SEPTEMBER 2017 $4.

00

Woods-n-Water News
Michigans Premier Outdoor Publication

Mechanics of

DEER
CALLS
8 Steps To Boneless

FILLETS
Early Season

TEAL &
HONKERS
Scouting Cameras Help Create

WHITETAIL WISDOM
WOODS-N-WATER NEWS OUTDOOR WEEKEND
Sept. 8-10 Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds Imlay City
www.woods-n-waternews.com Like us on facebook Follow us on
 BOB'S OPEN HOUSE and
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SPECIAL OPEN HOUSE HOURS: 2208 W. M-43 Hwy.,
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9am - 6pm Hastings, MI
On Thursday, August 24, we will be closing at 5pm to make 2 Miles West of
final preparations for our Open House Celebration. Hastings On M-37 & M-43
269/945-4106
Summer Hours: Monday - Saturday 9am - 7pm; 2017
Sunday 10am - 5pm STOP IN OR SHOP ONLINE AT BOBSGT.COM
Limited quantity available on all items. Not responsible for printing errors. All items subject to prior
Labor Day Open 9am - 5pm sale. *Discounts off regular everyday selling prices.
 2046500
SALES: 810-653-0490 5605 DAVISON RD SALES: 810-653-0490
5605 Davison Rd., 4 miles east 5605 Davison Rd., 4 miles east
of Downtown Davison
LAPEER, MI of Downtown Davison
2046500 Open 6 Days: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm; Open 6 Days: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm;
5605 DAVISON RD Saturday 9am-2pm Saturday 9am-2pm

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

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

2046500
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$1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $0 down, no rebate, an APR of 2.99% APR for 36 months at a MSRP of $9,999.00 is $290.74; total cost of borrowing of $467.60 with a total obligation of $10,466.60. Down payment may
*Monthly payment based on new, unused MY17 Indy 550 with an MSRP of $6,799 with $1,000 down and $200 manufacturers rebate. $5,599 financed (6.99% APR) over 84 months on a Polaris/Synchrony Installment Loan Account.
Participating Dealers. Offer valid from 7/26/17 to 10/31/17.

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

5605 DAVISON RD
prohibited. Tax, title, license, and registration are separate and may not be financed. Promotion may be modified or discontinued without notice at any time in Polaris sole discretion.
*Offer is subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank. APR of 6.99% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. Monthly payments will be $15.09 per $1,000 financed. Example: A total 84-month term with an Amount Financed of
Warning: Polaris off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid drivers license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All
LAPEER, MI
riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs 5605 DAVISON RD
$5,599 and 6.99% APR requires monthly payments of $84.48 for 84 months. Price excludes title, tax, options, accessories, and dealer fees. Program minimum amount financed is $5,000 and minimum 0% 10% down payment required
based on credit approval criteria. A $1,000 down payment is required to obtain advertised monthly payment of $84.48. All rebates are paid to the dealer.
dont mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. 2017 Polaris Industries Inc.
LAPEER, MI

YEAR END CLEARANCE SALE

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

Save Up to $2,500 Factory Promotion

Warning: Polaris off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid drivers license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All
riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs *Monthly payment based on new, unused MY17 Indy 550 with an MSRP of $6,799 with $1,000 down and $200 manufacturers rebate. $5,599 financed (6.99% APR) over 84 months on a Polaris/Synchrony Installment Loan Account.
dont mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. 2017 Polaris Industries Inc. Participating Dealers. Offer valid from 7/26/17 to 10/31/17.

*Offer is subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank. APR of 6.99% will be assigned based on credit approval criteria. Monthly payments will be $15.09 per $1,000 financed. Example: A total 84-month term with an Amount Financed of
$5,599 and 6.99% APR requires monthly payments of $84.48 for 84 months. Price excludes title, tax, options, accessories, and dealer fees. Program minimum amount financed is $5,000 and minimum 0% 10% down payment required
based on credit approval criteria. A $1,000 down payment is required to obtain advertised monthly payment of $84.48. All rebates are paid to the dealer.

2018 BOATS ARRIVING WEEKLY

SALES: 810-653-0490
5605 Davison Rd., 4 miles east
of Downtown Davison
Open 6 Days: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm;
Saturday 9am-2pm
www.chapmanssports.com
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 3
 By Tom Campbell
Field Notes...Outdoor Weekend
T
heres no better way to celebrate our
outdoor heritage than to host the
31st Woods-N-Water News Outdoor
Weekend, scheduled for Sept. 8-10
at the Eastern Michigan State Fair-
grounds in Imlay City. We have lined
up an outstanding event for showgoers starting with
great outdoor retailers, educational displays and
exhibits over 240 in alljust about every type
of product for outdoor enthusiasts. Add a bunch
of great entertainment from jumping dogs, to wild
animals, artistic chainsaw carvers, historical civil
war encampments, a living history center with flint-
knapping, primitive skills, blacksmithing, a 1794
traders camp, Native American storytellers/danc-
ers, a Camp Chili Cook Off (Saturday), seminars, a
gun auction (Sunday), a waterfowl calling contest
(Sunday), a kids archery range and lots of food,
refreshments and puppieslots of puppies. There
is so much happening at this years event theres
not enough space to write about it all, so check out
the special insert in the middle of this issue and at
outdoorweekend.net and on our Facebook page.
You can also receive Outdoor Weekend updates by
texting woodswater17 to 88777 and joining us on
Nixle at no cost.
Coyote Control at the Outdoor Weekend
New this year will be our Coyote Control
seminars with nationally known Michigan trapper
Trent Masterson who will conduct in-depth coyote
SEASONS
Now Aug. 15 Antlerless deer application period
Now Aug. 28 Reserved waterfowl application period
Sept. 1-Sept. 10 Experimental teal season statewide
Sept. 1-Sept 30 Early Canada goose season
Open All Year Pike and walleye season on Lower Peninsula
Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers
Open All Year Salmon and trout season on Great Lakes,
St. Marys River, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers
Open All Year Catch-and-immediate-release bass season
on all Michigan waters open to fishing
Now-Dec. 31 Pure Michigan Hunt Application
Now-March 15 Pike, walleye, muskie seasons on all
Michigan waters.
Now-Sept. 30 Trout and salmon on inland Type 1 and 2
streams and Type A & D lakes
Now-Dec. 15 Muskie season on Lake St. Clair, St. Clair
and Detroit Rivers
Now-Dec. 31 Bass; catch and keep season on all Michigan
waters open to bass fishing
Sept. 8-Oct. 26 Bear season (various BMUs, permit
required and special regulations)
Sept. 15-Mar. 31 Cottontail rabbit/snowshoe hare season
Now-Sept. 30 Crow season
Sept. 15-Nov. 14 Fall turkey season (permit needed)
Sept. 15-Mar. 1 Squirrel season, fox and gray (black)
Sept. 15-Nov. 14 Ruffed grouse season
Sept. 16-17 Early Antlerless Firearm
Sept. 16-17 Liberty Hunt; youth & hunters with disabilities
Sept. 23-Nov. 6 Woodcock season
Oct. 1 - Nov. 14 Archery deer season
Oct. 19-22 - Independence Hunt; hunters with disabilities
*Consult the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest,
Fishing Digest, or other species-specific hunting digests for
a more complete list of dates and regulations regarding each
season or hunt period.
MJC MJC
ARCHERY ARCHERY
MACOMB OAKLAND
19744 15 Mile Rd 3001 Rochester Rd
Clinton Twp. 48035 Royal Oak, MI 48073
586-791-4600 248-589-2480
4 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
trapping seminars and demonstrations. Plus expert
coyote hunters and callers will give seminars and
demonstration on coyote hunting.
Seminars for Serious Hunters
Weve put together a great event this year
and are really excited about our tremendous deer
hunting seminar line-up. New to the deer hunting
seminar lineup this year is John Eberhart. John
specializes in bowhunting pressured deer on public
land and has put 30 bucks in CBMs record books.
Learn some of Johns many secrets to successfully
hunting pressured record book bucks.
Joining John with his immense knowledge
of land and habitat improvement, one of the best
known Michigan experts, Tony LaPratt. Do you
want to consistently harvest trophy whitetail bucks?
Is your small acreage hunting property not living up
to its full potential? Is your property in a high pres-
sure hunting area? Then you wont want to miss
Tony LaPratts seminars!
Of course we couldnt have a great deer hunting
seminar line-up without Mr. Food Plots, Ed Spinaz-
zola, the author of two books on the subject and
a new DVD. Ed will offer insight into improving
your deer hunting land with his incredible seminar.
Back to the seminar stage this year is Adam
Lewis with his deer hunting sound management
seminar. Learn new science on deer hearing, noises
hunters make, how these noises hurt hunting suc-
cess, and how to leverage this knowledge to gain a
new advantage this fall.
Country Smoke House Field Dressing Demo
Continuing with incredible deer hunting semi-
nars and a continuation of the deer hunt, what do
you do once your deer is down? Learn the proper
field dressing and skinning demonstrations of big
game by Steve and Sue Francis and family, own-
ers of Country Smoke House in Almont. Their
seminars have been so popular they will be back
again this year along with venison cooking dem-
onstrations. The seminars have turned into sort of
an everything you need to know about what to do
after you shoot your deer! Steve and family will
also be giving butchering tips demonstrations, big
game cooking and tips on sausage making. You
wont want to miss these presentations on Saturday
at 1 p.m.
Air Dog Championships
Milt Wilcoxs Ultimate Air Dog Championships
return this year to Imlay City. You can see the best
of the best when these jumping dogs and their han-
dlers compete for the championship. First-timers
are welcome with open jumping taking place Friday
(Sept. 8) only from 5 7 p.m. With a small amount
of knowledge, you will be ready to mount the dock.
Any breed or mix may enter. Also, there is no limit
on the age of either handler or dog, as long as they
can both safely compete. For more information go
to http://ultimateairdogs.net
Whats New in Ice Fishing?
Franks Great Outdoors, leaders of the popular
winter sport of ice fishing will have numerous dis-
plays at Imlay Citys event. The newest ice fishing
products will be on display. Plus, product represen-
tatives will be on hand to give you expert advice.
Whether youre a die-hard ice angler or new to the
sport youll find what you need and some incredible
deals!
So Much More
New to the Outdoor Weekend will be writer,
author, guide, Denny Geurink. Denny has been out-
fitting in Russia and the other CIS countries since
1991 and his clients have put 32 bear records in the
books. Denny will have his new book available; "In
the Land of the Bears!"
Back again for the fifth year is the chain-
saw carving contest. Four of the best carvers will
compete for cash prizes with showgoers having the
opportunity to buy the winning works.
The Waterfowlers Area, sponsored by Free-
way Sports Center of Fenton, will offer exhibi-
tors with boats, blinds, calls and decoys for the
waterfowler. The Michigan Ducks Unlimited will
be hosting a waterfowl calling contest for kids and
adults, for more information: www.ducks.org/
michigan
Attractions, seminars and demonstrations are
not the only new items; we also have a host of new
vendors joining the weekend, vendors with knowl-
edge not only in products, but also in all aspects of
hunting, fishing and the outdoors.
Terry McBurney, Woods-N-Water News
staff writer, will answer questions and offer free
appraisals about sporting collectibles, especially
vintage fishing tackle. Bring your old stuff to the
weekend and let Terry give you an idea of what its
worth. He is also interested in purchasing items for
his own collection.
Commemorative Bucks of Michigan - the of-
ficial scorers for record-book big game - will have
scorers in Imlay City. Patrons can bring their deer,
bear, elk or turkey mounts to the show and have
them professionally measured. Many successful
hunters will have their trophies on display at the
CBM booth under the big tent.
Living history; Reg Pettibone and his family
will teach Native American culture through inter-
pretive dances and artifact displays of the Ho-
Chunk nation on Saturday and Sunday.
Outdoor writer and author Dennis Neely will
be on hand answering your black powder shooting
and black powder hunting questions. He will have
his 1794 River Raisin traders camp set up and
will be your guide to learn the value of wilderness
necessities, price beaver pelts and compare todays
hunting gear with the trade guns, linen and leather
clothing and shelters used long ago. Learn the
unique mix of fair-chase hunting, old-style muzzle-
loaders and American history.
The Outdoor Weekend encampment will also
feature Pat and Joe Schnur, naturalist and primitive
skills instructor, who has lined up a great group to
demonstrate primitive skills and will have a special
focus for kids.
The 8th Arkansas - 22nd Michigan Civil War
reenactors authentic encampment was a big hit
when introduced a few years ago and will be back
in Imlay City, offering an opportunity to visit living
history.
The Michigan Hunting Dog Federation Puppy
Area will again have hundreds of puppies to pet,
photograph and buy. Most major hunting breeds
will be represented. If youre interested in selling
quality, healthy hunting breed pups call 810-724-
0254 or check out www.outdoorweekend.net for the
rules and regulations and registration forms.
The Camp Chili Cook-off on Saturday, Sep-
tember 9, features teams competing for $750 cash
with judging at 3:00 p.m.
We look forward to a great show, welcoming
back old friends and making new ones!
Show hours are Friday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Satur-
day, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Imlay City is located between Flint and Port Huron;
the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds is on M-53,
a half-mile north of I-69 off Exit #168. Admission
is $8 per person and kids 12 and under free and
free parking. For more information check
our Woods-N-Water News Facebook page,
website www.outdoorweekend.net or call
810-724-0254.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 5

HUNTING
September Whitetails
Kenny Darwin page 8
Train To Hunt - Part II
Drew YoungeDyke page 16
WHITETAIL WISDOM
Josh Lantz page 26
The mechanics of deer calling
Gary Sefton page 30
Fall turkey hunting Want Squirrels
George Rowe page 42
Our Pheasant
Hunting Heritage
Tom Lounsbury page 54
5 STEPS
Michigans Amazing Animals
To taking trophy bucks
John Sloan page 60
SOUND MANAGEMENT
Crankbait Termination Savvy
for deer hunting
Adam Lewis page 68
Early Goose Hunting...
B-52 HONKERS
Kenny Darwin page 74
Boneless
FILLETS
Darryl Quidort...page 32
Wildlife Habitat Grants
page 91
BOWHUNTERS...
Make every tree your tree
John Lyszczyk page 104
Destination-Saskatchewan:
Big Bears, Big Fish
Jonathan Schechter page 20
Jeff Pendergraff page 118
FISHING
LEAD CORE...
Overlooked and misunderstood
Mark Martin page 15
Fishing lessons learned abroad
Mark Romanack page 28
COVER PHOTO
Early September
WHITETAILS
By Kenny Darwin
page 8
6 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
A murmuration of starlings OUTDOOR WEEKEND
Jerry Dennis page 40 SPECIAL INSERT
...pages 69-72
Pigeon River Country
Its special because... Black ash baskets
Tom Carney page 44 Sharon Kennedy page 76
Studying Michigans Mort of the North
massasaugas Guest Column page 85
Bob Gwizdz-MDNR page 58 Don Buz Lockman...
A fitting tribute to an educator,
BOAT SMART... a sportsman and human being
Caution and common-sense Rick Fowler page 86
Captain Fred Davis page 81
Dirt hole set...
Find Acorns Sporting Collectibles...Part III
Go-Ite Manufacturing
Ticket to canine success
John S. Chagnon page 108
Terry McBurney page 100
Kenny Darwin...page 110
SMALLMOUTH BASS
THE EYES HAVE IT!
Predator quiz Early Teal
Betty Sodders page 122
Patrick Bevier page 56
OUTDOOR NEWS
Mark Romanack page 62
Governor announces
Dog Days of summer Invasive Carp Challenge
HOT SPOTS page 25
John Bergsma page 64
Young Albino Buck Killed
In praise of little fish
Richard P. Smith page 36
John Schmittroth page 66 Kenny Darwin...page 12
Making sense of scent DNR surveys lake sturgeon
for smallies Bob Gwizdz-MDNR page 78
Mike Gnatkowski page 82
DNR names Bill ONeil OPINIONS
Huron Bays record pike Deputy Director Dear Fish Diary: Asian Carp
Richard P. Smith page 88 page 90 problem finally solved
Ron St. Germain page 94
Bring on September Alan Ettenhofer honored as
Outstanding Conservationist Canada changes entry
Dave Mull page 102
page 90 requirements for boaters
RIVER FISHING... Mark Sak page 94
Autumn Visitors Red swamp crayfish found!
Jim Bedford page 114 page 96 Running wild in the Big Wild
Drew YoungeDyke
page 95
Ducks Unlimited
FEATURE Michigan 80th Anniversary
Great Lakes Tsunamis? page 117 GUNS/AMMO
Michael Veine page 18
Valley of the GIANTS PERSPECTIVE Traditional Black Powder Hunting
The Northwest gun remained still
Dennis Neely page 50
MICHIGAN MEANDERS
Visit and enjoy the Advent for a Hunter
GUN CHAT: Snubnose
Outdoor Weekend Tom Huggler page 38
Randy Jorgensen page 22
Lee Arten page 53
SEPTEMBER 2017
Woods-n-Water News
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Michigans Premier Outdoor Publication
Trophy Page. . . . . . 92 Classifieds . . 124-125
Mechanics of
DEER
CALLS News/Op-Ed . . . 94-97 Real Estate . . 127-137
8 Steps To Boneless
1-810-724-0254
FILLETS
Early Season
TEAL &
HONKERS www.woods-n-waternews.com
P.O. Box 278, Imlay City, MI 48444
Scouting Cameras Help Create
WHITETAIL WISDOM
WOODS-N-WATER NEWS OUTDOOR WEEKEND
Sept. 8-10 Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds Imlay City
www.woods-n-waternews.com Like us on facebook Follow us on
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 7

 Cover Story...
SEPTEMBER
WHITETAILS
T
he spectacle of the beautiful mature
buck with velvet dangling from his
massive rack sent my heart soaring.
His antlers were tall and almost fully
polished but parts were still covered
with rag torn velvet and blood that
made him look like a Booner. He was the kind
of Michigan deer hunters dream about. A classic
example of a September trophy located when ma-
ture bucks are still visible and their racks brushed
clean of velvet. The white antlers stood out
against the green foliage and were easy to spot.
Now is the time to be scout-
ing. Soon bucks will be fully void
of velvet, their testosterone levels
will soar and they will disap-
pear from fields and open areas.
Once bucks go through the early
fall transition they disperse from
bachelor groups and visit fields
only under the cover of dark-
ness. Some stay close to summer
haunts, others relocate and are dif-
ficult to pattern.
The strategy is simple and the
reward can be a bruiser on your
buck pole come fall. The trick is
to scout open fields from late
August through early Septem-
ber, find big bucks and if need By Kenny Darwin
8 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
be, get permission to hunt where the adult deer
are located. Sounds simple but it requires a lot
of time scouting to find a dandy buck. Locat-
ing a monster mossy-horned monarch requires
patience, dedication and endless searching but the
end result can be impressive.
This is the season when bucks are still re-
laxed, highly visible during daylight and willing
to venture into openings. It is a golden opportuni-
ty for hunters to get a glimpse of deer they will be
hunting come fall. Not all deer will simply stand
stationary, look at you with those big brown eyes
and act semi-tame. Some bucks
will switch to nocturnal move-
ment patterns the instant they feel
they are being watched. Now is
a precarious season for them be-
cause they leave reclusive haunts
and become visible by staging in
open fields. Old monarchs have
a habit of only giving you a brief
glimpse of their newly polished
crown as they turn their back and
disappear into forests, tall grass
or behind a hill.
With fond memories I recall
the bruiser buck I spotted the
last few minutes before dark.
He allowed me to only get a
glimpse through my Nikon
binoculars of his 12 points as he moved slowly
out of sight. The image of his white tall tines
haunted me and come October I saw him again
slipping through the brush out of bow range. He
had a massive body, extra tall G3s and dark hair.
I spent endless hours hunting him and when the
rut ended I finally got a glimpse of the tall rack
headed directly at me. There was snow on the
ground and a light mist in the air and in the fog
I could easily make out the huge white G3s as I
brought the crossbow to my shoulder and flicked
the safety off. I saw him kick like a mule through
the Scorpion scope on my Darton Toxin as the
bolt zipped through both lungs and he ran helter/
skelter through the thick brush and eventually
crashed into a large oak. Soon I stood over the
buck and reflected on the strategy that brought
me kissin close to the big deer. My point is this:
September scouting helped me pinpoint the buck,
gave me hope and encouragement to sit on stand
many hours and finally I was rewarded with an
easy shot. If your goal is to score on a big boy
this fall, listen up.
This past spring was wet and warm and grass-
es grew at an accelerated rate. Bucks had a very
mild winter and the warm weather in early spring
helped them to find food and grow healthy racks.
My scouting efforts have turned up interesting
results. In some areas of southern Michigan there
are few deer and bucks are scarce. Other loca-
tions bolster larger private land herds with plenty
of yearling bucks and a few good trophy racks.
When compared to past years, I would rate 2017
as somewhat disappointing when it comes to
spotting big bucks. However, my scouting season
is only half over and I hope to find some wall
hanger bucks and new hunting spots soon.
Summer is the time when bucks gather in
bachelor groups, offering you an opportunity to
view the racks in your hunting area. Certainly
horseflies and a variety of bugs chase them into
the open but there is more to this equation. It is
my opinion that many times does with fawns
fight with bucks and chase them from area thick-
ets and cover while raising their young. There-
fore, bucks tend to join together. Summer is also
a time when testosterone levels are low and bucks
will join the company of other deer, become so-
ciable; they tolerate the presence of younger deer.
It is not uncommon during summer scouting trips
that many of the deer you see in fields will have
racks. Summer is a time when young bucks so-
cialize with adult whitetails. Its a time when old
deer teach young their patterns, introduce them
to their territory and develop a social structure
with dominant bucks at the top of the ladder. This
is when young bucks hang out with dominat-
ing males. It is one of the few times of the entire
year when you can get a handle on how many
and what size bucks are in your area. If scouting
missions turn up nothing but small bucks and
very few bucks, chances are your population has
been over-hunted. This is the problem with most
of Michigan. The herd is hunted heavily and adult
bucks are scarce. However, scouting new territory
could provide an opportunity to see a big buck
and hopefully discover new hunting grounds.
When summer turns to fall and days become
shorter, whitetail bucks start rubbing off their vel-
vet. Antlers are quickly polished and in a matter
of a few days 80% of the buck herd is suddenly
wearing a hat of white antlers. Some rub in large
September Whitetails page 10
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 9

