state and has a “red-smudge’ on the lower abdomen. The downy woodpecker, the smallest Nor th American
woodpecker and the pileated woodpecker, the largest woodpecker in Nor th America. Jonathan Schechter photos
pers are included in the stored food much the same but the males have a pecker in North America. I agree also have a bright stripe of red along
mix. I bet some of the woodpeckers bright red patch on the back of the with nature writers that proclaim their cheek. But are they red-headed
must look forward to the warmth of head. On the females that patch is it’s the most striking forest bird of woodpeckers? No! We only have
June and abundance of grasshop- black. the continent. It’s a big woodpecker one red-headed species of wood-
pers. The hairy woodpecker (Picoi- with a wing span of more than two pecker in Michigan, and that’s the
One of my images, upon close des villosus) looks almost exactly feet. They are becoming increas- red-headed woodpecker.
inspection, reveals a red-headed like its smaller downy woodpecker ingly common in woodlands and Jonathan Schechter is a natural-
woodpecker removing a grub from a cousin, but hairy woodpeckers are wildlands of Michigan. Both the ist/writer/paramedic in Oakland
crevice in tree bark, something I did larger and their bills are longer. The male and female pileated woodpeck- County and an active member of the
not notice when taking that photo- male hairy woodpecker, like the ers have easy to spot flaming-red Wilderness Medical Society. Email
graph. I suspect that the devastation downy, sports a red cap on the back crests on their heads and the males oaknature@aol.com.n
of the ash trees across many areas of of its head.
Michigan may provide new forag- Red-bellied woodpeckers (Mel-
ing opportunities for our red-headed anerpes carolinus) are rather com-
woodpeckers and other species as mon across much of our state, and
well, especially the pileated wood- like the downy and hairy frequent
pecker. That brings us back to the feeders with suet. The name red-bel-
original question; “What woodpeck- lied comes from what is described
ers have red heads?” rather accurately by avid birders as a
None, except for the red-headed “red-smudge” on the lower abdo-
woodpecker is the correct answer, men. It’s often difficult to see, but
but four other rather common wood- a patient observer knows if they
pecker species have red caps or red wait long enough, and are in the
crests. right position, it will be visible. The
The most common one is the males have a noticeable bright red
downy woodpecker (Picoides pube- patch that runs from the bill across
scens), the smallest North American the crown to the back of the head.
woodpecker and a common visitor The females only have a red at the
to suet feeders. They are only about base of their bill and at the back of
six inches long and thrive across all their head.
of Michigan. The males and females The pileated woodpecker (Dryo-
of the diminutive downy look very copus pileatus) is the largest wood-
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The skull from the camera.
Veeser’s bear The photos Matt Veeser of Powers with his first bear and he got it the first day it hit his bait.
measured 21 showed that
4/16, according to measurer Dave a bear had been at the bait from ed, “but he looked big enough to getting my first bear,” Matt com-
Wellman from Bark River. midnight until 6:30 a.m. be a shooter for me since I hadn’t mented. He was even more ex-
Although skull size deter- “To tell you the truth, I taken a bear before.” cited when he found out how big
mines record status, bears with couldn’t tell how big the bear was Veeser was in his blind by the bear was.
big heads, which are usually adult from the photos,” Matt comment- 3:30 p.m., hoping the bear would Veeser said he was using
return. As it was starting to get sticky granola for bait. He com-
dark in the swamp, Matt hadn’t mented that the bear’s stomach
seen anything. There was still was packed with corn when he
plenty of light on the ridge, but gutted the animal. There was a
light was fading fast by the bait. cornfield on the opposite side of
“I was packing my stuff up the swamp from where he killed
to leave,” Matt said, “figuring the bear, according to Matt. The
the bear wasn’t going to show up bear must have gorged itself on
before dark. Then he appeared on corn from the field and then went
a skid trail by the bait.” to Matt’s bait for dessert.
The blind provided Matt with “I’ve hunted bears other
enough cover that he was able to years,” Matt said, “But I never
grab his .300 Winchester Mag- got anything. I normally only got
num Rifle without being seen. to sit for a couple of days. I’m a
The scope on the rifle enabled lineman. I would sit for a couple
the hunter to see well enough to of days and then a storm would
put a 180 grain bullet through the come up in Louisiana or some-
bruin’s chest cavity. It only went thing and I would have to leave.”
about 20 yards before tipping Matt took his bear to B&J
over. Taxidermy in Daggett for
“I was pretty excited about mounting.n
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By Richard P. Smith
and then we The
walk the rest of whitetail was
the way. I go estimated to
in when it’s dark, so I can get there be 4 ½ or 5 ½ years old and had a
before daylight, and come out after dressed weight of 183 pounds. Phil Long of Brownstown with his trophy 17-pt. take Nov. 16 in Ontonagon Co.
dark. Does are usually active through- “I had never seen anything like
out the day and you can see a buck at that there before,” Phil said. during the late 1990s. deer, I had no idea it was one we
any time.” The best buck he killed there prior “My father-in-law got a couple of had a photo of. We didn’t realize
Phil said he hunts from a ground to last fall was a nice heavy 8-pointer trail camera photos of the buck during it was the same deer until later
blind over bait. He put out some corn 2016,” Phil said. “When I shot the on.”n
and Big & J Powder as bait. On open-
ing day of firearms season, Long said
he saw a 4-pointer and a spikehorn
besides does. He got the big buck
about an hour before dark on Novem-
ber 16.
“I was hunting with a Marlin
lever action rifle that I hadn’t taken
any deer with previously,” Phil said.
“It’s a .45/70 mounted with a 2X-7X
Redfield Revolution Scope. Other
lever action Marlins that I’ve hunted
with don’t have safeties. The hammer
is the safety on those rifles. Once the
hammer is cocked, those rifles are
ready to fire.
“The .45/70 has a safety besides
the hammer that has to be taken off
before the rifle will fire. When the
n B e r g sm a
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Keeping Asian Carp Out Of Michigan - Winners Awarded $500,000...
Made Easy
“The way of a canoe is the way of the wilderness
and of a freedom almost forgotten.” Sigurd Olson
T
By Darryl Quidort Stand at the center of the canoe and roll the canoe up on its side with the
bottom toward you.
he canoe once played holding the canoe overhead, upside
a central role in travel down, with the weight resting on his
in Michigan and all
across the North Coun-
shoulders.
Various methods have been tried
2
try of the North Ameri- to get the canoe up on the shoulders,
can continent. In early some are humorous to watch, but an
times it was easier to travel through experienced paddler knows how to
the wilderness by water than by easily and safely lift the canoe into
foot. River systems were highways, position by himself.
Let’s Portage!
connected to each other by portages
over the divide to the next river. In
lake country, portages connected the Photo 1
dots, from lake to lake, to form a Stand at the center of the canoe
travel route for people and for com-
merce. In our history, Native Ameri-
and roll the canoe up on its side with Lean over the canoe and grab the center thwart (or shoulder yoke thwart) with your
cans, explorers, fur trappers, Jesuit
the bottom toward you. right hand near you and your left hand as far down the thwart as you can reach.
missionaries, French voyageurs, and Photo 2
nearly everyone who traveled the Lean over the canoe and grab
North Country traveled by canoe.
Canoes were built for the job
the center thwart (or shoulder yoke
thwart) with your right hand near 3
at hand. They ranged from small, you and your left hand as far down
two or three man canoes, used on the thwart as you can reach.
small streams and lakes, to the 25 Photo 3
foot long Laker canoe, used on Lean back and roll the canoe
large waters, and the big 36 foot up onto your thigh. Position your
long Montreal canoes, which were hands at each end of the thwart, with
used by the Canadian voyageurs on both palms facing forward.
the open water of the Great Lakes Photo 4
during the fur trade era. The early Now, with a little bump with
dugout canoe and the famous Native your thigh, push the canoe up with
American canoe made of birch bark Lean back and roll the canoe up onto your thigh. Position your hands at each end
your right hand as you pull it over- of the thwart, with both palms facing forward.
stretched over a white cedar frame, head with your left hand.
gave way to the wood and canvas
canoe, then cedar strip, aluminum, Photo 5
fiberglass, Kevlar, Royalex, and now
even modern plastics. My, how the
Once you have the canoe above
you, EASE it down so the center 4
materials have changed. Yet, canoe- thwart (or yoke) comes across your
ing has remained basically the same. shoulders behind your head. Move
Canoeing can be a drift back in your hands to the gunwales to bal-
time. What could be more enjoyable ance the load… and walk away.
than leaving civilization behind as
you paddle down a secluded river
After the Portage
To put the canoe down, rest the
and disappear around the bend into back end of the canoe on the ground
what seems to be an earlier cen- behind you. Move forward of the
tury? A canoe glides quietly over canoe’s center by sliding your hands
the water and leaves no sign of its along the gunwales. Then, roll the Now, with a little bump with your thigh, push the canoe up with your right hand as
passing. Many wild animals, even canoe to the side. Don’t let go. Lean you pull it overhead with your left hand.
the wary deer, will often stand and over and gently LAY the canoe
watch as a canoe passes silently by. down.
An ordinary trip becomes a special For many outdoorsmen a certain
adventure in a canoe.
Portaging the canoe has always
“call” of the canoe remains strong
even today. A canoe can take you
5
been a necessary part of canoe travel places where a motor boat can’t go.
and a challenging part of the experi- Canoe travel is quiet, non-intrusive,
ence. The big, 600 pound, Montreal self-powered and sort of romantic.
canoe was portaged by four men, The fine lines and smooth curves of
two in front, two in back, carry- a good canoe puts a person in the
ing the canoe upside down on their mood for paddling into the wilder-
shoulders. The 25 foot long, 300 ness; where the faint smell of camp-
pound, Laker canoe was portaged by fire smoke still lingers, the startling
two men, one fore and one aft, hold- slap of a beaver’s tail on the water
ing the canoe in an upright position, still excites, and the lonesome call Once you have the canoe above you, EASE it down so the center thwart (or yoke)
over their heads. Smaller canoes of a loon at sunset can still be heard. comes across your shoulders behind your head. Move your hands to the gunwales
are usually portaged by one man, What better place to be?n to balance the load… and walk away.
42 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 43
POACHING COSTS POACHERS
‘BIG BUCKS!’
L
ooking back at 2017, five days in jail, loss of hunting
Michigan’s Conservation privileges for the year convicted and
Officers (COs) handled the next three and possibly losing
several big and unusual the hunting equipment that was
poaching cases. Appar- used and the fine. Plus, most other
ently most poachers do states and Canada will revoke your
not read Woods-N-Water hunting privileges in their
News, if they did, they state or province if you lose
would realize you will get them in your home state. A
caught and you will pay high cost that just doesn’t
for your illegal actions! make a lot of sense to me.
With the high amount of CO Jeff Goss was on
restitution being assets patrol and noticed a vehicle
upon conviction, the loss of he recognized as belong-
equipment and loss of hunt- ing to a convicted poacher
ing privileges, involved in il-
you would
think it would
By Jeff Pendergraff legal deer cases
from 2015 and
be enough 2016. The 2016
by itself to stop most people from case involved two illegal deer. War-
poaching. But, it isn’t! I continue to rants had been issued for his arrest.
see COs arrest hundreds of people CO Goss was able to pinpoint his
for doing the same violation(s) year stand and arrest him in the woods
after year. while he was still hunting. He is
Poaching an 8-point buck costs facing $8,000 in restitution alone,
you $6,000 in restitution, at least not including all of the items already
CO Jeff Goss with a Hillsdale Co. poaching case. A poacher shot
both bucks during archery season with a rifle. He ended up paying
Fishing... Hunting... Or Just Simply $12,500 and is ser ving a six year license revocation and did five
A Getaway Cabin To Enjoy Nature!! days in jail. MDNR photo
mentioned. in Newaygo Co. when he checked
Solid Logs with Perma Chink between CO Lynch and Sgt. Fitzgib- two hunters coming out of the
bon were on patrol on opening day woods with two untagged antlerless
Cedar or Pine
• Fully Insulated
of firearm deer season when they
came across hunters in a vehicle
deer. When asked for licenses one
hunter had a tag for another unit
• Front Porch or Side Porch Styles Available who had been smoking marijuana and the other hunter from Arizona
• Custom Built to Your Ideas!
• Stained & Preserved
and drinking. After their investiga- produced his mother’s license. Both
• Delivered to Surrounding States tion the subjects were charged with deer were seized and both hunters
• Sizes from 8’ to 36’ Long!! un-validated deer tag, loaning a deer charged.
• Single and 2 Story Styles tag, failing to tag a deer, attempting While on patrol in Mecosta
• Delivered & Priced Fully Assembled to take an over-limit of deer, pos- Co. CO Lebel drove by a hunting
session of marijuana, possessing a camp as a subject walked outside
firearm while intoxicated and open and quickly went back to the door.
intoxicants in a motor vehicle. CO Lebel saw another subject
CO Andrea Albert noticed a running out the front door toward
suspicious tag on a 10-point buck the barn. CO Lebel quickly made
hanging at a local buck pole contest. contact with him and found three
Upon further investigation it was de- untagged deer hanging in the barn.
termined the poacher killed the buck A third subject was found hunting
without buying a hunting license in the woods, drinking beer, and not
until after the fact. The potential wearing hunter orange while sitting
restitution is $7,000 for the deer not in a deer blind. Two of the deer had
including fines, costs and hunting been killed three days prior and not
privileges revoked. tagged. The third deer was killed by
CO Ben Shively conducted a a hunter without a license.
meat processor inspection in Oceana CO Mike Wells received infor-
Relax In Style! Co. and located two suspicious deer. mation of a subject taking several
After interviewing two suspects CO antlerless deer. Upon making con-
1205 N. SR 5 Shively was able to obtain a con- tact at the residence several subjects
fession for taking a deer without a were in the process of skinning out
Shipshewana license and taking an over-limit of two of the three antlerless deer. He
260-768-7511 deer. In addition to these two bucks, discovered that all three deer were
Open: the hunter had already killed a pre- untagged. One poacher had a tag for
Monday-Friday • 8-5 vious buck for a total of three. one of the deer, but never tagged it
Saturday • 8-3:30 CO Brian Lebel was on patrol and shot another without a tag. A
opening night of firearm deer season second person shot one and didn’t
44 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
have a tag for that area. He also Ludwig located a 160-inch buck that from family members who were from people not buying a hunting
found a loaded and uncased firearm was hanging on the Mason Co. Buck also charged. After he began brag- license until after they killed a deer.
in the front seat of a vehicle. Pole and discovered that the tag ging on Facebook people started Thinking they will just go hunting
CO Casey Pullum received on the buck had a flawed purchase complaining about his activities and until they kill a deer and then go and
a RAP complaint in Oscoda Co. and validation timeline. The subject the investigation began. buy a license. Most people don’t
claiming an individual had shot a stated he shot the buck on Nov. 6 in When I first started as a CO in know it’s the same penalty as if you
deer with a rifle during bow season. had shot the deer in the middle of
He obtained a confession from the the night. As I mentioned early in
poacher on the deer and contacted
CO Joseph Deppen in Macomb Co.
A search warrant found an illegal 11-point, 5-point this story an illegal 8-point buck is
going to cost you at least $6,000, is
to make contact with another person buck, 7-point buck, and five sets of 8-point antlers it really worth it?
in the city of Warren. CO Deppen There are many more cases that
during his investigation located two with tags on them belonging to other people. The the officers made in 2017, these are
additional gunshot deer and impli- just a few. But just think about how
cated two other persons. In total poacher was given 60 days in jail, over $30,000 in many more there are that didn’t get
the two COs discovered that three caught.
bucks, a 10-point, an 8-point and a fines/restitution and can’t hunt for seven years. Many cases are made because
6-point were all taken at night with the public is becoming better edu-
a rifle during archery season! cated on hunting laws and practices
CO Richard Cardenas was the evening. He later confessed to 1980 the restitution on a deer was with the hope that hunting will still
patrolling Barry Co. on the open- buying the license after killing the $100 and the fine was $100. You be preserved for their children and
ing day of firearm season when he buck, which makes the buck illegal. could still lose the right to hunt and grandchildren. And with a 24-hour
observed a John Deere gator driving The antlers were seized. also there was a mandatory five anonymous tip line, more and more
out of a field with three deer in the COs McCullough and Jeff Goss days in jail. In the mid-1980s the cases are being reported. If you see
bed of it. Upon further investigation responded to a complaint of a con- restitution changed to $1000 and the something, say something! Contact
MAN’S NEW
he discovered that the three antler- victed felon hunting with a firearm. fine was raised to $1000. Now, the the DNR Report All Poaching line
less deer were untagged. One hunter The suspect had already killed a bigger the buck the more restitution if you have information regarding
stated that they only had one tag and buck on opening day. While the COs you are going to pay. These last two hunting or fishing violations. (1-
were on their way to buy more tags. were approaching the felon in his cases are examples of how the more 800-292-7800) You can also text the
BEST
MAN’S FRIEND
NEW
One hunter didn’t have a hunting tree stand, in his attempt to flee, he you poach and the bigger the buck information.
MAN’S NEW
license and was borrowing a license fell from his stand breaking his leg. you poach the more you are going Author is Jeff Pendergraff, re-
from a family member and there Charges are pending. to pay! tired Captain from the Law Enforce-
was a loaded uncased firearm in the A/Sgt. Todd Thorn and CO Matt A lot of these cases each year are ment Division of the DNR.n
BEST FRIEND
INTRODUCING THE ALL- NEW
BEST FRIEN
vehicle. Neterer were patrolling an area in
CO Kyle Publish and CO Brian Ingham Co. when they received a
Brosky while headed to an area that
they had been working a complaint MAN’S
MAN’S NEW
MAHINDRA RETRIEVER.
NEW
complaint from 911 of a man shoot-
ing a deer from his truck. With a
INTRODUCING THE ALL-
INTRODUCING THE ALL- NEW BEST FRIEND
of a large bait pile, were informed provided license plate from the truck
the driver had a suspended driver’s contacted they claimed they were
license. Both subjects admitted to unaware of theTHEsuspect using their
MAHINDRA THE MAHINDRA RETRIEVER LEADS THE
RETRIEVER LEADS
Shown: Retriever 1000
Shown: Retriever 1000
TH
shooting the bucks in the morn- tags. The suspect’s
WAY hunting license
IN PERFORMANCEWAY IN PERFORMANCE
ing and waited until after dark to had been revoked from a 2014 case THE MAHINDRA
WAY IN
THE RETRIEVER
PERFORMANCE
MAHINDRA LEADS
Shown: Retriever 1000
RETRIEVER THE WAYLEADSINShown:
PERFORMANCE
THE
Retriever 1000
3
WAY IN PERFORMANCE 2500
bring them out. Besides the fines for where he poached a deer with a rifle 83 HP
2500 3
LBS YEAR
trespassing and ORV violations, the in the shotgun zone. The suspect WAY IN60
THE PERFORMANCE
MAHINDRA
MPH 83 HP
RETRIEVER
LEADING
LEADS
LBS
2500 THE
LEADING
YEAR
LEADING 3
restitution on the bucks alone will was given 60 days in jail, and over 83 HP
TOP SPEED HORSEPOWER TOWINGLBS WARRANTY
YEAR
60 MPH LEADING LEADING
TOP SPEED WAY IN83PERFORMANCE
60 HORSEPOWER 2500 3 TOWING
be $6,000 for the 8-point and $2,000 $30,000 in fines and restitution and MPH
TOP SPEED
HP
60 MPHLEADING
LBS
HORSEPOWER
TOP SPEED
YEAR
LEADING
HORSEPOWER TOWING
LEADING
LEADING
TOWING
LEADING
LEADING
WARRANTY
WARRANTY
for the 6-point. SMITH TRACTOR
When I worked this area many
can’t hunt for seven years.
AnotherSMITH
poacher was sentenced
60 MPH
TOP SPEED
LEADING
0000 HORSEPOWER
Street Name
LEADING
TOWING .
Town
LEADING
WARRANTY
Name 2500 3
TRACTOR 000.000.0000 dealersite.com .83 HP EllensLBSEquipment YEAR
ing picked up in the dark so they for deer he poached and other viola- 000.000.0000 .dealersite.com www.ellensequipment.com
wouldn’t be caught trespassing on tions in the Mio area between 2013
this great piece of property that and 2016. Most of the money was SMITH TRACTOR
holds lots of big bucks! for restitution for the deer. The sus- 0000 Street Name .Town Name
COs Matthew Neterer and Troy pect had been borrowing deer tags 000.000.0000 .dealersite.com
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 45
HUNTING TURKEYS
I
t is amazing where you find morel and suddenly I could see into the forest. But much Then again I look forward to yearly phone calls In recent years I’ve learned how to make a
mushrooms, in yards, along ditch to my surprise I noticed a large white morel sticking from my buddy Erik Furseth who owns property delicious meal with morels and wild turkey. After I
banks, in flower gardens straight up on a nearby deer runway. I set smack in the middle of morel heaven. “The morels harvest a bird I remove the breast. Along the breast
and more. I have to admit down the crossbow, removed my facemask are up. Come over and let’s go pick a bag full,” he bone there is a small strip of tender meat that is
that the last few years I find and began gathering morels. Some were offered last spring. I grabbed onion bag, camera absolutely delicious. I pretty much follow the same
more mushrooms when I’m tall, thick and perfect for the frypan cov- with macro lens and my favorite walking stick and recipe used with trout or venison, start the morels
chasing gobblers in May. It ered with real butter. On a hillside I found drove to Erik’s house less than five miles away. first in butter then add the turkey breast tenderloin.
seems just when I get on a a dozen or more but the valley leading to It was a beautiful, sunny spring day with robins There is something about morel mushrooms that
big bird and I’m preoccupied with gob- the open field was cluttered with morels. singing in the background as we headed to the adds flavor to any meat and gobbler tenderloin
bler hunting that’s when morel mushrooms I was picking like crazy, filling an morel patch. “There they are,” he exclaimed as becomes exceptionally tasty when combined with
suddenly pop up in my face. Ooops! I onion bag I carry in my pack and my eyes he pointed to a decaying ash tree surrounded by mushrooms.
quickly shift gears, rest the gun or cross- were glued to the forest floor when all of umbrella-shaped morels. I laid on my belly and These days more and more turkey outings get
bow against a tree and I go on a sudden I heard a loud alarm snapped close up macro photographs and when I switched to morel hunting treks and my decoys stay
the hunt for fresh morels.
It happened again last year
By Kenny Darwin putt from a turkey nearby.
I looked up in time to see
got up there was a crushed morel attached to the
buttons on my shirt. We circled the tree picking
in the truck, gun or bow is over my shoulder as I
traverse the countryside in search of mushrooms.
after an overnight warm spring rain. I rushed to my a large gobbler next to my decoy turn away and fresh morels, giggling with joy at the sight of so Heck you can only harvest one gobbler in Michigan
trophy turkey spot and set up decoys in the predawn sprint out of sight. It seems he responded to my many in a small area. but I can pick mushrooms all day, every day.
darkness. Wild turkeys go nuts after rain and rush wake up call, approached my decoy and noticed Erik is a mushroom hunting One productive strategy is to
AND
to fields and open areas in search of earthworms a camouflaged man making tight circles with his pro and he begins searching in set up before daylight for tur-
brought to the surface by the fresh rain. I made eyes scouring the forest floor. I was embarrassed earnest come late April. “Warm keys. Once the hunt has ended
a couple wake up calls and got a loud gobble in to think a dandy wild turkey got the drop on me weather and rain can cause mo- begin looking for morels. One
response from a big bird on roost. I readied my because I suddenly shifted gears from turk hunter to rels to pop up overnight in spring of the deadliest turkey hunting
crossbow for action as the eastern sky turned pink ’shroomer. and I like to take mushroom tricks is to meander hills and
walks in the woods on a daily valleys searching for mushrooms
basis from the last week in April while making occasional turkey
through May” Furseth explains. calls. Sometimes a mushroom
“The key to success hinges on two important vari- hunt is interrupted when a boss gobbler comes call-
ables: dead or decaying trees and ground tempera- ing.
tures ranging around 61-70 degrees during the day The great thing about combining turkey hunting
and 50s after the sun goes down. Ideal hunting con- and morel hunting is you are properly dressed for
ditions are highlighted by warm nights with tem- both occasions. You need long pants, long sleeve Savvy ’shroomers have learned the value of a too long have little bark and the trunk is nothing
peratures above 50 degrees, warm humid weather shirt, tons of insect repellent and occasionally a face walking stick. Not only do they support weight and but bleached white dried wood. The trick to instan-
with light warm rain and rising air temperatures mask when you walk through bushes with thorns or help you go up hills, through swamps and rough taneous morel success is to locate freshly decaying
into the 70s. Some years they begin growing and briars and poison ivy. My turkey outfit is complete- ground but they are a valuable tool to find more elms.
attain full height almost overnight but more often ly sprayed with insect repellent to ward off mites, mushrooms. A walking stick is also used as a probe One strategy is to scout for elms while driving
they start growing and cool night temperatures and fleas, ticks and a host of other biting insects. My to move leaves, branches, grass and other obstacles two track trails up north or country roads through-
cold fronts cause the ground temperature to fall and face mask and hat get an extra coat of insect spray to expose hiding morels. out Michigan. Again, you can be looking for
the morels stay almost dormant until ideal condi- because mosquitos tend to attack the exposed skin Perhaps the biggest problem with morel hunt- morels the same time you are scouting turkeys.
tions reenergize their growth,” says Furseth. “Last around neck, eyes and face. Don’t forget to wear ing is locating mushrooms. Lord knows I have a At times ideal elm trees will be growing in county
year I picked about 400 morels, shared the abundant gloves covered with repellent. I wear Bog 16-inch sweet spot on Michigan’s west shore where morels ditches, along roadways or fence lines and with
resource with family and friends and the peak sea- rubber boots turkey hunting because they keep me grow in abundance in an apple orchard pruned the a little road hunting you can discover a morel
son was the second week in May.” dry and warm when walking through early morn- previous year. Don’t overlook the ability of morels jackpot.
Gee, the timing of morel growth just happens to ing dew, crossing ditches or creeks and sloshing to emerge by the zillions where upper Michigan I have fond memories of a turkey hunt in Isa-
coincide with prime wild turkey activity. Gobblers through low mucky swamps. The same boots are woodlands have been disturbed by fires, burn sites, bella County when a boss gobbler responded to my
too will slow breeding activity in response to cool ideal for mushroom hunting. logging locations and more. However, it is my opin- calls and decoy and charged the set up shortly after
air temperatures, cold rain, overcast weather and In the back pocket of my turkey camouflage ion most ’shroomers fall flat on their face because sunrise. Boom! I quickly filled my tag and on the
high winds. But when the weather becomes warmer, pants I always carry an onion bag used when col- they spend too much time scouring the forest floor way out of the farmer’s pasture I noted a bunch of
winds subside and a fresh shower brings oxygen lecting morels. The bag is lightweight and easy to when they need to be looking up, checking trees decaying elms next to an old ditch. I drove my truck
and nutrients to the soil that’s exactly when both transport but more importantly when I place morels in an effort to find dead and decaying trees. My right up to the trees and before I opened the door I
turkey and morels go bonkers. in it I can broadcast spores as I move through the number one hottest strategy for finding bushels of spotted several morels growing from the rich soil
I grew up picking morels in Benzie County woods. The mesh onion bag helps to cast spores and morels hinges on finding dead and decaying elm enhanced with bark from decaying elms. At light-
along the banks of the Betsie and Platte Rivers propagate mushrooms. Paper sacks and plastic bags trees. Not just any elm but the trees that are starting ning speed I picked a back pack full of big whites.
while trout fishing. Morels are wonderful fried in tend to hold bugs and don’t allow spores to freely to drop bark that enriches the soil and catapults the That night I enjoyed fresh morels, sautéed onions
real butter with stream browns or brookies. At a disperse across the landscape. area into a morel farm. Elms that have been dead and wild turkey tenderloin.n
young age I developed a taste for crispy morels and
fresh fried crunchy trout tails. Because of their rich
MORELS!
flavor morels compliment the full body richness
of stream trout. My second favorite morel dish is
mushrooms with fried venison back straps. I cover
both with whole grain flour, use a cast iron fry
pan, melt the butter and add the morels and veni-
son when the pan is spitting hot. Don’t overcook
the steaks, take them off the heat when they are
crispy coated on the outside and slightly pink in the
middle. Just add sliced sweet onions sautéed in but-
ter and you have a camp fire meal fit for a king.
AND
to fields and open areas in search of earthworms a camouflaged man making tight circles with his pro and he begins searching in set up before daylight for tur-
brought to the surface by the fresh rain. I made eyes scouring the forest floor. I was embarrassed earnest come late April. “Warm keys. Once the hunt has ended
a couple wake up calls and got a loud gobble in to think a dandy wild turkey got the drop on me weather and rain can cause mo- begin looking for morels. One
response from a big bird on roost. I readied my because I suddenly shifted gears from turk hunter to rels to pop up overnight in spring of the deadliest turkey hunting
crossbow for action as the eastern sky turned pink ’shroomer. and I like to take mushroom tricks is to meander hills and
walks in the woods on a daily valleys searching for mushrooms
basis from the last week in April while making occasional turkey
through May” Furseth explains. calls. Sometimes a mushroom
“The key to success hinges on two important vari- hunt is interrupted when a boss gobbler comes call-
ables: dead or decaying trees and ground tempera- ing.
tures ranging around 61-70 degrees during the day The great thing about combining turkey hunting
and 50s after the sun goes down. Ideal hunting con- and morel hunting is you are properly dressed for
ditions are highlighted by warm nights with tem- both occasions. You need long pants, long sleeve Savvy ’shroomers have learned the value of a too long have little bark and the trunk is nothing
peratures above 50 degrees, warm humid weather shirt, tons of insect repellent and occasionally a face walking stick. Not only do they support weight and but bleached white dried wood. The trick to instan-
with light warm rain and rising air temperatures mask when you walk through bushes with thorns or help you go up hills, through swamps and rough taneous morel success is to locate freshly decaying
into the 70s. Some years they begin growing and briars and poison ivy. My turkey outfit is complete- ground but they are a valuable tool to find more elms.
attain full height almost overnight but more often ly sprayed with insect repellent to ward off mites, mushrooms. A walking stick is also used as a probe One strategy is to scout for elms while driving
they start growing and cool night temperatures and fleas, ticks and a host of other biting insects. My to move leaves, branches, grass and other obstacles two track trails up north or country roads through-
cold fronts cause the ground temperature to fall and face mask and hat get an extra coat of insect spray to expose hiding morels. out Michigan. Again, you can be looking for
the morels stay almost dormant until ideal condi- because mosquitos tend to attack the exposed skin Perhaps the biggest problem with morel hunt- morels the same time you are scouting turkeys.
tions reenergize their growth,” says Furseth. “Last around neck, eyes and face. Don’t forget to wear ing is locating mushrooms. Lord knows I have a At times ideal elm trees will be growing in county
year I picked about 400 morels, shared the abundant gloves covered with repellent. I wear Bog 16-inch sweet spot on Michigan’s west shore where morels ditches, along roadways or fence lines and with
resource with family and friends and the peak sea- rubber boots turkey hunting because they keep me grow in abundance in an apple orchard pruned the a little road hunting you can discover a morel
son was the second week in May.” dry and warm when walking through early morn- previous year. Don’t overlook the ability of morels jackpot.
Gee, the timing of morel growth just happens to ing dew, crossing ditches or creeks and sloshing to emerge by the zillions where upper Michigan I have fond memories of a turkey hunt in Isa-
coincide with prime wild turkey activity. Gobblers through low mucky swamps. The same boots are woodlands have been disturbed by fires, burn sites, bella County when a boss gobbler responded to my
too will slow breeding activity in response to cool ideal for mushroom hunting. logging locations and more. However, it is my opin- calls and decoy and charged the set up shortly after
air temperatures, cold rain, overcast weather and In the back pocket of my turkey camouflage ion most ’shroomers fall flat on their face because sunrise. Boom! I quickly filled my tag and on the
high winds. But when the weather becomes warmer, pants I always carry an onion bag used when col- they spend too much time scouring the forest floor way out of the farmer’s pasture I noted a bunch of
winds subside and a fresh shower brings oxygen lecting morels. The bag is lightweight and easy to when they need to be looking up, checking trees decaying elms next to an old ditch. I drove my truck
and nutrients to the soil that’s exactly when both transport but more importantly when I place morels in an effort to find dead and decaying trees. My right up to the trees and before I opened the door I
turkey and morels go bonkers. in it I can broadcast spores as I move through the number one hottest strategy for finding bushels of spotted several morels growing from the rich soil
I grew up picking morels in Benzie County woods. The mesh onion bag helps to cast spores and morels hinges on finding dead and decaying elm enhanced with bark from decaying elms. At light-
along the banks of the Betsie and Platte Rivers propagate mushrooms. Paper sacks and plastic bags trees. Not just any elm but the trees that are starting ning speed I picked a back pack full of big whites.
while trout fishing. Morels are wonderful fried in tend to hold bugs and don’t allow spores to freely to drop bark that enriches the soil and catapults the That night I enjoyed fresh morels, sautéed onions
real butter with stream browns or brookies. At a disperse across the landscape. area into a morel farm. Elms that have been dead and wild turkey tenderloin.n
young age I developed a taste for crispy morels and
fresh fried crunchy trout tails. Because of their rich
MORELS!
flavor morels compliment the full body richness
of stream trout. My second favorite morel dish is
mushrooms with fried venison back straps. I cover
both with whole grain flour, use a cast iron fry
pan, melt the butter and add the morels and veni-
son when the pan is spitting hot. Don’t overcook
the steaks, take them off the heat when they are
crispy coated on the outside and slightly pink in the
middle. Just add sliced sweet onions sautéed in but-
ter and you have a camp fire meal fit for a king.
Part III:
Number 3 - Essential
A
Acceleration
cceleration or power
is one of the hard-
est essentials to
teach. From the
start of the casting
stoke, whether on
the forward or back cast, you must
pull, not push, the fly line with the
fly rod applying acceleration/power
smoothly.
You want constant acceleration,
slow to faster, during the casting
stroke. At the end of the casting
stroke you must stop the fly rod,
with a crisp stop. You need just the Figure 1: Notice the narrow loop of water coming off the end of the paint brush. This is the
right amount of acceleration/power same “Acceleration” and “Crisp Stop” needed when fly casting to make a narrow (SLP) loop.
to allow the fly line to remain
aerialized and turn over, no more bowl of water. Holding the paint in water. There are various grips: degrees) from 1:30 to 10 to a crisp
no less. brush by the handle like a fly rod, keyhole, forefinger on top, v-grip stop. To make that crisp stop, bring
A good drill to learn accel- using whatever grip is comfort- etc. I generally use the keyhole grip your wrist back to the straight posi-
eration is with a paint brush and a able for you, dip the paint bristles thumb on top of handle as if put- tion, or slightly past, spontaneously
ting a key in a lock. Pick a target with the stop. Left hand casters the
out in front of you, more fun if you clock face would be just the op-
FOR BASS
water drops onto your shoulder you crisp stop.
did not accelerate smoothly, most Acceleration of a fly rod is the
likely you started the cast to fast. same motion or feeling you get
If the water comes off the brush from the paint brush drill. Remem-
but does not go far, you need more ber smooth constant acceleration to
power/acceleration. If the water a crisp stop, hitting a brick wall.
goes off at the end of the stop but See you with the next essential! Classic Rooster Tail w/HD
fans out in a downward path, you Enjoy and tight lines, Split Ring & Pre-Sharpened
Black Nickel Hook
need a crisper stop. Bill is the owner/operator
You can also use the paint of Mangans Cast a Fly, a (FFI) Pulsating Hackle/Tinsel
brush drill for the back cast, which Certified Fly Casting Instructor Dressed Hook Attracts Fish
is usually a little more awkward and Michigan DNR Certified Fly Genuine Silver,
for beginners. It’s the same process Fishing Guide. Please check out his Brass and/or
only in reverse but this time you website: www.manganscastafly. Painted Blades
start with your wrist slightly canted comnn
T
finally come true... knew, one day, that I would be able
to return to deer camp and I dreamt
his dream had once of those cold, crisp mornings sur-
been a small wish in rounded by cedar swamps and fresh
my younger years. clear-cuts. Finally, in 2017, that
From the time I was dream became a reality.
three years old, I had I headed to the U.P. on Thurs-
journeyed across the day, November 16 with high hopes start. Although I had not seen a buck able to identify that the buck was
straits to Michigan’s Upper Penin- and expectations, but none of them yet, I was seeing deer and I felt as of legal antler restriction, and my
sula with my family and set up deer included shooting a buck. Deer if it was just a matter of time until Browing A-Bolt 270 crept out the
camp on public land. There was camp was already set up, and I was a buck would show up. Everybody window in between my shooting
always something extraordinary so excited to finally spend some in camp was seeing deer and even a stick. My breathing began to get
about that one Saturday in the fall in quality time in the blind and share few smaller bucks. The weather was heavier as I had watched the buck
which the old, green Army tent was stories back in camp with my dad setting up to be perfect, as a nice feed for a while now and buck fever
set up, goulash was on the Coleman and uncle. After all, this is what deer cold front was about to move in and had surely wrapped itself around
stove, and Michigan football echoed season and deer camp is all about to snow was expected…hopes were my body. The safety slipped off and
in the background on the radio. me. There is nothing more special high in camp! the crosshairs nestled just behind
Ahh…deer camp! than a few laughs and stories told Saturday morning came and I the buck’s front shoulder. A slow
However, unfortunately for me, around a hot meal from the camp woke up with a sense of excitement squeeze of the trigger resulted in
I always had to venture back home, stove as hopes for a successful hunt that I had not had in a while. About the buck jumping and giving the
where I would then be forced to build and the world of the unpredict- two inches of fresh snow had fallen signature “mule kick” as he went
pace back and forth by the phone able becomes more predictable. and the temperatures were quite hauling out of my viewpoint. I was
each night with hopes that dad The first day and a half of hunt- low–it was setting up to be a great certain I had made a lethal shot, and
would call with a successful ing for me was off to a pretty good day. As we got dressed and drank almost immediately went down to
our coffee I mentioned to my dad, “I investigate.
Open Mon thru Fri am going to shoot one today.” Fresh tracking snow made the
9am-7pm • Sat 9am-6pm I don’t know what it was, but I track job one of the easiest I have
Sun 9am-4pm just had that profound sense of con- ever been a part of, as the 150 grain
1380 N. Cedar fidence come over me. I had a spe- Remington Core Lokt’s had done an
cial feeling in my gut that something excellent job. The buck ran 80 yards
(517) 699-0597 magical was about to happen. It is or so before he expired and my heart
(½ Mile South of Holt, 127 to truly hard to explain but those of filled with happiness as I picked the
Cedar St. exit, North 2 Miles)
you that hunt, I am positive you can buck’s head up. The fresh snow also
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deer, and I peeked my head over the Nothing can compare to the pure
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I slowly unstrapped my back- buck pole. Smiles were shared and
pack and set that into the blind along high-fives were slapped as my dad
June 2-3 . . . . . . . 900 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . Novi July 28-29 . . . . . . 250 Tables . . . . . . . . Jackson with my rifle as I cautiously crawled and uncle made their way back.
into my seat. As soon as I sat down Deer camp 2017 was one to remem-
Sport Shows Promotions, INC. and looked out the front window, ber and hopefully a first of many
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Frankenmuth Jackson
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head up I was able to see that it was and the gray sky begins to spit
snow, you will find me at deer
US.31 & M-22 Jackson, MI
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It felt like hours I watched the camp. “And if you want to go
Monroe County
Fairgrounds
Alpena (New Location) Kalamazoo County Cadillac: Wexford Arena Harrison buck feed all alone as I waited for to Heaven, it’s North of the
751 Woodward Ave. Expo Center Clare County Fairgrounds
MBT Expo Center Alpena, MI 49207 2900 Lake St. 131 & 13th St. 418 Fairlane daylight to set in. Finally, I was Bridge.”n
50 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
DNR urges ORV riders to be ready
Know the rules and your vehicle before heading out...