September
Whitetails:
from page 8
trees or pines while others rub on brush or alders,
tall grass or corn stalks. There is a telephone pole
in the Shiawassee National refuge where bucks
come to rub year after year, a good example that
bucks will rub on practically anything.
Most bucks brush off their velvet in Michigan
by September 15th but early September deer are
still in the summer feeding pattern, relaxed, still
in bachelor groups. This is a golden opportunity
for you to capture their image on trail cameras
or spot them by scouting. The time frame when
groups are still together only lasts a few days and
by the October 1 archery opener they have dis-
persed. It seems all of a sudden bachelor groups
break up and big bucks disappear into the endless
underbrush. Most you will never see again but
getting a peek of a dandy deer can give you con-
fidence to continue hunting when others are back
at the cabin watching football on TV.
Michigan is blessed with diverse habitat, fan-
tastic food crops and vast public land to support
deer. However, never-ending doe killing, long
seasons, double buck licenses and overhunting
simply ruin our buck population. Public lands
have been shot off to the point where a chance of
seeing a good buck is pure luck. In many counties
the herd has been over-trimmed and the chance
of a hunter sighting of deer is very poor. In 2015
a DNR survey found almost 70% of hunters were
dissatisfied with the extremely low numbers of
antlered bucks they saw.
Agricultural fields are important for summer
scouting. My choice is fields in southern Michi-
gan. I try to locate alfalfa fields as corn grows
high. Bean fields can attract deer, depending on Bucks will rub off their velvet on anything like trees, brush, grass, corn, even telephone
the kind of bean planted. Find a bean field deer poles or cedar fence posts. Kenny Darwin photos
prefer and you can count on big bucks joining
the herd. Hay fields or grass fields draw deer in use the three Es of hunting: Entry without detect- cool. The combination of low light and fall-
northern Michigan but spotting wary bucks can ing, Execution and Exit without deer knowing ing temperature draws mega-bucks from likely
be difficult in the tall cover. you are in the area. Spend too much time in any haunts into open fields. Once you have located
Adult bucks can be somewhat difficult to given area and I guarantee deer will vacate the a field deer prefer, you can count on the mature
locate. Oh sure, they will venture into the open location. Adult whitetail deer command respect, dominant bucks showing when the light fades
but wary, old bucks often do not go into the open dont take random sightings for granted or think and the outline of deer begins to blend with the
until the sun is below the horizon and the last few for a second that human intrusion will not spook surroundings. Farm country bucks are experts at
minutes of daylight. Others avoid detection by deer. Some hunters make the mistake of spending using rolling hills, draws or low spots to camou-
staying in low areas, avoiding being sky lighted too much time on their home turf and they liter- flage open field activities. Bucks in grass fields
on hill tops. Super smart bucks stay far from the ally bump deer to other property; which can ruin like to hide their rack by keeping their head low.
road and meander in the distant corner of fields good hunting long before the season starts. Try They slip through the grass like a snake in weeds,
adjoined by thick cover. Some big boys come out to scout without being detected. Avoid leaving weaving their way to food sources without detec-
to play several times a week while others remain too much human scent, wear cover scent, use hu- tion.
hidden and only show their massive racks a cou- man odor control scent destroying sprays, rub- In order to see maximum numbers of deer I
ple times a week. Learning the pattern of an adult ber boots, never smoke and give hot spots a rest like to go on warm days with little wind and blue
buck, setting up and taking telephoto pictures between scouting missions. skies. The kind of lazy day that sends critters
requires endless energy, hard work and plenty This brand of scouting requires good glass. into a deep sleep and when the light gets low and
of time in the field. Perhaps the greatest blessing My choice is 10x50mm binoculars because the temperatures fall, they get up rejuvenated, ready
of wildlife photography is it provides an opportu- 50mm has high light drawing capability. Quality to play. Often weekends are not ideal because
nity to gain permission from landowners optics can make the difference between clearly more people are driving country roads, visiting
who seldom allow hunting. Once a landowner identifying deer and not getting a good look at cottages or cabins and outdoors. Savvy deer are
gets to know and trust photographers, the gate likely candidates for hunting. Do not make the quick to avoid detection when they instinctively
suddenly becomes open for hunting. But the common mistake of scouting without glass, even sense human interference.
secret to finding bucks is dependent upon smart a Booner can be difficult to see against the tall Some of the best buck hunters I know have a
scouting. grass, green leaves and thick foliage. Forget spot- game plan for success. They scout in advance of
One trick is to set up a stand overlooking ting scopes because whitetails dont move until the season and pattern adult deer. They seldom
open country or using an existing blind. Rather low light and a spotting scope is useless in poor simply stumble into the woods and hope by being
than walking to the stand and leaving human light. Make certain to use high quality binoculars patient a big buck will eventually come their way.
scent try using a camo ATV or bicycle and that have clear fields of view and increased mag- The trick to success hinges on locating big deer
silently slip to the stand, climb into it from the nification. Oh, if you forget your binoculars you and spending time afield. So, I hope you give
vehicle and avoid leaving human scent. Once might as well go back home. buck scouting a try. You can count on the unsur-
deer filter into the field you must wait until they The best time to scout is late evening when passed reliability that scouting will help you find
leave or total darkness to avoid detection. Always the sun touches the horizon and the air begins to more and bigger bucks.n
10 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
SALE GOOD WHILE SUPPLIES LAST
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 11
 Get the jump on duck hunting with
EARLY TEAL
M
Michigan hunters are given another oppor tunity to hunt teal statewide September 1-10, 2017 when large flocks of teal migrate across Michigan.
ichigan waterfowl
hunters can look
forward to another
early teal season
in 2017. Opening
day is September
1 and this year you can hunt until
September 10. Michigans early
teal season is a golden opportunity
to fire up your duck hunting skills
and field test gear when weather
is warm. It gives you an opportu-
nity to get outdoors when migrat-
ing flocks of blue-winged teal and
green-winged teal are abundant. In
many cases you will see more ducks
and enjoy more shooting than dur-
ing the regular season.
Michigan has participated in
this special season for three years
but the USFWS has not determined
if Michigan can be operationalized
this season. So, Michigan hunters
have an additional year of ex-
perimental early teal hunting. Bag
limit for the early teal hunt is six
birds a day and 18 in possession,
which can include blue-winged and
green-winged teal in combination.
Make certain to check the Michigan
Waterfowl Hunting Digest regard-
ing hunting regulations and shooting
hours. See page 9 regarding the
early teal season.
To participate, hunters need a
Michigan Base license, Michigan
Waterfowl hunting license, HIP on
your license and a signed federal
migratory bird hunting stamp. Also,
make certain you only carry steel
shot and your gun has a plug so it
will only hold 3 rounds. Early sea-
12 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
son gives you the same adrenaline
rush as regular duck season. This
is best explained by the following
anecdote.
In the pre-dawn darkness I could
hear ducks flushing ahead as I wad-
ed near the blind placing decoys in
a Saginaw Bay slough. It felt good
to be revisiting one
of my old water-
fowl haunts where
I hunted teal near
Fish Point in the
1960s. The sudden
swoosh of ducks fly-
ing overhead got my
heart pumping and I
checked my watch.
It was three minutes
until shooting time
and I loaded my
shotgun. The first
shots rang out from
the east and in the
early morning
half-light I could
make out tiny By Kenny Darwin
specks headed
in my direction. The dots molded
into a squadron of blue-winged teal,
dipping and diving slightly above
the cattails.
My first two shots were clean
misses but I concentrated on the
third and dumped a duck from the
slate gray sky. I waded into the de-
coy spread to retrieve my prize just
as all hell broke loose and everyone
along the Bay started shooting at
super-fast flying targets.
I hustled in the waist deep marsh
to retrieve the downed bird and was
greeted by several teal trying to land
in the spread. By the time I shoul-
dered my shotgun and got solid
footing in the mud, the birds turned
on the afterburners and zipped out
of range. When I returned to the
blind, several teal zoomed past kis-
sin close with wings sending out
a sonic swooshing
sound that resem-
bles a distant MiG
fighter. Singles
were zipping past
from almost every
direction. I knocked
down a male green-
wing just in time
to spot a squadron
of blue-winged teal
cupping for the
motion decoys. I
smacked one bird
close to the water
and a second direct-
ly overhead. The
plump bird made
a solid plop a
few feet from my
blind as I finished on a small squad-
ron of green-wing. Soon I had my
six bird limit and had passed dozens
of other golden opportunities.
I gathered decoys and fallen
birds and took a break to admire the
scenic beauty of the huge Saginaw
Bay marsh. It was here that I cut
my teeth on Michigan waterfowling.
The huge expanse provided endless
hunting opportunities for mallards,
geese and teal back in the day and
the marsh still holds its appeal in
2017.
Early teal season is a boon for
waterfowlers because it gives them
a chance to hone hunting skills long
before the regular duck season. This
is an ideal time to prepare decoys,
fix a leaking boat, and gather cam-
ouflage gear and practice shooting at
fast flying birds. Early season is an
ideal time to introduce youth or new
hunters to the sport when conditions
are ideal, temperatures warm and
days are long and sun filled. Most
importantly, it provides sportsmen
the opportunity to hunt migrating
teal that are often long gone south
come the October regular season.
Now is the time to intercept flocks
of teal while populations are high,
flocks are found throughout Michi-
gan and gunning adventures await
those who go afield.
Early teal season also coincides
with early goose season and hunters
who are set up on water can enjoy
shooting at flocks of teal that buzz
their floating goose decoy spread.
Michigans traditional waterfowl
marshes all hold good numbers of
local teal come September 1, but
major migrations can suddenly
appear if Michigan has a north
by northwest or noreaster blow
highlighted by gale force winds and
fast falling air temperatures. Stiff
winds from the north quickly push
major migrations of teal across
Michigan long before regular duck
season. But the early season catches
vast numbers of teal as they trek
south. Blue-winged teal are quick
to migrate because they are sensi-
tive to the falling temperatures of
fall. With mallard populations at
an all-time low the early teal season
provides Michigan hunters with
some fast-paced shooting fun not
available later in the season.
Last fall I had a riot hunting teal
on Saginaw Bay as flocks of blue-
winged teal constantly dove for our
decoy spread. Regular gun opener
on Michigans famous Martini
flooding was a bust because there
were no mallards. Oh sure, wood-
ies were present and the occasional
gadwall or green-winged teal would
buzz past, but mallards were not to
be seen. Its a sad experience to be
outdoors in a watery environment
where once thousands of mallards
lived but today the mallards are sim-
ply gone. On duck opener I shot no
mallards, saw no mallards harvested
and only spotted four mallards fly-
ing in the far distance. The fact is,
savvy Michigan waterfowl hunt-
ers have made the switch to geese,
wood ducks and teal.
It is my opinion that Michi-
gans DNR needs to make the early
experimental teal season a regular
event and announce September 1
a regular duck opener. This would
increase hunting opportunities and
give sportsmen the much needed
opportunity to go afield when birds
are available. With fast declining
mallard populations hunter num-
bers are also fast declining. Many
are tired of spending big money for
licenses, decoys, boats, expensive
shells and camouflage gear only
to have no ducks to shoot come
opener. A good example of this is
Michigans Maple River flooding.
First, the DNR no longer plants and
floods corn to attract mallards and
Mallards and teal occupy similar habitat and mallard decoys can be used to hunt teal and draw them close.
Motion decoys and full body mallard decoys on a muskrat house can spell success for early season teal
hunters. Kenny Darwin photos
after the first couple days of season
the local mallards, teal and woodies
have been over-shot. Last year on
the third day of season it was rain-
ing, windy and ideal duck hunting
conditions but no birds were avail-
able and the parking lot was empty
of cars, trucks or boat trailers. This
is a classic example of what is
happening throughout Michigan as
mallard populations take a tail spin.
Michigans DNR needs to use new
management policies to increase
duck numbers and increase water-
fowl hunting recruitment. Early teal
season is a step in the right direc-
tion.
The greatest attribute of teal
is they love to come into decoys.
Unlike mallards that often prefer
to circle at high altitude, teal dive
for the decoys and zoom over your
spread, which provides close range
gunning. At times, after you drop a
bird or two the remaining flock will
bank hard, circle out of range but
turn and come directly at you again
and zip past the decoy spread at
maximum speed.
This is the brand of duck hunt-
ing that constantly keeps you on
your toes because birds frequently
appear from nowhere and blitz past
in easy gunning range at Mach
speed. This requires you to con-
stantly check in all directions and
keep your gun in the ready position
with your finger on the safety. The
first hour of daylight and last hour
before dark are peak flying times for
teal and you need to be fully ready
with a pocket full of shells during
these key high activity periods.
Since teal are small ducks and
shooting is inside 30 yards most
hunters use #4 or #5 shot which
provide dense patterns to harvest
small targets at close range. Some
hunters use a follow up shot of #2
loads for their last shot, often taken
at birds flying at fast speed straight
away. Savvy waterfowlers carry
duck and goose loads. At daylight
they use the #4 shot for teal but
as daylight arrives and geese start
flying they switch to larger BB or
Ts to take down large geese. For
this brand of hunting you will need
plenty of ammo because teal are
difficult targets. Sure they decoy
into easy range but they fly past at
60 mph speeds and shooting them
is a challenge. Teal are bold and zip
into your decoys and blast out at
unbelievable speeds. This combined
with their unrivaled maneuverability
makes them a difficult target and
missed shots are very common.
While teal can be found on al-
most any farm pond or marsh, they
tend to concentrate along marshes
bordered by open water. Woodies
and mallards tend to congregate in
flooded marshes or timber. How-
ever, teal like to stage near open
water bordered by marsh or cattails.
Classic teal locations are cattail or
bog points surrounded by open wa-
ter. If you want to see maximum teal
numbers, place your blind on a point
surrounded by water where you can
set out decoys.
My favorite location is Saginaw
Bay where I would set out decoys in
tiny bogs bordered by the expansive
open water. At dawn teal buzz up
and down the coast from Almeda
Beach south past Linwood and
along the south shore from Quani-
cassee to Sebewaing and Bay Port.
Im talking about miles of marsh
grass, tiny bays, thick bogs, cattails
and reed forests that provide ideal
habitat for migrating teal.
Blue-winged teal are the primary
target and they are a tad larger than
their cousins the green-winged teal.
At times the large light blue patch
on their shoulder can appear whitish
Early Teal page 14
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 13
Early Teal Season:
from page 13
and they migrate early through Au-
gust and September and most winter
in South America. Saginaw Bay is
covered with them in early Septem-
ber and flocks can vary from 6-25
birds. They are somewhat easy to
identify because they are larger than
green-winged and smaller than mal-
lards, widgeon or gadwall. Blue-
winged like to fly in formations and
offer fast paced gunning because
they prefer to skim the surface of the
open water or marsh grass and sel-
dom fly too high out of range. Pick
a day on the Bay when the wind is
howling from the north and you will
see hundreds of teal and go through
more boxes of shells than the entire
regular duck season.
My favorite location is near Fish
Point where I motor out to a point of
marsh grass and set out two MOJO
Blue-Winged Teal electronic spin-
ning wing decoys along with MOJO
Flock of Flickers mixed with some
feeder decoys. Teal can spot the
motion decoys far out on the open
water and come close for a peek.
The ultrafast rotating wings bring
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14 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
them kissin close and the fast paced
shooting fun is outstanding.
I wish you could join me in
the blind for early teal. You would
get a lesson in duck decoying at an
accelerated rate. Birds dive for my
spread with no hesitation because I
use motion decoys. At times I empty
my gun and ducks are swarming the
spread and I can hardly get shells
into the chamber fast enough. By
most decoying standards, my spread
is tight. My goal is to mimic a feed-
ing frenzy in a small area. One trick
I use is to place two full-body mal-
lard decoys on top a muskrat house
that birds can see from super long
distances. I stack reeds on top of a
muskrat house so full bodies are far
above the fluctuating water. From
far away the decoys on top look like
two resting birds with full stomachs
after participating in the feeding
frenzy. But it is the motion decoys
that seal the deal and my spread is
only a couple dozen decoys consist-
ing of MOJO spinning wing, MOJO
Flicker and MOJO Flyway feeder
duck butts. From a distance my
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decoy spread looks like a gang of
ducks splashing and moving franti-
cally feeding. Birds are drawn to the
constant movement and come kissin
close for a better peek.
Years of waterfowl hunting have
taught me valuable secrets. When
teal hunting I do not hide in the
bulrushes. No sir, I learned hiding
allows birds to zoom past unde-
tected. Instead I fully camouflage
and keep my head high to help spot
oncoming flocks of fast moving teal.
Teal have a nasty habit of skimming
the marsh at ultra-low height and
you can only spot them by standing
heads up. First, I match my camo to
the environment. Then I use a face
mask or face cream to conceal my
face and make it look like cattails or
marsh grass. My goal is to be look-
ing every direction, constantly scan-
ning the horizon for tiny dots in the
sky and slowly lowering my profile
as birds dive for the decoys.
There are days when the wind
is calm, the sun is bright and guns
along the Bay go silent. The tran-
quility gives me pause to dream
about back in the day when I used
large decoy spreads of Tom Rustle
custom foam goose-size mallard
decoys with wooden keels and mal-
lards would swarm the spread. At
times my mind melts into days of
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old when mallards would mass in
flocks of 100, and come late sea-
son the Bay would come alive with
black mallards, huge rafts of div-
ers and the constant hoo-ha calls
of large flocks of migrating arctic
whistling swans.
But on calm sunny days the
motion decoys are deadly and while
other hunters are bored my spread is
still sucking birds from the clouds
and the air is filled with the swoosh
of teal diving from the heavens. At
times you cant see them because
they are so high but you can hear
the howl of their cupped wings like
a MiG jet on a dive and soon they
zoom past at lightning speed, mak-
ing a hard bank at supersonic speeds
as you shoulder your gun. When
they swarm the spread intent on
diving into the rippling water alive
with decoys the shooting action is a
riot.
I hope you find time to sample
Michigans early teal season. Some
hunters will be set up before dawn
and hopefully some geese will come
along with the teal. Others will be
out for goose opener and have teal
swoosh their goose decoys. Either
way, waterfowl opener on Sep-
tember 1 is an opportunity to hunt
teal when large numbers are still
present.n
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 LEAD CORE
overlooked and
misunderstood
Trolling with lead core line is a decades-old
technique. Nowadays, however, its one of
the most overlooked and misunderstood
methods for trolling up a limit of fish...
By Mark Martin
W
hen used cor-
rectly, its a
great tool for
getting spoons,
crankbaits,
and spinners
(crawler harnesses) down deep to
where big fish swim; used incor-
rectly, its just wasted space in your
boats rod holder.
But just dont think of it as a
deepwater presentation; lead core
trolled behind take shallow-water
fish as well.
Lead cores ability to catch fish
no matter where its being fished
was brought back to my attention
many years ago, while teaching
at one of the many Open-Water
Fishing Vacation/Schools put on
in the waters of the Grand River
and Spring Lake, out of the Port
of Grand Haven, Michigan. Every
student had at least one lead-core
rod and reel combo in their cache,
yet most had never even wet a lure
with it.
The students had lots of ques-
tions, not only concerning how to
rig leaders to lead core, but how and
when to use it. Most were surprised
at the answers as it is much simpler
to rig than they thought, was used
more often than they realized, and
could be used in shallower water
than they had ever considered.
Lead Core - What It Is
First of all, to understand the
hows, whens and wheres of using
lead core line you need to know
what it is. Just as its name implies,
it is line (braided nylon, to be exact)
with a thin core of lead down the
center of it. Simple!
Lead core, however, has a much
larger diameter than monofilament
or superline and due to water resis-
tance, it must be fished slowly, say
1.8 mph and slower, even with deep-
diving lures. Troll any faster and the
line will rise toward the surface.
Lead core is color-coded so
you know how much line you have
out, with the color changing ev-
ery 10 yards (30 feet). Most lead
core comes packaged in 100-yard
spools. For walleye anglers and
their smaller level-wind reels, you
can spool up just five colors of lead
core. Make sure, however, you use
enough monofilament backing so
the lead core fills the spool its rim.
I spool mine with 20-pound-test
Berkley Trilene XT. When spooling
larger reels, use the entire 100 yards
of lead core, making sure to use the
correct amount of backing to fill the
spool completely.
There are several different
pound tests of lead core line to
choose from. When Im trolling
for walleye and other warm-water
species, I use 18-pound-test Sufix
832 Advanced Lead Core and their
Performance Lead Core in 27-pound
test when trolling salmon and the
like.
How To Rig It
The most-asked question by the
students was how to tie on the leader
line to the lead core, as well what
length of leader to use.
First, the knot: I like to pull back
the outer braided material, about a
half-inch worth, and then break off
the inner core of lead. Next I thread
the mono up the hollowed braided
line, poking it out up where the
lead starts back up again. I then tie
a Uni Knot with the mono onto the
lead-core line, and then trim off the
tag end. This leader-to-lead-core
knot works well as it slides easily
through rod guides and wont get
caught up in the level wind of a reel.
Next, the length of leader: With
the leader tied on and both lines
spooled through all the rods guides,
Ill reel in the lead core until the
leader knot just touches the level
wind of the reel, then pull the mono
leader from the tip down the rod and
cut it at the butt. This, on average,
is 15 to 19 feet of leader. As for the
pound test of leader, Ill use either a
12- to 14-pound-test Berkley XT.
As for lead core equipment,
I like to beef up my arsenal as
Trolling a Rapala Deep Tail Dancer behind lead core line took this
great walleye for the author.
theres quite a bit of torque with this
heavier line and diving lures. I have
found an 8-foot 6-inch medium-ac-
tion trolling rod to be perfect. ABU
Garcias new Altum Trolling Rod
coming out this yearin this length
and power is a great choice. ABU
Garcias Ambassadeur Alphamar LC
(LC standing for line-counter) reel
is very good for lead core. The line-
counter reel has a smooth drag and
plenty of room for ten colors of lead
core and the rod has lots of guides
and the perfect action.
Trolling To The Core
Once your lead core is rigged
and ready, its time to fish. Basically,
I just snap on a lure, let out line, set
the rod in my rod holder and start
trolling.
Well, okay, theres a little more
to it than that.
In open waterwhere lead core
line is used mostand when pulling
spinners, I often let out all ten colors
of line, let the lure touch bottom,
then immediately reel in enough
line so that the lure stops hitting. In
zebra- and quagga-mussel-infested
waters, such as the Great Lakes, I
pay attention to exactly how much
lead core is out when it touches bot-
tom, then quickly reel the spinner all
the way in to check to make sure the
hooks didnt skewer any of the tiny
clams, I then send it back out, mak-
ing sure not to let quite as much line
out so that the rig doesnt hit bottom
again. Lead core line excels when
pulling crawler harnesses because
you very rarely go faster than 1.2
mph when trolling them.
Tip: Always use a ball-bearing
snap swivel, such as Berkleys Ball
Bearing Cross-Lok Snap-Swivels,
between the leader and the spinner
rig to nip line twist in the bud before
it occurs.
When pulling crankbaits, such as
Rapala Shad Raps, Tail Dancers and
the entire line of Scatter Rap lures,
I clip the lure to a Berkley Cross-
Lok snap, not snap swivel, as they
allow the crankbait to wobble freely
without too much hardware imped-
ing the lures action.
Lead core line tactics shine
through when trolling the shallow
water of rivers, too. During the
Open-Water Fishing School/Vaca-
tion, for example, many students
learned that lead core can be trolled
as shallow as 4 feet, such as we
were doing in the Grand River that
particular school. Lead core allows
you to get a lure down without hav-
ing a lot of line out, which is espe-
cially good in crowded waterways,
and allows you to get shallow-div-
ing lures, such as Rapala Originals,
deeper than they would normally go.
During the school, several wall-
eye were caught while trolling lead
core in 8 feet of water and less. The
students let out just enough line so
that the lure would just tick bottom
every so often, while trolling both
upstream and down.
Thats a Wrap
As you can see, trolling with
lead core is not difficult. The hardest
part for most anglers is taking the
time to give it a try. Its as easy as
clipping on a lure, letting out line,
setting it in a rod holder and trolling
slow.
Lead core overlooked and
misunderstood? It doesnt have to
be.
Mark Martin is a professional
walleye tournament anger and
instructor with the Fishing
Vacation/Schools who lives in
SW Lower Michigan. Visit his
website at markmartins.net for
more information.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 15
 TRAIN TO HUNT
I
n July, I tested my physi-
cal conditioning, archery
accuracy and mental
toughness against a moun-
tain and the best hunter
athletes in the nation, and
I came away humbled and proud.
My experience also taught me some
valuable lessons that can be applied
by Michigan hunters planning to
hunt out west at high elevations this
fall.
I earned an invitation to the
Train To Hunt Nationals at the Pow-
derhorn Resort in Mesa, Colorado
by placing third in the Traditional
division at the Pennsylvania Train
To Hunt Challenge. Jeffery Proctor
of Manchester - who qualified in
the Super Masters (age 50 and up)
division - and I road-tripped it out
there and back, about twenty hours
each way. Heres the first lesson for
anyone thinking of hunting out west:
pick a good driving and hunting
partner. I lucked out: Jeffs a great
guy and we got along well. Id hunt
with him any day. Ryan Grondin
of Iron Mountain also represented
Michigan at Nationals in the Mas-
ters (age 40-49) division.
We arrived at the resort late in
the afternoon before the competi-
tion, allowing time for some archery
practice. Last years Traditional
champion, Tex Grebner from Illi-
nois, identified from my arrow flight
that my nock point was probably too
low and helped me fix it, helping out
a competitor he would face the next
day. If this sounds odd, it shouldnt:
Train To Hunt is full of sportsman-
ship, as we understand that its not
each athlete verses the other ath-
letes, its each athlete verses himself
or herself - just like hunting.
Tex gave some advice. Its okay
to walk, limp, crawl or cry, he said,
but its not okay to quit. I didnt 30 burpee box step-overs; and 20
realize just how true that would be.
The Traditional Division star ts the Meat Pack.
16 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
PART II...By Drew YoungeDyke
The next morning, all 80 competi-
tors gathered to learn exactly what
Train To Hunt director Kenton
Clairmont had in store for us; unlike
the regional qualifiers, we didnt
know beforehand what physical
challenges awaited us at Nationals.
As he announced it, gasps could be
heard from the competitors.
We started the day with the
Challenge Course, which consisted
of four physical workouts, each fol-
lowed by an approximately 300 yard
run and then a 3D target shoot, with
time added for inaccurate shots and
misses resulting in 20 burpees - or
squat-thrusts - before advancing to
the next station. The workouts were
50 box step-overs wearing a 50-lb.
pack; 40 reps of picking a 50-lb.
One of the authors 50 box step-
overs with a 50-pound pack
sandbag from ground to shoulder,
then stepping up and over the box;
and limped to the finish stiff-legged
get-ups with a 50-lb. sandbag fol-
Train To Hunt Director Jesse Wise watches as the author shoots a
target on the Challenge Course
lowed by a box step-over. After the
fourth 3D shot, it was a 1.6-mile
trail course up the ski hill wearing
a 50-lb. pack, with two 3D targets
along the way. A half hour after the
last competitor in your heat finished,
the 3D archery course would begin,
including certain shots that had to be
made from a kneeling position, draw
and move, and holding the draw be-
fore shooting. That would conclude
the first day.
I started out in good shape, but
struggled on the sandbag get-ups,
the elevation at 8,400 feet finally
getting to me. On the trail course,
I missed the first target completely
and had to do 20 burpees. My
calf cramped up on the mountain
and I went down hard. As my calf
spasmed, I was devastated I might
not finish. But Train To Hunt is
about mental toughness, so I refused
to quit. I massaged my calf, got up,
fell again, massaged it some more,
and ten minutes behind my peers. I
did better on the 3D course, finish-
ing fourth of the Traditional archers,
but still found myself in last place
headed into the second day.
For the second day, we faced the
infamous Meat Pack, simulating
hauling game meat out of the back-
country. Our challenge would be
hauling a 50-lb. pack 2.2 miles with
1800 feet of gain - from 8,400 feet
up to 10,200, most of it straight up
a mountain littered with fallen tree
trunks and sliding gravel. My quads
were cramping toward the top of the
mountain, and I limped into the fin-
ish again doing my best to keep my
legs from straightening out, afraid
theyd seize up and prevent me from
finishing. I ran stiff-legged through
the finish line, other competitors
helped me get my pack off, and I sat
on the ground unable to get up for a
good fifteen to twenty minutes while
the Wilderness Athlete crew brought
me cups of their Hydrate & Recover
mix to get some electrolytes back in
me.
As a flatlander unaccustomed
to elevation, I wasnt acclimated to
operating with less oxygen getting
to my muscles. Jeff didnt have the
same problem, since he often hunts
in the western backcountry and
has guided in Alaska. It definitely
affected me. So if youre planning
on hunting out west, give yourself a
few days to acclimate to the eleva-
tion and understand you wont be
able to perform physically the way
you do here. Ive improved my
physical conditioning through trail-
running and CrossFit over the past
two years, but the western moun-
tains are on another level entirely
from Michigan hills.
It was an incredible experience
despite finishing last in my divi-
sion. The Train To Hunt community
exemplifies every quality Id like
to see in the hunting community
in general: helping each other, not
sabotaging each other. Encourag-
ing each other, not criticizing each
other. Working hard to earn the right
to hunt the animals we hunt, not
looking for the easy way out. Rather
than being discouraged, Im even
more motivated to train harder,
train smarter, and be in better
shape and a better shot next year.
While the mountains got the best
of me, Im confident in my condi-
tioning and my shooting for
still-hunting northern Michigans
hills this October, and thats
ultimately what Train To Hunt
is about for me.n
 Winchester Weekend
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 17
 Great Lakes Tsunamis
Can Tsunamis hit the Great Lakes shorelines?
T
sunamis can and have
impacted the Great
Lakes. When most
people think of a
Tsunami, they envision
a massive tidal wave
caused by an earthquake. Tsunamis
though are defined as a long, high
wave caused by an earthquake, un-
derwater landslide or other distur-
bance. We have never had a Great
Lakes tsunami reportedly caused by
an earthquake or submarine land-
slide, however we have had them
caused by other disturbances and
in some cases they have proven
deadly.
During June I made a quick trip
to my U.P. hunting property to do
some spraying on my food plots and
around my cabin. On the way home
I took the scenic route back to Au
Gres by passing though Rogers City,
near where I used to own a home on
Lake Huron. Im still friends with
some of my old neighbors there, so
I stopped by for a visit on the way
through. Wally Etelamakis house is
two houses east of my old
house and when I pulled up
in his driveway, he was busy
at work with his backhoe
repairing his driveway
down to the water where
he launches his boat. As I
walked up I could see that
there was a line of debris
that had washed
By Michael Veine
well up onto his
lawn.
Wally dismounted his backhoe
and after handshakes, he explained
to me that they had gotten hit by a
Seiche on June 12. He explained
that it was like a storm surge that
Some confused anglers return to Bolles Harbor on Lake Erie only to find
that a storm surge caused the water level to drop and the docks were out
of the water.
18 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
The damage caused by a Seiche on June 12, 2017. The dislodge dock and debris line. Wally Etelamaki photo
caused the water to rise quickly,
then the water dropped down past
the normal level, then it went up
again, but not quite as far
up as the first time. The
water had clearly risen per-
haps four to five feet above
normal, and in so doing,
it scattered his dock down
the shoreline and did some
other damage as well as
depositing lots of debris up
onto his lawn.
After returning
home I did some
research on seiches and learned that
they are in fact a type of tsunami
called a meteotsumani caused by
weather. Seiche is a French word
meaning, to sway back and forth.
Seiches are caused by wind, baro- While the Great Lakes may not have
metric pressure fluctuations along ever had a tsunami in the form of
with the water basins size, shape an earthquake generated one, we
and depth. Storm surges are com- do have meteotsunamis on a fairly
mon in the Great Lakes caused regular basis though, which are
when the wind blows the water commonly called seiches. While
from one end of the lake to the other not as catastrophic as some quake
causing one side to rise and the tsunamis, seiches are none-the-
other to lower. A seiche is formed less something that everyone who
when barometric pressures fluctuate ventures close to the Great Lakes
rapidly, typically from the passing should be aware of.
of a major weather event. Often The author offers fishing charters
accompanied by a storm surge, the
specializing in Lake Erie and Sagi-
rapidly changing barometric pres- naw Bay walleyes. Contact Mike
sure intensifies the water movement Veine at www.trophyspecialists.com
causing a back and forth sloshing or 734-475-9146.n
effect which can raise and lower the
water by a recorded 10 feet or more,
but most are much less than that.
There have been some deadly
seiches on the Great Lakes over the
years. On July 4, 1929 a 20 foot
high seiche hit beach goers at Grand
Haven killing 10 people. On June
26, 1954 a 10 foot seiche pum-
meled the shores of Chicago killing
seven fishermen. On July 4, 2003 a
powerful seiche plowed into Berrien
County killing seven swimmers.
Besides loss of life, seiches cause a
lot of property damage too. As you
can see, seiches are serious business
indeed.
It is estimated that about 100
seiches occur on the Great Lakes
each year. Experts are in the pro-
cess of developing a seiche warning
system for the Great Lakes. In the
meantime it is prudent to stay away Here is The debris field left by a
from vulnerable shoreline areas June 12, 2017 seiche that struck
during or just after severe weather from Hammond Bay to Presque Isle
events along the Great Lakes. on Lake Huron. Tom Faner photo
ROSY BROTHERS INC.
5727 DRYDEN ROAD
DRYDEN, Michigan 48428
810-796-3770

WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 19

 Valley of the GIANTS
In the Beginning
If it was not for the incredible
earth-moving, land-crushing, pow-
ers of the great continental glacier as
it began to melt and retreat 12,000
years ago, the Valley of
the Giants might never
have been. The great glacier
crept down from the north
like mighty bulldozers. A
layer of ice one mile high
crunched, fractured and
reshaped the earth, gouging
great basins.
Today we call those
created a dramatic legend to explain
the Manitou islands, a legend that
lives on today.
The Legend of the Islands
Once, long ago, across the great
lake in Wisconsin there was
terrible hunger and many
people and animals died. A
bear and her two little cubs,
desperate for food, left
that place to swim the long
distance to the other side of
the lake. After a while the
cubs became very tired and
so the bear said: Try hard,

By Jonathan Schechter
basins
the Great
Lakes. As
the retreat of the ice accelerated,
new landforms including moraines
and kettle lakes appeared on the
mainland of Michigan, and an
archipelago formed off the North-
west corner of Lower Michigan. The
southernmost island of that chain
of islands is South Manitou Island.
The Anishinabek people were al-
ready established on the mainland of
present day Michigan when Euro-
peans arrived in the 1600s and had
the land is
not very
far. But
gradually the cubs weakened.
Exhausted, one cub sank into the
water when they were within sight
of the land and soon after the other
also drowned. The bears heart was
broken, but she could do nothing.
She waded ashore and climbed the
bluff to lay down looking out on
the water where her cubs had died.
However both of them surfaced as
two little islands. And so the bear
still lies there nowlooking after

ITS HOG
HUNTING TIME! National Park intern Alyssa Gilliland hugging one of the Giants.
her children. (Anishinabek Legend
of the Manitou Islands and Sleep-
ing Bear, courtesy of Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore)
South Manitou
Shipwrecks, and a Harbor
South Manitou Island, a desig-
nated wilderness area of Sleeping
Bear Dunes National Lakeshore,
is the smaller of the two Manitou
islands. The west shoreline of 5,260
acre South Manitou is defined by
dramatic perched sand dunes, where
wind-driven sand rests on top of a
ridge of glacial boulders, earth and
till. Sometimes that sand slides 400
feet back down to the shoreline of
Lake Michigan only to work its way
slowly back up by the strong west-
CHECK OUT erly winds.
OUR BUTCHER
Crescent Bay on the east shore
SHOP & LODGE of South Manitou is well known
to modern mariners and retains its
Your Hunting Spot Since 1988! historic title as a harbor of safe ref-
uge, and is the deepest natural har-
bor between Chicago and Buffalo. sets the scene for understanding
It also is the graveyard for some
TROPHY RANCH INC. ships. The 265 foot wooden steamer
Kevin 4076 Spencer Rd. Ubly, MI 48475 Congress, built in 1867, caught fire
Anthony www.trophyranch.com in Crescent Bay on October 4, 1904.
The stern was engulfed in flames
Call (989) 658-8634 for info and free tour! when the Congress went down in
about 165 feet of water in the west-
HUNT BIG RAMS $550 ern end of the crescent shaped bay
20 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
not far from todays Crescent Bay
Campground.
The Manitou Passage
The Manitou Passage sepa-
rates the Manitou islands from the
mainland and holds the remains of a
least 50 other shipwrecks. The 1858
lighthouse keeper quarters, and 100
foot tall 1871 lighthouse tower are
two of the protected remnants of the
time when schooners and steamers
came to the harbor to seek refuge,
repair sails, buy produce and in
the case of the steamers, purchase
cordwood. The island bustled in
those early years and much of it was
logged, but a small section of very
large northern white cedars, today
known as the Valley of the Giants,
was spared.
Island History
The website of Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore is rich
with historical information that
the historical importance of South
Manitou Island and the backstory
of the Valley of the Giants, a natural
wonder of Michigan woodlands.
South Manitou Island was
once the center of civilization and
commerce in the Manitou Passage.
Settlement of this area of Michigan
actually began on this little island wind-blown sand. Others just
primarily because of its protected think it would have been too hard
natural deep-water harbor. The is- to cut those trees and remove them
land was densely forested, so when from their swampy habitat with the
steamers began to sail the Great technology of the day. Today that
Lakes, its strategic location between grove holds national significance
Chicago and the Straits of Macki- as an old growth cedar forest, with
nac, made it the best place to take some of largest northern white
on firewood for their boilers. cedars found in the country. In early
The first village was located just spring that grove is magical world,
north of the present dock on Cres- with an incredibly beautiful ephem-
cent Bay. The remains of Burtons eral flower display underneath the
Wharf can still be seen if you walk giants that, include hepatica, yellow
north along the beach from the lady-slippers, Dutchmans britches,
present dock. There was a little jack-in-the-pulpit, blood root and
railroad built to haul the logs from great carpets of white trillium inter-
the interior of the island down to the spersed with brilliant splashes of red
dock. After the land was cleared, trillium.
immigrant farmers, many of them National Park intern Alyssa Gil- This fallen giant that ends up in many family photos. Author photos
from Bavaria, came to the island to liland described it this way in June,
homestead. Before long, the island The cedar loop trail makes you feel hundred years old. Perhaps others specimen is 34 m (112 ft.) tall and
became a little farming community. like youre hiking through a whimsi- are hundreds of years older than 175 cm (69 in.) diameter, on South
As Chicago grew, travel between cal forest and you are also rewarded that. Some facts are without dispute. Manitou Island.
there and Buffalo resulted is heavy with a blanket of wildflowers. And One fallen tree has 528 growth rings What cannot be debated is a
traffic on the lower Great Lakes. then its time to head up above the establishing the fact that it was al- reverent walk through the Valley of
Long before automobiles and paved cedars to the perched dunes. ready growing before Columbus set Giants brings to life the story of this
roads, passengers and freight trav- Hikers that follow along the sail on his journey of conquest. Size dynamic island landscape, a Michi-
eled from New Yorks harbor to primitive trail that loops through is easier to determine. Lee Frelich gan masterpiece of ice, wind and
Chicago by barge and boat. the grove of cedars pass by one and Ernie Otsuno measured some water now under protection by our
Early sailors quickly discovered fallen giant that ends up in many of the cedars on a 2007 field trip for National Park Service.
that the Great Lakes, and especially family photos, and a still standing the Eastern Native Tree Society, and Jonathan Schechter is a natu-
Lake Michigan, were different than giant that receives endless hugs. found a living, 67.5-foot tree with a ralist/writer/ER medic in Oakland
the ocean. Treacherous seas could As summer heats up, backpackers 149-inch girth, a 78-foot tree with County and served as a Lighthouse
come up almost without warning, and day visitors that make the 14 a 136-inch girth and several others Keeper on South Manitou Island in
and the wave structure was differ- mile crossing from Leland on the that were slightly smaller. Wiki- 2016 and 2017. Email: oaknature@
ent than they were used to on the Manitou Island Transit ferry revel pedia states, The largest known aol.comn
oceans. in the cool breezes of South Mani-
As the shipping disasters in- tou Island and the dappled sunlight
creased and the Lake Michigan that makes it to the forest floor. A
shoreline became a graveyard for narrow wooden boardwalk mean-
ships, the government launched an ders through part of the grove and a
ambitious program to build light- weathered bench gives a place to sit
houses and establish lifesaving sta- and take in the beauty and peace of
tions. That brought lightkeepers and the scene, perhaps only to be inter-
surfmen to South Manitou Island as rupted by the scurry of a chipmunk,
well as to North Manitou Island and the rustle of the wind that precedes
the mainland. summer storms or the occasional
The Valley of Giants dawn or dusk yip of coyotes. I have
The Valley of the Giants is part yet to see a hiker pass by the giant
of the islands hidden history in cedars without at least reaching over
the southwest corner of the island, to touch the moss covered bark with
just a ways inland from the 1960 a degree of reverence.
wreck of the Francisco Morazan. Growth before Columbus
Some say the cedars were spared Debate continues on just how
from the lumbermans saw because old the cedar trees are. There is no
their bark was deeply infused with debate that some are more than five

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 The Outdoor Weekend just wouldnt be the same without...puppies!
Visit and enjoy the
Outdoor Weekend
A Woods-N-Water News, celebration
of Michigans outdoor heritage
By Randy Jorgensen
I
like familiar places
and things, I like to
stay familiar...if you
know what I mean.
This, I know, doesnt hap-
pen.
Although its a little
early to notice the dark-
ness falling a little earlier
on us in the evenings, our
mornings seem to be get-
ting just a touch cooler. Of
course you know whats coming. I
can imagine it and for me, those are
sure signs that fall is just around the
corner and so is the season of har-
vest. A time to reflect on our fami-
ly, our outdoor heritage, a time to
celebrate it and preserve it.
Its a change Ive always looked
forward to.
Its time to nock an arrow and
prepare for the fall archery season.
Thoughts of bruiser bucks walking
into my shooting lane are more fre-
quent now.
Going on 31 years now, Ive
22 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
found myself at the Eastern
Michigan State Fairgrounds
in Imlay City the weekend
after Labor Day.
For just as long, Ive
been writing a column very
similar to this one about the
Outdoor Weekend. (Youll
notice in the center of this
issue a special section
about the Outdoor
Weekend.)
Well soon be putting up fences
to lay out the fairgrounds for the
Woods-N-Water News Outdoor
Weekend. This is our 31st straight
year, at the same place, and on the
same weekend.
For most of those years Tom
Campbell, my business partner and
brother-in-law, has been there too.
Thank goodness that hasnt
changed. Tom has been the key to
our success. He keeps track of
details Im apt to let slide.
My son Keil has also worked
hard to earn a spot on the same
 Just text...woodswater17 to 88777 for
Quality
vendors is information and updates at the Outdoor Weekend
what makes
the Woods-N- Imlay City Police Chief Scott Pike has made use of technology to
Water News help us better communicate with show visitors on traffic issues and
Outdoor
Weekend a show information. By texting: woodswater17 to 88777 (no charge)
success. This you can receive notifications of happenings at the Outdoor Weekend;
year expect via text, phone, email, dedicated web pages and social media.
to see about The Woods-N-Water News staff and Imlay City Police Department
240 vendors! hope this technology will make your visit to Imlay City more enjoy-
able and safer.
So remember, text: woodswater17 to 88777 to stay informed about
the Outdoor Weekend.

stage as his Uncle Tom. He helps

carry out some of the plans Tom has
laid in place. Woods-N-Water News
and the Outdoor Weekend is better
because of them both.
This years dates of the Outdoor
Weekend are September 8th, 9th
and 10th. Same place, same times.
The layout will be much like it
was last year, the Air-Dogs will be
on the north end of the fairgrounds
closer to Rotarys Refreshment
Tent. Which allows us to expand
the exhibitor tent on the south end
of the display area. We will have
over 240 exhibitors for you to see
and chat with. And this is a selling
show, so expect to get some real
bargains.
The fairgrounds has expanded
its parking by a few acres, so find-
ing a spot to park will be easier.
Some things just dont change
and we wouldnt want to change
them anyway. The annual Outdoor
Weekend just wouldnt be the same
without many outdoor personalities,
chili cook-off contest, seminars, dog
training, deer processing, ATVs,
boats, bows, treestands and lots to
see and do.
Of course the other things you
can count on that have not changed
are the Puppy Tent, frontier
encampment, Civil War reenactors,
wild animal display, activities for
youth, great food and drink.
So its the same place (Eastern
Michigan State Fairgrounds, Imlay
City) at the same times (Friday,
Sept.8th, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday,
Sept. 9th, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and
Sunday, Sept. 10th, 9 a.m. to 5
p.m.) and same price of $8 with
kids under 12 are free.
I hope you get a chance to visit
this years Outdoor Weekend, weve
changed it just enough to make it
even better.
The only other changes I plan to
make will be from the semi-comfort
of my treestand, looking to bag a
big old whitetail, and if I dont.....
well like I said, some things just
dont change at all.
For more information about
the Outdoor Weekend visit: www.
outdoorweekend.net or call 810-
724-0254.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 23
Check trees for invasive Asian longhorned beetle
T
he Michigan departments of and white segments. They have six legs transported in firewood, said John Bed-
Agriculture and Rural Develop- that can be black or partly blue, with ford, Pest Response Program specialist
ment, Environmental Quality and blue coloration sometimes extending to at the Michigan Department of Agri-
Natural Resources are asking people their feet. culture and Rural Development. When
to take just 10 minutes this month to Where are they found? The traveling, leave your firewood at home.
check trees around homes for Asian Asian longhorned beetle was first identi- Buy it at your destination point and burn
longhorned beetle or any signs of the fied in the United States in 1996, likely it there.
damage it causes. transported from Asia in wood packing Why be concerned? Like the
What do they look like? materials. To date, there are no known emerald ash borer, the Asian longhorned a distinctive white spot below the base
Adult Asian longhorned beetles are infestations of Asian longhorned beetle beetle spends most of its life cycle eat- of its head between its wings and is
distinctively large, ranging from three- in Michigan. However, the beetle has ing its way through the insides of trees. brownish in color.
quarters of an inch to 1 1/2 inches in been found in areas of Ohio, Massachu- What makes this beetle much more dan- The cottonwood borer is about
length, not including their long anten- setts, New York, New Jersey, Illinois gerous is that it feeds on a wide variety the same size as the Asian longhorned
nae. The beetles are shiny black, with and Toronto, Ontario. of tree species. Its first choice is maple, beetle and also black and white but
random white blotches or spots, and Though the beetle does not move but it also will infest birch, elm, wil- the cottonwood borer has a pattern of
their antennae have alternating black long distances on its own, it can be low, buckeye, horse chestnut and other single, broad black stripes down each
hardwoods. Trees infested with Asian wing, and its antennae are all dark.
Visit our booth at the longhorned beetle must be destroyed to The northeastern pine sawyer
Woods-N-Water News prevent the insect from spreading. reaches up to 2 inches in length, has
What should you look for? very long antennae and is gray in color.
Outdoor Weekend Adult beetles are active in late summer The eastern eyed click beetle has
September 8th, 9th & 10th to early fall. Female beetles chew de- distinctive eye-circles on the back of
pressions in tree trunks and branches to its head. It rolls over when threatened,
SunRys Boots is a full service boot store that specializes in work, hunt- lay eggs. When larvae hatch, they bur- then clicks and makes a flipping move-
ing, and hiking boots. We not only sell the footwear, but we believe row deep into the heartwood of the tree, ment to get back on its feet.
in what we sell. Whether we are standing on concrete all day working creating large chambers in the wood. Anyone observing an Asian long-
here at the store, hiking around the area or out west, or hunting from The next summer, fully formed adult horned beetle, or a tree that appears to
beetles emerge from trees by boring have been damaged by it, is asked to
the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains. We product test and know the perfectly round, three-eighths-inch-di- report it. If possible, capture the beetle
difference great footwear makes at the end of the day. ameter exit holes. Sometimes a material in a jar, take photos, record the location,
resembling wood shavings can be seen and report it as soon as possible to the
at or below these holes or coming from USDA at www.asianlonghornedbeetle.
cracks in an infested trees bark. com or contact MDARD at 800-292-
Look-alikes...Several native 3939 or MDA-info@michigan.gov.
1442 Torrey Rd, Fenton, MI 48430
www.sunrysboots.com 810.936.0066 beetles and bugs often are mistaken for
the Asian longhorned beetle.
The white spotted pine sawyer has
More information can be found on
the Michigan Invasive Species websites
Asian longhorned beetle page.n

24 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS

 Governor announces
Invasive Carp Challenge
Calls for innovative solutions...

G
ov. Rick Snyder vasive Carp Challenge by
announced that visiting: www.michigan.gov/
the Invasive carpchallenge.n
Carp Challenge
is now accepting
proposals for T HERES NOT HING DIF F ICULT A BOU T I T.
innovative methods to prevent T HERES NOT HING DIF F ICULT A BOU T I T.
invasive (or Asian) carp from
entering the Great Lakes.
Invasive carp pose a seri-
ous and growing threat to the
economy and ecology of our
Great Lakes, Snyder said.
The Invasive Carp Challenge
will tap into the creativity and
expertise of the entrepreneur- A N E W W O R L D D E M A N D S N E W H O L L A N D.

ial community to find the best

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INDUSTRYS
*Including 2 years of bumper-to-bumper coverage plus an extra 4 years of powertrain protection. 2017 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. New Holland is a trademark registered in the United States and many
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The Invasive Carp Chal- 3073 142nd Ave. 18612 Northland Dr. 7353 State Rd. 15838 Carleton Rd. 55232 Franklin Dr.
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concept to design to field-tested meter (engine and deck), tachometer, low battery, time between oil change
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models, specifically aimed at

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terrent technologies for invasive Model meter (engine and deck),Available DecktimeSizes
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3073 142nd Ave. 18612 Northland Dr. 7353 State Rd. 15838 Carleton Rd. 55232 Franklin Dr. * 27hp Briggs and Stratton Commercial Destination charges not included. Ask your sales representative for details.
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Destination See dealer for details.
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solutions. Smart Ride Technology Xtreme Turf Flow Deck 3 year residential / commercial engine warranty
*Tax, finance, destination, accessories and additional charges may apply. Spartan SRT-Pro 54 with Briggs and Stratton Commercial $7,259

down with 3.99% for 60 months financing shown. All Payments will be determined by the financial institution funding the loan based on the

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*With approved credit. Program restrictions may apply. See dealer for details.

Learn more about the In-

applicants credit score and/or other information obtained from credit reporting agencies.

Engine Options Tag revised 2/5/2017

61 Cut, Cash Price $6,799

Program expires 6/30/17
.