T
he Michigan De- • Private land is closed to ORVs
partment of Natural unless the operator is invited by the
Resources reminds landowner.
off-road vehicle enthu- • It is unlawful to operate an
siasts to learn riding ORV in or on the waters of any
and safety rules before stream, river, marsh, bog, wetland,
taking to the trails. swamp or quagmire unless the ve-
“The arrival of spring means hicle is driven on a ridge, culvert or
countless ORV enthusiasts are similar structure.
preparing to hit the trails,” said Cpl. Morey offered general safety
John Morey, head of the DNR Law and riding tips as well:
Enforcement Division’s ORV safety • Be sure your vehicle is in good
education program. “But there’s a mechanical condition.
lot to know when it comes to riding • Familiarize yourself with
legally and safely. ORV riding is your ORV by reading the owner’s
a great sport. Enjoy it to its fullest manual.
by understanding the laws, know- • Wear protective clothing suit-
ing your vehicle, being respectful able for the environment.
of others and always putting safety • Make sure the lights work
first.” properly and are on during opera- ORV riders need to understand the laws, know their vehicle, be
Riders under the age of 16 tion. respectful of others and always put safety first. MDNR photo
must have a valid safety training • Never ride under the influ-
certificate when operating an ORV. ence of alcohol or drugs, or when tive encourages more people to as safety or environmental concerns.
To obtain a certificate, the operator fatigued. enjoy Michigan’s public lands by Learn more at www.michigan.gov/
must take an ORV safety education • Know the terrain where you enhancing ORV opportunities across forestroads.
course and pass the certification plan to ride. the state. It will open thousands of Visit www.michigan.gov/recre-
exam. Students have the option of • Be aware of the weather fore- miles of forest roads to ORV use ationalsafety for more information
taking an online or classroom-based cast and never venture out alone. unless the roads are designated on ORV riding requirements, safety
course. Operators must carry their • Prepare for emergencies by closed by the DNR for reasons such and opportunities.n
certificate on their person and pres- packing first-aid and survival kits.
MICHIGAN E-BIKE
ent it to a law enforcement officer Useful items include a map and
upon request. compass, high-energy food such as
“We encourage all new riders to candy bars, a flashlight, hand axe,
take a safety class even if they are signal flares, waterproof matches,
exempt from the age requirement,” mobile phone and a tarpaulin. Distributor and Retailer for QuietKat Bikes and Trikes
Morey said. “ORVs are fun but they • Respect any people or animals Importer of our own MI-E bike Electric Bikes
are not toys. They are built primarily you encounter.
for off-road recreation and can be • Be courteous on the trail and Why walk when
dangerous if you don’t understand follow proper etiquette. This in- you can Ride!
your vehicle or know proper riding cludes riding only where permitted,
procedures.” always yielding to uphill traffic, No Smell - No Noise - No Sweat
In addition to the age require- slowing down when someone is Gets your Trophy out
ment for certification, other laws passing you, yielding the right of
governing ORV riding include: way to bikes, horses and hikers; of the Woods!
• All operators and passengers carrying out what you carry in, and
must wear a U.S. Department of being considerate of others on the
Transportation-approved crash hel- trail by keeping your vehicle to the
met and protective eyewear, except right.
in specific circumstances defined by • Report any illegal riding activ-
law. ity by calling or texting the Report
• Open containers of alcoholic All Poaching (RAP) line at 1-800-
beverages may not be transported
in or upon an ORV unless in a trunk
292-7800.
ORV owners must have their
60 Volt Hunter
or compartment separate from the vehicles titled through the Secretary (Reg. $5,800) MI-E 35 750Watt
$4,499
vehicle’s passenger compartment. of State. A Michigan title is not re-
• Roads, streets and highways quired on ORVs owned by nonresi- $1,799
maintained for year-round auto- dents and used in Michigan.
mobile travel are closed to ORVs,
including the shoulder and right of
ORVs must be licensed by the
DNR if they are used anywhere Clearance Price
way. However, ORVs registered
as motor vehicles by the Secretary
other than private property. The an-
nual licensing fee is $26.25. In addi- ONLY 3 LEFT AT
of State may be operated on the tion, an ORV trail permit is required THIS PRICE
roadway. to operate on state-designated ORV
• ORVs may be operated on trails, routes or areas. The cost of an For More Info E-mail
a roadway in accordance with a ORV trail permit is $10.
Paul@michigane-bike.com
locally enacted ordinance. Riders The DNR is working with 2018 750Watt folding bike
are responsible for contacting local
authorities to find out which roads
stakeholders to map forest roads
269.325.3163 with front and back suspension
$1,699
on public lands in accordance with
are open to ORV use. Public Act 288 of 2016. The initia- Stevensville, MI weight: 48 lbs
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 51
Michigan Anglers...
Take advantage of your great fisheries...Guest Column By Mark LaRose
I
started fly fishing the tre-
mendous rivers in central
Michigan about 12 years
ago; the Pere Marquette,
the Au Sable, the Mus-
kegon, the Manistee,
and more. Prior to that, I had been
primarily a baitcast and spinning rod
fisherman, targeting largemouth and
smallmouth bass, bluegill, crappie,
catfish, etc.
I have also fished regularly in
the salt waters of Florida, Mexico,
and the brackish waters of Louisi-
ana and the Gulf. I have caught fish
all over the country, and in several
other countries, but nothing in lower
48 freshwater fishing compares to
the tug, acrobatics and sheer excite-
ment of catching fresh steelhead
in many of our rivers right here
in Michigan. No need to go to the
Pacific Northwest or the Rockies or
any of the other famous rivers east
and west. Of all of the Michigan riv-
ers that I have fished for steelhead, The author, Mark LaRose and captain Gabe Nyblad after landing a 16 pound trophy steelhead.
salmon, and trout, the Muskegon is
one of the best. For steelhead and Pere Marquette and just as scenic. Tail Chasin Charters, on the Pere team. (The plaintiff in the case was
browns, it is as productive as the I met Captain Gabe Nyblad of Marquette approximately 10 years Bill Hudson, my great friend and
ago. Gabe has become a good friend hunting and fishing companion for
Redpine Whitetails
and is one of my favorite and best many years, who was killed in an
captains in Michigan, the lower industrial accident at a steel mill
Keys, and Alaska. Check out his in Indiana in 2014. Bill loved the
website: www.tailchasinchmters. Newaygo area and the Muskegon
com; He’s the real deal. River.) When I first met “the Doc”
Last season was an absolutely at his office in Valpo, there were
phenomenal steelhead year on the many pictures and a couple mounts
Muskegon. That is why I went three of beautiful fish.
AFFORDABLE times. Talk about sheer numbers, a
two-day outing in pretty much pour-
“Pray tell Dr., do you like to
fish?” He snapped back “Why yes I
PRICING ing rain on October do.” There you have it. The Doc and
30 and 31 resulted in 50 hook-ups, I were off to fishing for two days
GREAT SAVINGS and 29 fish landed and released.
That was with a good buddy Spud
with Captain Gabe on the Muskegon
in December.
Jackson who is an “okay” fisher- As part of our lodging supplies,
CALL NOW man. I say “okay” only because he in addition to some sandhill crane
out fished me about 2 to 1. Gabe breast, some pasta, some venison
was busy so our guide was a Gabe back strap, and the fixings for the
protégé -- Captain Ross Swanson Doc’s world famous apple pie, I
-- also an excellent guide and a great had just made a homemade batch of
guy. Limoncello (an Italian after din-
The second outing in mid- ner liquor that has the sweet taste
November was with my wife Cari of sugar, sour taste of lemons, and
who is a terrific fisherperson (fly kicks like a rented mule). You serve
fish or otherwise) in her own right. a shot from a bottle taken right out
She regularly out fishes me, but of the freezer. It goes down cold, but
then who doesn’t. That outing was even in the coldest weather, seconds
much less successful. The river had later a little time bomb explodes in
changed dramatically in just two your stomach that makes you feel
Michigan COs
present an opportunity to enhance his of the state, DNR conservation of-
skills. ficers have a wide range of duties
“I learn from the other guys who including observing and check-
have been doing it longer – the tricks ing hunters and anglers, enforcing
of the trade,” he said. snowmobiling, off-road vehicle and
Group patrols are relatively watercraft regulations as well as laws
common for some activities, such as that protect the environment, and
a snowmobile or off-road vehicle pa- educating Michigan residents about
trol or maybe ice fishing on a larger
lake or bay, if for no other reason By Bob Gwizdz, MDNR outdoor recreation safety.
Conservation officers are also
than the word spreads fast on social first responders to a variety of natural
media that the DNR is out there. have a license. devices (life vests) in his boat. disasters and emergencies, and as
Patrolling in groups gives conser- “I don’t write a lot of tickets,” “Safety is our top priority,” King fully licensed peace officers, they oc-
vation officers a chance to make a lot King said. “But when I do, they’re said. casionally make arrests not related to
of contacts before any scofflaws can good tickets.” DNR Sgt. Tony Soave, who was natural resources violations.
hightail it out of the area. Neither of the officers said they running the operation, said saturation For a closer look at what DNR
King and Brickel launched their felt like they were under any pressure patrols are “really effective.” conservation officers do on any given
boat in downtown Saginaw and head- to write tickets. Just making their “We can hit a lot of areas right day, check out the television series
ed downstream, Brickel handling the presence known helps with compli- away and make a lot of contacts “Wardens,” airing on the Outdoor
18-foot Lund boat while King looked ance, they said. before people realize we’re on the Channel.
through binoculars. “Ninety-nine percent of the river,” he said. “We try to focus these Since February 2017, the show –
He scanned registration numbers people aren’t doing anything wrong,” patrols when the resource is most which chronicles the lives of con-
to make sure boaters were compliant, Brickel said. “But the more contact vulnerable. Right now, the river is servation officers in America – has
then chose a boat with three anglers you make, the more people will tell full of fish – you can tell by how focused on the Michigan DNR’s
to check. you about what’s going on in the many fish are being caught.” law enforcement work and natural
Sure enough, there was an issue: area.” Soave said he runs about a half dozen resources management efforts.
one of the anglers did not have his Throughout the day, the pair saturation patrols a year, but they’re More information about the
fishing license with him. So, King checked several boats and found hard to organize because conserva- show and previews of upcoming
asked the angler for his driver’s most were in full compliance. No one tion officers have such a wide range episodes are available at outdoor-
license and then delivered a short had too many fish or any undersized of duties. channel.com/wardens.Michigan.
monologue. walleyes. “We’ve got to pick a time when Conservation officers are fully com-
He told the angler that it was a Several anglers did not have we’ve got enough officers available missioned state peace officers who
violation to not have his license in their licenses with them. They were to make it work,” Soave explained. provide natural resources protection,
his possession but that he would call warned of the violation and their “Today we would have had another ensure recreational safety and protect
in and find out if the angler had a driver’s licenses were run to make boat out, but I’ve got two officers in citizens by providing general law
license. sure they were license-holders. Lansing conducting interviews for enforcement duties and lifesaving
If so, King said he wouldn’t Several anglers who weren’t carrying the next (conservation officer) recruit operations in the communities they
bother him again, but if not, he could their boat registrations were similarly school.” serve.
expect a ticket, either later in the day warned. A group patrol on Saginaw Bay To learn more about DNR con-
or in the mail. King ended up letting The pair wrote just one ticket – to earlier this winter turned up a lot of servation officers, visit michigan.
it go with a warning. The angler did an angler who did not have flotation violations. gov/conservationofficers.n
54 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
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or many years, even 50 permits were issued for this first
reaching back to my ever hunt. This hunt period coincid-
early youth, I have had a ed with my pass days and I couldn’t
passion for both hunt- have been more excited when the
ing and trapping most of mailman dropped off a big manila
the species of wild game envelope with a metal turkey seal.
that grace Michigan’s landscape, as The season encountered heavy snow
well as those beyond our borders. and with the advice and encourage-
However, over the last two or three ment of the area biologist, I bagged
decades, as the pheasant population a large tom with a long beard and
declined, I narrowed my interests to decent spurs!
mostly deer and turkeys, as well as Even though this was not a
a few furbearers. During the Mid- strutting and gobbling Tom, I was
1960s, turkeys were established in hooked forever on turkey hunting!
huntable numbers at the rural Alle- Since that hunt, turkey populations
gan, Mio and Baldwin locations. spread all over Michigan along with
As a new Michigan State Police the increased availability of licens-
Trooper in 1967, I was assigned to es. These increases, especially over
the Rockford Post, about 55 miles the last three decades, have enabled
south of Baldwin. I learned that a me to harvest numerous turkeys, as
drawing would be held by the DNR well as call in many more for other
for a permit to allow the taking of hunters. However, prior to 2017, I
a male turkey in the Baldwin area had only succeeded in calling a fall
during a fall hunt. I believe it was turkey on three occasions. If hunters
in 1968 and the hunt period was are desiring to harvest a turkey with
November 9-12. As I recall, only a long beard they should consider a
Top-left; The author’s spring turkey har vested with his shotgun. Top-right:
The author’s largest scored turkey he took with his crossbow. Bottom-left;
Another nice tom taken with his crossbow and Bottom-right; The four th
record book turkey with a crossbow.
fall hunt. It is reported that during several beards, or a chance at a
the winter months, turkeys can have “smoky grey” has always eluded
their beards frozen to their roosting me, even though I have encountered
limb and have it broken off or short- several while hunting other species
ened when they stand up to stretch or scouting.
or fly down in the cold mornings. Last fall I made a concerted
This may explain why I have seen effort to hunt fall turkeys and try
several large toms with short or no my luck at debunking the myth that
Hello, this is Charlie Morse. visible beards. “big toms” couldn’t be called to the
At 63 years old I don't have a lifetime During the last 20 years, I have gun in the fall. On September 18,
to wait! Air pruned containerized harvested about 15 record book while scouting for deer on our farm
plants, equals RESULTS SOONER! class turkeys in which three won the in Barry County, I became bored
Commemorative Bucks of Michigan and started to scratch away on the
(CBM) annual awards for the largest slate call I kept in my shack. It was
scoring turkey in the Senior Archery the call I used so effectively over
and Crossbow Categories for 2004, the past several spring seasons. As
2007 and 2009. Two others placed I sat in my elevated shack with my
second in years 2005 and 2014. I crossbow, I was hoping more to get
have further harvested turkeys in a shot at a coyote than at a turkey.
Lake, Alcona, Barry, Shiawassee However, three large Toms with
and Ingham Counties. long beards dragging between their
During the 2017 spring turkey legs were spotted to the west in a
season, on April 21, I called in block of white pines, hurrying to-
and shot a nice tom in Shiawassee wards me. As they crossed a nearby
County with my single barreled trail, I put a bolt through the middle
shotgun. It scored 13 14/16 inches turkey. He was scored by a CBM
by the CBM method. measurer at 16 2/16 inches.
It has always been my custom On October 5, 2017, while deer
to purchase a fall turkey license so hunting in the same elevated shack,
I could legally kill a turkey while the deer sightings began to decline
archery hunting for deer if the as the sun rose higher during mid-
opportunity presented itself. The morning. I again picked up the slate
chance to kill a large turkey with call to see if I could duplicate my
56 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
2018 Pure Michigan Hunt
above experiences. After about a
half hour of occasional yelps, three
chucks and a variety of small game.
In the last dimension, the fourth
winners take home winnings
more large toms came to investigate turkey was also shot with a cross-
these strange sounds. Gobblers tend bow, however under totally different
to form groups in the fall. As these circumstances. The tent blind over-
toms closed the gap between us, I looked the deep gorge that presented
picked the most open tom and made an almost identical situation as the
a good, 35 yard shot with my Ten raised tower listed above. However,
Point, Venom crossbow. This tom in this setting, a shotgun could have
was also scored by a CBM measurer been legally used.
at 14 9/16 inches. My success in calling in older,
Seeing as how you can pur- wiser, gobblers this fall adds a
chase a fall turkey license every new dimension for harvesting
day in Hunt Unit YY, for either fall turkeys. It further provides an
sex, through 60 consecutive days, activity, other than reading hunting
providing the DNR’s quota isn’t magazines, when deer movements
met, I continued to purchase another slow down. One of the three previ-
license with the hope of still bag- ous times when I was able to call in
ging a large, multi-beard tom before and connect on a fall turkey was an
the season ended. unintentional occasion while hunt-
While sitting in my tent blind ing deer during the archery season. (left-right) Jim Tilton of Alma, Don Rademacher of Lake Odessa and
a long distance from the above In late October of 2004, with a box Kevin Ornatowski of Tawas City, the latest winners of the Pure Michigan
tower, I was overlooking a deep call found in my shack, I called in Hunt drawing, received all their winnings at the recent Natural Resources
canyon with a creek at the bottom. I the highest scoring, senior, archery Commission meeting in Grand Rapids.
fixed my eyes on a new wheat field killed turkey on record, which held Each Pure Michigan Hunt winner will receive a 2018 elk, bear, antler-
bordering our woods that had been that position for several years. In less deer, and spring and fall turkey hunting licenses. They also will get
overrun by some nice bucks, almost late October this tom and three oth- first choice at a managed waterfowl hunt area on opening morning.
every morning and evening! It was ers were sighted flying down in the Winners each went home with a hunting prize package valued at
on October 19, 2017 and the rut was morning and they came to my call more than $4,000. Representatives of many businesses and organizations
in full swing. I saw some turkeys from a long distance! They were were present to meet the winners and donate their prizes.
a long ways off in the other side of displaying, gobbling and even fight- In 2017, 12,708 individuals purchased 35,214 applications,
our woodlot. I used my call again ing amongst themselves. An arrow generating more than $176,000 to help fund wildlife habitat resto-
and this time eight toms responded from a raised platform put an end to
this parade.
ration and improvements in Michigan.
and when they started to descend the
steep bank to cross the creek, I put After the 2017 turkey season Applications for the next Pure Michigan Hunt drawing are now
an arrow through the leader. He died I knew I had discovered a unique, available. To purchase and learn more, visit www.mi.gov/pmh.
instantly. This gobbler made the effective call for the fall season in
CBM Record Book with a score of Hunt Unit YY. It allowed me to call
10 8/16 inches. in two of the highest scoring toms I
The 2017 turkey season con- had ever bagged during my nearly
sisted of three dimensions of hunt- 50 years of turkey hunting. On a
ing them. The first was the spring later morning while deer hunting,
season as it presented the more I tried my luck at calling again and
typical elements where the big tom was shocked when a hen and eleven
responded to my calls and came members of her brood (7 hens and
across a level, harvested soybean 4 beardless Jakes) emerged from
field straight for my decoys. The the nearby thicket. They circled my
turkeys on this farm usually move tower several times and all seemed
through the thick brush surround- confused and began looking into the
ing the above field requiring the use white pines. As I was filming the
of a shotgun. He strutted, gobbled group, almost simultaneously four
and studied the decoys for over 45 other groups of all toms quickly ap-
minutes before he closed the 25 yard peared from different directions and
distance from my tent to his final joined the circus! There were a total
strut! This was one of the few open of 30 turkeys of all ages, and all but Manufacturer of Fine Northern Hardwoods
shots occurring on this farm and I the first hen and her eleven poults
regretted not having my crossbow sported beards. This was real fun Firewood
Buyers of by the Semi-Load
Standing Timber
with me. and made for some good photos as I Buyers of Standing Timber
The second dimension was when didn’t care to kill any more turkeys. SFI Trained Loggers and Forest Consultants
SFI Trained Loggers and Forest Consultants
the next two turkeys were shot with After four shoulder surgeries and Wildlife and
my crossbow from my elevated passing my 81st birthday, my future Wildlife andTimberland Improvements
Timberland Improvements
shack designed and strategically hunting days, if any, will be mostly Select Cutting;
Select Clear
cutting; Clear cutting
cutting
placed for hunting deer. The shots limited to the use of a crossbow. Mechanized logging and handcutting
Mechanized logging and handcutting
were at a distance of over 30 yards However, so far it hasn’t seemed to
on both birds and the elevated shack limit my success rate. Other than my Contact
provided for both hunter conceal- extensive experience with calling in Contact one
one of our buyers
of our buyerstoday
today
ment, increased vision and safety, turkeys, I did nothing in harvesting brad@billsbylumber.com or jim@billsbylumber.com
brad@billsbylumber.com
(616) 634-1522 or or (989)
jim@billsbylumber.com
544-9342
as well as less sound obstruction to these four birds that couldn’t
the volume of the turkey calls. It is be accomplished by most anyone 2725 Larch Rd. • Harrison, MI 48625
(616) 634-1522 or (989) 544-9342
a shame that firearm hunters can- that has access to my kind of 2725 Larch Rd.
www.billsbylumber.com
FIREWOOD BY T H E
not experience this kind of a turkey hunting property. It helps to own
hunt. The DNR has determined that farms that feature woodlots Harrison, MI 48625
it is unlawful to hunt turkeys from containing numerous, mature www.billsbylumber.com
SEMI-LOAD
an elevated platform of any kind beech trees as beech nuts furnish
with a firearm, even though a hunter nutritious and desirable delicacies
using a legal weapon can do so with for both turkeys and deer. Give
deer, bear, elk, fox, coyotes, wood- fall turkey hunting a try.n
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 57
KAYAK FISHING
Fishing the New Wave…
A
recent interview with
kayak Pro-Angler Adam
Judge of Sparta, proved
to be an introduction
to ‘Kayak Fishing 101’
as, virtually, I knew
absolutely nothing about the art of
fishing from above all else…a tippy
canoe or…a pedal driven kayak!
I was in absolute ‘awe’ of what I
learned from this knowledgeable
young man. If over the past few
years you have harbored a strong
desire to try kayak fishing, eventu-
ally entering a kayak tournament,
the following information should
not only answer questions but may
also instill a love for this seemingly
uncomplicated method of putting
fish in the boat!
Adam is bordering on 30 wise
years and holds a position of Fire Adam Judge puts a nice fish in the boat!
Inspector at Amway Corporation.
He also serves as Pro-Staffer for before but wanted one to fish from. be treated as a hybrid due to the fact For tournaments you will need
Jackson Kayaks. His enthusiasm is It wasn’t until later that my family that you can easily paddle it as well. a Hawg Trough Measuring Board.
catching. We shared an informa- also got into kayak fishing. I did not Only advantage that stands out is Kayak tournaments go by the length
tive question and answer interview start tournament fishing until I was that I am able to fish as I travel; of the fish, not the weight. This al-
which should afford information 25. whereas with a paddle, I must put lows for what we call C.P.R. catch,
you may have been searching for Q) Is the initial cost for getting into my fishing rods down in order to photo and release. Most tourna-
regarding an entry level introduction kayak fishing reasonable? Do you move. So with a pedal drive, you ments require you have to have a
to kayak angling and beyond! The suggest getting pedal- driven kayak have more ‘line in the water’ time. cell phone with GPS capabilities to
interview follows: over paddle operated, especially for Q) What make and model is your take photos and upload them to an
Q) How did you happen to get into increased maneuverability when kayak? Is it your first or have you online server that will record and
the realm of kayak fishing followed fishing? updated? If updated; why? Is your score your catches.
by entry to kayak tournaments? A constant question that is asked kayak a single person model or do On the whole, the kayak angling
I got into kayak fishing by want- by many getting into the sport is you have a two-seater? community is a pretty close network
ing to fish away from shore cost. There are numerous I am currently using a 2017 acting as a welcoming group for
without the hassle of a big brands and types of kayaks. Jackson Coosa FD. This is my third newcomers whether they are wish-
boat and some of the areas It is almost like buying a kayak. My first one was a Pelican ing to compete or just fish. Have
that I fish a boat cannot car. The more you pay, the DLX100 not made for fishing, but questions? Ask, and you will get
access the water. Also, at more you get. With a kayak I had modified it to work for my answers quickly as well as pictures
the time, putting money you want the ‘more’ option. needs. As I got into doing tourna- and videos.
into a boat was out of the You just have to look and ments and my equipment got more Q) I understand that oftentimes,
question. I got a kayak, so decide at what the ‘more’ extensive, I quickly realized that I kayak fishing can be a family affair.
I could put it on top of my is that will suit you. I see needed something more suited. I up- Is this true in your case? In what ca-
car and go wherever it time after time, graded to a 2016 Jackson Coosa HD pacity are others involved especially
I wanted. Simply
maintained…no
By Betty Sodders someone new gets
into the sport with
after days of research. Upgrading
allowed me more room, better sta-
with tournament fishing?
Yes, the ‘Judge’s Fleet’ is what
engine or gas required and I was out a ‘budget’ kayak and then wants to bility, standing capability and more they call us. Sometimes there may
on the water. upgrade because they find that it is mounting surface for accessories. be four of my family members com-
It was years later that I discov- not meeting their needs. Q) With a newcomer to the sport in peting. It all depends on where the
ered kayak tournament fishing by Also find a store that allows you mind, describe gear required for an tournament is and when everyone
chance. I happened to see kayak to demo. Online research can only entry level kayak fisherman…for a has the time. This has also extended
tournament highlights on one of the go so far and to get in and go for a kayak tournament angler? into friends that we have taken out
outdoor channels. During the com- test run will help you make a solid Once you choose which fishing and they become ‘hooked’ on kayak
mercials I jumped on the internet purchase. As you tally up how much kayak is best for you, you should fishing as well.
and found groups in Michigan that it will cost you it can compare to first invest in a good kayak PFD Q) Adam, in your estimation, what
conducted kayak tournaments. That most hobbies. It is all you want to (Personal Flotation Device). Hav- is the most useful piece of equip-
lead me to ‘You Tube’ videos of put in. ing a good PFD made for kayaking ment you have on your fishing
tournaments, how to videos, and fur- I do suggest whatever model will make you a happier and safer kayak? …based towards tournament
ther information. Fishing has always you go with that it is a fishing kayak angler on the water. Next I suggest usage?
been a favorite pastime of mine and as they are more stable and most are you look for a visibility flag which It would have to be my Anchor
I felt as though tournament kayak self-bailing. They also offer better helps you to be seen on the water. Wizard. I am able to maintain posi-
fishing would be right for me. seats and room to stand up if you Then the sky is the limit from there tion in shallow and deep water. My
Q) How old were you at the time? choose. on in. Consider adding rod holders, hands stay dry and the anchor line
Was this a single-minded decision or As far as pedal vs. paddle, I have fish finder, storage crate and anchor- stores nicely into the spool. It’s fast
did you at first kayak with a group? been a paddler up to last fall when ing device. Then add all your fishing activated and I can stay in a produc-
I was 17 when I bought my I bought my 2017 Coosa FD which gear you want to bring and place it tive spot where I am catching fish.
first kayak. I had been kayaking is a pedal drive kayak. It almost can where it is comfortable for you. On days that it is windy or there is
58 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
heavy boat traffic, it has been the new. Remember that PFDs must be and the top anglers; one from each My rods are sponsored by Halo
most useful and used item on my worn at all times. Also make sure side, get a chance to fish in the Ho- Fishing. I also am sponsored by
kayak. you have the right fish identifier and bie World’s Championship event. Liquid Mayhem Fish Attractant and
Q) Have you attached many ‘kayak make doubly sure it is in the picture I enjoy it due to it being one of HydroWave Electric Fish Stimula-
aids’ such as Anchor Wizard, rod when you are photographing your my favorite lakes to fish as well as tor.
holders, GPS, paddle holder, Back- catches. Be back by check in time the added competition. Usually the Sponsors can help you in a few
water paddle, etc? and if you are going to be late, let Canadians are in favor of winning ways such as equipment being given
Yes. I have lots of accessories on the tournament director know. the overall tournament due to their or discounted which can offset the
my kayak. I have a fish finder with Q) Can you use your own tackle bass fishing season just opening, but financial burden of the sport. Now
GPS and lake charts and numerous or do you all have to use the same the United States has began being this may seem like a win deal and to
rod holders. I have a total of 10 on tackle as is required in most big able to overtake. It’s exciting and I a point it is, but those that are spon-
mine. I use six of them for rods and walleye tournaments? am placed up against a lot of skilled soring you are looking for a return
one for my fish net; then they get Yes, you bring and use your own anglers. such as promoting those products.
shuffled around as I fish. I carry two tackle. Artificial baits only…no live/ I have gone all the way to Ten- That’s why companies have
types of paddles; one being a full dead baits. nessee/Kentucky for the Kayak Bass Pro-Staffers…it is essentially
size; the other is a Backwater hand Q) If you can use your own tackle, Fishing National Championship on promotional staff. Using myself
paddle that can also be used for what do you prefer? I understand Kentucky Lake. This is the larg- as an example, the Pro-Staff teams
hooking and as a makeshift tie-off you also make your own tackle, how est kayak tournament in the United that I am a part of, I believe in their
that I use on rivers. A HydroWave has that worked out for you during States that brings top anglers from products. I use the products that I
Mini Fish Stimulator rounds out my tournaments? I prefer to use soft all over the U.S. am provided or choose and in return
equipment. And as I said before, my plastics in finesse tactics…Drop For the Kentucky Lake KBF I write articles, take pictures of the
Anchor Wizard anchoring system shot…Wacky rig and micro jigs are Championship 2017 tournament last equipment in action, go to fishing
proves most valuable to have on my go to choices. I also like throw- year, I’m not sure where I exactly shows and promote those products.
board. ing soft plastic swimbaits. placed but it was mid-field. On Q) What cities will be hosting
Q) How much does your kayak I own and operate a small busi- my first day, I did not catch a limit some of the 2018 kayak events? Do
weigh? Is that before loaded with ness; Judge’s Jaw Jackers L.L.C. which automatically took me out you ever enter kayak tournaments in
fishing gear? How much afterwards? where I make soft plastic baits in of the upper half of the field. This other states? Which ones?
Is total weight much of a factor traditional colors as well as custom March 23-24 it is redemption time As stated earlier, I have com-
when entered in a kayak fishing colors, various jigs and flies. I use as I have a feel for the different peted in Tennessee/Kentucky for
tournament? everything I make. This has helped fishing environment. Probably won’t the Kayak Bass Fishing National
My current kayak with nothing me in ways such as recognizing place in the ‘Top 10,’ but out of 800 Championship. I have gone to Ohio
in it weighs 115 lbs. All my gear feeding habits, color choices and expected anglers anywhere in the for one of the Kayak Bass Fishing
adds roughly another 60 lbs. It has styles to use. Most of the time, I Top 50 would be honorable and a Trail events hosted by the Buckeye
a capacity of 450 lbs. With me in can find what the fish are eating and huge achievement as these are the Kayak Fishing Tournament Trail. I
the kayak, it is roughly just over mimic the color patterns. Those col- top anglers from around the United have also taken part in a joint state
capacity. This was one of the factors ors then become my product colors. States and Canada. tournament from the River Bass
that initially caused me to upgrade Some colors are natural looking and Q) Do you have a sponsor? Tell Kayak Trail that travels around the
to a fishing kayak. The kayak I had some are wild which usually origi- us more about sponsors, purpose, United States; this one was hosted in
previously used had way too much nate as something fun to try but end benefits, etc.
equipment aboard and indeed was up being one of my hot go to colors! Yes, I have several sponsors;
becoming unsafe. Q) How many tournaments do you main sponsor being Jackson Kayak. Kayak Fishing page 60
Q) I understand that wearing a enter during a season? What is the
PFD is a strict rule for tournament average entry fee? What is your
entrees. Do you always take heed overall standing? On average, what
of this safety issue when you are in is a tournament’s top prize? How
your kayak? It is my understanding popular are these tournaments…are
that this being a catch and release some more profitable than others?
tournament, that if a tournament I enter around 20 tournaments a
photo is taken of you with your fish, year. Entry fees range from $20 to
you must be wearing your PFD or $70 for local/regional and for na-
you will automatically be disquali- tional/world can be in the hundreds.
fied. Is that correct? For prizes it will depend on the
Yes, it is a national standard that individual tournament and or series.
PFDs be worn during kayak tourna- There are cash prizes that can vary
ments. Failing to wear one can result on participation and then gear prizes
in disqualification and possibility such as tackle or equipment that
of being banned from participation. may be donated by sponsors.
I wear mine all the time due to the Q) Which tournament is your fa-
fact that you never know when you vorite while traveling the Michigan
may need it. You may remove it Kayak Trail (MKT) Why? What is
to remove layers of clothing but it the furthest distance you’ve traveled
must go right back on. Consider this to enter one of these Kayak Bass
to be a very strict rule regulation. Fishing Tournaments?
Q) What are the main rules of a My favorite stop in Michigan
Kayak Bass Fishing Tournament? is Lake St. Clair. It’s a large body
First would be to read the rules of water with numerous species
of the tournament and become fa- of fish. It usually ranks in the top
miliar with them. Next would be to 10 best fishing lakes in the United
attend the captains’ meeting where States. There are quite a few kayak
rules are expressed, and questions tournaments held yearly but the one
can be answered or in some cases that stands out the most in my mind
there are virtual online captains’ is called the Border City Classic.
meetings to watch. Most of the time, This is a Hobie world’s qualifica-
the captains’ meeting is mandatory tion tournament. It is run as a United
but it is a must especially if you are States vs Canada tournament event When buying a kayak for tournament fishing, stability is an impor tant factor.
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 59
Kayak Fishing: from page 59 My Granddaughter's
Indiana.
I mostly stay in Michigan due to
there being lots of opportunity with
tinues to gain popularity.
Q) Is there anything else you per-
sonally wish to address regarding
first hunt, first buck!
Whenever I get ready
all the tournaments hosted through- both simply fishing from your kayak to go deer hunting I tell my
out the state. to entering kayak fishing events? doctor, “I’ll bring you back
Q) On average, how many entries Fishing from a kayak can be an some venison,” and he’s
are normal for a kayak tourney? enjoyable sport. It brings the action quick to respond with, “I just
Are there more young anglers than of fishing right in front of your face. want to hear the story.” Well,
old? I hear it is a sport dominated If you are planning to start into here’s a story that’s too good
by folks just about your age? Is kayak fishing take the time to learn to just share with my doctor.
this a young man’s sport? Perhaps a bit prior to jumping right in. It will It’s all about my eleven-year-
walleye contests draw a different save you time later. It goes the same old granddaughter, Sarah
group of fishermen; those with a if you are looking to compete in a Vasilides of Clinton Twp.
love the ‘roar’ of big boat engines. kayak tournament. My son Steve took her
Do any walleye angler contestants Thank you, Adam for providing out during the youth hunt
ever cross over to fish both types of your excellent advice. I am positive this past September after she
completed her hunter safety
tournaments? our readers who are interested in
class with ‘flying colors.’
A normal amount of entries entry-level kayaking appreciate your They borrowed my tri-pod
would be around 60 anglers. When knowledge of this sport. Now it is and a friend of Steve’s loan
I began entering tournaments we up to them to decide which type of Sarah his gun, so the plan was set to hunt Saturday evening of the youth
usually had between 20 and 30 kayak to purchase; how to outfit that hunt after Sarah’s morning volleyball game and a trip to the gun range at
fishermen entered. But we have seen kayak for fishing; and finally decide Huron Point Sportsman’s Club.
tournaments this past year reach into if kayak tournaments are within The father-daughter team set up in a blind overlooking a soy bean field
the 100s. their boundaries. on a farm near Capac. Sarah was concerned with seeing through the scope
For age, there are anglers that Adam Judge and I have done our with the sun and her father reassured her it would be okay as the sun set.
participate well into their 60s that do homework; now it is time for you During the down time Sarah spent time doodling a sketch of her deer and
quite well. There are a lot of anglers to kayak fish…backwater, bass and her making a perfect shot.
that do both tournaments by kayak beyond! For more information email Shortly after 6 pm a doe and twin fawns wonder into the field and Steve
and boat. There are also groups that Adam Judge at his tackle business: encouraged Sarah to be patience and wait to see if a buck comes out. Sure
have done kayaks vs. boat anglers. I judgesjawjackers@gmail.com. enough, minutes later a buck came out at about a 100 yards away. Sarah got
do not see age as a contributing fac- For tournament information the gun in position and with her dad instructing to aim a little high because
tor to the sport. check the facebook pages and of the distance, Sarah dropped the buck right there. A beautiful 8-point. Her
Q) Do women enter Kayak Fishing website of Michigan Kayak Trail, first deer on her first hunt. Now, I’ve been hunting that area for 45 years and
Tournaments as well as men? Kayak Bass Fishing, Kayak Fishing never taken a deer of that size. I’m so proud of my granddaughter and I’ll be
Yes, there are a few and seems the Great Lakes and Kayak Angler sure to tell my doctor this story!
Guest Column...By Bill Vasilides
to be growing as kayak fishing con- Tournamtent Series.n
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Your Dog & You Will Be Great (Lunch Provided)
QUALITY ENGLISH
SETTERS
From 47 Years Of Selective Breeding
Farm Raised, Exposed to Gun Fire and on Pheasants
MI Prairie
Dog Hunt Tom Carney
This is the most unique action shooting
range in the state. It is a simulated prairie
dog hunt.
Among the Aspens
The range consist of ten pop-up targets which appear for approximately
fifteen seconds before disappearing back into the ground. There is also a run- Award-winning nature and outdoor
writer Thomas Carney returns to
ner which travels across the range every five minutes adding a little more of form in his latest collection of
challenge to the hunt. essays, Among the Aspens: Stolen
The range is set up for Rimfire Rifles (all .17 and .22 calibers). The shoot- Moments in Secret Coverts.
ing distance is approximately 140 yards which creates a fun challenge for the As with his previous collections,
shooter. We also have a new 25 yard, .22 caliber handgun shoot. Shooting Sun-Drenched Days, Two-Blanket
tables and shooting bags are furnished. Two to four shooters per one hour hunt Nights; and Bird Dogs and Betty
Cakes, Tom employs a variety of
(two shooters for the handgun hunt). Both ranges are Handicap accessible.
perspectives and presentations
as his writing glides effortlessly
across the lines that delineate
serious writing, humor, nostalgia,
analysis, description and storytelling.
Different this time around: Instead
of moving from activity to activity
with the progressing seasons as he
Targets fall when they are hit did in his first two books of essays,
in Among the Aspens Tom delivers
For more information and to schedule a hunt the goods through a single form
of outdoor recreation: upland bird
Call 616-755-1473 or 616-527-1355 hunting.