Confidant Destination charges not included. Ask your sales representative for details. * Destination charges not included. Ask your sales representative for details. WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 25
*Tax, finance, destination, accessories and additional charges may apply. Spartan SRT-Pro 54 with Briggs and Stratton Commercial $7,259
with 3.99% for 60 months financing shown. All Payments will be determined by the financial institution funding the loan based on the
25hp Kohler Confidant
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 Lee Lakosky on scouting camera strategiesBy Josh Lantz
Hunters have scouted game since the dawn of man.
Watching, learning and ultimately understanding when
and where game is likely to appear in relation to food
and water sources, divergent habitats and amidst
specific weather patterns and seasonal changes gives
hunters a strategic advantage. The more we scout,
the more we learn, and this knowledge makes us
more efficient and effective. It impacts our decision-
making and shapes the way we pursue game!
odays scouting cam- you use scouting cameras there.
eras have changed the Lakosky: We typically use 300-
landscape of hunt- 400 during the hunting season in
ing. These affordable, Iowa, and at least half of them seem
high-tech marvels have to stay up all year long because
helped turn hunters theres always something going
into game managers by giving us on. Tiffany and I really enjoy shed
continual information about the spe- hunting and its an important part
cific wildlife on the properties we of our scouting. Our cameras tell us
hunt. Even a modest network of just when and where certain bucks are
a few well-placed scouting cameras dropping their antlers, so they give
can provide more information on us good intel about where to start
animal behavior than a single hunter looking.
could otherwise garner from hours Then its turkey season and then
of traditional scouting. after that youre into the antler-
But despite their capabilities, growing season. Thats a really great
scouting cameras are often used in time to use cameras because its neat
ways that unnecessarily limit their to see how individual bucks develop
advantages. True enough, sometimes their racks throughout the whole
they can even become a disadvan- growing season. I have a big 190ish
tage especially when we allow our deer behind the house Im watching
use of scouting cameras to pres- right now. Cameras are definitely a
sure deer or otherwise impact their year-round scouting tool, because
behavior. they can provide so much helpful
Few whitetail hunters invest information.
more time afield in a year-round Lantz: How do you decide how
capacity than Lee Lakosky. Lee and many cameras to use on a given
his wife Tiffany star on the hit TV property?
show CRUSH with Lee & Tiffany Lakosky: Every place is dif-
on Outdoor Channel. The couple ferent. Ill have cams mostly on
has been in the public eye since they food sources we can feed in Iowa
married in 2003 and began making during the off-season, so every farm
outdoor television much of it on has a couple feeders. You could use
the land they own and meticulously a dozen cameras on a single 15-acre
manage for trophy whitetails in food plot, so a feeder really helps
Iowa. concentrate deer in summer so we
In a world of fake news, un- can keep a much better inventory.
checked social media and an abun- During the hunting season we
dance of TV shows that make the look for the key food plots deer are
harvest of trophy whitetail bucks using, which can change quickly. I
seem routine, viewers can believe may have five cameras on a two-
what they see on The CRUSH TV. acre field, especially if I know I
For Lee and Tiffany, their vocation have a big buck using it. I keep
is both a passion and a privilege, so moving them around if I need to
they never stop working and never home in, but youve really got to be
take the hunting publics trust for careful with that, especially dur-
granted. ing the hunting season. If I need
Thanks to a sponsorship ar- to check or move a couple, Ill do
rangement with Wildgame Inno- it when I get down from the stand
vations, Lee and Tiffany have the after the mornings hunt.
benefit of running literally hundreds On average, Ill have two or
of scouting cameras on their 15 dif- three cameras on every food plot,
ferent Iowa farms. I recently spoke along with cameras on scrapes in the
with Lee and asked him a series of timber. Again, more is better. Youre
questions about his scouting camera going to miss a lot of big deer with
strategies. only a couple cameras. People who
Lantz: Tell me a bit about your know they have a big buck but dont
home farm and how, when and why get daytime images always assume
26 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Lee and Tiffany have a live camera behind their home that allows
them to see how deer react to different scouting cameras.
hes nocturnal, but he isnt; they just
dont have enough cameras out.
Does are fairly predictable, so
that really helps once the rut starts.
A buck will usually only be with a
doe for two or three days before she
shoves him out, so youve got to
stay on top of that. I may use four
Cell Cams within a relatively small
area during those brief, key periods,
because theyll send the images
right to my phone and I dont have
to go in and muck anything up.
Hunters should put out every-
thing they have once they start
honing in on the key areas where
theyre chasing, then be prepared to
move things around a few days later.
Lantz: Tell me about the differ-
ent types of cameras you use and
why.
Lakosky: We have a live cam-
era behind the house, so we can
watch and see how deer respond to
different scouting cameras. Some
deer definitely avoid them and some
dont care at all even with a white
flash. I really like the 360 Cam
because it can be put on a field edge
away from or even between scrapes.
Some deer really have it out for
cameras especially when theyre
right in their faces on scrapes. Those
deer will skirt them. Because the
360 Cam detects motion in 360
degrees and can capture images in
any direction, Ill put them 10-15
yards away from a scrape on a field
edge even between scrapes on the
same field edge and it will capture
every deer that hits them. Ill get
three to five times as many pictures
using the 360 Cam that way versus
a regular camera placed right on or
right by the scrape.
I also really like the Cell Cam
in places where you dont want to
pressure deer by having to visit the
camera. Overall, the Wildgame In-
novations Cloak is our go-to cam-
era. They do everything we need
a camera to do. The price is right
and the battery life is really good so
they dont need any undue babysit-
ting. Both the standard IR and black
LightsOut flashes work great.
Our live cam has shown us that
there isnt a big problem spooking
deer with either type, but the Light-
sOut black flash model does a better
job at catching trespassers and is
less likely to be located and stolen.
We just received one of the brand
new Silent Crush 20 LightsOut cam-
eras and its absolutely incredible.
The shutters are completely silent
and because it uses separate daytime
and nighttime cameras, theres also
no IR filter to make any noise either.
That one is going to be a definite
game-changer.
Tiffanys 181-inch bow kill from
last season was her biggest ever. The
Lakoskys scouting camera network
was used to document this excep-
tional bucks development over
several years. The exciting hunt
appears on the current season of The
CRUSH TV on Outdoor Channel.
Lantz: Once you determine
where you want a camera located,
what considerations do you make
when actually placing it?
Lakosky: Limbs, grass and
weeds can trigger a lot of bad pic-
tures, which decreases battery life
and increases the amount of time it
takes to review pictures. Summer
 Tiffanys 181 bow kill was her biggest ever. The La-
koskys scouting camera network was used to document Dont expose
this exceptional bucks development over several years. your secret spot
use the
foliage is at its peak by July, so now
is the time to prune branches and
it becomes really
easy to push him
outpost
the stealth feeder
kill weeds at all likely camera loca- out.
tions. I just finished doing that My sugges-

Blends into
you know where the scrapes are go- tion is to stick to
ing to show up, so kill the grass and the food plots and
field edges. Also,
weeds at all those locations.
Ive learned that bucks wont a lot of hunters Surroundings
start scraping a lot of times until the dont pay enough
weeds die, so if you kill the weeds attention to their AS SEEN ON
under the licking branches, theyll doe pictures. I MICHIGAN
actually start sooner. When placing look closely at OUT OF
a camera on a scrape, I try to avoid when and under DOORS
putting them right on the scrape what conditions
tree. Ill put them high and 10-15 Im getting a lot
feet away facing down. I get more of doe pictures
pictures this way because that cam- day vs. night, the SQUIRREL
era isnt right in the deers face. calendar, weather RESISTANT
Lantz: Camera settings confuse
a lot of folks. What settings do you
conditions, etc.
It pays to look at CAP
typically use on your cameras and and study what-
why? ever metadata
Lakosky: First, make sure any your camera can
camera is set on 24 hours so youll provide. If does
get both night and daytime pic- are moving during the day, bucks hunts. I shot a Muskox in Green-
land, and we filmed plenty of local
tures. For a camera on a feeder or usually are too. Bucks are just deer.
Try to figure out and understand hunts as well. Tiffany took one of holds
20 lbS
mineral site, set it to trigger with a
minute delay between images, not when and why they are moving. her biggest whitetails ever with her
five seconds or 15 seconds or youll
have way too many images. Again,
Lantz: The new season of
CRUSH with Lee and Tiffany began
bow a 181-inch buck that weve
been watching here at the farm for corn
all that does it waste your time and on June 26. What can viewers ex- the past three years or so. That deer
battery life. pect to see? has a really interesting history that
I know my farms and, generally, Lakosky: This new season has we were able to document with our
where deer bed, feed and cruise, so a good mix of fun and interesting game cameras.n
most of my cameras are set up on
field edges and key routes in and out
of the timber. These locations are
easy for us to get to and not disrup-
tive. A lot of our bigger bucks
they all come out of the timber and
into the big fields and then they
go back.
For those cameras on scrapes DURABLE
BROADCASTER
and routes in and out of the timber,
Ill put them on five seconds to Great For
make sure I get good shots. If they PUBLIC or PRIVATE
are there for three minutes, I want Land Hunters
50 different pictures of them. We
do use video mode in the summer. Carry Sack Holds
The Flextime+ time lapse feature on
the Wildgame Innovations cam- 20 Pounds
eras is nice if you dont have a lot For Easy Refill
of cameras. It takes video clips at
pre-defined time intervals to save Programmable Timer
batteries. The video stuff is neat in Drop 1# / Day
the timber on the scrapes, but with Lasts Up To 3 Weeks
so many cameras, its too much for
me to manage. Hanging Wire & Throw Line
Lantz: What are some of the INCLUDED
common mistakes that folks make With Metal Throwing Disc
when using scouting cameras?
Lakosky: I primarily use cam-
eras for inventory, and only rarely
for trying to kill a specific buck, so
that mentality affects where I put
my cameras and how often I check
Protect your property from deer or trespassers.
them. I keep them in accessible,
non-disruptive locations and check Enough said. Call us today!
them as little as possible. www.outpostfeeder.com
When theres a big buck around, outpostfeeder@gmail.com
people get obsessed with visiting
their cameras too often and blowing
out their deer especially when they
See us at the
arent even hunting them. Be careful Woods-N-Water News
trying to kill a big deer with your Outdoor Weekend!
game cameras. You can do it, but 231.510.8122 www.BeemFence.com
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 27
Fishing lessons learned abroad
By Mark Romanack

T
he fishing industry has been good
to the Romanack family. Over the
years Ive been blessed to have
traveled to countless fishing des-
tinations and also to have learned
a ton about fishing from authori-
ties on the subject coast to coast. I consider the
fishing education Ive enjoyed priceless and have
done my best to apply these new tactics, gear and
techniques back home in Michigan as often as
possible.
When I introduce a fishing tactic foreign to
Great Lakes anglers at a seminar or during a TV
episode, I take great pride in being the Johnny
Appleseed of sport fishing. Not always do fishing
strategies hatched abroad work well in the Great
Lakes, but it happens often enough I cant help
myself with the temptation to share.
Plug Wrapping
Wobbling plugs like the Yakima Mag Lip,
Wordens Flat Fish, Luhr Jensen Kwik Fish, Hed-
don Tadpoly, Lindy River Rocker, etc., are fish
catching machines on both the Pacific West Coast
and here in the Great Lakes. On the west coast
just about everybody gives their wobbling plugs
a special treatment known as plug wrapping. A
thin strip of herring or anchovy is wrapped to the
bottom of the plug using a stretchy thread.
Plug wrapping makes any plug better by set-
ting up a natural scent stream in the water. The
most commonly used baitfish for plug wraps are
herring and anchovy because they are very oily,
but literally any baitfish thats locally abundant
can be used in plug wrapping.
Suckers, whitefish and ciscoes are three spe-
cies common in the Great Lakes that feature oily
flesh ideal for plug wrapping. The best approach
is to cut some half inch wide and one inch long
strips of meat from the belly flesh with a sharp
fillet knife. Leave the skin in place and cut a slit
halfway up the chunk of meat.
Slide the slit on either side of the belly hook
with the skin side next to the bait and the flesh
facing out. Secure the meat in place with a few
wraps of plug wrapping thread, finished with two
or three half hitch knots holds the chunk of meat
in place on the belly of the bait.
This ungainly looking set up produces a
monster scent trail in the water that steelhead,
salmon, lake trout and other salmonids simply
cant ignore. Plug wrapping is most commonly
employed when fishing in rivers, but it works just
as well for open water trolling situations.
After about 30-40 minutes of fishing its best
to replace the strip of meat with a fresh strip.
Some anglers also recharge the strip of meat by
applying a dose of their favorite fishing scent.
Customizing Crankbait Colors
One of the more interesting trends among
crankbait fishermen Ive witnessed focuses on the
colors of these lures. Manufacturers can only jus-
tify producing a limited number of stock colors
or retail SKUs. In response, a growing number
of after-market lure painters have taken it upon
28 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
The author and son Jake enjoy the luxury of traveling extensively while filming episodes of
Fishing 411 TV. What they have learned about fishing from other anglers is making them
more effective fishermen right here at home in the Great Lakes.
themselves to repaint and package crankbaits
with some ultra-cool finishes.
Custom painted crankbaits are ultra-cool and
unfortunately ultra-expensive. The process of re-
painting, repackaging and distributing these lures
just about doubles the standard retail price.
A rather unique and less expensive option
for adding custom color to crankbaits can be
achieved with a few colorful Sharpie permanent
markers and some imagination. Sharpie pens are
available in almost every color under the rain-
bow and can be easily used to add spot color and
designs to crankbaits.
One of the most common uses is coloring the
bill of the lure red or black as a contrasting color.
Adding a herring bone or ladder back design to
the side of the plug with an accenting color is
also easy with a Sharpie.
The cool thing about using permanent mark-
ers to customize crankbaits is if you dont like the
finished result, you only have to start over with a
different color!
Custom painted lures and Sharpie highlighted
baits are interesting, but only the tip of the
iceberg in terms of ways anglers can customize
crankbaits so these lures work more efficiently
and box more fish.
After-Market Treble Hooks
Changing out the factory hooks that come
on crankbaits with super premium after-market
hooks is one of ways anglers insure every bite
turns into a landed fish. Every major manufac-
turer of fishing hooks produces standard grade
hooks and also for a little more money premium
grade hooks. The trend towards producing pre-
mium hooks started with a trickle and is currently
a raging flood of hook types, sizes and designs
featuring superior grades of hook sharpness.
Treble hooks are the most common hook
found on crankbaits, but not all treble hooks look
or function alike. Anglers can choose from long
shank, short shank, wide bend, round bend, stan-
dard strength and tempered extra strong hooks.
Short shank, wide bend hooks have emerged
as the treble hook design that allows crankbaits
to enjoy the most freedom of movement and also
makes it more difficult for fish to shake free once
hooked. The Eagle Claw Lazer Sharp #L949
Kahle and the Trokar TK310 are super sharp and
the wide bend design increases the hook gap,
while redirecting the hook point in such a way it
makes it very tough for hooked fish to throw the
hook.
Another trick when replacing factory treble
hooks on crankbaits is to use not one, but two
split rings. Using two split rings allows the treble
hook even more freedom to rotate and virtually
eliminates a fish being able to roll or twist vio-
lently and leverage the hook free.
The double split ring trick is also effective
when used on trolling spoons. Its amazing how
something so small and simple as rigging crank-
baits and spoons with two split rings can yield
such amazing results.
Siwash Hooks
Here in the Great Lakes most crankbaits are
equipped with treble hooks, but in other parts of
the country a single Siwash style hook is com-
monly found on crankbaits. Anglers who have
grown up using treble hooks have a hard time
imagining how a single hook could be more ef-
ficient at hooking and holding onto fish.
In this case seeing is believing. The beauty of
the Siwash hook is once this hook bites into the
tissue of a fishs mouth, no other hook design will
hold better.
To get the most from a Siwash hook, the an-
gler must first remove the factory treble hook and
add a small barrel swivel to the split ring. Siwash
hooks are designed so the eye is both larger than
other hooks and open making it easy to rig them
on a swivel. Place the barrel swivel through the
eye of the Siwash hook and using a pair of pliers
pinch closed the eye.
Using a Siwash on the belly and a second one
on the tail of the crankbait doesnt change the
balance, action or diving depth of the lure, but
it just about guarantees that any fish that bites is
going to be hooked and stay hooked. Because the
hook can spin freely on the swivel, its almost
impossible for a thrashing fish to gain leverage
and tear the hook free.
The other feature of a Siwash that makes
these deadly hooks is the long needle point pen-
etrates easily with less pressure than traditional
treble hooks. Even fish that bite light or halfheart-
edly find themselves stuck solidly when Siwash
hooks are used. The size 2/0 and 3/0 are the most
commonly used Siwash hooks on popular crank-
baits.
Look closely at this plug. The tail treble has
been switched out for a wide bend style
hook that does a better job of hooking and
landing powerful fish like this steelhead.
Look even closer and youll notice the
tail hook is attached using two split rings
instead of one. This rigging option gives the
hook more freedom to rotate and prevents
fish from rolling and tearing the hook free.
Using a single Siwash hook on trolling spoons
works just as well as when these hooks are used
on crankbaits. The rigging method for spoons is
exactly the same as for crankbaits.
Switching To Snaps
Another way crankbait anglers get more
performance from their lures is by removing the
factory supplied split ring on the pull point of
the lure and replacing it with a small Dual Lock
snap. Split rings are problematic in that opening
and closing them with a pair of split ring pliers
often springs them open in such a way the split
ring catches on the pull point wire. If this hap-
pens the bait will not run true and if a powerful
fish is hooked, the split ring can actually fail and
the fish escape.
Replacing the split ring with a Dual Lock
snap gives the crankbait great freedom of move-
ment and virtually guarantees the hardware will
not fail at the moment of truth. Some anglers go a
step further and tie a snap to their fishing line and
attach their lures using a snap to a snap.
I like to fish a snap to a snap on high action
wobbling plugs, says trout fishing legend and
lure designer Buzz Ramsey. Lures like the Mag
Lip or Flat Fish that have wide hunting actions
actually get livelier when they are fished with
the factory supplied snap on the pull point and a
second snap on the fishing line. The skip beat
or hunting action these plugs are known for is
enhanced by using this simple rigging option.
Using a Dual Lock snap in place of a split
ring works on just about every crankbait on the
market regardless of brand, size, body style or
action type. For most lures a size No. 2 or 3 snap
is perfect for the job.
Inline Swivels
When most anglers are fishing something
that spins in the water like an inline spinner or
crawler harness, they tie a swivel to the end of
the line and attach the lure directly to the swivel.
Another even more stealthy option is to add a
small barrel or ball bearing swivel inline about
12 to 24 inches in front of the lure. This rigging
method eliminates line twist and eliminates extra
hardware at the business end of spinner presen-
tations. Effective for both casting and trolling
applications, this rigging method is especially
useful when fishing in exceptionally clear waters.
Slather With Scent
Its a scientific fact that most species of fish
have super acute senses of smell. Trout and
salmon can detect scent in the water diluted as
much as parts-per-billion! That kind of sniffer
would put a blood hound to shame!
Adding a little fish attracting scent to hard
baits, soft plastics, cut bait and even live bait can
and does put bonus fish in the boat. For decades
anglers preached that scent products work best
in cold water conditions. These days we have
learned that scent products are effective in both
warm and cold water fishing situations.
One of the things that anglers have not fully
realized about fishing scent is how important it is
to apply scent to clean lures that are not contami-
nated with foreign odors. A fishermans tackle
selection comes in contact with a lot of odors that
dont help us catch fish including suntan lotion,
bug spray, hand lotion, gasoline, fish blood, slime
This pink salmon caught in Alaska fell to
a common rigging method known as plug
wrapping that uses stretchy thread to at-
tach a thin piece of herring or anchovy meat
onto the belly of wobbling plugs. Deadly
effective, this presentation works just as
well here in the Great Lakes on trout and
salmon, but only a handful of anglers have
discovered this practice. Author photos
and tobacco not to mention the L serine oil that is
in our skin and proven repulsive to fish.
The best way to get the most from any fishing
scent product is to first clean your lures with a
non-scented soap to eliminate unnatural odors.
Washing lures before applying scent and fishing
them is a common sight among anglers on the
west coast, but something youll almost never see
in other parts of the country.
Pro Cures Bad Azz Hand and Lure Soap is
designed especially for the purpose of cleaning
an anglers hands and lures prior to applying
fishing scent. This soap is also unique in that it
is designed to be used without water much like
hand sanitizer products.
Clean lures can in turn be treated with a host
of fish attracting scent products. Honestly, its
comical to watch the expression on a fishermans
face when we explain to them we clean our lures
before applying fishing scent. As crazy as this
process may seem to those who have not tried it,
I can assure you that Jake and I were just as skep-
tical until we witnessed this process first hand.
These days we wash every bait before using it
and wash them again after using them to remove
scent residue before storing them. It takes a few
extra minutes to follow this routine, but we are
convinced the effort pays off in more bites.
Summing It Up
Jake and I are lucky guys. Creating the Fish-
ing 411 TV series has provided us the luxury
of traveling and fishing for our favorite species
from coast to coast. Along the way we have been
exposed to fishing tactics and trends that the aver-
age angler will never experience.
Anglers as a group are an interesting lot and
most of these guys and gals graciously share
their fishing secrets. Watching and learning from
how anglers abroad do things has helped make
us better fisherman right here in the Great Lakes
State.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 29
 From CALLING WHITETAILS: Methods, Myths and MagicBy Gary Sefton
The mechanics of deer calling
T
he trick to calling
anything is in know-
ing what to say, when
to say it and what it
should sound like. You
will need more than
precise written descriptions of the
actual and the artificial sounds.
Go to Google, type in deer
vocalizations and listen to the live
deer recordings. Once you know
what a vocalization should sound
like, you will need an accurate
device to reproduce the sounds.
Different ears will hear the same
sounds differently. My best advice is
to listen to different grunt and bleat
calls and go with the ones that sound
best to your ear when compared to
what youve heard on live shows
and tapes.
Social Curiosity
Situations/Early
Season Calling
Early October are my favorite
times to bowhunt whitetails. I look
forward to my pre-season scout-
ing trips in search of preferred food
sources, and I enjoy the satisfaction
and the beginning tingles of excite-
ment I get when I find what I am
looking for.
I use binoculars to scout for
acorns (because they can be invis-
ible to the naked eye), marking the
heavy nut-bearing trees on a map
before the season.
I always revisit the marked sites
before I hang stands to make sure
the trees are dropping acorns and
the deer have found them. Knowing
the deer are going to feed heavily
at some time of the day gives me
the confidence I need to stay put.
Not knowing what is going to
show up under the trees keeps
Early-season calling (soft doe grunts and soft buck grunts) works
on the social curiosity element of a whitetails natural behavior.
30 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
me awake and alert.
This is also a great time to use
deer calls to exploit a deers inher-
ent sense of curiosity about other
deer. Deer are social animals. They
are comfortable and secure in their
matriarchal and bachelor groups,
and they are curious about others of
their kind, especially those of the
same sex.
Knowing this gives us a small
foot in the door and an opportu-
nity to use passive social sounds to
encourage deer to investigate your
calling.
Doe Contact Grunts
A soft doe contact grunt is a
reassuring sound to either sex.
The first time they hear it they get
cleaned up and fed. It also is a relax-
ing sound that makes an encourag-
ing statement to all who hear it. The
soft doe grunt establishes the fact
that there is at least one unstressed
deer in the immediate area.
Dont forget that these contact
grunts are not loud or repeated
often.
I use the friction call grunt to
make a very soft call once or twice
every 15 minutes. This sound also is In an ideal early season situation, we set up in a high deer use area close
short in duration. Think urp! and to a preferred food source or frequently traveled funnel and call sparingly.
you will have the sound of the grunt.
If you make two grunts per call, are just trying to pique its curios- what sounds best to you, but this is
the second one is for you. The deer ity and let it know the area is safe. not the time or place for the King
heard you the first time. When you Youre simply saying, Im over Kong buck grunts so often seen/
wait 10 or 15 minutes between calls, here and everything is alright. heard on television. There will be a
you hope to be calling to new arriv- Buck Contact Grunts time when loud, aggressive grunts
can get results, but this isnt it. It is
als in the area. Its alright to vary the Soft buck contact grunts can
time between calls. There is no real also pique the curiosity of bachelor human nature to think more and big-
sequence, as long as you dont call groups of bucks. Length and dura- ger is better, but thats not so with
too often. That would turn your call- tion of the doe grunt -- short and passive deer calling.
ing into an unnatural sequence, and sweet -- is the pattern here, too.. Social curiosity is the response
unnatural sequences make every- You are simply getting their atten- were trying to trigger in the early
thing nervous. tion. I dont believe they are par- season. Deer are interested in and
You are not necessarily trying ticular about the tone as long as the curious about others of their sex.
to summon a deer to your calls, you sequence is natural. In an ideal early season situation,
You can tone down adjustable- we set up in a high deer use area
reed grunt calls to simulate service- close to a preferred food source or
able doe and young buck grunts as frequently traveled funnel and call
long as they maintain that clicky sparingly.
quality that is characteristic of all Gary Sefton has been teaching
deer grunts. hunters how to call deer since 1985.
Try the Knight & Hale E-Z He has written numerous articles
Grunter Extreme if you are confused and presented more than 1,000
by the call choices. It makes excel- seminars nationwide, going back to
lent soft buck grunts with a minimal the time when he had to convince
amount of air pressure, and it also people that deer actually commu-
makes decent doe bleats when you nicated with each other vocally. He
inhale on it. says, ...it is all about translating the
Variable pitch calls are also sounds deer make into understand-
available that allow you to change able human terms It is about calling
the tone of the call by twisting the tactics based on biological facts and
barrel or pushing a button in the scientific observations.
right place or moving an O ring. If For more information on CALL-
you have a variable call, find what ING WHITETAILS and what calls
you think is the right sound and lock to make when covering the entire
it in so it will be the same every length of a hunting season, go to
time. You have to be the judge of www.targetcommbooks.com.n