Located at 3200 Welch Rd, Ionia, MI To purchase: $34.95 (Michigan residents, please add $2.10 sales tax) plus
Email: miprairiedoghunt@gmail.com $6.35 postage/handling
Check out our website: www.miprairiedoghunt.com Send check or money order to: Partridge Pointe Press, 2470 Strawberry
Find us on Facebook: MI Prairie Dog Hunt Farm St. NE, Belmont, Michigan 49306.
Featured on Michigan Out of Doors TV, Episode 1627 (June 30, 2016) Purchase online at www.tomcarneywriter.com
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 61
2017 Ruger Retailer of the Year
The Ruger American Ranch rifle in .450 Bushmaster...
O
n January 23, 2018 feel blessed to have witnessed it all,
during the 40th An- and have fully appreciated and sup-
nual Shot Show in ported all of the end results during
Las Vegas, Randy’s the transition of events.
Hunter Center of Bad This begins with muzzleloading
Axe was recognized rifles first being allowed for deer
for being the 2017 Ruger Retailer hunting in the shotgun zone with
of the Year, a very distinct (and well patched round ball, .44 caliber or
deserved) honor. Ruger officials larger, and using only black pow-
presented business owner Randy der. This would later be changed to
Brown with an engraved Ruger conical and sabot rounds and black
Scout rifle chambered in powder substitutes being
.450 Bushmaster, which is allowed, and the scoped
a caliber that has become modern inline muzzleloader
very popular in southern came into being (which
Michigan’s Limited Fire- really extended range ef-
arms Deer Hunting Zone. fectiveness). Shotguns were
This popularity is definitely also allowed to have rifled
due to the efforts of Randy barrels for better and longer
Brown and his instinct for range accuracy when using
knowing what deer hunters sabot shotgun ammunition,
would truly ap-
preciate as being By Tom Lounsbury which became
instantly popu-
Above: Randy Brown of Ran-
dy’s Hunting Center in Bad Axe
a very potent lar. Repeating holding the engraved Ruger
and effective (as well as affordable) handguns, and a few years later Scout rifle in .450 Bushmaster
firearm in what was once known followed by single-shot pistols, all that he received for his family-
as the “shotgun zone” of southern using straight-wall cartridges, .35 run firearms business becom-
Michigan, and there is a story to tell caliber or larger, would be allowed ing the 2017 Ruger Retailer of
which leads up to all this. It entails as well. the Year. Right: The engraving on the buttstock of the presentation
politics, public input, the firearms The straight-wall and .35 caliber Ruger Scout Rifle in .450 Bushmaster. Tom Lounsbury photos
related industries, and also some and larger designation for handguns,
common sense in regards to ballis- would lay the groundwork for rifles Limited Firearms Deer Hunting tridges to be used in rifles however,
tics. Being a bit long in the tooth, I eventually being allowed and the Zone would come into being. Car- would have case length require-
ments with 1.16 inches being the
minimum and 1.80 inches being the
had suggested only 300 as they For drop weights & Release
Prevention
Release
Prevention
Hole for drop weights
or other applications
This clip may be mini but when it comes to holding power it’s second other applications
remained somewhat skeptical that only to it’s big brother, the original Lock-Jaw! Holds mono, super
the rifle would prove popular. They braids, power pro, lead core or copper lines without damaging the line!
Replaceable
were in for a real surprise, because The Mini Lock-Jaw fits The Walleye Board, TX-44, TX-22, TX-12 & TX-6 1 7/8” Long Pad
Pad
the Ruger American Ranch rifle planer boards, but we recommend the full size Lock-Jaw for the TX-44. 1/2” Wide Locator holes for Line Protector inside
keeps line from making
Locator holes for
attaching to side-planers
in .450 Bushmaster immediately The Mini Lock-Jaw is designed to fit other side planers, drop weights and attaching
to side-planers
WE DIDN’T INVENT CLIPS, contact with screw
Stingray
works for many other applications.
proved to be an astounding hit with WE HAVE PERFECTED THEM!
prospective buyers from all across
Part# 40620, 2pk Color - yellow Replacement Pads part# 40701 6/pk Diving Weight
southern Michigan. TX-007 Stern Planer & TX-005 Mini Stern Planer TX-44 Tournament Series Unique error-proof design allows anglers to put
more fish in the boat! Water strikes top surface,
The TX-44 is the first and the only in line planer to pull the large Divers,
Randy had also worked with (10 1/4” long, weighs about 3 oz) (7” long, weighs about 1.5 oz) Lead Core, Wire or Copper Lines and Heavy Weights. The size of the TX-44 forcing the Stingray downward. A fish on will
An all new type of planer! makes it harder for fish to pull the board under, however it is still easy to force the nose upward & Stingray to the surface.
Leupold to design a scope specifi- retrieve. The Vise Clip comes standard with the TX-44; especially Available in unpainted or painted. 2 snaps for
cally for this rifle and its ballistics, rch Tackle Co. designed for lead core & copper, makes accidental each weight included
Chu E-Z Store Famous
release almost impossible. snaps off & on in seconds Lock-Jaw
where when the correct yardage is Clip Size #1 - .7 oz
TX-44 Tournament Series now for easy removal & storage
clicked in, it will accurately hit point Easy to attach and remove.
available which comes with a #40300
of aim, all the way out to 300 yards. Great for trolling in congested areas and more effective contour trolling along unpainted #40302 black
Lock-Jaw Clip, Stainless Steel
drop offs contour lines, reef edges and weed lines in rivers, lakes or the ocean.
He had also worked with Ken Kelly Effective for all species. Run more lines out the back of the boat by staggering
Rear Pin and E-Z Store for easy
tow-arm removal. Part# 30630
of Mag-Na-Port to develop a very the Stern Planers. Run any distance from the boat yet maintain desired depth. Standard TX-44 Part# 30610 (14” x 4 1/4” x 7/8”)
Size #2 - 1.4 oz
effective muzzle brake for taming
Stainless Steel Rear Pin
the recoil. Altogether, this entailed EZ Store! For Your Planer Board Allows for easy Tournament Series
planer storage! Change #40303 unpainted #40304 orange
a very effective package for deer -22 SCop
RIGHT
ecia
l
tow-arm & clips in a snap!
TXChurch Tackle odus, MI
.S Upgrade Kit
Size #3 - 2.7 oz
hurchtackle.com
www.c
dy’s Hunting Center was the only & TX-22 side planers. Slide the tow-arm off for storage or change Includes a Lock-Jaw Clip
business exclusively selling this new to another tow-arm & clip then slide back on when you’re ready to E-Z Store & Stainless
rifle and to enhance matters, Randy fish again. Part# 40519 sold 2 per package 1 left & 1 right Rear Pin Assembly. (Part# 30640) #40305 unpainted #40306 chartreuse
did a show with Michigan Out of Please checkcheck
Please with your
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WNW NEWS MAY 2018 63
Spring fly rod fun!
I
t was my good fortune hook, that lure will be too big for the
to live on a small private little bluegills but you really don’t
lake for 25 years so I had want to catch them anyhow. It will
every opportunity to see take the larger bluegills and it will
the lake come to life each be just right for bass of any size.
spring. The ice usually It is a good idea to release all of the
goes out around April 10. It will be fish you catch in May. They haven’t
late again this year, not going out spawned yet and it would violate a
until about the 15th. t then takes primary principle of conservation
about a full month for the fish to to kill any females before they have
move into the shallows to feed. The had a chance to spawn. If you really
water in the shallows and especially want to keep some fish for a meal,
on the shallow flats at one end of the you could keep some of the mid-
lake warms first. sized bluegills or perhaps some of
The plankton must start growing the crappie, which spawn early.
there first, when the water warms. The best fly rod for this fishing
This attracts minnows and all sorts is apt to be the same rod you would
of small fish and they are followed choose for stream trout fishing – a
by the predator fish. Early in May, number five or six rod will do just
one will begin to spot small fine when mated to a five or
bluegills and then small six weight torpedo-taper or
bass, followed closely by weight-forward floating line. Even small bass can put up a nice fight on a light fly rod.
larger fish of both species. While a heavier rod would depth break and dash in to take a ten will strike the popper and that
By the middle of May, the permit you to toss a larger small fish or a minnow or your lure. one may rush in from ten feet away
shallows are really alive popper, a heavier rod is apt When the bluegills are getting ready and smack the lure. Bluegills are
with fish of all sorts and to wear you out before you to spawn, they will often stage just more certain. After you land your
sizes and one can stand on have had enough fishing. It outside of the shallows, in perhaps popper on the water, you may see
the dock and spot nice bass also pays to remember that three or four feet of water. If the them coming or you may just see
most of the fish the wakes. If there are several fish
By George Rowe
cruising round. nights are cold, look for the bluegills
While some of you are going to to be in that depth until the water coming in, your chances are much
the fish enter the catch are small warms up in the afternoon. improved. These fish get competi-
shallows to spawn, the great major- and you can magnify the fun by The big bluegills are at least as tive and they may have a race to get
ity of them appear to be interested fighting those small fish on a light much fun as the bass to catch. They to the lure. Single bluegills may
mainly in feeding. They are present rod. will absolutely blast that popper, move in slowly, especially the larger
in great numbers before you see any The best technique for this sometimes coming right out of the fish, and sort of stalk the lure before
bass or bluegills on their spawning fishing is to wade the shallows, water to do so, and then they fight pouncing on it but they will gener-
beds. if the bottom permits, or drift along the rod, getting sideways and mov- ally hit it and hit it hard.
There are several ways to catch in a small boat, just tossing the ing around the boat in big circles. A There are some other fish in
these fish, including throwing small popper up to the water that is hand-sized bluegill will out-pull a the spring shallows and you can
lures on a spinning rig. A little spin- from two to three feet deep. Any bass that is twice as big and you re- catch them all. The crappies spawn
ner/fly combination can be deadly. sort of cover is apt to harbor fish ally have to give them a lot of credit before the bluegills or bass and they
Usually, however, fly rod lures are and that would include docks, for their spunk. While most of the spawn in deeper water. They will
the most effective. For pure bluegill swim rafts, logs, rocks, weeds or bass will be small (I call them year- remain in that five or six feet of
fishing, it is hard to beat a small reeds. At this time of the spring, lings, even though most of them are water until late May, however, and
rubber spider with those rubber legs you can catch a bass in 18 inches older than that) and average from you can catch them by just fishing
that move and entice fish even when of water if there are just a few 12 to 14 inches, there will be some over water a little deeper. While that
the lure is at rest. For the largest reeds to shelter the fish. larger fish in the shallows as well, under-shot jaw of the crappie isn’t
bluegills and bass of any size, move Deeper water can be a substitute including a few of the big egg-laden well suited for surface feeding, they
up to a small cork-bodied bass pop- for cover so watch the area where females. When you catch a six- make up for it in enthusiasm and
per or a deer hair bass bug. If you the water gets deeper, where the pound largemouth on a five-weight really bomb that popper. Rock bass
cast a popper tied on a number six color changes. Bass will lurk in the rod, you will have your hands full are also common in the lake shal-
for a few minutes, with a mighty lows and they live up to their name
bend in the rod and you may have to by making their spawning beds
give that fish some line and get it on beside big rocks or under logs. They
the reel. get larger than bluegills and some
One of the special joys of this of them will rival the small bass in
spring angling is the opportunity to size. They hit the popper hard and
do some sight fishing. With the sun fight well.
high in the sky and a sandy bottom,
• Drive-in housekeeping camp for Walleye, Pike & Smallmouth it can be fairly easy to see the fish in
This is a great opportunity to
get a youngster started on fly fish-
• ATV-in island outpost on Wenebegon Lake for Walleye & Pike the shallows. On occasion, you can ing. The lake environment is a lot
spot a bass cruising, put the pop- more forgiving than a trout stream
• Train-in outpost on Goldie Lake for Pike & Smallmouth per on the water in front of the fish and the fishing can be much more
and see what happens. You may be rewarding, since it is difficult for a
• Black Bear hunts, excellent success rates, all baiting, retrieval surprised to find out that most of the beginner to achieve much success
skinning and quartering included. Tree stands or ground blinds. fish will refuse the offering. Most of in a trout stream. The lake fishing
them will approach the lure and stop doesn’t demand much in the way
705-864-0201 Chapleau, Ontario / 352-503-9577 Nov. 1 - April 30 short. They may move closer if you
give the popper a little twitch but
of accuracy or distance casting and
it is a great chance to develop both
Web: www.fivemilelake.com • Email: fivemilelake@xplornet.com most of them will quickly lose inter- before moving on to more demand-
est and move away. Perhaps one in ing fishing.n
64 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
We’re growing WHAAAAAT?
Dear Fish Diary: The best topic of discussion while fishing...
W
hile bobbling for you. cooking it. So does lab meat never think, if this lab-grown meat
around in I know this is a way to reduce rot? At what point do you refriger- trend continues, we’ll soon be
a boat with greenhouse gasses by over 90%. ate lab-grown meat? OMG, it’s able to once again eat endangered
friends it’s all I know this is a way to feed our not really meat. Just call it what is, species. Bald Eagle burgers
about who can growing population that researchers Petri-meat. anyone?
come up with say at our current rate of farming, What will this do to the fast How did this topic go over on
the best topic of discussion. That’s won’t feed our population food industry? Many your last fishing outing? Let me
the problem fishing with me, my in 2050. I know this will franchises will have to know, I’m waiting. Meanwhile, I
mind is bouncing more than my jig. stop slaughterhouses and change their names – hope they learn to grow teeth and
There is no drag set on my creative the issues people have Almost Burger King, hair before I lose all mine.
brain. I’m constantly reeling. I’m Not quite Chick-Fil-A,
not catching anything so what the
with them. But what is
this going to do to shovel Kentucky Fried Petri
Strangest thing
heck, let’s talk. sales? Where will we get Chicken. I think Wen- you’ve ever caught?
On today’s outing we are going our fertilizer from? How dy’s was ahead of their Funny fish stories wanted!
to rant about scientists who project do we know that the meat time when they launched Send a short description of your
that lab grown meat will be avail- won’t keep growing inside the “where’s the beef” “best or worst” fishing day, or worst
able for “your” consumption within of us once ingested? campaign, because it fishing-related adventure, or strang-
the year. That you all, not me, could appears, we’re est thing you’ve caught to me. You
By Ron St. Germain
What is
be eating lab-grown meat within this going to all going to be don’t have to write the entire story,
the next five years. Yes, lab-grown do to the hot- wondering the just a brief outline of what hap-
meat. Yes, I said “grown.” Right… dog market if they are only growing same thing soon enough. pened. If it has some humor to it
not grown on a cow, pig or chicken prime cuts of meat? What will hap- The first lab-grown, 5-ounce I’ll be getting in touch with you and
– grown in a petri dish. Money pen to Farmer’s Only dot com? hamburger was eaten in 2013. The we’ll work on the completed story
doesn’t grow on trees but evidently This is a scary thought…we’ve cost for that 5-ounce hamburger together. Contact - Woods-N-Water
meat does. What kind of tree does figured out how to grow meat before was $325,000. Today, that same News columnist Ron St. Germain by
meat grow on you ask? A petri… we’ve figured out how to stop Asian hamburger would cost $11 and will calling (517) 626-2814, e-mailing
Yes, they are growing meat, is it carp or any other invasive species soon drop to under $10. Scared yet? DaPhotoDude@aol.com. Visit the
not sinking in? I know, I’m trying for that matter. It creates more ques- Virtual walleye, salmon, perch and author’s Facebook page www.Face-
to wrap my head around it too. It’s tions than answers for me. How do trout are soon to follow. And just book.com/BearwaveBooks.n
as perplexing to me as untangling you know when your meat is ripe?
Black Sheep
my kids’ fishing lines and trying to What happens if you grow your
figure out how they made an unfath- meat too long? If you’re growing
omable mess of it in such a short bacon do you grow it already sliced
amount of time.
This whole scientific experi-
ment began with, guess who? Right,
and is it thin sliced or thick sliced?
How long before meat Chia-pets are
available? Meat head, Pig headed,
Outdoor Services
PETA. In 2014 the animal rights Miss-steak, I’m sure will all be big Specializing in Wildlife Land Plots
group offered up a $1 million re- sellers. Over 25 years Experience
ward to the first scientist who could Creators are still stumped over
produce and bring to market vitro what to call the lab grown meat. • Insured/Serving
chicken meat. I grow tomatoes,
green peppers, green beans, gar-
Clean meat, Super meat, Vitro-meat,
are the leaders thus far. However,
Northern Michigan
lic and hot peppers. I just thought the legislatures are arguing over • Selling High Quality Hay
you should know that I often times whether it can even be called meat
struggle with keeping healthy plants. at all. I mean, it’s meat, but it’s not • Offering Custom Food
Meanwhile, back in the lab, people meat by what is defined in the books
are growing meat. Well thanks as being meat. Lab meat is grown Plots/Pasture Replanting
PETA, once we have lab-grown in heated rooms, last I knew, heat
meat available, we’ll have no need makes your meat rot unless you’re • Brushcutting, Tractor/Track
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TROPHY PAGE
TROPHY
on Rollway caught
Lake in ice
PHOTOS
Roscommon fishing
Co. using a with his
tip-up. Her grandpa! wnw@pageone-inc.com
first walleye!
Brothers, John
Greenlee, 12,
and Joey, 14,
first buck each,
taken during
September
youth hunt
near Capac in
St. Clair County. Donn Fresard had great
Carissa Yerxa of Allegan was success fishing Lake
taught how to fish by her grand- Michigan last summer out
ma! She caught on quickly! of Manistee.
66 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
World Class
Whitetails
A 5,000 square foot lodge located in
the heart of Michigan’s Northern Lower
Peninsula. We are proud to offer some of
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herd consists of several bucks that gross
over the 200” mark, with a few that net
over 200” typical!
For hunters we offer hunt-of-a-lifetime
opportunities.
I
t has always intrigued me the early morning farming schedule
how the Upper Peninsula he was accustomed to back home, but
has such a draw in the es- also the eeriness of a nearby owl hoot-
tablishment of deer camp ing in the chilly northern air. Without
traditions. For decades avid any electrical hookups, the pop-up
hunters have been willing was powered by a kerosene space
to drive countless hours to hunt vast heater, which, judging by the periodic
spaces of unknown public land that vapor clouds being emitted by the
could be as easily accessible within two remaining sleepers in the glow of
likely just an hour or two of their Bill’s flashlight, had run-out of fuel
homes. When you add the notion of sometime during the midnight hours.
the declining U.P. deer herd to the The creakiness in the floor and the
equation, it’s even more astonishing screech of the camper door awakened
to me the thousands of hunters that both Greg and Bruce as Bill headed
annually make the U.P. their fall hunt- outside to find the coffee pot, stashed A U.P. deer camp for broth-
ing destination. somewhere in an exterior compart- ers Greg and Bruce and
What is it about deer camp that ment. But the cool air inside the their father, Bill, saw their
hunters are willing to drive hundreds camper was reason enough to stay best success last year!
of miles packed together tighter than wrapped up tightly in their sleeping
cordwood in a single cab pickup? bags for a few minutes longer. Shortly
Surely it can’t be for the brag- after, the rich smell of Maxwell House swamp muck. This was all that was clear cut a few years prior, Greg
ging rights that are associated with permeated the camper, and the assur- needed for the buck to lift his head began to settle in for a long afternoon
harvesting that elusive monster buck. ance of something that provided ad- and show off his wide rack. Poised hunt. Assuming he was still hearing
After all, wouldn’t we all be headed ditional warmth was worth climbing and ready for the shot, Greg immedi- Bruce walk down the ridge line, he
south for increasing our odds at tak- out of their temporary cocoons. ately squeezed off a round, sending paid little attention to the crunching
ing a giant whitetail? Could it be the After putting away the first few the buck off in a short 30 yard sprint. of leaves coming from the edge of
notion that in order to fully segregate cups of coffee and layering their Having heard the shot come from a poplar stand that was growing on
oneself from work and other stress hunting clothes Greg, Bruce and Wil- the swamp bottoms, and not having the outskirts of the clear cut. Not two
related activities, you must travel to liam grabbed their rifles and headed seen anything during his first morning minutes later, he peered around the
a location completely off the grid? for the same spots they had all each sit, Bruce quickly sprung up at the op- stump to see a seven point walking
Is it merely the breathtaking scenery previously hunted the past years. This portunity to see what kind of success out of the densely stemmed regrowth
of October and November? Perhaps particular opening day of Michigan’s the shot may have brought. When he of the clear cut. He quickly raised his
deer camp isn’t about the deer that firearm season came adorned with a reached the bottom of the ridge, he rifle to his shoulder and dropped it in
are harvested, but rather allows us to beautiful sunrise. The warmth radiat- was greeted by his brother who was its tracks. At the end of the evening,
fulfill an untapped desire that exists ing from the sun as it began to crest sporting a grin from ear to ear and a when Bruce had come up from the
deep within us. the treeline slowly aroused the woods large 10 point at his feet. After many Cedar Swamp to meet his brother,
I’m sure there doesn’t exist a out of its evening coma. With the sun backslaps, handshakes, and recalling Bruce admitted that he hadn’t even
singular answer to the question at rays glistening off the frosty branches, the story again and again, the two sat down yet in his new spot when he
hand, the simple fact remains; the the early morning sights were more brothers, each with one side of the heard the shot.
roots associated with our deer camps than enough to forget the (long, stiff, rack in hand, began the long haul out Later on that week, Bruce was
run much deeper than the targeted sore, miserable) drive from the day of the cedar swamp, up the ridge, and able to connect on another buck out
big game we pursue, and for broth- before. back to camp to relive the moment of his original stand location on the
ers Greg and Bruce and their father, Greg sat underneath a fallen pine with their Dad. ridgeline, marking this trip as the
Bill, there really has been no question tree along the edge of a dense cedar Once back at camp, the excited most successful hunting trip ever for
where they will find themselves in the swamp. With the past two years deer deer campers field dressed and hung this group of deer campers. Since then
fall. sightings totaling less than what could their trophy from a tree limb on their the trio expanded their deer camp to
The deer camp tradition for this be counted on his two hands, Greg be- campsite. After a quick bite to eat in include their children and grandchil-
trio began in the mid-90s. Every gan to succumb to the early morning the early afternoon hours, the deer dren. Greg and his daughter Rachel
November 14, they would hook up warmth provided by the sun that was campers made it back out to their would often spend their hunting hours
the old pop-up camper in the early landing squarely on his chest. He soon stand locations for the evening’s hunt. hiking through the seemingly unin-
frosty morning hours, pile into the dozed off repeatedly in and out of With very little deer movement to habited deer woods along the northern
single cab Ford, where the smell of consciousness. A few hours later, the discuss at the end of the evening’s sit, terrain simply enjoying the unending
freshly poured black coffee was as snap of a branch was heard not far in the trio fired up the portable grill and landscape and creating irreplaceable
thick as the frost on the outside of the front of him. Readying his rifle, Greg settled in for an evening filled with memories that will be treasured for a
truck windows. Four hours north to waited patiently for whatever was the hamburgers and Diet Mountain lifetime.
the bridge with the old camper sway- walking toward him in the swamp. Dew. After dinner, the dishes were So why keep going back to the
ing back and forth behind the entire At just 20 yards ahead, he was able pushed off to the side, and the deer U.P. when the deer population has
way. They would stop only once for to make out a doe through the cedar campers would play the classic card been continually on the decline? For
breakfast at a truck stop just north of limbs. When the doe had stepped game ROOK by the soft glow of these deer campers, it wasn’t the pros-
the bridge for a refill on coffee and the into the clearing at just 15 yards the LP gas lamps until late into the pect of shooting a large buck, nor was
most delicious cinnamon rolls large away, it was apparent that another evening. it really for the opportunity to shoot a
enough to feed three grown men. The deer was headed along the same trail. The next day, hoping to curb the deer (although it is always a welcome
trip was not yet even halfway done, Looking back over her shoulder, she odds towards Bruce’s favor, Greg of- surprise). Rather, the U.P. provides a
another 280 miles to go before reach- quickly dropped her head and moved fered up his spot and in return, would quiet seclusion filled with some of the
ing deer camp. down the mucky trail, each step the hunt the same ridge line Bruce had sat most breathtaking landscapes in the
Five hours later, the sorely stiff squishing under her hooves growing the day before. With a mutual consen- state. This is the perfect place to relish
and worn out travelers would arrive fainter. Through the cedar boughs, sus met, the two brothers headed out the end of another grueling grow-
at their campsite in Bergland, leav- Greg could make out the glistening for a late morning hunt. Having first ing season on the farm. Traveling to
ing them just enough time before of what appeared to be a fairly wide arrived at Bruce’s old location on the the U.P. is like entering a completely
darkness set in to expand the pop-up rack. The buck soon sauntered to a ridge top, Greg promptly sat down different world; it provides a truly
camper and set out the hunting equip- halt, his head down, keeping his rack and watched Bruce disappear below remarkable opportunity to see and
ment for the next day’s hunt. hidden from sight. The doe once again him as he ventured into the cedar explore a new part of Creation that
Around 5 a.m. Bill was usually stepped on a branch off in the dis- swamp. Situating himself up against has often not yet been touched by
the first to stir, awakening partially to tance, causing a muffled snap in the a stump that had been left from a man.n
68 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
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WO O D S - N - WAT E R N E W S R E S E RV E S T H E R I G H T T O R E F U S E A N Y O R D E R I F I T I S C O N S I D E R E D T O B E I N P O O R TA S T E O R U N E T H I C A L .
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 69
Hot Topics in the Outdoors - My Thoughts, My Views...
L
rado researchers, led by Samantha
MaWhinney, the highest reported egislation introduced by state pate in mentored youth hunting pro- license, which includes a base small
occurrence of CWD is in a region Rep. Gary Howell after hear- grams to come under the same limits game license, one deer tag, spring
spanning parts of Colorado, Wyo- ing from a Lapeer County boy applicable to other hunters. and fall wild turkey licenses, fur
ming, and Nebraska. who wanted more opportuni- “I’m very proud of Hayden for harvester’s license and an all-species
The Colorado researchers ties to hunt was recently signed into taking an active role in the legisla- fishing license.
note the following: “Humans and law by Gov. Rick Snyder. tive process,” said Howell, of North House Bill 4957, now Public Act
animals can acquire TSEs by con- Howell said Lapeer County Branch. “He and his father did a 4 of 2018, allows participants to ap-
suming prion-contaminated food. resident Nick Vanecek and his son splendid job communicating their ply for and purchase additional tags
Outbreaks of prion disease include Hayden, who was 7 at the time, concerns, first to me and then again for antlerless deer, as well as licenses
an epidemic of kuru among the approached him with concerns that while testifying in support of the bill for other species.
cannibalistic Fore tribe of the New Michigan’s mentored youth hunt- before the House and Senate Natural “One of my goals as chair of the
Guinea highlands and an epizootic ing license was too limited. Hayden, Resources committees. As a result, House Natural Resources Committee
of BSE in the United Kingdom, a student at North Branch Area their proposed reforms gained over- is to find more ways to address the
caused by feeding cattle protein Schools, had shot a buck early in whelming support from legislators dwindling number of young sports
supplements derived from prion- the season and wanted to continue and the governor.” enthusiasts engaged in hunting and
infected cattle offal.” hunting, but the youth hunting rules The mentored youth hunt, es- fishing activities in Michigan,” How-
Although “food-based transmis- prevented him from obtaining a doe tablished in 2011, allows children ell said. “I’m hopeful this reform will
sion” of these diseases can occur, a tag. younger than 10 to hunt alongside help more kids gain an enthusiasm
phenomenon known as the “species In response to their concerns, an experienced parent or guardian for hunting and an appreciation for
barrier” decreases transmission effi- Howell introduced House Bill 4957 during certain seasons. Previously, the beautiful natural resources our
ciency. Studies have shown that this to allow young people who partici- children could obtain a youth hunting state has to offer.”n
natural barrier reduces human sus-
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 71
Hot Topics In The Outdoors...
Saginaw Bay News: from page 70 tions, but such a bill must protect
the resources and address safety on
on the internet. There will likely
be hearings on this bill this spring
expanding their habitat and bolster- suing in federal court to block lethal the water above all else. The current and every sport fisherman that is
ing their reproduction. Targeting and other means of control for these commercial fishing regulations were concerned with this issue should at
pike this winter through the ice was super abundant birds. Besides legal originally drafted in 1929 and no least contact their state representa-
phenomenal with limit catches of challenges, there is also the issue changes to fees and penalties have tive and senator and also consider
chunky pike being the norm. Some of funding for control. Neither the been made since then. Right now, testifying at the hearings too. Com-
of those brutes were some of the Feds nor the state of Michigan seem the antiquated commercial fishing mercial fishing interests are sure to
biggest northern I’ve ever seen too. too interested in battling too hard to regulations are largely ineffective vigorously fight this bill, so without
Many of those pike we caught had regain some semblance of wildlife due to penalties for infractions your support, they may succeed in
perch in their stomachs too, so that management on this invasive spe- equating to just a gentle slap on the stopping it or changing it to their
is just one more top tier predator cies. Cormorants have only called wrist. Most people that have fished advantage. Stay tuned to social
that perch have to deal with now in Michigan home for a relatively short on Saginaw Bay have encountered media for the latest news on this fast
increasing numbers. period of time and have degraded under marked nets (illegal) which moving bill. I will be updating my
sport fish populations wherever they are a significant safety hazard in- Trophy Specialists Fishing Charters
Cormorants live. It just seems like Michigan’s deed, especially since the location of Facebook page with updates on this
The number of cormorants U.S. Senators don’t care much about these nets changes frequently with issue.
increased last year on Saginaw the damage cormorants cause to our no notification given. The small fees The author offers fishing charters
Bay due to the fact that no popula- fisheries, so politically, things are at commercial fishermen pay for their specializing in Saginaw Bay wall-
tion control measures were taken. a standstill. licensing also results in their indus- eyes. Contact Mike Veine at www.
try receiving huge subsidies from trophyspecialists.com or 734-475-
Commercial
Cormorants eat a lot of perch and
when they are not eating perch they sport fishing license dollars too. 9146.n
are usually eating other small fish Last year, sport fishermen got a Another commercial fishing bill
that would otherwise feed walleyes
and other sportfish putting more
real scare when the DNR and com-
mercial fishermen crafted a new,
is in the works that will greatly
improve the situation. This bill was
My Thoughts,
stress on some of those already low draft commercial fishing bill behind the result of a collaboration of sport My Views, My Opinions
forage fish populations. Cormorants closed doors without much if any fishing groups including MUCC, Share your thoughts, views, opinions
are also well known for eating larger input from sport fishing interests. Michigan Charter Boat Association,
fish too. A couple times last year I When news of this effort leaked out, Hammond Bay Area Anglers Asso- or short stories with Woods-N-Water
drove through huge flocks of cor- the sport fishing community was ciation, Saginaw Bay Walleye Club, News readers by emailing
morants feeding on the water. When outraged to say the least, mainly MI Steelhead and Salmon Anglers wnw@pageone-inc.com or mail to
they took off, a lot of them barfed because it contained language al- Association, Trout Unlimited and Woods-N-Water News,
up fish and upon closer inspec- lowing commercial fishermen to others. This 77 page bill puts the PO Box 278, Imlay City, MI 48444
tion we were surprised to see large keep walleyes, which under current resource first with no walleyes being Questions regarding Woods-N-Water
walleyes floating around as a result law is illegal. There were many allowed in the commercial fishing
of the puke fest. I’m talking about other shortcomings of that bill too, catch. It also increases fees and News subscriptions, newsstand
walleyes over 20” long, so cormo- but thanks to pressure from fisher- penalties more appropriate, modern sales, Outdoor Weekend, stories,
rants can and will eat walleyes of men across the state, that bill died a day levels with sharply increasing trophy page, contact our office
just about any size and lots of them. quick death before it was ever even penalties for repeat violations. The Mon.-Fri. 9 am-5 pm 810-724-0254,
There have been some road- introduced. bill also requires commercial fisher- www.woods-n-waternews.com or
blocks to managing the predatory Most anglers are not against men to provide net location GPS facebook woodsnwaternews
birds from animal rights activists new commercial fishing regula- coordinates, which will be posted
A
drop of water in the Great Lakes development. as well as development of coastal access sites, such
system passes an incredibly diverse “The program is a voluntary partnership be- as the installation of accessible kayak launches and
coastline on its journey eastward to the tween the federal government and U.S. coastal and navigation signs,” Hillier said.
Atlantic Ocean. Starting at the north- Great Lakes states and territories authorized by the Public access connects people to coastal
ern red rock shores of the Keweenaw Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to address resources in meaningful ways – to learn and play.
Peninsula, this water droplet – per- national coastal issues. The program is administered Keeping those resources healthy for people and
haps fallen from the sky to earth during a spring by NOAA.” wildlife is the mission of Madeleine Gorman, the
rainstorm – could be moved by currents south and In Michigan, the coastal management program program’s coastal water quality specialist. She
east toward the stunning painted cliffs of Lake is administered through the Office of the Great tackles coastal issues by engaging residents in water
Superior’s Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Or Lakes, which, since December, is housed within the stewardship through partner programs like Adopt-a-
it might begin its journey near Chicago, passing the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Previ- Beach and Michigan Clean Marina.
towering Sleeping Bear sand dunes that crown Lake ously, the office was part of the Michigan Depart- “We also work with communities to implement
Michigan, moving north and then east through the ment of Environmental Quality. green infrastructure techniques, like rain gardens
Straits of Mackinac. The coastal management program has helped and porous pavement that soak up storm water,
The lake flow would then likely bring the drop- elevate the importance of Michigan’s “freshwater mimicking nature’s processes,” Gorman said. “This
let around the more than 10,000 islands that stud the coast” on a national level and drive the last four work helps communities reduce runoff pollution
map of Lake Huron, before spilling into the fertile decades of work to protect, enhance and restore and become resilient to the effects of flooding and
wetlands along Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. Along the state’s 3,288 miles of Great Lakes coastline. changing water levels.”
its long journey, this drop of water could travel The Office of the Great Lakes is calling attention It’s no secret that waterfronts can be an incred-
under a fishing dock in a tiny “up-north” village or to Michigan’s incredible Great Lakes coastal re- ible community asset. Leveraging that asset sus-
be tossed and tumbled by a kayak paddle along the sources and the work of our state’s Coastal Man- tainably supports a healthy environment and local
busy waterfront of the Detroit River. agement Program by naming 2018 the “Year of the economy. The coastal program supports community
Whatever the course, the journey of water Coast.”According to NOAA, “coastal management” growth through smart planning.
through the massive Great Lakes system is a tre- refers to the actions taken to keep the environmen- Program community development coordina-
mendous trip. tal, community and economic aspects of coastal life tor Matt Smar helps support sustainable waterfront
Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas are in balance. towns that are good places to live and visit. This
surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes – Supe- Michigan’s Coastal Management Program cel- takes a thorough understanding of the Great Lakes
rior, Michigan, Huron and Erie. These freshwater ebrates its 40-year anniversary this year, along with assets that make coastal communities special. The
lakes are so vast they’re nicknamed “the Sweetwa- saltwater coast states including California, Hawaii, beauty of the Great Lakes and the title ‘lakes’ can
ter Seas,” and they form the world’s longest fresh- and Maine, and fellow freshwater state, Wisconsin. lead people to underestimate them. The Great Lakes
water coastline. Combined, these four lakes cover Michigan’s program team members each focus on system is dynamic and needs to be respected.
nearly 90,000 square miles in water area. a specialty area of coastal stewardship, including “Storms, erosion, rip currents, and even
From early logging and fishing industries to habitat, public access, water quality, community meteotsunamis can occur on the Great Lakes,”
today’s hottest tourist destinations and emerging development and hazard management. said Matt Warner, the program’s coastal hazards
technology sector, Michigan’s Great Lakes coastline “Michigan’s coastal program protects our coordinator.
represents an economic engine for the state, carry- coast’s unique places, including freshwater wet- Warner educates communities on coastal man-
ing forward an incredible legacy reflecting a special lands, dunes and beaches, home to rare and endan- agement techniques that can reduce risks from those
Michigan way of life. gered species found nowhere else in the world,” hazards, saving lives, homes and infrastructure.
However, at some points in the not-too-distant said Karen Boase, the program’s coastal habitat “Innovative ways to think about protecting
past, waterfront industrial and development activi- coordinator. “Michigan’s state wildflower, the coastal residents and assets emphasize techniques
ties often had negative consequences, with coasts dwarf lake iris, is only found in the Great Lakes that work with coastal processes instead of trying to
and waterways damaged by habitat loss and pollu- region, but faces threats due to habitat degradation battle a lake’s forces,” Warner said. “For example,
tion. Beginning in the late 1960s and 1970s, grow- and shoreline development. Piping plovers, lake natural shorelines with hardy native vegetation can
ing calls to value water not just as a resource to be sturgeon and mudpuppies are other coastal species be more effective than an armored seawall. They
used and consumed – but as something we need to in need of habitat protection.” also provide scenic and environmental benefits for
care for – prompted the establishment of modern Public access to the Great Lakes is critical to the the shoreline property owner.”
environmental protection laws and an increasing Michigan way of life. Weston Hillier, the program’s Since its establishment, the Michigan Coastal
stewardship ethic. Today, more people recognize public access coordinator, helps communities estab- Management Program has made strategic invest-
Michigan’s coast for the asset it is and see value in lish trail systems, add beach access, protect historic ments of millions of dollars in coastal communities
working to protect it, so generations to come will be resources like lighthouses and shipwrecks, and and provided the technical assistance to get the
able to enjoy it too. elevate coastal tourism efforts. work done. In this 40th year, the program plans to
That’s where coastal management comes in. “These projects enhance our ability to recreate focus on community resiliency, coastal dunes and
Driving this coastal stewardship work is the Michi- outdoors and enjoy our coastal resources,” Hillier education. The team will promote water steward-
gan Coastal Management Program, which was said. “The goal is to partner with, and invest in, ship, continue work to establish and enhance Michi-
established in 1978 through the National Oceanic coastal communities to create and enhance coastal gan’s water trails, and work in boating communi-
and Atmospheric Administration. public access, so everyday activities such as swim- ties to keep marinas clean. This work continues a
“Our nation’s coastal zone is vital to the well- ming, kayaking, hunting and looking for Petoskey decades-long legacy of service to our state’s coastal
being of our country. It is home to roughly half stones are more accessible and enjoyable.” communities and natural resources.
of the nation’s population and supports ecologi- Recent projects include boardwalks and stair- Learn more about the Great Lakes Coastal Man-
cally important habitats and natural resources,” the ways for people to safely access beaches and agement Program at www.michigan.gov/coastalma-
NOAA website states. “The National Coastal Zone wetlands, restoration of a historic fishing tug in nagement. Follow the journey throughout “The Year
Management Program works with coastal states and partnership with a maritime museum, and continued of the Coast” online with #YearoftheCoast2018
territories to address some of today’s most press- work on water trails to establish Michigan as “The for coastal facts, information, and projects. Sub-
ing coastal issues, including climate change, ocean Trails State,” in the water as well as on the land. scribe to the e-mail list and follow on Twitter at @
planning, and planning for energy facilities and “Developing water trails includes planning projects, MichiganOGL.n
74 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
MICHIGAN'S
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WNW NEWS MAY 2018 75
Sporting Collectibles...