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3444 N. Duck Lake Road (One Mile North of M-59) Highland, MI 48356 WILLIAMS LAKE RD.
AIRPORT RD.
WILLIAMS LAKE RD.
CALL FOR APPOINTMENT

(248) 889-0300 www.djmeats.com

D.J.s Meats
DUCK LAKE RD.
M-59

MILFORD RD.
US 23
8 miles East of US 23
8 miles West of Airport Road

WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 31

Achieving boneless
I
ve witnessed some crazy
scenes while cleaning
panfish in the fish cleaning
sheds of various
campgrounds.
Some people
whack the heads and tails
off their fish with a power-
ful swing of a machete or
meat cleaver. Others attack
their catch with a loud,
electric device that resem-
bles a saws-all. Ive even
seen people don
safety goggles By Darryl Quidort
before driving
everyone from the shed to escape
fish scales flying in all directions
from a whirring electric gizmo.
Yikes! Filleting panfish doesnt need
to be an extreme sport.
The following procedure will
yield two boneless fillets from each
fish without gutting, scaling, or
Lay the fish on a flat surface with the belly away from you. The
first cut is made along the dorsal fin. Cut down to the rib cage by
following the internal spines of the fin.
Poke the knife in, just behind the gill cover, and cut around the
skull to free the meat above the head. This is the thickest meat of
the fillet, so be sure to salvage it.
32 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
PHOTO 3
needlessly dulling your knife by Extend the cut down to the belly of the fish and cut the bottom
trying to remove the head and edge of the fillet free.
tail from the fish. With a little
practice, you will find
that a mess of panfish
can be cleaned quite
easily and with very
little mess.
I use two knives for
filleting panfish; one with a
thin, pointed, 3 inch blade,
and a regular fillet knife
with a long, flexible blade.
The short blade
can be easily
controlled and
is used for cleanly peeling the
meat from the skeleton. The
PHOTO 4
fillet knife is used only for Next, push the knife through behind the rib cage, just above the
freeing the meat from the skin. spine and just above the internal spines of the bottom fin. This
Keep your knives sharp. A sharp also cuts the bottom fin free.
knife cuts easily and safely. A dull
knife tears the meat and makes the
job more difficult.
PHOTO 5
Keep the knife tight to the spine as you cut down to the tail. Dont
PHOTO 1 cut through the skin at the tail.
PHOTO 6
With the fillet cut loose all the way around, its now time to care-
fully peel the meat down over the ribs, without cutting through
PHOTO 2 the rib bones. Peel the meat back with your thumb as you follow
the ribs closely with the knife. You will feel the blade cut through
a small row of tiny bones located on the ribs. Dont worry about
it. Those soft, tiny bones will completely dissolve when the meat
is cooked.
Fillets page 34
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 Charter fishing operations offer great
options for novice and experienced anglers
For those who dont have a fishing boat, may not have the correct fishing
gear, dont know how to fish, are new to an area, or are just looking for a day
of fun, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources suggests considering a
charter fishing trip. Charter fishing businesses are located throughout the state
and offer a great way to experience Michigans world-class fisheries.
Licensed fishing charters make a full or half-day of fishing easy and enjoy-
able, as they provide the boat and all the equipment, plus the knowledge needed
for a day on the water. Fishing charters are for anyone, children or adult, from
the first-time angler to those who are experienced. Charter businesses in Michi-
gan help anglers of all experience levels enjoy memorable experiences whether
PHOTO 7 its reeling in a fish for the first time or trying ones hand at catching a new spe-
cies.
Finally, flip the fillet over on a flat surface and use the fillet knife In Michigan in 2016, more than 70,000 anglers participated in more than
to free the meat from the skin. 17,000 charter fishing trips on Great Lakes and specific navigable waters. These
anglers caught more than 244,000 fish of various species, with about half of the
fish caught being trout and salmon.
Different waters and areas of the state will yield different fish species and
fishing experiences. Whether the fishing charter is on the Great Lakes, Lake St.
Clair, a larger river or a smaller lake or stream, charter captains and inland fish-
ing guides know the waters, where the fish are, and what kind of bait and tackle
to use. Depending on waters fished and location, one can fish for salmon, trout,
whitefish, walleye, perch, muskellunge, large or smallmouth bass, pike, various
panfish, and even lake sturgeon.
When hiring a professional charter, customers need only to provide personal
supplies and a fishing license. Fishing licenses can be purchased online (mdnr-
elicense.com) or through a DNR customer service center or licensed agent.
Find a fishing charter for a specific location by doing a web search for fishing
by port town or desired fish species, contacting the local area's chamber of com-
merce or city tourism office, or visiting the Michigan Charter Boat Association
website at michigancharterboats.com.
For an even more individual experience and enjoyable end of the fishing
PHOTO 8 trip, customers can try a Catch & Cook charter. Upon returning from a trip,
customers take their cleaned, fresh fish to a participating local restaurant that
will prepare and serve the catch for the customer. Participating Catch & Cook
Repeating the process on the other side of the fish will produce charters can be viewed at michigancatchandcook.com.
two full sized, boneless fillets with very little mess and no meat Starting planning your next fishing trip at michigan.gov/fishing.
wasted.

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34 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS

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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 35
 FIRST IN
CLASS Young Albino
Buck Killed
NEW FOR 2017
M
THE ONLY CROSSBOW IN ITS CLASS WITH THE ACUDRAW y efforts to video
THE COCKING DEVICE THAT REVOLUTIONIZED tape the first
year in the life of
THE CROSSBOW INDUSTRY an albino buck
abruptly ended
on June 18 when
the white deer was killed by an un-
known motorist as it attempted to
Now compatible cross a city street in Mar-
with all Wicked quette that it had safely
Ridge Crossbows. crossed hundreds of times
previously. The albino
buck and his normally
330 colored brother had only
been separated from their
FEET-PER-SECOND
mother for several weeks
165 when the white deer was
LB. DRAW WEIGHT killed. The
97
buck was
barely a year By Richard P. Smith
FP KINETIC ENERGY
old when his
6.6 life ended.
The young doe that was their
LB. BOW WEIGHT
mother gave birth to the twin
bucks during late May or early
June of 2016 not far from where
I live on the north side of Mar-
quette. Those fawns resulted from
the does second pregnancy. She
had a single fawn in the same area
the year before that was also an
albino buck.
The does first white fawn was
GET YOURS NOW OR FIND YOUR also struck by a vehicle while at-
LOCAL WICKED RIDGE DEALER AT tempting to cross a city street. That
button buck only made it until De-
WICKEDRIDGECROSSBOWS.COM
cember before being hit. Although
PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.
that albino was not killed in the
collision, it was seriously hurt and
its injuries led to its death.
36 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
The does fawning territory is a
thick patch of brush that is perfect
for raising fawns, even white ones
that dont blend into their environ-
ment. The brush is so dense, fawns
can easily hide and remain out of
sight. Since the patch of brush is
within the city limits, the number
of predators is minimized.
The problem is that
patch of brush is surround-
ed by city streets. Since
the speed limit is 25 miles
per hour on those streets,
the threat to deer crossing
streets to and from that
patch of brush is reduced,
but not elimi-
nated. Some
drivers dont
follow the
speed limits.
Im convinced the driver of the
vehicle that killed the yearling al-
bino buck during June was speed-
ing, and thats why they didnt
report the accident. They may have
also been impaired.
The mother of the albinos is
apparently careful when crossing
roads because she has avoided
collisions so far. Its too bad she
didnt pass that trait on to her
offspring. Since that doe has
produced albino fawns two years
in a row, she obviously has genet-
ics favoring albinism. The buck(s)
that have bred her during the fall
of 2014 and 2015 also apparently
have albino genetics.
 NEW FOR

(Left)The albino buck feeding next to his brother. (Above) The albino buck
crossing a city street, with traffic stopped. Unfor tunately, a motorist killed
the deer as it attempted to cross a street on June 18. Author photos
Genetics favoring albinism is deer as the family crossed a road
more common among whitetails in in front of them or grazed in one of
Marquette than many other areas. the openings along those streets.
Those genetics can be traced back The doe spent most of the
to an albino buck that was part of summer with her twin buck fawns
a captive herd at Presque Isle Park in that thick patch of brush. As the
for many years. That white buck fawns got older and more mobile,
passed his genes on to the does however, they moved around
within that herd. more, sometimes leaving their
When excess deer from that home turf for days at a time. Im
deer pen were released in the sure that was the does way of in-
park, both before and after the troducing her fawns to new areas.
fence was removed, those genet- I also noticed that the doe
ics spread throughout the city. didnt always have both fawns
One of the normally colored does with her. On occasion, she would
released from that pen gave birth just have the albino with her or
to extremely rare twin albino simply his brother. The missing
bucks during 1992. I was fortunate fawn would show up anywhere
OUT-OF-THE-BOX, THE ECLIPSE WAS THE MOST ACCURATE CROSSBOW
enough to photograph those twin from a half hour to a day later. Ive
IVE SHOT AND THE EASIEST TO COCK. I KNEW IT WOULD BE THE PERFECT
white bucks and document their seen the same thing among other
HUNTING WEAPON...IT WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF TENPOINTS BEST!
first sets of antlers. does with twin fawns, so its obvi-
One of the brothers grew ously not unusual for older fawns CUSTOMER REVIEW
forked antlers and the other had to become separated from their
5 points. Those bucks dispersed mothers.
from Presque Isle to the west and Its actually common for does
ended up spreading their genet- to be separated from their fawns
ics to that part of the city. Even for hours at a time even when they
though albinos were protected at are young. As fawns age and be-
the time, the 5-pointer disappeared come more independent, it makes UP TO
after growing his first set of ant- sense that a does offspring would 370 FPS
lers. A vehicle may have hit him, be on their own at various times.
but I suspect he was poached. After the leaves fell during the UP TO

The forkhorn grew a respect- fall, that patch of brush where the 116 FP KE
able set of 9-point antlers as a 2 doe and fawns had been spending
-year-old and played an even most of their time didnt provide 140 LB DRAW WEIGHT
more active role during the rut. as much security cover, so the 6.9 LB BOW WEIGHT
The 9-pointer disappeared that fall. threesome moved around more
At the time, I didnt realize how often to different areas. When win- 13.5 IN AXLE-TO-AXLE
lucky I was to be able to not only ter arrived, they spent part of the
follow the twin albinos throughout snow season at Presque Isle Park.
their first year of life, but to also They moved back to their
monitor one of the white bucks for summer range by spring. Then the
two years. bucks separated from their mother
Although the streets around the as she was preparing to have
patch of brush where the doe has fawns again during early June.
given birth to albino fawns the last The albino buck and his brother
two years increases the vulnerabil- were in the process of growing
ity of those deer to road kill, the their first sets of antlers when
small size of their refuge made it the white deer was killed. I was PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A.
easier to monitor those whitetails. anxious to see what type of antlers GET YOURS NOW OR FIND YOUR LOCAL TENPOINT DEALER AT:
It also made the white deer more the albino buck would grow for TENPOINTCROSSBOWS.COM
visible to motorists. Many motor- his first set. Now that wont be
ists were thrilled to see the white possible.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 37
 Pointe Mouillee
MICHIGAN MEANDERS
Waterfowl
Festival 2017
70TH
Annual
Spectacu
Dont M lar
Event!
iss Advent for a

Hunter
MICHIGAN DUCK HUNTERS TOURNAMENT
WILDLIFE ART & CRAFT SHOW
HURON RIVER DISTANCE JUMP DOGS
HUGE OUTDOOR TRADING POST
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DOG RETRIEVER DEMONSTRATIONS

W
HIP BOOT RACE
MIDWEST GOOSE CALLING CHAMPIONSHIP ould you long, they will be gone and I
WORLD/MIDWEST DUCK CALLING CONTEST be happy will miss their incessant buzzing
GREAT LAKES SLING SHOT CONTEST living in a which never fails to startle when
LIVE AUCTION place where they fly too close. The drone of
JUNIOR/SENIOR ARCHERY & BB GUN SHOOT the sea- bumblebees hovering over the
sons didnt showy heads of clover on our

Saturday & Sunday

change? A big reason that Ill front lawn is another sound alto-
never move from Michigan is gether. Soon it, too, will cease for
the turning of the kaleidoscope the year.

Sept. 16th & 17th, 2017

every three months or so.
About the time I tire of
summer heat, here comes
autumn and bird hunt-
8:00 am - 5:00 pm ing. When pushing snow
becomes a serious chore,
garden duty is only a flip
Bob Whitwam, Executive Director, 734-587-3221 or two of the calendar
Shauna Nietubiez, Marketing Director (734) 558-5980 away.
Dick Whitwam, Community Affairs Director, (734) 379-4292
By Tom Huggler
We think of
PO Box 1 Rockwood, MI 48173 seasonal changes
as abrupt and
Kids Activities and Contests climactic. Winter, for example,
Proceeds will go for the largest freshwater marsh restoration project in North America prompts an image of white land-
scape and bitter cold. Spring is a
On a drive up town to
get the mail, I note mon-
archs drifting south from
the pasture and taking
their chances at crossing
the first of many high-
ways enroute to Mexico.
A deadly game of Rus-
sian roulette, which only
one of every
hundred butter-
fliesor is it a
thousand?will win.
Yesterday in a nearby field
my farm neighbors plow turned