It’s still
out there!
T
his past March, Doug trowel and a garden fork. The highly
Wilkinson from polished garden tools were an im-
Brohman, Michigan mediate success. The term “Feath-
brought a forged erlite” was copyrighted for the
aluminum reel and tools, and production started in late
rod handle combina- 1945 even though aluminum was
tion into the Grand Rapids Ultimate still in short supply. The Markel’s
Sports Show. Doug had inherited it converted a barn on their Roches-
from his grandfather. It was pack- ter farm and started producing the
aged in a printed box that read: garden tools. Soon their annual sales
“Featherlite Cross-Line topped $250,000 as well Above: The Markle
Casting Unit with the Wig- as employing one hundred Featherlite Cross-Line
Wag Winder” and manufac- workers. Their garden tools Casting Unit came pack-
tured by the Markle Feath- not only sold extremely aged in a printed card-
erlite Products Corporation, well but were later dis- board box. Right: A close-
1950 E. Milwaukee Ave., played as works of art by up from front to back
Detroit, Michigan. the New York Museum of showing the collet nut, the
I had heard of Markle Modern Art! “Wig-Wag Winder”, the on-
Featherlite Products before Sometime in the late off clicker, the free spool
gear release button, and
By Terry McBurney
because I own 1940s, Harry
one of their Markle turned the hinged handle. Lower
Featherlite his interest to Right: The hinged handle
Rite-Angler Spinning Reels from fishing reels when the company would swing open revealing
the late 1940s, but I had never seen started manufacturing and selling the reel’s par ts for easy
the unique Cross-Line reel and rod the Markle Featherlite Rite-Angler disassembly and cleaning.
handle combination. It immediately Spinning Reel. The Rite-Angler Doug Wilkinson collection
reminded me of the Hurd Super was not a standard spinning reel but
Caster rod and reel combo from what is known as a “sidecaster.” It the line. The Scottish Malloch reels cast right handed and reeled with
Imlay City sold between 1946 and was a U.S. variation of the Scottish were made until the mid-1940s. their left. The simple instructions
1950 because of its similar bait- Malloch reel first patented by Peter The Markle Rite-Angler Spin- stated that the reel could be returned
casting styling and functions. But Malloch in 1884. ning Reel functioned the same as to the factory if a right-hand crank
after handling it, I could see that its The Malloch reel “incorporated the as the Malloch reel. The Markle was desired for left-handed fishing.
design was totally different. a large spool, one-piece foot, large instructions stated: “Now for the (The Markle Rite-Angler Spinning
Markle Featherlite Products line-guide with a round back plate cast - turn the reel at a right angle to Reel pictured in this article must
was a Michigan corporation started with a handle knob attached to the rod and with the left hand place have been returned to the factory
in late 1945 by Harry J. Markle, a it.” The angler would make a cast the line under the right thumb. Make since it has a right-hand crank).
Detroit-area lawyer, and his wife, with the spool facing forward with your cast, releasing the line in the Only a few local fishing tackle
Dorothy, who lived in Rochester, the braided line shooting through normal manner. Touch the bigger ads from 1950 have been found
Michigan. Sometime towards the the reel’s large line guide and then guide and the reel snaps back to the advertising the rare Markle Feather-
end of WWII, the two of them de- through the fishing rod’s line guides. retrieving position. GOOD FISH- lite Rite-Angler Spinning Reel. I did
signed a trio of polished cast alumi- The angler would then turn the reel ING.” The reel came assembled find a press release in a 1949 issue
num alloy garden tools consisting of foot 90 degrees so the reel would be from the factory with a left-hand of The American Legion Magazine
a standard trowel, a narrow-bladed parallel to the rod and then wind in crank for right-handed anglers who promoting the Rite-Angler. It read:
Left: The Markle Rite-Angler Spinning Reel shown in its forward casting position. Right: After casting, the angler would touch the line guide/trigger and
the reel would spring back 90 degrees to the retrieving position. Author photos
76 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
“LOW COST SPINNING REEL.
With most spinning reels selling
for $20 or more, a new and simpli-
fied model is now being offered
for $7.95. Called the Rite-Angler
Spinning Reel, it is manufactured by
Markle Featherlite Products Corp.,
1950 E. Milwaukee Ave., Detroit 11.
Weighing only six ounces, it is made The Automatic Minnow Pail measured 26-inches tall by 8-inches in diam-
of aluminum and stainless steel…” eter, and was made in Mason City, Iowa. Above photo shows the screened
The distinctive Cross-Line Cast- window, torpedo-shaped float chamber and flat bottom float chamber.
ing Unit was also made from forged Jerry Wilson collection
aluminum and stainless steel in an
attractive black painted pebble grain minnow buckets before, starting floating upright in the water as it
finish with composition cork glued with the Shinners-Russell Hartford was towed behind a boat.
into the handle. The reel was an tow behind patented in 1905 and I have found just one ad for Par-
integral part of the rod handle and the Cream City Novelty Minnow rott’s “Automatic Minnow Pail” in
came packed in a cardboard box. Float introduced sometime in 1906 a 1935 issue of National Sportsman
After buying the Cross-Line, the or 1907 (see “The Hartford and magazine. The ad emphasized that
angler would mount either a steel Novelty Minnow Floats” from the the bucket would aerate the min-
or solid fiberglass rod to the unit by November 2014 issue of Woods- nows and keep them alive and that
unscrewing the front collet nut, in- n-Water News). The Hartford and it could be used for both still fishing
serting the base of the rod and then the Novelty tow behinds were both or for trolling. I am guessing that
retightening the nut. torpedo-shaped on each end, which Parrott’s invention was only made Featherlite Cross-Line Casting Unit
Instead of a standard level wind included air chambers. Jerry’s for a short while. Regardless, it was into the Grand Rapids Ultimate
for evenly winding in the line, it had example of the “Automatic Minnow an important step forward in min- Sports Show for me to see and pho-
what the manufacturer described Pail,” however, was torpedo-shaped now bucket design. tograph. This previously unknown
as a “Wig-Wag Winder”, a device on just one end. Though it was made of galva- reel and handle fishing combo is a
that swept to the left and then to the The “Automatic Minnow Pail” nized metal, Parrott’s minnow pail remarkable addition to our Michigan
right distributing the line evenly as was patented by William J. Parrott was quite similar in function to fishing history. I would also like to
the spool turned –like a windshield of Mason City, Iowa on November today’s best selling plastic min- thank Jerry Wilson from Adrian,
wiper. The Cross-Line also was a 14, 1933. At the time of his novel now bucket, Frabill’s bright yellow Michigan for his unusual “automatic
free spool reel. The angler would patent, Parrott was the 55-year-old Flow Troll bucket, also designed to minnow pail,” a tow behind minnow
depress the gear release button, longtime owner of Mason City be pulled behind a boat. It’s “Flow bucket that I had not seen before.
which disengaged the gears. A Sporting Goods in downtown Ma- Troll” shape was designed to float Feel free to contact the author
standard cast would be made and the son City, Iowa. His patent #1934815 with the bait door facing up, and to at antiquefishing@comcast.net with
revolving spool would be slowed by described a minnow pail with a constantly aerate the bait as it was your questions. Photographs are im-
carefully thumbing the flange of the single torpedo end containing an pulled through the water. portant, so please send them. They
spool. air chamber that could be regu- I would like to thank Doug help me with identification and give
The Cross-Line could also be lated so that the buoyancy could be Wilkerson from Brohman, Michigan me an idea of the condition of the
easily disassembled for cleaning changed. There was a screw-off cap for bringing in his ultra rare Markle item.n
by unscrewing and removing the on the top torpedo end that could be
collet nut and then swinging the removed so that water could enter…
hinged cast aluminum handle open ”so that the depth at which the
exposing the reel’s parts. With a bucket will float is under the control
little practice, the angler could then of the user.”
remove the parts, clean them, relu- The bottom of the minnow pail
bricate them with “white Vaseline” also included a flat air chamber,
according to the instructions and which measured about 2½-inches
then reassemble the reel and handle. deep. The patent drawing, however,
My best guess is that the Mar- showed that this second air chamber
kle Cross-Line Casting Unit was also had a screw-off cap. Actual pro-
produced in the late 1940s or early duction did not include the remov-
1950s, though no additional infor- able cap, and the bottom air cham-
mation or ads have surfaced so far. ber was simply sealed.
Hopefully, more information will be The Parrott Automatic Minnow
forthcoming or a second example Pail measured 26-inches tall by
will be found by one of my read- 8-inches in diameter and included a
ers as I would like to add it to my rear screened window that when the
“Made in Michigan” reel collection. bucket was picked up by the handle,
Jerry Wilson from Adrian, water would drain through the
Michigan also introduced me to screening to the correct level before
something I had never seen before. it was set upright on the bottom
It was an “Automatic Minnow Pail,” of a boat. At that point, minnows
a galvanized tow behind minnow could easily be grabbed through the
bucket manufactured in Mason City, hinged spring front door.
Iowa. He had found the bucket at an A rectangular piece of lead was
estate sale in Napoleon, Michigan soldered inside and just below the
about five years ago. screened window. This acted as bal- The only known ad for the Automatic Minnow Pail was published in a 1935
I have written about tow behind last in order to keep the minnow pail issue of National Spor tsman magazine.
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 77
State park rangers wear many hats
A repairman, educator, information specialist and a cop. It’s no
wonder they all say they love their jobs...By Bob Gwizdz, MDNR
T
wo days of high winds southern Michigan it happened quite
– followed by a day- often.”
long, sometimes in- Slavin said that about half of a
tense rain – completely ‘typical day’ during spring, summer
changed Scott Slavin’s and fall involves interacting with the
plans. The unit manag- public – everything from answering
er for the Michigan Department of telephone calls to solving problems
Natural Resources’ William Mitchell at campgrounds.
State Park and the White Pine Trail “Dealing with health and safety
in Wexford County, Slavin thought issues is our No. 1 priority,” he said.
the snowshoe/fat-tire bicycle por- “If we get storms or there’s a dam-
tion of the trail aged facility – like an unsafe boat
could use a dock – we get right on it. And we do
good groom- interpretive programs as well.”
ing. But the During the winter, Slavin said a lot
rain wiped of his work involves long-term plan-
out most of ning and meeting with workers to
the snow, so make sure the work gets done.
Slavin shifted “My job changes a lot.”
gears. Instead, As do those of other park rang-
he decided ers.
he’d spend “A park ranger is a lot of things
Ron Olson, the morning in our system,” said Ron Olson, A ranger helps a first-time camper at the Pinckney Recreation Area,
Chief MDNR Parks checking for chief of the DNR’s Parks and located nor thwest of Ann Arbor. MDNR photos
and Recreation. fallen trees at Recreation Division. “They’re law
a couple of enforcement, they’re customer ficer, but they are credentialed.” noise complaints to dealing with
nearby state forest campgrounds. service representatives, they are Rangers work with park supervi- unacceptable behavior associated
Slavin – who was working maintenance and operations staff. sors to determine day-to-day activi- with alcohol.
alone, as the rest of the staff at his As one of our district supervisors ties, Olson said, but assignments “It’s not just about writing
headquarters at Mitchell State Park says, ‘they’re the Yellow Pages of are tailored to take advantage of an tickets,” Olson said. “It’s making
was either on vacation or seasonal doers.’” individual’s skill set. sure someone’s behavior doesn’t
lay-off – loaded a chain saw into the The DNR has a total of 325 park “Each park has a set of basic necessarily impact someone else’s
back of his truck and headed out. rangers, 87 full-timers and 238 part- activities, but if one has a particular experience at the park.”
He checked a couple of state forest time or seasonal rangers. knack for carpentry, for instance, Rangers work regularly with
campgrounds and there were no “Park rangers vary from he may be called on to do different area friends’ groups to help gener-
fallen trees on the roads. Still, there entry-level rangers up to the com- work than some who don’t,” he said. ate park improvements to make sure
were several standing dead trees missioned rangers who go to law Park rangers often greet the permitted activities – such as trail
that had been deemed hazardous – enforcement school and take a five- public and provide guidance about races – run smoothly and safely.
including some hardwoods that had week course,” Olson said. “They a park’s amenities. They resolve “Some parks have more rangers
succumbed to oak wilt – and Slavin can issue tickets and citations; it’s conflicts for everything from visitors than others, depending on the size of
figured, as long as I’m out here… certainly short of a conservation of- with unleashed dogs to excessive the park and intensity of activities,”
He cut down a few of the oaks Olson said. “Some parks don’t have
that needed to be removed before any.”
spring camping season gets under- But they all wear many hats.
way. For Slavin, it’s all in a day’s “No two days are alike – that’s
work. There’s no such thing as a the beauty of the job,” said Michael
typical day, he said. “You can go Knack, who recently became a
from working on bathroom plumb- park supervisor – after four years
ing to writing a ticket to arresting as a lead ranger and nine years as
someone to cutting a tree down,” he a ranger – at Porcupine Mountains
said. “I’ve had those days before.” State Park in Ontonagon and Goge-
Slavin, who worked for seven bic counties.
years as a park ranger prior to “Every day is an adventure – or
becoming a unit manager, is com- you get to choose your own adven-
missioned as a peace officer. He ture. You start your day with a plan.
said most of his arrests occurred But life happens in the park and
when he worked in southeastern your plan can go many directions,”
Michigan earlier in his career. “Most he said. “I may be sitting in the of-
of the time it’s people who have fice, then get called on to take care
(outstanding) warrants,” he said. “If of a tree that’s fallen across the road
you’re writing them a citation for or field a complaint about a bear
something and you call in and see getting into someone’s cooler or a
that they have a warrant, you hold trash can.”
them until the police department can Rangers at the Porkies use boats
come get them. When I worked in Park staff at work at Van Riper State Park in Marquette County. almost daily during the summer to
78 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
get to some of the historic cabins at launches. When I worked the night
the park. “Then we get out with a shift I checked for illegal camping
chainsaw and cut the trail to the log at the boat access sites. It’s a pretty
cabin and then work on the cabins revolving process. I’ve usually got
that have been around for 70 years,” two summer workers – sometimes
Knack said. they travel with me, sometimes
In the winter, the rangers are of- we split up. Then in the afternoon
ten out grooming the 42 kilometers we go through the campgrounds
of cross-country ski trails, helping at again.”
the ski lift or hauling firewood to the Schwada said part of the job is
cabins. just being “a visible presence” at the
“We’re busy every day,” Knack area, especially on weekends.
said. “There’s not a lot of law “Things come up,” he said. “It
enforcement here, but we respond could be a law enforcement situa-
fairly regularly for search and rescue tion; it could be a maintenance is-
of lost hikers. Some are overnight- sue.”
ers.” Schweda, who studied heating
At the Waterloo State Recreation and cooling while he was a summer
Area in Jackson and Washtenaw worker for four seasons before he
counties, park ranger Matt Schweda became a ranger, said his education
said he has a routine, but it’s often has helped him immensely.
interrupted. “I learned a lot about electric-
“A typical day in the summer- ity and pipe-fitting,” he said. “It‘s
time, we check the campgrounds, helped me out a lot when I have to
register new campers, talk to fix things.”
campers and see if there are any That’s a park ranger: a repair-
complaints, pick up trash, clean the man, educator, information special-
vault toilets,” he said. “Then they ist and a cop. It’s no wonder they all
check boat launch sites – check say they love their jobs. Get more
for litter or problems, check for information on parks at the DNR Scott Slavin, unit manager for William Mitchell State Park and the
Recreation Passports at the boat website at www.mi.gov/stateparks.n White Pine Trail in Wexford County, takes care of standing dead trees.
NAME New Subscription
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tiple deer seen each and every
hunt, 18 different bucks seen by
owner last November 15th opener
that after owner had tagged out with
2 exceptional bow kills early
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HUNTING LAND IN
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Woods-N-Water News (810) 724-0254
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$78,900.00 RE-4-4 P.O. Box 278 FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
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Imlay City, MI 48444 Date Ck# $
PAGES 82-88
Crawford County
For detailed info & to bid visit
LASTBIDrealestate.com
or call 1-800-527-8243.
W E
Near
3,960 ft
Marlette 121
in Sanilac Acres
County $375,100
OR
$
Will 3,100 per acre
consider 1,320 ft
all offers.
Jack Frizzell
(231)598-6700
http://jackfrizzell.fivestarmichigan.com Byron Center, MI
82 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
Blake Ver Woert OFFICE: 231-652-7000
Jake Dykstra B L A K E : 616-308-3122
ING
ND
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Antrim County 52+/- Acres, Arenac County, 40+/- Acres, Arenac Co, 167+/- Acres Jackson County, 105+/- Acres Lapeer County 102+/- Acres,
Rolling Hills, Pole Au Gres, 550+ ft. of Lake 3,500+/- ft Lake Huron, 6 Calhoun County, 74 Acres, Calhoun County, 67+/- Acres WRP Program, Mature Hard- Trail System, Mixed
Barn Lodge, Snowmobilers/ Huron Frontage, Duck Hunters Bedroom Lodge, Guest Cabin, 1/2 Tillable ,1/2 Wooded, 300 ft. All Sports Prairie Lake, woods, Great Deer, Turkey & Hardwoods, Pond, Food plot
Hunters Paradise paradise, Great Build Spots! Great Duck & Deer Hunting. Trophy Buck Genetics Tillable Acreage Waterfowl Hunting areas, Tons of Deer Sign.
$119,000 $185,000 $599,000 $280,000 $275,000 $211,000 $380,000
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ND
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Newaygo County, 125 Acres, Newaygo County, Croton Osceola County, LeRoy Osceola County, 163+/- Acres,
Three spring fed lakes, Twp, 160+/- Acres, Mature Ontonagon County, 169 Acres, Twp, 141 +/- Acres, Great Trail System, Presque Isle County, 80 Ac Presque Isle County, 47 Acres, Wexford County 80+/- Acres,
Excellent Deer, Turkey Timber, Cabin, Loaded Extremely Secluded, Easy access to US-131, Awesome Hunting, Creek Frontage, 24x24 Garage, Cabin and Pole Barns, Hunter and Snowmobiler Para-
and Waterfowl hunting With Deer/Turkey Wildlife Galore Large Pond Rolling Hills, Must See! Excellent Hunting Great Hunting dise, Adjoins National Forest
$375,000 $399,000 $160,000 $211,500 $290,675 $90,000 $99,000 $249,900
www. WildLifeRealty.com
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 83
Offices Serving Lower &
Upper Michigan
Bringing people and places together since 1945
VISIT OUR WEBSITE TODAY!
statewiderealestate.net
• Houghton
Marquette
• Newberry
Curtis •
Iron Mountain • Manistique •
•
• Gladstone
Escanaba • Onaway
• Powers • • Hawks
Menominee • Hillman
• Alpena
Marinette •
• Atlanta
Mio • • Harrisville
• Almont
Linden •
Howell •
TURNER TURNER
HILLMAN MARQUETTE
ALMONT 14938 State Street, P.O. Box 98, 49746
844 Van Dyke Road 856 W. Washington, 49855
email: statewidehillman@yahoo.com
lafrancesharon@yahoo.com 989-742-4523 • 800-228-7856 email: sw@statewiderealestate.org
810-798-8591 • Fax: 810-798-8079 Fax: 989-742-3931 906-228-9312 • Fax: 906-228-8069
40 acre country setting with well-maintained 3 bdrm/1 bath manufactured Well wooded 40 acre parcel that is filled with deer sign. Rubs, beds
home with appliances. Additional buildings include 14’x26’ garage, a and runways can be found throughout most of the property. Nice
HOUGHTON MENOMINEE garden shed w/power and lean-to. The land is mostly hardwoods with mix of tree types. Located just minutes from Tawas and Tawas
CURTIS/NEWBERRY
500 Shelden Ave., 49931 3631 10th Street, 49858 some low areas that provide great cover for the wildlife found here. Bay, this property would also make a great building location.