LAKE ERIE Championship

warm breeze stirring a greening
pasture. Summer makes me think
of tiger lilies, heat-shocked and
LAYOUT SHOOT dusty, along the road shoulder.
What else is autumn besides a
red maple leaf pinwheeling to
Saturday, September 16th, 2017 earth against a frenzied backdrop
of yellow and red?
Michigan Duck Hunters Tournament Signs of change more subtle
begin earlier. What we some-
times remember as commo-
Sunday, September 17th, 2017 tion started as slow motion, the
simple, single action that created
a reaction. I write this in late July
Plaque & Prizes Awarded at the advent of high summer
Bring Your Shotgun - Steel Shot Shells Only! when a sheet pulled up from the
end of the bed guards against a
Contact: Bob Whitwam - 734-587-3221 cool night breeze, and when you
Monroe Sporting cant mow the lawn until late
Collectibles Show Pointe Mouillee State Game Area Brownstown, Michigan morning after the dew has dried.
Jack Wilke 734-241-8194 While waiting I sip coffee
Friday, September 15, 2017 Located in The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and watch a brood of young
Monroe Quality Inn
hummingbirds levitating outside
Visit Us At: www.ptemouilleewaterfowlfestival.org the kitchen window and taking
pte.mouilleewaterfowlfestival@gmail.com turns at the red plastic feeder of
A-501 C-3 Organization sugar water. One morning, before
38 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
over the wheat stubble to show
the earths dark underbelly. Will
he drill a new crop today or let
the field go fallow until spring?
And there is his corn standing
tall, the dust-mop tassles of blond
ready to give way to yellowing
leaves and plumping ears. The
other evening I watched a buck
in velvet slip between corn rows.
Tomorrow, or maybe the next
day, he will rub raw the aspen
saplings along the stream bank
behind our house.
Earlier, wild black raspberries
were the first fruit to ripen along
the fencerow we share with an-
other neighbor to the north. Last
week we picked until our fingers
turned purple. Then it was off to
the garden to pluck the baby cu-
cumbers for making pickles. Will
20 quarts be enough this year?
High summer is canning
season at our household. The
mulberries along our driveway
The waning signs of summer heat the blood of every hunter who
knows his time of har vest is coming.
are ripening, and I wonder how catalog that came in the morn-
mulberry jam tastes. Ill leave ings mail, I wonder if I can get
the wild apples for the deer and a new pair of hunting boots in
the wild grapes, just now turn- time for bird camp. My copy of
ing from bitter green to lavender, Woods-N-Water News arrived
for the songbirds. Soon those one day last week. As sure a sign
grapes will be a royal purple as any that autumn is near is
and then frost will crease their Outdoor Weekend, scheduled
smooth skins and the cardinals for September 8-10 at Imlay City.
and maybe a grouse or two will Will I see you there?
find them. These, then, are the natural
The garden potatoes are done triggers of a season poised for
with flowering and the cabbages change. Meanwhile, will the rac-
are growing plump. One day in coon that left those dusty, hand-
October we will make sauerkraut like prints next to our chicken
in the big crock and we will dig coop be the same animal the bel-
up the Kennebecs by deer season. lowing pack of hounds will run
These delicacies pair wonder- down this fall? I certainly hope
fully with chops from the hog we so. My chickens might agree.
raised that is now in the freezer. Meanwhile the croaking
Is there room for that little buck sandhills are poised to gather
I saw? and go along with the mourning
The waning signs of summer doves which I will soon follow
heat the blood of every hunter to Indiana for target practice.
who knows his time of harvest is A wedge of Canada geese just
coming. Im sure my bow hunt- passed within range over the
ing neighbor, shooting practice house, another reminder that fall
arrows into a hay bale from the is on the way.
peak of his garage, has also seen It is all coming together now,
that buck. a headlong rush of outdoor joy
Wood ducks testing their that is too long waited for and
wings at dusk fast forward us too soon over. I could linger over
to the waterfowl season opener. these thoughts for hours, but I
Scrambling through the Cabelas have a lawn to mow.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 39
A Murmuration
of Starlings
S
tarlings are a scourge;
everyone knows it.
They crowd out na-
tive birds, they spread
disease, they steal
mountains of grain and
cost us plenty. It was a thick-headed
decision for a chemical-company
executive named Eugene Schieffelin
to carry them across the Atlantic
in the 1890s and release them into
Central Park because he thought itd
be cool if all the birds mentioned
by Shakespeare could live in North
America. We know now what a bad
idea that was.
But starlings are here
to stay, so we might as well
accept them. And the fact
is, theyre interestingand
they can surprise us with
their beauty. Examine one
up close and youll see
their plumage is stippled
with stars that appear to
be strewn across
a background of
black and irides-
cent purple. But
By Jerry Dennis
lets skip the gothic beauty and get
to the phenomenon that has inspired
millions of YouTube viewers: their
murmurations.
A few years ago I was driving
along I-75 north of Bay City, when
I saw, across perhaps a mile of open
field, what looked like a storm cloud
or a plume of dark smoke hanging
low in the sky. Then I realized that
it was a cloud composed of birdsa
single flock containing thousands
or tens of thousands of starlings.
In North America such flocks often
include a scattering of red-winged
blackbirds, cowbirds, grackles, spar-
rows, and other birds, but almost
certainly they are comprised mostly
of starlings.
This flock was extraordinary.
First, it was vast: a warehouse-load
of birds, a stadiums worth. It was
too far away to pick out individual
birds, which made the aggregate
smokelike, a thick black swirling
cloud of bird-smoke. It drifted in
slow whorls above the field, curv-
ing and swirling as if stirred by a
gigantic mixing spoon.
The scene was so striking that
I pulled onto the shoulder of the
highway and got out of my car for a
better look. The flock would pause
for a moment, as if suspended, then
sweep downward, pause again,
and suddenly reverse direction and
40 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
climb higher than before. At mo-
ments there were cross-swirls and
vortexes within the flock, like the
dust-devils that follow a car down a
dirt road. It was mesmerizing.
Then I noticed a larger object
plummeting through the cloud of
birds: a hawk. It plunged into the
smaller birds like a barracuda into
a school of minnows. In its ef-
forts to avoid the hawk the flock
morphed into a shape like a donut,
with the hawk passing through the
hole. Something about its shape
reminded me of three-dimensional
drawings Ive seen. Maybe illustra-
tions of Einsteins concept
of curved space. Maybe
artists renditions of galax-
ies being sucked into black
holes. The hawk turned and
climbed for another assault,
then dived again, and the
flock switched and turned,
forming graceful, shifting,
spiral-like shapes
that geometry has
not yet named.
What makes
congregations of this sort stay
together? How can birds in a flock
or fish in a school make such sud-
den and apparently simultaneous
switches, dives, and swoops without
the individuals crashing into one
another? Is there an intelligence at
work?
A theory popular a century ago,
that a leader signals orders to the
flock like a drum major at the head
of a marching band, was disproved
when high-speed photography
revealed that the flocks constantly
change leaders. More recent studies
have focused on mathematical chaos
theory, an approach that was pio-
neered by zoologist Frank Heppner,
who studied flocking synchronism
for many years.
Heppners computer programs
animated collections of figures on
the screen to represent birds, their
motion closely duplicating the ac-
tual flight behavior of flocking birds.
Software engineer Craig Reynolds
famously designed a more com-
plex computer model using what
he called Boids to simulate the
behavior of birds in a flock or fish in
a school. Reynolds Boids created
flocks on the screen that exhibited
such lifelike behavior that theyve
been put to use in Hollywood mov-
iesto duplicate a swarm of bats,
for instance, in Tim Burtons Bat-
man Returns.
Of course theres another side
to all of this. We can consider the
scientific explanationsposition
and velocity, the various stimuli
and responses, the binary codes of
behavior, the need for individuals
in a flock to remain close enough
together to be safe from preda-
tors but far enough apart to avoid
injuryand it helps us to under-
stand the world, in the sense that
its probably not bewitchment were
witnessing or the gods idly stirring
their swizzle sticks. Were reminded
that the world is an unfolding story.
Its the story of predators and prey,
of sky and field and thermal updrafts
and a horizon blazing red at sunset.
Its the story of invasive species, of
superhighways cutting across the
land, of us now and then pulling off
the highway in our efforts to notice
a thing or two.
A murmuration of starlings, as
most people know, is a congregation
of starlings in flight. Most people
also know that the word is one of
many collective nouns or nouns
of assembly that designate groups
of animals. What is less known is
that many of those words go back
centuries, to an era when the aristo-
cratic classes of Europe cultivated
mannerisms and ways of speaking
that could separate them from the
common herd.
Some collective nouns began
as terms of venery used in the
hunting traditions of England and
France during the fourteenth and
fifteenth centuries. Rattling off those
terms was a mark of erudition. The
Illustration by Glenn Wolff
popular and often plagiarized Book
of Saint Albans, first published in
1486 and authored in part, at least,
by Dame Juliana Berners, included
a long list of terms of venery for
animals of interest to hunters and
falconers. They included a gaggle
of geese, a mob of deer, a dole
of doves, a covey of grouse, a
bevy of quail, a fall of wood-
cock, and a sounder of wild boar.
Many other terms were intended
to be humorous. They included
a blush of boys, a hastiness
of cooks, a pity of prisoners, a
superfluity of nuns, an imperti-
nence of peddlers, a drunkship
of cobblers, and a melody of
harpists. Among the clever designa-
tions for groups of animals were a
shrewdness of apes, a pride of
lions, a cowardice of curs, an ex-
ultation of larks, and a murder of
crows.
For starlings there were two
terms: a chattering and a mur-
muration. If youve ever been near
a flock of starlings while theyre
occupied on the ground feeding or
roosting in a tree or strung close
to one another along a telephone
line, you know they are vocal. They
squeal. They grunt. Sometimes they
chuckle. But mostly they murmur.
You could say they chatter, but
murmuration is perfect.
Adapted from A Walk in the An-
imal Kingdom: Essays on Animals
Wild and Tame, by Jerry Dennis,
with illustrations by Glenn Wolff.
Big Maple Press, 2015. More infor-
mation visit www.bigmaplepress.
com or www.jerrydennis.netn
 RANDY'S HUNTING CENTER 25TH ANNUAL
USED GUN AUCTION
Rifles Shotguns Pistols
Sunday, September 10TH, 2017 11:00 a.m.
at the Woods-N-Water News Outdoor Weekend
at the Imlay City Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds
1. Harrington & Richardson (H&R) single shot 12 ga. shotgun..........................................46969
2. Stevens Model 87B semi-auto tube feed .22 LR rifle.......................................................62771
3. Smith & Wesson Model 916-A pump shotgun 12 ga. w/ 28 barrel...............................46971
4. H&R Handi-Rifle .22 LR single shot COMPACT rifle AS NEW........................................61796
5. Rossi Match Set 20 ga., .243 Win., & .22 LR w/ box and scope.....................................56643
6. Thompson Center Thunderhawk Shadow .50 cal inline muzzleloader..............................N/A
7. Remington 700 bolt-action .30-06 Sprg. w/ Bushnell illuminated scope.......................62271
8. Mossberg 500 pump 12 ga. Shotgun w/ 28 barrel..........................................................61677
9. Hi-powered C02 .177 pellet rifle w/ Bushnell scope............................................................N/A
10. Rossi single shot fully rifled slug gun w/ scope..............................................................42247
11. Savage bolt-action LEFT HAND .243 Win. NEW UNFIRED..............................................62150
12. Kassnar AR-15 .22 LR semi-auto rifle...............................................................................60018
13. Thompson Center Renegade .50 cal. Muzzleloader w/ scope NICE...................................N/A
14. Remington 870 12 ga. Slug gun w/ red dot sight.............................................................62052
15. Winchester Model 50 semi-auto 12 ga. w/ 28 barrel......................................................58735
16. Savage Model 110 bolt-action camo .30-06 rifle...............................................................42999
17. Knight LK93 walnut stock .50 cal inline muzzleloader........................................................N/A
18. Boito side x side 20 ga VERY NICE SHOTGUN................................................................44485
19. Mossberg 835 28 vent rib 12 ga. 3 chamber..............................................................61675
20. CVA Kodiak Magnum .50 cal inline camo w/ scope.............................................................N/A
21. Stoeger Model 2000 vent rib full camo semi-auto...........................................................55390
22. Winchester Model 70 Ranger bolt-action wood & metal excellent w/ scope................50038
23. Remington 870 Trap Wingmaster 28 vent rib NICE GUN...............................................42566
24. CVA Navy Model .36 cal black powder revolver...................................................................N/A
25. Ruger SR40C Compact .40 S&W LIKE NEW.....................................................................62160
26. Walther PPX M1 semi-auto 9mm AS NEW w/ box............................................................62769
27. Talon T100 semi-auto 10-shot .380 ACP w/ box...............................................................61837
28. Ruger P95 semi-auto 9mm 15-shot LOOKS NEW............................................................62164
29. Taurus Model 85 Protector .38 Special w/ box.................................................................60035
30. Ruger P90 semi-auto .45 ACP two-tone 8-shot pistol.....................................................62167
31. Smith & Wesson Model 36 revolver 2 barrel .38 Special...............................................62152
32. Ruger SR9 stainless 9mm 17-round mag appears unfired in box.................................62203
33. Smith & Wesson Bodyguard compact .380 ACP semi-auto NEW IN BOX....................58121
34. Ruger Single Six .22 LR/.22 Mag cylinders 6 barrel....................................................62161
35. Heritage Rough Rider .22 LR 6-shot single action revolver NEW IN BOX....................57195
36. Knight LK93 stainless .50 cal muzzleloader camo stock w/ scope...................................N/A
37. KHAN Model 20 Over/Under 20 ga. Vent rib w/ choke tubes..........................................62131
38. TriStar Raptor Tactical semi-auto 12 ga. slug gun w/ Bushnell scope..........................60032
39. Savage Model 4M Deluxe bolt-action .22 Mag w/ Weaver scope...................................61795
40. Winchester Model 94 Pre-1964 .30-30 Win. Lever action rifle VERY NICE....................57726
41. Remington 870 Express 20 ga. Vent rib w/ RemChoke...................................................50877
42. Beretta 1201FP semi-auto pistol grip 12 ga. shotgun..................................................... 63119
43. Bushmaster AR-15 5.56 collapsible stock bayonet lug flat top......................................62034
44. Stevens Model 320 pump home defense pistol grip 12 ga. shotgun.............................58347
45. Weatherby Mark V bolt-action 7mm Weatherby Magnum...............................................58361
46. CVA Mag Bolt 150 nickel-camo .45 caliber inline bolt muzzleloader.................................N/A
47. Mossberg 500 full camo ported vent rib 12 ga. 24 barrel..............................................61984
48. Savage Model 111 bolt-action 270 w/ Leupold 3-9x40mm scope................................... 51155
49. Thompson Center Encore camo 209x50 w/ T/C scope....................................................61996
50. Remington 870 Super Mag Bone Collector camo 3 12 ga. w/ box............................61917
51. Marlin 336 lever-action 30-30 nice wood & metal w/ scope............................................57396
52. H&R Handi-Rifle Ultra .243 laminate thole w/ 4-12x scope EXCELLENT......................49631
53. Beretta 1201FP semi-auto pistol grip 12 ga. shotgun.....................................................63120
54. Remington bolt-action .270 Win. AS NEW w/ scope........................................................61993
55. Baikal Model 153 semi-auto 12 ga. 3 full camo...........................................................54821
56. Knight MK85 laminate stock blued barrel .54 cal inline w/ scope......................................N/A
57. Winchester 120 pump 12 ga. vent rib nice walnut wood................................................40849
58. Remington 700 bolt-action 30-06 AS NEW possible unfired...........................................62139
59. Norinco Model 213 semi-auto 9mm w/ military holster...................................................62800
60. North American Arms Mini-Revolver .22 LR 5-shot AS NEW IN BOX............................62802
61. Springfield XD40 Compact semi-auto pistol 12-shot w/ box..........................................61512
62. Taurus PT709 semi-auto 9mm slim carry NEW IN BOX..................................................61207
63. Smith & Wesson Model 642 Airweight .38 Special revolver EXCELLENT.....................62151
64. Ruger P90 semi-auto pistol .45 ACP NEW IN BOX w/ 2 magazines...............................62210
65. Taurus M992 .22 LR/.22 Mag double action revolver 4 barrel w/ box..........................62246
66. Smith & Wesson semi-auto stainless 9mm 15-shot pistol NEW IN BOX......................58143
67. Ruger Vaquero 4 5/8 case hardened blue .45 LC LIKE NEW........................................62159
68. Colt Mk IV Series 80 1911 stainless .45 ACP 5 barrel....................................................61788
Due to normal business activities, there may be more or less guns available on day of sale. Final list held by Osentoski Auctioneering
takes precedence. All guns will be sold as is. Payments can be made by Personal check, Cash, Master card, Visa, or Discover.
There will be a 13% buyers premium with a 3% discount
for Check and Cash www.osentoskiauction.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL
RANDY'S HUNTING CENTER
(989) 269-GUNS www.randyshuntingcenter.com
69. Kimber Custom 1911 5 .45 ACP AS NEW IN BOX..........................................................62241
70. Lot of 3 RG 38S revolvers .38 caliber need repair................................................62401-62403
71. Browning BLR lever action engraved .22 VERY NICE GUN............................................62135
72. NEF Pardner Pump walnut fully rifled cantilever 12 ga. w/ scope................................. 51131
73. Browning Medallion bolt-action .300 WSM w/ range finding scope...............................62134
74. Remington 110 semi-auto slug gun 12 ga. w/ thumbhole stock & scope....................49633
75. Ruger 77/44 walnut blued bolt action 44 mag w/ scope..................................................62128
76. Palmetto State Armory AR-15 FDE collapsible stock bayonet lug flat top...................52870
77. Benelli Super Nova fully rifled cantilever 12 ga. 3 w/ pistol grip & scope............... 41140
78. Silver Eagle Sporter semi-auto 12 ga. high gloss walnut NICE.....................................48866
79. Remington 700 stainless bolt-action 7mm-08 w/ scope..................................................60029
80. Stoeger M3500 semi-auto 12 ga. 3 mag vent rib.........................................................60532
81. Ruger Model 77 bolt-action .30-06 Lightweight w/ scope 99%.......................................60019
82. Winchester Model 94 Commemorative 1866 gold receiver .30-30 lever rifle................54537
83. Remington 1100 semi-auto vent rib 12 ga. nice wood.....................................................45294
84. Remington 7400 semi-auto 30-06 w/ scope EXCELLENT................................................43639
85. Mossberg Model 500 pump .410 vent rib AS NEW blonde wood...................................62772
86. Remington 870 fully rifled 12 ga. slug gun w/ scope very clean....................................62808
87. Winchester Model 70 walnut blued 7mm WSM w/ Nikon scope EXCELLENT..............62126
88. TriStar semi-auto Raptor camo 12 ga. vent rib AS NEW.................................................61962
89. Stoeger Uplander Side x side .410 NEAR PERFECT CONDITION..................................62805
90. Ruger Model 77 wanut blued .30-06 w/ scope EXCELLENT...........................................61681
91. Remington 870 Wingmaster 12 ga. vent rib shotgun......................................................61678
92. Ithaca Super Single lever-action 20 ga. shotgun.............................................................61794
93. Mossberg SSI heavy barrel .22-250 Varmint w/ 4-12x scope..........................................61542
94. Ruger LCP semi-auto sub-compact .380 ACP w/ box.....................................................61753
95. Ruger LC9S semi-auto compact 9mm pistol w/ box.......................................................58370
96. Ruger American Pro Duty full size 9mm pistol w/ box....................................................61792
97. Ruger Mark III semi-auto target 5 .22 LR w/ custom grips & box..............................61803
98. Smith & Wesson M&P Shield .40 S&W compact w/ box.................................................61739
99. Ruger SR9 semi-auto 9mm 17-shot pistol NEW IN BOX.................................................61931
100. Thompson Center Encore stainless Super 14 .243 Win. EXCELLENT.........................61787
101. Ruger SR9C semi-auto compact 9mm pistol 10-shot w/ box.........................................49820
102. Ruger Super Blackhawk Bisley .44 Mag. 7 w/ scope hunting handgun..................62799
103. Lot of 5 Hopkins & Allen revolvers in need of repair...........................................62397-62400
104. Lot of 3 H&R Break Top revolvers in need of repair.............................................62471-62473
105. Lot of 3 Arms Company/Omega/Burco revolvers in need of repair....................62497-62499
106. Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 AR-15 .22 LR AS NEW w/ red dot sight.............................62029
107. TriStar Viper walnut 28 vent rib 12 ga. semi-auto shotgun...........................................58054
108. Remington 742 BDL semi-auto .30-06 Sprg. w/ 2-7x Redfield scope.............................60533
109. Weatherby PA-08 camo turkey gun 21 vent rib AS NEW...............................................60771
110. Winchester 190 semi-auto tube feed .22 LR NICE...........................................................57727
111. Mossberg 695 bolt-action 12 ga. fully rifled slug gun w/ scope.....................................62590
112. Winchester Model 94 lever-action .30-30 NICE CLEAN GUN..........................................50061
113. Mossberg New Haven pump 12 ga. 28 vent rib ported shotgun..................................43020
114. Mossberg 500 Deluxe engraved 12 ga. Ported slug gun w/ scope................................49570
115. Thompson Center Renegade set trigger .54 cal muzzleloader EXCELLENT....................N/A
116. Stevens Model 311 side x side 16 ga. NICE TIGHT GUN.................................................58364
117. Savage Model 111 bolt-action .30-06 Sprg. w/ scope......................................................62588
118. Mossberg Model 9200 semi-auto fully rifled slug gun w/ scope NICE........................61995
119. Mossberg Model 500 wood stock 12 ga. vent rib shotgun.............................................62276
120. Mossberg 500 synthetic stock vent rib possibly unfired................................................47963
121. Winchester 37 single shot 12 ga. shotgun.......................................................................61674
122. Marlin Glenfield Model 60 semi-auto .22 LR w/ scope.....................................................54804
123. Rossi single shot 12 ga. shotgun......................................................................................61673
124. Thompson Center Renegade double set trigger .50 cal muzzleloader..............................N/A
125. Stevens Model 940 single shot 16 ga. shotgun...............................................................54678
126. Ithaca M-66 Super Single Shot lever action .410 shotgun..............................................61672
127. Mossberg Maverick pump action rifle sights slug gun...................................................62274
128. Lee Enfield No. 4 Mark 1 .303 British bolt-action rifle, no magazine.............................62879
129. Mossberg 185-KA bolt 20 ga. shotgun GREAT WOOD....................................................62909
130. Remington 770 bolt action .270 Win. rifle NO MAG.........................................................62881
131. Winchester 190 semi-auto .22 L, LR but NO STOCK.......................................................63171
132. Smith & Wesson 916 pump 12 ga. shotgun w/ broken stock.........................................62962
133. Remington Model 33 bolt action .22 S, L, LR cracked stock..........................................63176
134. Iver Johnson 12 ga. single shot missing forend..............................................................62941
135. Stevens single shot 16 ga. shotgun missing forend.......................................................50880
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 41
FALL TURKEY HUNTING
Call, Pattern or Ambush...
T
he fall turkey season
is almost upon us
it opens September
15 and runs right up
through the day before
the firearm deer season
November 14. The application
period for permits will be over by
the time you read this but that wont
matter for many hunters because the
quotas for many areas are not given
out in the drawing and the leftovers
go on sale on August 21. Hunters
may purchase one license a day
until quotas are met. That means,
of course, that you can take more
than one turkey if you care to do so.
While much of the northern portion
of the Lower Peninsula is not open
for fall hunting, Area J in the tip of
the mitt, the balance of the lower
peninsula and the entire UP are all
open.
Fall turkey hunting is quite
different from the spring version.
Most importantly, the toms arent
vocal so you cant go out at dawn
and expect to hear them gobbling. It
42 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
is also significant that you generally
cant call a tom in the fall by imitat-
ing that plaintive yelping of a hen.
With the mating season long past,
the turkeys just arent communicat-
ing in that fashion. That
doesnt mean, however, that
turkeys cant be called in
the fall they can. Most of
the time, however, you will
be calling hens and, if there
is a gobbler in the flock,
they may come along for
the ride.
Hens and
the young birds,
poults, are very By George Rowe
susceptible to call-
ing, at almost any time. The mat-
ing calls used in the spring wont
generally work but you can use soft
clucks, purrs and even some soft
yelps to attract a hen. To attract a
poult or, sometimes, a hen, you can
use the kee-kee run that turkeys
use to re-assemble after they have
been scattered or after they fly down
in the morning. If you spot a flock
of turkeys in the fall, it will usually
be composed of a couple of hens
and their poults and this flock can
often be called over closer to your
hideout.
Male turkeys usually
are separate in the fall, with
the big toms in bachelor
groups. This gang of three
or four toms will be dif-
ficult to call but you should
try it, using soft hen noises-
clucks and purrs. If you see
a group of jakes young
toms they will
be easier to call.
Occasionally a
jake or two and
even a mature gobbler will keep
company with a hen or hens and
their poults and, if you are success-
ful in calling that boss hen, he will
trail along and get shot.
Since the birds arent vocalizing
very much and there is no gobbling,
you will have to rely on spotting the
birds, most of the time. Pre-season
scouting will enable you to locate a
flock or two so you will know where
to look when the season opens.
Turkeys will often use the same har-
vested crop fields to feed for weeks,
if there is sufficient food there and
if they are not disturbed. If there are
no crop fields in your area, check for
hard mast in the woods beech nuts
or acorns. A few oak trees that are
dropping acorns every day will keep
turkeys around for weeks. They
are also especially fond of berries
and all sorts of wild fruit, including
grapes and will feed greedily under
wild apple trees and they dont mind
at all if the apples have a few worms
in them.
You can often pattern a flock of
turkeys in the pre-season. If undis-
turbed, they will use the same trees
to roost at night and come down at
dawn, perhaps get a little drink of
water and proceed immediately to
their chosen feeding field or wood
lot. They will feed for two or three
hours and then return to the woods
to rest and dust under the trees until
late afternoon when they will usu-
ally go out to feed again. If you can a single hen decoy, in some cases,
establish their pattern, you can be although many fall turkey hunters
along the route between roost trees venture out without a decoy.
and the feeding area and call them While the turkey talk employed
over when you spot them. If you for fall turkey hunting is different
dont see them until they are out than the sounds used in the spring,
in the field, feeding, circle around the same calls may be employed.
through the woods and try to get on The reed or mouth calls are best for
their route back to the woods. Very the kee-kee run but box calls and
often, they will leave the field at the slate calls can be used for the clucks,
same point at which they entered it. purrs and soft yelps employed in the
If you are not successful in calling fall. If you have one of those great
them, you can also set up an ambush new portable blinds, that could be
for your next try at that flock. To very useful in the fall. There is every
do this well, you need to get along evidence that turkeys will almost
their path back to cover and conceal totally ignore a blind that is placed
yourself well, since you hope to be at the edge of their feeding field or
close enough to their path for shoot- close to their feeding area in the
ing when they pass by. If all else woods.
fails, the ambush is a good back-up Any turkey of any age or sex is
plan. fair game in the fall and it makes
The gear required for fall hunt- the most sense to take a jake, if you
ing is much the same as in the insist on shooting a male. The jake
spring. You will need head-to-toe wont matter much to the area tur-
camo, including gloves, a hat and a key population and offers little for Fall hunters may hold out for a handsome gobbler, like this one
face mask or paint. Remember that the future of the flocks. Jakes also posed with Jimmy Gretzinger on Beaver Island but there is plenty of
the leaves will be down before the eat better than mature toms. Taking incentive to take a jake or hen.
end of the turkey season so you will a poult also makes sense. They are
want camo that is mainly brown, not only better eating but they are than can be sustained over a tough they can do a better job if the num-
not green. Unlike deer, turkeys are the most susceptible to the rigors of winter. In Northern Michigan the bers are a little smaller.
not color blind and you absolutely winter. It helps to remember that the Wild Turkey Hunters Association A great Thanksgiving dinner is a
have to avoid anything that is white, purpose of the fall hunt is to reduce and many others manage to feed prospect for those who rise early, sit
red or blue. It may be wise to use the turkey population to numbers some of the birds in the winter and quietly and shoot straight.n

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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 43

Michigans Pigeon River Country State Forest:
Its Special Because
It might be the smallest state forest, but its Its the only state forest to have its
own advisory council. The PRCs
the largest piece of contiguous wild land in the designation, management plan and
Lower Peninsula. Its important to housing big that 18-member, DNR Director-ap-
wildlife, like elk, bear, deer, bobcat things that pointed PRC Advisory Council grew
out of the need for protection in the
need room to roam. The precious nature of this early 1970s when the gas and oil
land thats constantly under attack from many industries bore down on the area.
quarters is in its size and remoteness for both But there is more.
Weve got a concept of man-
Mastenbrook suggests it is not
really a plan. Its values we manage
for. Ideas.
Whitcomb says such a policy
results in a unique mix because
in addition to managing the forest
for timber harvesting, we are also
actively managing for the elk and
other wildlife, game birds. Were
actively managing it for recreation,

W
wildlife and people. Sandy Franz agement. The other forests dont, like camping, fishing and wildlife
says Brian Mastenbrook, Michigan viewing.
hile admit- Country Advisory Council. DNR Field Operations Manager out Franz mentions another thing
ting he might What is it, exactly, thats so spe- of the Gaylord office. He also serves that makes PRC special is, we are
be just a bit cial about the PRC? as the Wildlife Habitat Biologist for the only state forest with a vehicle
biased, Scott In 1918, several elk were rein- the PRC. access plan. Current rules outlaw
Whitcomb troduced there from Yellowstone This Concept of Management the use of off-road vehicles (ORVs)
adds, National Park. Its the small- is a 42-page document initially ad- on anything except the main roads
Weve made it a unique est of all of Michigans state opted in 1973 and amended in 1983 that run through the forest.
area. forests at approximately and 2007. It includes a mandate that Whitcomb explains, We man-
Hes talking about the 106,000 acres. Its roughly the PRC be actively managed as a age it for quiet recreation. Horse-
Pigeon River Country State 25 miles long and 12 miles wildlife forest: It will be the policy back riders like it because they can
Forest (PRC) near Vander- wide. Carved out of the of the Department of Natural Re- see elk. It stays quiet.
bilt, Michigan. He might corners of four state forests sources to manage the Pigeon River In the 1920s, conservationist
be biased because he is the Black Lake, Pigeon River, Country to protect and maintain P.S. Lovejoy, whom the DNR calls
DNRs Unit Manager there. Thunder Bay and Hardwood the natural beauty of its forests and the primary architect of Michigans
Franz is a member it was dedicated
By Tom Carney
waters, and to sustain a healthy elk Conservation Department, led the
of the Pigeon River in December 1973. herd, fish, and wildlife populations. effort to enlarge the state holdings

customer
appreciation
weekends!!!
248-625-3551 upcoming events:
fridays & Saturdays 9am-8pm, sundays 9am-6pm
september 15-17
springfield armory
october 6-8
248-625-1045 walther
6565 dixie highway clarkston mi 48346 christensen arms
www.accuratefirearmsllc.com STI
44 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
of land in this area. He saw the need
to preserve what he called the Big
Wild. Arguably, the efforts current-
ly underway in the PRC are direct
descendants of his plans, dreams,
and influence. And while many
efforts have been made to keep the
PRC as wild as possible, Franz says
the DNR does not refer to the area
as wilderness but as a working
forest.
Be that as it might, though, she
adds, When you are out here, your
cell phone does not work. Your GPS
doesnt work. You need to use a map
and compass to know where you
are.
If things go according to plans,
in about a month the PRC will be
special for even more reasons. PRC Headquar ters: In many ways and for many people, the Pigeon River Country State Forest is a spe-
Thats when the Pigeon River cial place for creating special memories. Tailfeather Communications, LLC photos
Country State Forest has scheduled
the opening of its Discovery Center. architecture in Michigan. Another for about 70 years primarily as resi- In 2016, when Franz, Rudi Edel,
Part interpretive center, part historian called the structure the dences for foresters and unit chiefs and the first of the eventual 147
classroom, part living history ultimate artifact. of the PRC. The beautiful wood volunteers who have worked on
display, the center is also special The building, located just behind craftsmanship on the interior was this project showed up, they were
because its housed in whats been the log cabin visitor center (also so perfect that, according to legend, greeted with holes in the ceilings, 31
called one of the best examples unique among state forests, accord- Lovejoy called the CCC guys back roof leaks and double-hung win-
of and best preserved examples of ing to Whitcomb) was built in the in to add some axe marks to scuff up
CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) early 1930s by the CCC and used the beams a little. Pigeon River Country 46

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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 45

Pigeon River Country:
from page 45
dows that were all out of balance,
according to Edel.
In July 2017, during the last
scheduled work bee for what Edel
called Wave I, the restoration and
repair work on the building, he,
Franz and Patricia Lunden took a
breather to discuss their work so far
and their dreams for the Discovery
Center. They are three of the five
members on the centers inde-
pendent steering committee, each
representing a different stakeholder.
Franz represents the PRC Asso-
ciation, a friends group which
anyone can join. Edel represents the
Otsego County Historical Society.
Brad Garmon comes from the PRC
Advisory Council. The other two
members are Whitcomb from the
DNR, and Lunden, who represents
the concerns of the Lunden family.
Her late husbands grandfather
was Herman Lunden, a lumberman
from Sweden, who worked almost
side-by-side with Lovejoy in the
early days to expand the PRC and to
make it a nature preserve of sorts.
In 2013, Pat and her husband John
were visiting the PRC visitor center.
They noticed a plaque honoring
Lovejoy but none for Herman. They
started chatting up a DNR guy there,
told him about Herman and let him
know the family would be interested
in providing the funds to erect a
plaque in his honor if the DNR were
interested.
And with that, the first ingredi-
ent of the Discovery Center started
simmering on the stove.
Meanwhile, the PRC Advisory
Council had been developing an
education and engagement plan to
increase the awareness of and sup-
port for the PRC as well as to in-
spire the knowledge and respect for
the PRC. Eventually, it determined
the concepts it wanted to present
to the public but hadnt defined an
appropriate and effective vehicle for
disseminating those ideals. Those
plans were bubbling away on a side
burner.
In 2003, the DNR decided it
would no longer provide lodging
for the Unit Manager at PRC. That
means by the time of this narrative
the CCC building had been lying
vacant and ignored for a decade, sit-
ting on the back burner waiting for
something to happen.
Whitcomb knew about the
empty building. Plus, he was aware
of the councils decision to develop
the education and engagement plan.
Finally, as it turns out, he was the
DNR guy whom Pat and John Lun-
den approached at the visitor center
about establishing the display panel
As the renova-
tion of the CCC-
built residence
neared comple-
tion, volunteers
taped paper
cards on the
walls to plan
exhibits.
for Herman.
Whitcomb basically looked at
what was before him, said, Aha!
and made a few introductions.
Pat Lunden said, Our family
would help with some funding. The
advisory council had the educational
plan. The building needed preserv-
ing. It just came about because
everyone needed the same thing and
we started to talk to one another.
Said Edel, it then became a mat-
ter of Heres the plan. Theres the
building. Heres potential funding

Youth Deer Pole at Maddens Lounge on September 16th & 17th

Deer must be entered by 8:30 p.m. Sunday
Everyone gets a prize. Interested sponsors, call Dennis at 810-625-7965
Buck Pole will also be at Maddens Lounge November 15th
No Charge to enter either event

Visit our Booth at the Woods-N-Water News Outdoor Weekend

Come see Doug Roberts and Conquest
Sunday from 12noon til 3pm
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NEW MEMBER SPECIAL $50.00 INQUIRE AT OUR BOOTH
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March 2018
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46 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS

go forth and create!
That was a bit easier said than
done, Franz admitted. We didnt
know each other or how to do this.
We didnt know the Lundens. They
didnt know the history.
We had to discover each
other, Edel said.
Franz concluded with, So
weve been moving along slower
than others might.
But they moved along surely, if
slowly. After that days final con-
struction project was completed,
they were ready to engage Wave II
of the project, creating the exhibits.
If you look around, youll see 47
white sheets coded with data. We
are developing the graphics that will
go on the walls, Edel said.
Some of the exhibits will cover
the elk reintroduction, lumbering,
fire prevention, the history of the
CCC there, oil and gas develop-
ment, even the passenger pigeon. To
save money, volunteers fabricated
some of the exhibits themselves,
like the one already completed of
the narrow gauge train track and a
boxcar in which is an elk which
Franz has nicknamed Harold
being delivered to the PRC back
in 1919. Flanking the car will be
THUNDER HILLS
We have Trophy Elk and Whitetail!
Like Us On
Facebook
Sandy Franz, member of the
PRC Advisory Council, and the
mounted elk shes named Har-
old, are all smiles as they await
the opening of the Pigeon River
Country State Forest Discovery
Center, scheduled for late Sep-
tember.
photos of the actual elk deliveries as
they took place.
And if all goes according to
plan, Harold will soon be welcom-
ing visitors young and old.n
CALL FOR INFORMATION
248-249-4710
www.thunderhillsranch.com
Reserved managed waterfowl area hunt
applications on sale now through Aug. 28
The MDNR reminds hunters that water-
fowl reserved hunt applications are available
now through Aug. 28.
To apply for reserved hunts on certain
managed waterfowl areas, visit a license agent
or www.mdnr-elicense.com. Applications are
$5, and hunters may apply only once. Drawing
results will be posted Sept. 18.
Reserved hunts will be held both morn-
ings and afternoons of the opening weekend
of waterfowl hunting season at Fish Point State
Wildlife Area, Harsens Island and Shiawassee
River State Game Area, and morning-only re-
served goose hunts will be held at Shiawassee
National Wildlife Refuge.
The maximum party size is four hunters. For morning hunts and the
second-day hunts, successful applicants must have appropriate licenses
and stamps and be accompanied by one to three other appropriately
licensed hunters. Youth have a special opportunity because the opening-
day afternoon hunts are for those 16 and younger. Successful applicants
for the opening-day afternoon hunts can have up to two adults 18 years
of age or older with appropriate licenses accompanying.
For more information about waterfowl hunting, visit www.michigan.
gov/waterfowl.
Hunters have an additional opportunity to participate in a reserved
waterfowl hunt by applying for the 2018 Pure Michigan Hunt drawing.
Each application is $5, and hunters may apply as many times as they like
until Dec. 31, 2017. Three lucky winners will receive a hunt package that
includes reserved waterfowl, elk, bear, turkey and antlerless deer licenses.
For more information, visit the Pure Michigan Hunt website.
Michigans managed waterfowl areas offer first-class waterfowl hunt-
ing and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Visit the DNR website to
learn more about Michigans Wetland Wonders.
Or Visit Our Website
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 47
 Michigan DNR Shorts
Conservation officer recruits begin rigorous journey
T
wenty-five candidates will try
to make the grade as Michi-
gan Department of Natural
Resources conservation officers at
the 8th Conservation Officer Recruit
School, which got under way July
16, in Lansing.
Recruits face 23 weeks of inten-
sive training that taxes their bodies,
minds and spirits. This years class
is composed of 18 men and seven
women. Four candidates are from
the Upper Peninsula, 18 are from
the Lower Peninsula and three are
from out of state.
The DNR will provide weekly
blogs that offer a closer look at life
in this years Conservation Officer
Recruit School. The blogs highlight
weekly training events and challeng-
es. You can subscribe to the blogs,
which also will be posted on the
Michigan DNR Facebook page.
These men and women have
the chance to be part of something
special, but they have to earn it,
said Gary Hagler, chief of DNRs
Law Enforcement Division. Any-
one who wears the green and gray
uniform of a Michigan conservation
officer must carry on our 130-year
tradition of service and excellence.
Those who have what it takes can
look forward to an exciting, reward-
ing career protecting Michigans
natural resources and the people
who enjoy them. But it all starts at
Recruit School.
Recruits had to pass a stringent
screening process that included a
physical fitness test, a background
investigation and two hiring in-
terviews. While at the academy,
recruits will be trained in skills such
as firearms, survival tactics, vehicle
operations, water safety, first aid,
criminal law, fish and game law and
enforcement, report writing, alcohol
enforcement and computer use.
Recruits who complete the
academy will graduate Dec. 21 and
then spend an additional 20 weeks
training throughout the state before
being assigned to one of Michigans
83 counties.
The DNR has some of the
countrys most challenging and
comprehensive law enforcement
training, said Sgt. Jason Wicklund,
Recruit School commander. Our
standards are high and the school is
physically, mentally and emotion-
ally demanding. While we hope all
of our candidates are successful,
we know the challenges involved
might prevent some from complet-
ing this training. But those who
do will earn the right to join the
ranks of an elite team that is dedi-
cated to protecting and serving
Michigan.
DNR conservation officers serve
a distinct role in Michigans law en-
forcement community. They are cer-
tified peace officers with authority to
enforce all of Michigans laws. As
conservation officers, they also have
unique training in a variety of areas
related to the protection of Michi-
gans residents, the environment and
our natural resources. Conservation
officers often are first to respond in
situations such as medical emergen-
cies, missing persons and public
safety threats.
The DNR Law Enforcement
Division is recruiting for future
academies. For more information,
contact Sgt. John Meka at mekaj@
michigan.gov or 517-284-6499. To
learn more about the hiring pro-
cess and the role of a conservation
officer, visit www.michigan.gov/
conservationofficers.n

BOW backpacking workshop in Porcupine Mountains

T
he Michigan Department of
Natural Resources is offer-
ing a Beyond Becoming an
Outdoors-Woman backpacking
workshop at Porcupine Mountains
Wilderness State Park for women
who have previous backpacking ex-
perience, and would like to expand
their skills and abilities.
The workshop is scheduled for
the weekend of Sept. 15-17. At 1
p.m. Friday, Sept. 15 there will be a
gear check and trip orientation at the
east end of the state park in Silver
City.
Afterward, the group will drive
to the trailhead to begin its weekend
adventure.
This trip will be a lot of fun,
and will allow participants to
explore beautiful portions of Michi-
gans largest state park, said Sha-
ron Pitz, DNR BOW coordinator.
The group will hike approximately
3.5 miles with full backpacks to the
backcountry rustic cabins at Mirror
Lake.
Participants are asked to bring
their own camping gear. More
details are provided in the work-
shop registration materials. Previ-
ous experience with backpacking
and hiking is a requirement for this
program.
This workshop aims to expand
on skills attendees may have been
taught at previous BOW workshops,
including backcountry cooking, map
and compass, wilderness first aid
and hiking, Pitz said. The back-
packing trip will include both days
at Mirror Lake, with optional day
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 DNR accepting pre-proposals: $1.25 million in funding
available for aquatic habitat improvement grants
T
he Michigan Department of aquatic communities that provide for grant amounts will be set at $25,000 no later than Aug. 28. Applicants
Natural Resources announced continuing recreation opportunities with the maximum amount being the will be notified of the outcome of
it is seeking pre-proposals for and natural resource-based econo- amount of funds available for the their pre-proposal by Sept. 29 and, if
the next round of funding for the mies; and development of strong grant cycle. Smaller projects within successful, will be invited to submit
Aquatic Habitat Grant Program. This relationships, partnerships and new the same watershed addressing a full application. An invitation to
program is focused on funding proj- expertise with respect to aquatic similar issues and system processes submit a full application does not
ects that either protect intact aquatic habitat protection and recovery. can be bundled into a single grant guarantee project funding.
habitat or rehabilitate degraded Projects can address issues on rivers, proposal package in order to reach This grant program is funded by
aquatic habitat. lakes or the Great Lakes. minimum grant amount require- revenues from fishing and hunting
There is $1.25 million available Funding is available to local, ments, if necessary. license fees. The detailed program
for this years program. Funded state, federal and tribal governments All applicants must complete and handbook (including timeline) and
projects will emphasize the rehabili- and nonprofit groups, for single- and submit a three-page pre-proposal for pre-proposal guidelines and forms
tation of degraded aquatic resources; multiple-year projects through an review by the DNRs Fisheries Divi- are available at michigan.gov/dnr-
development of self-sustaining open competitive process. Minimum sion. Pre-proposals must be emailed grants.n

BOW Backbacking continued

CROSSBOWS

hikes and fishing available.

The parks backcountry rustic
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email at pitzs@michigan.gov.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 49
Traditional Black Powder Hunting

The Northwest
gun remained still
By Dennis Neely

D
awns soft light ing view of the surrounding hills
caressed each oak, and knobs. The still-hunt progressed
hickory and maple. tree-to-tree to avoid detection, and
Damp, supple leaves with patience, the woodland tenant
whispered beneath disappeared within the fortifications
center-seamed moc- thin palisades.
casins, then hushed at a still-hunts The air smelled ancient. Now
pause. A small twig broke under the and again, a whiff of damp-dog
left buffalo-hide sole. Thirty or so wet oak, pungent mold or a hint of
paces distant a fallen red oak top of- the raccoon leavings that littered
fered sanctuary for a returned white the limbs splintered butt teased A downed oak tree in the middle of a cornfield affords great pro-
captive who spent his youth tutored the nose. Long before, in the dark, tection for hunting wild Canada geese. Abiding by proper shooting
in the ways of the Ojibwe hunters. at the first bend in the wagon trail, hours, a smoothbore loaded with non-toxic shot, and possessing
The upper branches of that the linen-and-leather-clad time the correct licenses and stamps are all par t of balancing what is
tangled hulk still bore summer travelers moccasins crept through
leaves, curled, brown and brittle. eternitys portal and entered the Year
with what was. Wild River tree photos
The wreckage rested downwind in a of our Lord, 1796. tant, an ear flicked. The Northwest deerskin shot pouch and retrieved
tiny valley, providing a command- To the north, sixty paces dis- gun that lay across the hunters a single wing bone. A steady drag
ribbon-adorned, blue-wool leggins on the oval end sent a soft, pitiful
remained still. A large doe, ears Arrkkk in response. The glade
forward, black eyes taking measure, grew silent, save for the chipping
walked slow along an earthen trail. sparrows, a couple of crimson car-
She descended the hill, crossed the dinals and a blue jay that lingered
valley and angled up the rise with a high in a shag-bark hickory.
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www.bearcreekballistics.com October morn. This forest matron twitched, then dropped out of sight.
passed a witch hazel that grew In a passel of seconds the bucks
thirty-five paces from the downed head, neck and shoulders crested the
oak top, unaware that death lurked hill as it sniffed along in the sleek
so near. does path. The eight-point crown
Over the west hill, out in the stretched to the tip of the stags ears.
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September 8th, 9th & 10th A few minutes later, a raspy- doe. The Northwest gun remained
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50 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
jerked up, and he gazed off to the
west, concentrating on the flat-
topped hill that was in line with
the wild turkeys call. Hip muscles
flexed, then relaxed. Satisfied, he
returned to tracking the large doe,
unaware that death lurked so near.
After the last glimpse of that fine
buck, another lost-sounding arrkk
resonated through the valley from
the leafy lair. Ten minutes later, a
solitary gray head popped above
the far hills crest. Others followed.
Then one-by-one beaks turned to the
south and vanished. Hips skootched
left. With the prime checked, the
Northwest guns muzzle nestled into
an opening in the leaves. A clean
kill, or a clean miss. Your will, O
Lord, Msko-waagosh whispered
John Tanner, the Falcon, would
have been upset with Msko-waa-
gosh, the Red Fox. My alter ego
imagined the chastisements, first, at
not shooting a large doe, and sec-
ond, when the buck stopped broad-
side in front of the witch hazel. Tan-
ners narrative offers many instances
of the feast or famine lifestyle of the
Ojibwe. He writes:
As I was one day going to look
at my traps, I found some ducks
in a pond, and taking the ball out
of my gun, I put in some shot, and
began to creep up to them. As I was
crawling cautiously through the
bushes, a bear started up near me,
and ran into a white pine tree almost
over my head. I hastily threw a ball
into my gun and fired; but the gun
burst about midway of the barrel,
and all the upper half of it was car-
ried away. The bear was apparently
untouched, but he ran up higher into
the tree. I loaded what was left of
my gun, and taking aim the second
time, brought him to the ground.
(Tanner, John, The Falcon: A Narra-
tive of the Captivity and Adventures
of John Tanner, Penguin Books,
New York, NY, 1994, pg. 60).
In light of this passage and in a
manner true to the hunts described
by many 18th-century woodsmen,
there is little doubt Msko-waagosh
should have pulled the shot charge,
loaded a round ball and taken aim at
the doe. That course of action would
be period-correct and consistent
with the lifestyle most traditional
black powder hunters strive to re-
create. But an unavoidable prob-
lem exists that all living historians
must deal with, and that is trying to
re-create a true-to-life 1796 circum-
stance on a 21st-century stage.
In reality, the modern world
comes with its own set of rules,
regulations and ethical standards.
Daniel Boone argued for hunting
ordinances in the late 18th-century,
because he saw and disliked the
wanton waste of the hide hunters.
Today, game laws are extensive and
sometimes very complicated to fol- Little details can have severe consequences, like the amount of
lowand at times, make no allow- white a traditional hunter includes in his or her wardrobe and the
ance for the traditional woodsman. time of year light colors are worn. To some modern hunters, white
Accepted conservation practices, or similar light colors of any sor t indicate the presence of a white-
mechanical land management tech- tailed deer.
niques and environmental restric-
tions all impact the simulation of Wherever possible, game laws and ing and accoutrements associated
yesteryear. other such regulations are dealt with with a given backcountry character
Plus, in the midst of a history- prior to venturing back to the chosen
based scenario, planes fly overhead, time period. In addition, the cloth- The Northwest gun page 52
back-up alarms beep in the neigh-
boring village, and semi-automatic
shotguns boom away. Shiny birth-
day balloons get tangled on iron-
wood bushes, discarded pop cans
sprout up along trails, fences dice
up once-open land and trespassers
wander over times threshold with
disturbing regularity.
Despite the clash of centuries,
living historians plod on with their
passionate quest to experience the
texture of life in a bygone era. The
potential danger or disruptive nature
of each intrusion is weighed and
measured, and an appropriate com-
promise is formulated and applied to
the situation.
The application of measured
compromise takes many forms.

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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 51
The Northwest gun:
receive careful scrutiny to make sure
documented history balances with
21st-century practice.
During the sojourn, a vet-
eran traditional hunter calls upon a
mindset that evaluates the impact
of each transgression and applies a
suitable solution before the instance
consciously interrupts the sanctity
of the moment. Thus planes, down-
shifting tractor-trailers and other
modern noises do not exist. Gun-
shots become muzzle blasts of some
distant skirmish. Ones alter ego
looks away from pop cans, avoids
fence lines and deems other hunt-
ers as hostiles such as French or
British soldiers, depending upon a
characters historical leanings.
Hunter heroes sometimes offer
a form of measured compromise,
too. In his journal, Forty-Four Years
of the Life of a Hunter, Meshach
Brownings wife, Mary, asked him
to go hunting and bring back some
young turkeys for supper.
On that mid-October morn, Ms-
ko-waagosh was fulfilling a similar
request: bring home a wild turkey
for supper. A doe or an eight-point
buck was not on the menu that day.
52 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
from page 51
Come mid-November, the familys
request would change, and as a doe
or buck approached, the Northwest
gun would not remain still
A rotting oak trunk angled down
the slope of the nearest hill to the
leafy fortress. Out of sight, the birds
circled closer. Two of the younger
turkeys herky-jerked behind that
log. Three older hens followed in
the middle of the single-file line.
The firelocks English flint eased
to attention. The tarnished-brass
butt plate found its rightful place.
The turtle sight waited. The death
bees grew more impatient with each
pounding heartbeat.
The turkeys passed behind a
large, forked red oak. When they
emerged, the younger ones came
closest, but bunched together and
halted. The largest hen took four
slow, cautious steps, then uttered
a click. Her head turned south.
With no birds behind her, the flint
smashed against the frizzen. Orange
sparks streaked. Priming flashed.
Kla-whoosh-BOOM!
A tongue of yellow fire belched
from the Northwest guns muzzle.
Big wings flapped. Frantic turkeys
flushed in all directions. Feathers
drifted earthward through the white,
billowing smoke.
Curled, brown, brittle leaves
crunched. Twigs snapped. A linen-
and-leather-clad woodsman burst
from the treetop and with long,
quick strides anchored the morn-
ings blessing. As requested, for a
wild turkey supper. The Northwest
gun did not remain still.
Give traditional black powder
hunting a try, be safe and may God
bless you.
Dennis Neely maintains a web
site devoted to traditional hunting at
www.traditionalblackpowderhunt-
ing.com.
Dennis will once again be a part Using natural cover, like a
of the 2017 Outdoor Weekend at downed tree top, is period-
the Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds correct for 18th-century tra-
in Imlay City, Sept. 8-10. Dennis ditional black powder hunters.
Neely will take you on a journey to The concern is always how the
1794 as your guide. Visit his River living historian will be perceived
Raisin traders camp and talk tradi- by modern hunters who happen
tional shooting. For more informa- into his or her history-based
tion go to OutdoorWeekend.netn scenario.
Muzzle Loading State Events
Michigan State Muzzle Loading Association State Shoots
Sept. 2-3Fall Shoot Rendezvous: Lansing Muzzle Loading Gun
Club: 517-393-2772
Sept. 3 to Nov. 5Winter Aggregate: Benzie Sportsman Club
231-378-2145
Sept. 9-17NMLRA National Championship Matches
Friendship, IN: 812-667-5131
Sept. 10Woods Walk: Clinton River Muzzle Loaders
Detroit Sportsman Congress: 586-731-6088
Sept. 15-17Fall Rendezvous/Shoot: Howard City: 616-887-9716
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GUN CHAT: Snubnose
I
ve often heard that
snubnose revolvers arent
accurate beyond a car
length. Reasons given
usually involve their short
barrels, rudimentary
sights, and the phrase, everybody
knows that... Rereading a Tom
Clancy novel last winter I found the
snubnoses arent accurate beyond
a few feet idea was repeated in it. I
knew that it wasnt always true.
One of the first snubs I
owned was a Smith & Wes-
son M49. It had a shrouded
hammer, fixed sights, and
what S&W calls a two-inch
barrel. (They are actu-
ally one and seven eighths
inches.) Despite all that I
managed to hit an empty
By Lee Arten
plastic quart oil bottle,
left in a sandpit, from
about 60 yards with
the M49. It took me seven shots to
get the range, but some of the miss-
es were close and would have hit a
larger target. With other snubnoses
I shot silhouette targets at 25 and 50
yards and got hits.
The statement in the novel
bothered me enough that I decided,
once winter ended, and the ranges
opened, to shoot snubs at 25 yards
again. At the range, I decided to try
some of the short guns at 50 yards,
too.
I brought a six-shot Charter
Arms Pathfinder .22 three-inch, a
S&W M649 with a one and seven
eighths inch barrel, and a S&W M15
with a true two inch barrel. The
Pathfinder has adjustable sights and
orange paint on the front sight blade.
The M649 is the stainless version of
the M49 and has the same two-inch
barrel, and fixed sights. The S&W
M15 is a six-shot K-frame revolver
with Pachmayr rubber grips, adjust-
able sights and a two-inch barrel. It
also has orange paint on the blade
front sight. The older I get the more
guns I have with orange front sights.
I should paint the front sight on the
M649 but havent done so yet. The
color helps my older eyes pick up
the front blade.
I put targets up at 25 and 50
yards and started with the Charter
Arms .22. Shooting from standing
with a two hand hold, double-action,
I got five on the target out of six.
Three were high, with one high and
left. One was in the eight ring at
nine-oclock.
With the M649 I got four out
of five on the target. They were all
high with only one in the scoring
rings at one oclock. The fifth one
was probably just above the target
in the target board. One of the holes
there looked new. I got two out of
five on the target with the 649 at 50 group was almost centered on the
yards. Both were shot double-action silhouette. Ethan was a Bullseye
and landed low and left. One was shooter and a Camp Perry competi-
touching the seven ring and one was tor then. He had a fine grasp of sight
below the eight. alignment and trigger control. I tried
At 50 yards with the M15, I the same long shot but hit just off
got just one shot out of five on the the silhouettes shoulder, high and
target. It was above the rings almost right. The shots did group into about
centered at 12 oclock. All the rest six inches. Snubnoses like the M649 (top) and
went high. I was surprised by this. The first snubnose I ever shot M38 are supposed to be inaccurate
I thought I had an idea of where the was a nickeled High Standard .22. and not much use beyond a few
M15 hit. Things looked good as I fired nine feet. Thats not always true.
At 25 yards I got all five shots at a bullseye target at 50 feet. affected my groups was light. It was
rounds I shot on the paper. When I walked down to look at it a sunny day and the targets were
Three were in the rings at the group was high. I managed to brightly lit by the afternoon sun. I
one and three oclock and miss the target clip, but didnt hit shot from the shade inside the range.
two were high at twelve. any of the scoring rings either. Ive seen different light conditions
The M15 is a snubnose but I hit high the other day, as well. move groups at that range before.
its one of the easiest to This was true even with guns, like Most likely, the biggest problem
shoot. Ive read that M15s the M15, whose ammo preferences that afternoon was that I was rusty.
were favored for snubnose and zero, I thought I knew. Id got- The winter kept me from shooting
stages in Police Pistol ten tired and my concentration could much and the spring weeks here
Combat matches. have been better. The ammunition consisted of three days of rain, fol-
These were mostly was from a box of my reloads that lowed by two days of rain, followed
for police, although I competed in a had turned up after I thought theyd by two days of showers.
few in Escanaba and Negaunee back all been fired. They could have been Ive known for years that I can
in the 1990s. I didnt have the M15 made with a different powder than hit at 25 and 50 yards with snub-
then but it would have been fun to the last ones I shot in the M15, or noses. Ive also known, and just
shoot one of those matches with it. the M649. Next time Ill use a six proved again, that if you want to hit
My son, Ethan, once used the oclock hold, or adjust the sights on well at distance with small hand-
M15 and my reloads to shoot at a the M15. guns, practicing is important. The
silhouette target at 100 yards. His Another thing that could have more often, the better.n
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Our Pheasant Hunting Heritage
N
obody Im aware of
can truly see ac-
curately into the
future. Certain facts
and ongoing events
can certainly lead
to conjectures and conclusions of
how something may turn out. Such
is the case today with Michigans
distinct pheasant hunting heritage,
which due to the dramatic crash of
wild pheasant numbers that began in
the 1960s, doesnt have the
amount of dedicated pheas-
ant hunters going afield it
once had.
This year actually is
the 100th anniversary of
when pheasants were first
released in southern Michi-
gan (including the Thumb)
by the Michigan
Conservation
Department in By Tom Lounsbury
1917. The pheasants being released
were pen-reared birds of mixed
blood (realistically known as ring-
necks) that owe their origins to
eastern U.S. game farms who in turn
had gotten their original eggs from
game farms in England. Those first
birds were released into an ideal
environment quite unlike what we
have today and they would read-
ily adapt and propagate. The first
official Michigan pheasant hunt-
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Past, Present and Future...
ing season occurred in 1925 and it
would be the beginning of a highly
popular annual event. It became so
popular that small game hunters far
outnumbered big game hunters in
the state. Michigan was also the top
pheasant hunting state in the nation
during its heyday (and the Thumb
was a particular hotspot).
My late father was born in 1913
and grew up on a Thumb farm and
would become a farmer on the same
land himself. He could
remember when the first
pheasants were released
and also how during the
8 years that the pheasants
could not be hunted in
order for them to become
established, the flourishing
number of birds became
nuisances at
times. This
included eat-
ing seed that was freshly planted
and busting limbs off fruit trees in
the orchard due to too many pheas-
ants roosting on them at night. My
father would also take part in the
first pheasant season and it would
be his main hunting pastime until
the wild pheasant population crash
of the 1960s. He was of the genera-
tion who witnessed the heyday of
Michigan pheasant hunting from the
very beginning.
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Being the fourth generation to
own the family (centennial) farm,
I grew up in the annual pheasant
hunting atmosphere starting in 1952
(this was the first year it opened on
the 20 as prior to that it opened on
the 15th of October) at age-three
when I was my mothers pooch lot of the county fair and the numer-
while she downed roosters with her
single-shot Iver Johnson 20 ga (a
shotgun I now own and still use).
Needless to say pheasant hunting is
deeply entrenched in my being and I
feel blessed to have witnessed those
days in the 1950s when schools
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were closed for the pheasant hunting
opener and the local economy truly
flourished due to the sudden arrival
of a lot of avid pheasant hunters,
many from an urban setting.
I can readily remember our
farmyard looking like the parking
ous hunting dogs yapping and ex-
cited to be in the field. A majority of
hunters I met were factory workers
from the big cities and this was an
annual holiday they looked forward
to each year. Many were World War
II veterans who were from the South
but had moved north to Michigan
to find employment, and they knew
all about hunting dogs and how to
shoot. They were great gentlemen
for a kid to share the field with and
much of what I know about pheas-
ant hunting techniques, dogs and
guns I learned from them.
I also can remember when
wild pheasant numbers suddenly
dropped, and with it so did the
number of pheasant hunters coming
to the Thumb annually (which didnt
help the local economy any). I also
remember when schools didnt close
for the pheasant opener, much to
my dismay and forcing me to play
hooky. I never did ever give up on
local pheasant hunting in the Thumb
and October 20th remains a trea-
sured day for me still. Despite six
decades of avid pheasant hunting,
Ive never hunted wild pheasants
any further than two miles from my
family farm (I never took part in the
put and take of the early 1970s
either), nor have I ever gone pheas-
ant hunting out of state.
Because the pheasants I hunted
were only found in smaller pockets
of habitat that allowed them to sur-
vive and propagate in limited (but
huntable) numbers, I began to refer
to them as pocket birds. Pocket
roosters are extremely challenging
to hunt and they have evolved into
a unique bird that is quite unlike
the roosters I learned to hunt in my
youth. The pocket roosters that Im
familiar with will run and zig-zag
around with the speed of a roadrun-
ner and flush and fly only as a last
resort and rarely cackle when they
do so. Since they rarely hold long
for a pointing dog, I use flushing
dogs (typically beagles and Lab-
rador retrievers) with my pointing
dogs (typically Brittanys) and it
is actually a particular technique I
learned from those visiting (urban)
hunters when I was a kid (it is very
similar to a quail hunting technique
used in southern states).
I saw pheasant numbers begin
to blossom in the 1980s when CRP
came into being and put croplands
into grasslands, which is the pheas-
ants preferred and required habitat,
and Ive seen pheasant numbers
dramatically drop when rising
commodity prices puts grasslands
back into crop production. Properly
maintained grassland is the key ele-
ment to promoting and propagating
wild pheasants and it is why I have
devoted the majority of my farm to
this process.
I also fully support Pheasants
Forever (PF), as well as the pres-
ently ongoing Michigan Pheasant
Restoration Initiative (MPRI) and
both put a priority on proper habi-
tat. However, with todays intense
agricultural practices that include
very effective herbicides and in-
secticides as well as fall plowing,
the atmosphere of the heyday of
pheasant hunting and its widespread
environment I remember as a kid is
only a fond memory of the past, but
Ive always believed in maintaining
the pheasant hunting heritage in any
way feasibly possible.
Attitudes have also changed in
regards to gaining hunting access
to private lands. There was a time
when a simple knock on the door
and a polite approach would usu-
ally gain ready access, but that has
become more and more difficult
these days, although fortunately
not impossible to still do (it never
hurts to ask). Deer hunting is now at
the top in regards to the number of
participants and small game hunting
is at the bottom as well as properties
are being managed more with deer
hunting in mind these days.
It seems if the average hunter
doesnt own the ground, lease it or
belong to a club that owns or leases
it, he or she has the only option of
hunting public land. Fortunately
Michigan is blessed (in my opinion)
with plenty of public land, including
here in the Thumb (some of which
is managed for pheasants). I also
feel personally blessed to have my
own ground for my family and me
to hunt, and Im fully aware that a
whole lot of folks dont have that
advantage, many from an urban
setting.
I must admit I was a bit
skeptical when I first heard about
the Michigan Pheasant Hunting
Initiative (MPHI) over a year ago,
which has been started as a grass-
roots effort by devoted pheasant
hunter Ken Dalton of Lapeer. I did
some research on the statements
Dalton had made publicly and was
enlightened by what I discovered,
and found he was stating some facts
I was not aware of.
The eye opener for me was
that South Dakota, the number one
pheasant hunting state, releases over
six hundred thousand pen-reared
pheasants annually to bolster bird
numbers. Certainly South Dakota
has great pheasant habitat and a
great number of wild birds, but it
seems with so many visiting hunters
from other states, which certainly
helps the states local economy, that
demand might exceed what the wild
can provide (however South Dakota
officials state that wild birds still
make up the greater number of birds
annually harvested). I know a whole
lot of Michigan folks who travel to
South Dakota to annually pheasant
hunt and spend money there while
doing it. There is no question that
South Dakota looks upon pheas-
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ant hunting as being economically
important (to the tune of over 230
million dollars annually).
I recently sat down with
Ken Dalton and devoted MPHI sup-
porter Dan McPhail and discussed
what the goals were and how fund-
ing would be obtained and used.
According to Dalton, 19
states release pen-reared birds for
pheasant hunting on an annual basis.
Wisconsin for instance has a $10
Pheasant Stamp which is required Dan McPhail (left) and Ken Dalton
to hunt pheasants there and the (right) of the Michigan Pheasant
funding created is used for hatching Hunting Initiative (MPHI).
and rearing the birds (over 100,000 passed a resolution to support the
annually), and Pennsylvania has a Michigan Pheasant Hunting Initia-
$25 Pheasant Stamp and releases tive and plans on bringing it before
over 200,000 pheasants annually. the NRC this fall. According to Ken
In Michigans case MPHI would Dalton, the rooster pheasant is the
like to see a $25 Pheasant Stamp king of small game and bringing
to cover costs. Quality pheasants back an interest in Michigan pheas-
(with natural vim and vigor) would ant hunting will give a great boost to
then be purchased from reputable small game hunting in general. He
Michigan game bird producers and and I both agreed that small game
released on public lands open to hunting is a great way to get kids
hunting with the cooperation and interested in hunting and getting
guidance of the MDNR. The goal is kids interested is very integral to the
bringing Michigan pheasant hunt- future of hunting.
ers back to the fields and boosting I can relate to the fact pheasant
local economies during the process. hunting drew me right in to doing
Dalton points out that stock- hunting of all sorts from then on.
ing fish in Michigan waters (such as And to the very end, Ill be a de-
lake trout and walleyes for example) voted Michigan pheasant hunter (in
have brought certain species back the Thumb of course).
to the delight of anglers (and local For more information about
economies) and the same effort the Michigan Pheasant Hunting
could apply to pheasants as well. Initiative go to www.mphi.info or
Needless to say I couldnt argue call Ken Dalton (he goes by Mr.
with his point. MUCC also recently Pheasident) at 810-358-9372.n
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Smallmouth