Main Street, P.O. Box 305, 49820 MLS #1844353 $99,900
email: dick@statewideofhoughton.com email: statewideone@newbc.rr.com MLS #1843675 $79,900
email: swcurtis@sbcglobal.net
906-482-6955 • 800-676-6323 906-863-9905 OSCODA-$1,500, Nicely wooded lot located at Lakewood Shores in Oscoda. Ownership includes use of all Lakewood Shores amenities. Private Lake
906-586-9606 • Fax: 906-586-9607 Fax: 906-482-7699 Huron Beach front, private Cedar Lake beach front, tennis courts, and much more. See www.lakewoodshorespoa.com for more details. MLS #1832422
Fax: 906-863-7935 WHITTEMORE-$8,500, 3.12 acre cleared building lot in a country setting at the corner of Nile and Keystone Road on a county maintained
paved road. MLS #1835860
WHITTEMORE-$18,000, 11.15 acre parcel located on Nile Road. Previously farmed, this cleared parcel would be perfect for a small hobby
ESCANABA MIO farm or a couple of horses. Additional smaller parcels available. MLS #1835859
HOWELL/LINDEN 102 West 8th St., P.O. Box 395, 48647 EAST TAWAS-$19,900, Potential building site on Tawas Lake with nice views and great fishing opportunities. The deep 50x241’ lot has lots
2209 Ludington Street, 49829 1285 S. Michigan Ave., Howell, MI 48843 of mature Oak throughout. Located just minutes from East Tawas and Tawas Bay. MLS #1832928
email: escanaba@statewiderealestate.net email: info@statewidemio.com NATIONAL CITY-$29,000, .39 acre Little Island Lake lot available. Just a short distance from thousands of acres of state and federal land.
email: statewid@earthlink.net
906-786-1308 • 800-900-0777 517-546-9060 • 800-531-4449 989-826-3292 Potential building site for your new cottage or year around home. MLS #1843431
Fax: 989-826-2108 OSCODA-$64,900, 113’ of sandy shoreline awaits at St. George’s Point on Cedar Lake. What a great location for your dream home. City
Fax: 906-786-1388 Fax: 517-546-9148 water, underground electric and natural gas are available. MLS #1837111
WHITTEMORE-$110,000, 33+ well wooded acres fronting 2 roads. Includes a 2 bdrm/1.5 bath 1360sf home with 2 car garage, plus an
additional home/structure to finish as desired. MLS #1831615
ONAWAY OSCODA-$124,000, 227’ of sandy frontage on Cedar Lake in St. George’s Point Sub. Build your dream home on this .74 acre lot surrounded
GLADSTONE IRON MOUNTAIN by upscale homes. MLS #1826558
231 East A. St. M-33 & M-68,
1401 Delta Ave., AU GRES-$135,000, 75’ of Lake Huron frontage. Paved street, city water, electric and natural gas. 380’ deep wooded lot with additional lot
Iron Mountain, MI 49807 P.O. Box 478, 49765 available. MLS #1825912
Gladstone, MI 49837 906-828-2525 email: bigdan@frontier.com NATIONAL CITY-$215,000, 80 acre Poncho’s Sand Creek Longhorn Ranch now available. Working farm with a 5 bdrm/1 bath home,
906-825-9000 Fax: 906-828-2727 989-733-6522 barns, outbuildings, pastures and approx 10 acres of woods. MLS #1819844
email: judy@statewiderealestate.net email: steve@multistatewide.com Fax: 989-733-2427 MORE PARCELS ARE AVAILABLE . . .
CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS
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REALTOR
Direct:
LICENSED
PHEASANT
200 TILLABLE ACRES PRESERVE 40 ACRES
Great farming, income producing. 1/2 mile on Fantastic Development Opportunity. Gorgeous 3270 Sq Ft Ranch with
Belle River, multiple Outbuildings, 2 Ponds. 30 2-Acre Lots. loft. Built 2011. 2 Pole Barns.
*DV $1,250,000 *DV $550,000 *DV $419,000
N D I N G
SOLD PE
SANILAC COUNTY 186 ACRES
COMMERCIAL 1/2 Million+ Dollars Worth Deer/Elk
Genesee County. 3 Ponds, Deer Hunter’s Dream Property, Private &
65% Wooded. A Rare Gem! Great Building Site Inventory Included in Sale. Ranch Home & Secluded, 2-streams. ½ mile from Lake Huron.
*DV $599,900 *DV $239,000 *DV Lodge - Several Outbuildings *DV $275,000
G MONROE COUNTY
NEW
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*DV
N EW
Great Visibility from I-69 & Belsay Rd. Beautiful 2,900 Sq Ft Ranch Home - Built 2,080 Sq Ft Watchman’s Quarters above
6 Parcels, 1.6 Acres - 12.3 Acres. 2017 - Genesee County. 2,080 Sq Ft Garage. Gorgeous View!
Genesee County $135,000 - $495,000 *DV $499,900 *DV $519,000
NEW
LIVINGSTON COUNTY OAKLAND COUNTY
PEN D I N G NEW
LINDAL CEDAR HOME - A RARE GEM!
3600+ Sq Ft Custom Log Home in Fenton. 3 Master 30 Acres - Farmland & Woodland Gorgeous Stone & Brick Home. Approx. 3800 Sq Ft Finished
Suites, 2.4 Beautiful Acres, 1900 Caboose Guesthouse. Sanilac County. Living Space Including Finished Walkout. Built 2016.
*DV $449,000 *DV $119,000 *DV $349,900 **New Price**
*DV
NEW
79 ACRES
NEW N EW GREAT
BUILDING SITES
Great Commercial Building Sites - 10 Parcels, LAPEER COUNTY
Beautiful Condo $85,000-$595,000 - 1 Acre to 18.75 Acres, Davison Amazing Home Over 5,200 sq ft of Living
10 Acres+/- Genesee County Space & Outdoor Entertainment. Gorgeous
St. Clair County Twp. - Prime Location! Commerce Park of Davison property, 8 ponds. Very Private and Secluded.
$199,900
*DV $159,000 *DV **New Price** - Davison Athletic & Country Club Complex *DV $1,265,000
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OR CALL 810-449-1286
WNW NEWS MAY 2018 85
z
WINSOR TOWNSHIP • HURON COUNTY
O N L I N E O N LY
i t
B Realty
r
Auction
J u n e 13 t h - J u n e 1 4 t h
758 West US-10 • Evart, Michigan 49631
Ph. 231-734-5554 Fax. 231-734-2055
email. britzrealty@sbcglobal.net • denniscbryant@sbcglobal.net
inc.
156 +/-
Acres · 2 Tracts HERSEY AREA
80 ACRES with 4-bedroom cabin. Well wooded located in prime deer area. Secluded,
Tract 1: 66+/- Acres
Geiger Rd
well, septic, very good condition. Great price at only $169,900.00 MLS #18009768
Tract 2: 90+/- Acres
80 ACRES with 2-Creeks on property. Wooded, and some clearing. Ideal for
Features: building or hunting. Rolling with beautiful view of creeks. Ideal bow or rifle hunting.
1 Broderick Rd • Tall grass and small brush $149,500.00 MLS #18012794
EVART AREA
adjacent cropland provide feed sources 120 ACRES. Large stocked pond. Great cover for bow or rifle hunting, corner parcel.
for deer and other game animals. If you like to hunt or fish, then this is for you. Priced at only $1,750.00 per acre. Ideal
Haist Rd
• Small building envelopes with remainder building parcel. Over 3960 feet of road frontage. MLS #18011326
of tracts enrolled in conservation easement 10 ACRES. Close to 14,000 acres of state land. 80% wooded, country road frontage.
2 Great cabin or home site. $26,500.00 MLS #18000953
• Hunting and other recreational
uses permitted.
LAKEFRONT HOME
• Wind lease provides rental income. 2-BEDROOM HOME on private lake. 120’ of lake frontage on No Wake Lake. Pretty
view. Att. garage, very nice. Only $119,900.00 MLS #18007911 Buy now for summer.
Recreational/Hunting tracts located near
MUSKEGON RIVER
Caseville, MI & 45 miles from Tri Cities EVART AREA - Large wooded riverfront lot with beautiful view and building site. If you
Owner: Eldon & Peggy Voelker like to canoe, fish, boat, exc. Then you will love this 225 feet of prime river frontage.
Mark Williams: 989.635.0086 ext. 24 $42,500.00 MLS # 18011209
THOUSANDS OF
ACRES AVAILABLE
FROM $6,900 TO $707,420. 2 Bdrm, 1 bth, Waterfront cottage. 2
2 Bdrm 1 Bth Camp. Priced Right!
Acres w/225’ on Ostrander & Corner 1 Bdrm camp. 540 Sq Ft. Blk bath
Lk. Well & septic. Private on dead house. Out house. Great hunting. 30 acres on year round Co. Rd.
Escanaba end road. Chain-of-Lakes. Wetmore. Stella Lk and Sturgeon River. Electric. Needs TLC. Hermansville.
2209 Ludington Street $149,000 1106501 $49,900 1103597 $43,900 1106933
(906) 786-1308
Powers
W3776 US 2 & 41
(906) 497-4190
Gladstone
1401 Delta Ave.
4 Bdrm, 2 bth Lodge. 640 Acres! 1 Bdrm camp. 40 Acres. Nice 3 Bdrm 2.5 bth Home. Full
(906) 825-9000
Mostly all high ground with high ground. Great hunting. Log. 38 acres. Garage, Decks,
high timber value. LaBranche. Well built. Perkins. Private Pave Rd. Felch.
$789,900 1101443 $84,900 1101098 $249,000 1106871
86 MAY 2018 WNW NEWS
WEST BRANCH HALE WEST BRANCH
R S ALE R S ALE
M-33/M-55 OFFICE F O OFFICE F O LOOP OFFICE
1953 S. M-33 3160 North M-65 2575 S. I-75 Business Loop,
West Branch, MI 48661 Hale, MI 48739 West Branch, MI 48661
10 miles north of I-75 exit 202 “Gateway to Huron National Forest” 1 mile north of I-75 Exit 212
OVER 3000 SQUARE FEET!! TRANQUIL FAWN LAKE! 20 WOODED ACRES!! SECLUDED HUNTING CAMP!! NEAR RIFLE RIVER!!
4-bdrm, 2.7 baths, appliances, master suite, Lovely and spacious 3 bedroom home with ac- Bedroom home on full bsmt /2 car garage. Main 18 WOODED ACRES w/2 bedroom home is the perfect Neat 2 bedroom cabin with large fenced yard in
cathedral ceilings, 2 bdrms on each floor, full cess to “no motor” lake. AC, partly finished bsmt, floor laundry, recently updated kitchen & bath, place to call your hunting cabin that is also ADJACENT Skidway Lake area. Natural gas heat, newer roof,
walkout bsmt, 2.5 ACRES, finished garage, master suite, garage, deck, newer shingles & large covered rear deck with beautiful views and TO STATE LANDS!! Propane lights, range, refrigera- newer water pump & shed with electric & hose wa-
large deck, privacy fence and much more!! laminates!! Seller giving carpet allowance!! trails for nature walking or the hunter!! tor, wood heat, gravity tank and wired for generator!! ter hook-up. Great getaway also near many lakes!!
$209,900 1837404 $149,900 1838336 $154,900 1840412 $64,900 1805656 $24,500 1838322
NEAR LAKE GEORGE!! 4 ACRES!! CLEAR LAKE AREA!! 1300 SQUARE FEET!! PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS!!
Recently remodeled 3 bedroom, 2 ba w/garage on 2 Spacious 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home w/garage and heat- Beautiful 3-bdrm home perfect for year round This 2 bedroom mobile home w/garage is near Hale w/ Enjoy access to “no wake” lake w/this 3-bdrm, 2 full ba
lots at end of cul-de-sac. Open floor plan, gas log FP, ed workshop and pole barn. AC, front & rear decks, full or nice getaway! Freshly painted, newer carpet, just under a half acre fronting on paved road. Afford- home with oversized garage, open floor plan, laminate
newer floorings and newer counter tops. Enjoy the public bsmt, paved driveway, maple & apple trees & more!! With large kitchen & living area, garage & nice patio. able weekend/vacation getaway in super recreational and tile floors, newer roof in Feb 2018, AC, custom oak
access and boat ramp at this desirable all sports lake!! some TLC, this could be your year round country home!! Near popular Clear Lk & acres of State lands!! area near lakes, streams & Huron Nat’l Forest!! cabinetry & natural gas heat. Definitely move in ready!!
$74,900 1840493 $129,900 1839823 $139,900 1842036 $29,000 1840769 $139,500 1843357
GREAT LOCATION!! 1.44 ACRES!! NEAR RIFLE RIVER!! OVER 5 ACRES!! POPULAR SAGE LAKE!!
2-bdrm home in need of some work but has Spacious 3-bdrm home in need of some TLC, but has This one bedroom mobile home would make a Gorgeous custom built 3 bedroom, 2 full ba home has 3-bdrm, 2 bath on almost a half acre with
1400 square feet, wood floors, full bsmt, paved been painted and newer flooring has been installed. pleasant getaway on an ACRE of property and over 1800 square feet, cathedral ceilings, floor to ceil- 108 feet of frontage on all sports lake! Full
driveway, 2 garages and on AN ACRE of land. Open floor plan, enclosed porch, wood stove, base- near lakes and the beautiful Rifle River for fan- ing windows on both levels, large deck, pond & heated basement, beautiful views, AC, FP, garage
Not far from town and all sports Lake George!! ment, a bath on each floor and large garage!! tastic fishing and superb canoeing/kayaking!! garage. Beautiful setting w/RIFLE RIVER FRONTAGE!! and home is well-maintained!!
$69,000 1844224 $75,000 1838514 $25,000 1831259 $174,900 1839528 $269,000 1843387
3 NICE ACRES!! WATERFRONT ACREAGE!! 10 ACRES!! PEACH LAKE WATERFRONT HOME!! NICE LAKE VIEW!!
3-bdrm ranch-style home with attached ga- 212 feet of frontage and just over 4 ACRES Gorgeous property, mostly wooded, with 60 feet of frontage on this all sports 208 acre lake 3 bedroom home with a view of all sports RIFLE LAKE
rage, FP, hot tub, paved driveway, hot tub and on all sports, 42 acre Elbow Lake! Electric spacious 4-bdrm home on full basement. w/this 3-bedroom, 2 ba home. FP, newer furnace, and newer drywall, flooring, countertops, back splash
much more! Not too far from town for shopping and driveway already in, gentle slope to wa- Has wood burner, plenty of storage, porch roof & flooring, a place to dock your boat, fan- & updated bath. Garage, sunroom, bonus upper level
& restaurants and easy commute from I-75!! ter, beautiful views and potential building site!! for relaxing, beautiful views and much more!! tastic views from lakeside deck & storage shed!! 16x18 room, garden area & a fenced spot for your pets!!
$99,000 1843749 $99,900 1844067 $105,000 1843928 $114,900 1843392 $80,000 1838970
CREEK FRONT GETAWAY!! ON CHANNEL TO ELBOW LAKE!! NEAR STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS!! OPEN FLOOR PLAN!! ON CUL-DE-SAC!!
Just over a HALF ACRE w/2 bedroom home & 221’ of 3 bedroom home w/detached garage, nice This “Saltbox” style home has 3-bdrms, 2 ba, 1732 This possible 2 bedroom home sits on nicely treed Nice 3 bedroom home with 2 car garage and access
frontage on Silver Creek. Newer roof in 20167, newer kitchen w/pantry, island & breakfast nook, square feet, AC, wood stove, newer carpeting in Feb lots and is not far from many lakes and the gorgeous to BUSH LAKE for boating, swimming and fishing.
well & newer septic, 2 storage sheds, screened porch, master suite, nice views from wrap-around 2018, 2 garages and 2 sheds, newer roofing on one Rifle River for excellent fishing and canoeing/kayaking! Large kichen, FP, natural gas heat, front and rear
beautiful views and near many lakes!! deck, on an ACRE with your own pond!! garage, near popular Clear Lake & on 1.54 ACRES!! Newer and windows in 2013, some furnishings & more!! decks, paved driveway & lake just across the road!!
$54,900 1832428 $149,900 1810533 $94,900 1843353 $31,900 1830854 $59,000 1840484
RIFLE RIVER WATEFRONT!! 1.8 ACRES!! 10+ ACRES!! 1.5 ACRES!! 10 WOODED ACRES!!
3-bdrm, 1.5 bath on full walkout bsmt w/80 feet 2 bedroom singlewide, manufactured home on partly Beautiful prop with a pond and Hale Creek Nice and cute 2 bedroom home w/spacious garage Lovely 3 bedroom, 2 ba home w/garage! Great kitchen
on Rifle River!! Open floor plan, lots of windows, wooded property! Not far from all sports Long Lake running thru! Garage & 2 outbldgs for storage. that has a convenient lean to. Great setting with trails w/island and appliances, FP in spacious living area,
newer metal roof, detached garage & covered for water activities and near acres of National Forest Home has laminate & radiant heat floors, lots at rear of prop leading to Silver Creek! Pleasant year master suite w/walk-in closet and private bath. Great
porch. Excellent fishing & kayaking spot!! for the hunter!! Great weekend cabin or hunt camp!! of windows, beautiful views & much more!! round home or enjoyable weekend getaway!! location near lakes & State land w/gorgeous views!!
$149,000 1844075 $35,000 1838366 $279,000 1843882 $39,900 1833833 $129,900 1840732
1.8 ACRES VACANT 2.67 ACRES VACANT 10.72 ACRES VACANT 10 WOODED ACRES 80 ACRES
In Village Limits Secluded & Private Adjoins Federal Excellent Hunting Prime Hunting
MLS 16004614 $9,600 MLS 17037569 $12,900 MLS 18010575 $21,000 MLS 18010768 $29,900 MLS 17056947 $99,500
13 ACRES 14 ACRES VILLAGE COFFEE SHOP DEBBIE’S SPORTSMAN’S LOUNGE ROAD RUNNERS VARIETY STORE
Commercial Warehouse Commercial Vacant Land Fully Operational Class C Liquor License Remodeled & Updated
MLS 17007735 $75,000 MLS 18005291 $95,900 MLS 17058999 $94,900 MLS 18001753 $199,000 MLS 17053609 $139,900
4950 N Lakeshore Dr
2200 sf, 3 bed, 2 bath Cape
Code with 100 feet of
gorgeous Lake Huron
Waterfront. You must see to
appreciate all this Move in
Ready Home has to offer.
$229,900 For More Info Text
R435894 to 52187
d
nd
Outd o o r W ee k e n
OVER
240
Outdoor Exhibits!
Seminars, Puppies
Gun Auction, Wild
Animals & More
e b ra t i n g O u r O u t d o o r H e r i t a g e !
C el
September 7 - 8 -9 th th th
Child Recliners $
99
249 Unique Log Beds
- Queens start at
$ Solid Wood
USA Chest
$
199
www.DANDANTHEMATTRESSMAN.com
802 Ashman St. • Midland
989-832-1866
w w w. f r e e w a y - s p o r t s . c o m
Closed Sunday's
96
Exit 84 on US-23 ANN ARBOR DETROIT sales@freeway-sports.com
WE CARRY A
LARGE VARIETY OF
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Michi-GUN
Phone (586) 296-2360
Fax (586) 264-8307
STORE HOURS:
Mon. - Fri: 10am-7pm;
Sat: 10am-4pm; Closed Sunday www.michigunandtackle.com