Michigans Amazing Animals

By Patrick Bevier
his marks the debut feature of a
monthly column called, Michigans
Amazing Animals. Most of the
explorations will deal with animals
important to the hook and bullet
contingent while others may have a
more ecological slant.
The first animal to grace this column is a fa-
vorite game fish to tens of thousands of Michigan
anglers: the Smallmouth Bass.
Here are some fun and fishy facts about
smallmouth bass:
The Name Game: Smallmouth bass are Ex-Tiger flamethrower, Joel Zumaya, and the author show off a pair of hefty Lake St. Clair
also known as smallies, bronzebacks, brown bass, smallmouth caught late in autumn on blade baits. Lydia Lohrer photo
and smallmouth black bass.
Smallie Specifications: The smallmouth with ideal water temperatures of 65 to 70 degrees largemouth bass they are found in the sunfish
bass gets its name because their jaw doesnt ex- F. They frequent underwater structures including family along with fish like bluegill, pumpkin-
tend past the eye, while the jaw of a largemouth rocky points, boulders, submerged logs, and steep seed, red-eared sunfish, crappie, and rock bass.
does. Noticeable stripes that slant downward rock faces. Smallies are the second largest members of the
from the eye are also almost always visible on One Studly Sunfish: While smallmouth sunfish family (Centrarchidae). The Mitten State,
smallmouth. Smallies prefer clear and cool water are called bass as are their close relatives the however, harbors two fish that are in the true bass

(423) 638-2825

56 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS

family: white bass and white perch.
Tackle Busters: Smallmouth might be
compared to that feisty UFC fighter, Conor Mc-
Gregor, in that they make it into every conversa-
tion about which freshwater fish are, pound for
pound the best fighters. Its debatable, but others
that might be assigned to the Mt. Rushmore of
fighting game fish could be king salmon, steel-
head, and bluegill.
Best Baits: Smallmouth will bite on many
offerings but some of the most popular include
Yamamoto Senko soft plastic baits, tube jigs,
Silver Buddy blade baits, buzz baits, and crank
baits. Dont forget good ol garden hackle as
smallies will often crush a night crawler threaded
on a small hook thats allowed to slowly sink
in the water column. Another deadly technique
is the drop shot rig highlighted in last months
Woods-N-Water News.
Gaga for Gobies: In the Great Lakes sys-
tem, smallmouth bass have adapted quite well to
preying on invasive round goby fish. As a matter
of fact many biologists, as well as anglers, claim
that the unusually large smallmouth basssome
tipping the scales at up to 7 pounds that are
now being caught with some regularity are bulk-
ing up on gobies.
Gasiciels Giant: Just a few years ago one
of the longest standing Michigan fishing records
was shattered by Greg Gasiciel when he landed a
9.33-pound, 24.5-inch behemoth smallmouth bass
on Hubbard Lake. The previous record set 111
years ago in 1906 was a 9.25-pound, 27.25-
inch smallie caught in Cheboygan Countys Long
Lake by W.F. Shoemaker.
The world record smallmouth bass was a
whopping 11 pounds 15 ounces and was landed
by David Hayes from Tennessees Dale Hollow
Reservoir in 1955. Interestingly, the catch has
been cloaked in controversy including an affida-
vit stating that the dock owner added lead weight
to the catch (unbeknownst to Hayes) that resulted
in the temporary nullification of Hayes record.
It is, however, back on the books as the largest
smallie taken on hook and line. Dale Hollow is
the land of lunker bronzebacks as the three heavi- This spunky smallie was caught on a jig and soft
est smallmouth ever recorded came from that plastic on Little Traverse Bay. Author photo
body of water!
Spawning Statistics: Smallmouth begin the country, sandwiched between two legendary
spawning in late spring and early summer when fisheries in Florida and Georgia. This was due,
water temperatures hit 60 degrees F. A large in large part, to our unrivaled smallmouth fishing
female can lay as many as 25,000 eggs. Males in places like Lake St. Clair, Saginaw Bay, and
build the nests and guard the eggs and newly Grand Traverse Bay.
hatched fry with a vengeance. The eggs of smal- Curious Characters: An interesting side
lies are larger than those of largemouth bass and note is when I do my version of, look and hook
hatch in as little as two days. In about two weeks by snorkeling, the bravest fish I encounter are
the fry leave their dense school and begin feeding inevitably bass. Smallies will literally come right
independently on zooplankton, and eventually up to your mask as if to check you out as much as
prey on small insects and fish as they grow. you are them!
Simply Sensational Smallmouth An- Next months Michigan Amazing Animal
gling: In 2015, In-Fisherman magazine ranked column will feature those gregarious and great-
Michigan the second best bass fishing state in tasting ruffed grouse!n

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www.randyhuntingcenter.com

Studying Michigans massasaugas,
the states venomous rattler
If any creatures ever
needed better public
relations, it would
be snakes...
T
hey have been vili-
fied since the earliest
of Bible tales, and
their overall reputa-
tion hasnt improved
markedly since. But
there are plenty of people who have
more respect for snakes especially
those species not well-regarded.
In fact, Michigan has become an
important laboratory for the study
and preservation of one of them, the
eastern massasauga rattlesnake, the
only venomous viper that inhabits
the state.
Massasauga rattlesnakes were
listed as a federally threatened spe-
cies under the Endangered Species
Act in 2016 and are thereby pro-
tected animals.
By rattlesnake standards, mas-
sasauga rattlers are small, averaging
about 2 feet long as adults, reaching
a maximum of about 30 inches.
The term massasauga means
Contact Deb Gray (734) 623-2000 for more information and to enter www.miducalendar.org
58 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
By Bob Gwizdz, MDNR
Massasauga rattlesnakes are found in wetland areas in Michigan. The species has been recorded in
every county of the Lower Peninsula and only Mackinac County in the Upper Peninsula.
great river mouth in the Ojibwe
language and was likely given to
these snakes because of the places
the pit vipers are found. They
inhabit wetlands and feed upon
small mammals such as mice and
voles, frogs, and other snakes. They
are ambush predators, remaining
motionless and striking when they
detect prey through heat, sound,
motion or odor. They inject venom gan, though more common than in
that destroys tissue and incapacitates most other parts of their range,
the prey. said Tom Goniea, a fisheries bi-
Eastern massauagas range from ologist and herptile expert with the
southern Ontario to Missouri and Michigan Department of Natural
from central New York to eastern Resources. There are records of
Iowa. There are a couple of subspe- their existence in every county of
cies found in the American south- the Lower Peninsula.
west and into Mexico. Theyve never been found on
Massasaugas are rare in Michi- the mainland of the Upper Penin-
sula, though they have been found
on Bois Blanc Island, which is in
Mackinac County, Goniea said.
Like all reptiles and amphibians,
they were once more widespread
and numerous throughout the state
than they are today.
Habitat destruction and persecu-
tion have led to their decline.
Theyre really rare; very few
people will ever encounter these
animals in the wild, Goniea said.
Theyre pretty docile, not a particu-
larly aggressive animal. In my 14
years as herptile specialist with the
DNR Fisheries Division, Ive aver-
aged being notified of less than one
bite a year.
Rattlesnake bites, while rare in
Michigan, can and do occur. Many
bites are the result of people han-
dling them, though people walk-
267 Gun Giveaway ing though tall grass in rattlesnake
5 guns will be raffled every Wednesday habitat near and around wetlands
PLUS a bonus Twelve Guns of Christmas without adequate footwear or long
drawing Wednesday Dec. 19. pants could potentially be bitten.
Snakebites are less likely to
Your purchase of a $50 calendar occur when following some basic
means you are entered in each safety precautions (find out more at
weekly drawing. http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/emr/safety.
Must be 18 years of age to enter. Michigan Lottery License number C28069 cfm). Anyone who has been bitten
should seek immediate medical at-
tention.
9/17/18,20,22 - MI
 They can only strike about one-
third to one-half their body length,
which for a typical Michigan rattle-
snake is 8 to 15 inches, so a person
has to get really close to be in any
danger, Goniea said. They are not
going to lunge out and bite you from
several feet away.
There are no records of fatalities
in Michigan since the post-World
War II era that Goniea knows about.
Other snakes are often misidentified
as massasaugas.
Probably 95 percent of the calls
we get from people who are sure
they have a massasauga are verified
with pictures as something else,
Goniea said.
Much of the focus of massa-
sauga rattlesnake study in Michigan
is at the Edward Lowe Foundation
property in Cass County, where a
viable population of the creatures
inhabit the wetlands. Mike Mc-
Cuistion, vice president of physical
resources at the foundation in Cass
County, said staffers have found
dead rattlesnakes on the roads of
the property over the years, and
because conservation is part of the
foundations charter, the foundation
decided to investigate them.
The foundation engaged a
student studying reptiles to survey
the area. He found one. Later, a
graduate students research involved
studying how fire such as con-
trolled burns impacted the snakes.
He used the Lowe property as his
control (non-burned) area, and he
found a number of the rattlesnakes.
That information allowed the foun-
dation to conduct controlled burns
without affecting the snakes.
We know where the snakes are
and we know where the hibernacula
(hibernation locations) are, McCui-
stion said. We can burn when the
snakes are hibernating.
The presence of the rattlesnakes
inspired the foundation to get
involved with the snakes Species
Survival Plan. The plan, largely a
function of zoos and aquariums, is
sort of an insurance policy for spe-
cies should they ever disappear.
Zoos that have massasauga
rattlesnakes have been selectively
breeding them for genetic diversity.
These zoos would have a population
of the snakes available.
The Lowe foundation agreed to
host the annual meeting of the Spe-
cies Survival Plan nine years ago in
exchange for the teams cooperation
in surveying the grounds annually
for the snakes.
The nice thing about this popu-
lation is that its centrally located
in massasauga range, McCuistion
said.
Over the course of the last seven
years, the surveyors have identified
more than 800 individual massasau-
gas on the property, with a stable
population of about 150 adults.
Specimens are collected, aged,
sexed, measured, weighed and
photographed. Adults are implanted
with PIT (passive integrated tran-
sponder) tags and all are returned
to where they were found. The tags
identify the snakes individually.
Penny Felski, herptile manager
at the Buffalo Zoo and a member of
the Special Survival Plan team, has
been on every survey at the Lowe
property since they started.
The Buffalo Zoo has been working
with this species since the 1960s,
but our first successful breeding
was in 2012, Felski said. It took a
while to figure out the husbandry.
Essentially, when potential
mates are selected, the snakes are
introduced in the fall and kept
together until breeding has been wit-
nessed. Young are born live the next
summer. The female at the Buffalo
Zoo has produced 13 offspring over
the years. All are now at other zoos.
Eric Hileman, who recently
earned his doctorate degree from Tom Goniea, a fisheries biologist and herptile exper t with the
Northern Illinois University for his
work on eastern massasaugas and is
Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources, holds a massasauga
now a quantitative biologist at Trent rattlesnake with a snake stick. MDNR photos
University in Ontario, said roughly
70 percent of adult massasaugas sur-
vive annually, but only 38 percent
of newborns (neonates) survive their
first year.
I think freezing over the winter
is the big problem, Hileman said.
They dont know how to do it.
Unlike many other rattlesnakes,
massasaugas hibernate alone, often
using crayfish burrows for hiber-
nacula.
Hileman said massasaugas have
been known to live up to 20 years in
captivity, which is up to 30 percent
longer than they live in the wild.
For more information on the
threatened status of the massasauga
or for frequently asked questions
about the listing, please visit the US
Fish and Wildlife Service massa-
sauga information page at https://
www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered/
reptiles/eama/index.html
Identification and life history
information, as well as snake safety
tips, can be found at the Michigan
Natural Features Inventory massa-
sauga rattlesnake information page
http://mnfi.anr.msu.edu/emr/index.
cfm.
To report sightings and learn
more about the massasauga, please
visit the Michigan DNRs page on
the species at http://www.michigan.
gov/dnr/
Learn more by about Michi-
gans snake species by watching
our 60-Second Snakes videos at
https://www.youtube.comn
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 59
Five steps to taking trophy bucks
Become a hunter. Be more than just a shooter...By John Sloan
I
t was all wrong. It was
opening day, 95 degrees,
with a full moon. All the
articles by famous writers
said it should be terrible
daytime hunting. To make
it worse, I had never seen the tree
in which I was sitting until 14 hours
previously.
So...when the seventh buck
walked in range, with an eight-
point rack looking to score 142 and
change, I shot it.
I had seen the spot on a scouting
run the previous afternoon, picked
the tree and quickly hung a stand.
Then I got out of there. Despite all
the factors the experts of the day
claimed to be against me, I had full
confidence I was going to kill a buck
and probably a good one.
Sodont believe all the myths
and misinformation that abound
regarding hunting trophy whitetails.
I do not and never have used
trail cams. I do not have food plots
or feeders. I utilize no mineral
blocks. That has, without a doubt,
made me a better hunter. It has
forced me to study and learn about
the animal.
STEP #1
Study the animal. Learn all you
can about the animal. Never stop
asking Why? What? How? Why
did he do that? Why is the trail
there? Why did I not see one? What
is that? What does that mean? How
did he get there? How to hunt him
comes later.
First, learn about the animal.
One of the most valuable pieces of information you can have is the
location of a fence crossing and why it is where it is.
60 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Had I not been able to recognize
some factors on that hot October 14
afternoon, I would not have been in
that tree on October 15.
The first factor was a large oak
just raining acorns. Chipped caps, a
sign deer had been feeding, littered
the ground. The clincher was a big
mudhole filled with rainwater. The
rim was roto-tilled with deer tracks.
Deer love to play in mudholes,
much as do bull elk. I knew in one
look, this was a deer feeding-play-
ing ground and probably at least one
of them a shooter buck.
Telling you all factors wont
help you a bit. You have to learn
them, and that requires study. Study
the animal and the signs it leaves for
you. Learn to see whats there, not
what you want to see.
STEP #2
Understand what deer eat,
when and, sometimes, why. Food
is the catalyst. Without a food
source, deer will not move,
they probably wont be in the
area. Understand and be able to
recognize a preferred food source.
That is the food source that is at-
tracting deer right then. It may
vanish in a few days or it may
simply change. A perfect example
is fruit. In some areas crab apples
are a preferred food source for a
short time. Then, maybe white oak
acorns take over. Know what foods
are preferred in your area, and
when. You will have to shift your
focus with the food changes. The
deer certainly will.
There is far more information to be gained than just, This is a
rub. It can also be a timetable and a road map.
STEP #3
What is cover to a deer? A trav-
eling deer is the vulnerable deer, and
a deer must have cover to travel in
daylight. This is especially true of a
mature buck. If he is to move from
point A to point B, he must have
cover. Can you recognize it? Do you
know when he is going to use it? valuable things you will learn. What
Remember, to a deer, darkness is
the best cover. But even the wariest
of big bucks will make a mistake
now and then. Understand what
cover is to a deernot you.
STEP #4
How does a deer travel? Sound
like a stupid question? Believe me,
it is crucial unless you are sitting
30-yards from a feeder, waiting for
something to walk by. No matter if
it is the farm land of Iowa, the big
woods of Wisconsin or the swamps
of Louisiana, a traveling deer must
deal with terrain
Deer hate flat ground. A slight
variation in elevation is an escape to
a deer. A jump or two and he can be
out of sight over a ridge or down a
draw.
Given sufficient cover, terrain is
the next most important factor to a
deer. Deer -- as do you, I and water
-- prefer the path of least resistance.
They take the easiest route, provided
that route has cover.
Study the terrain where you
hunt. How would you travel if you
were a deer?
STEP #5
Understand how deer handle
structure. It can be one of the most
is structure? Structure is something
that alters a deers travel. Something
they have to deal with as they move
from point A to point B. A fence,
a road, a stream, a house, a field, a
downed tree are all structure.
A deer will walk some distance
to cross a fence at a low point but
it prefers to crawl under it at a high
point. They cross roads and streams
in specific places. They avoid hous-
es or walking across an open field.
Cover and terrain dictate travel,
structure alters it. You too can alter
it. Just think about it.
There are only four major fac-
tors that govern everything a deer
does Food, Cover, Terrain and
Structure. Water usually plays a very
small role. Understand how a deer
regards these factors, learn to rec-
ognize them, see them from a deers
point of view. In short, study and
learn, dont just look at nocturnal
pictures from a camera by a feeder.
Become a hunter. Be more than just
a shooter.n
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 61

 CRANKBAIT
TERMINATION
SAVVY
F
or as long as there has
been a lake shore and
two or more fishermen
standing on it, a debate
has ensued regarding
the best way to attach a
crankbait to the fishing line. Troll-
ing and also casting crankbaits for
30 years has taught me a thing or
two about what works most often
and what doesnt usually work. In
the world of fishing, nothing beats
first hand trial and error
experience when it comes to
determining the best path to
follow most of the time.
With the fall walleye
bite and steelhead plug bite
just around the corner, now
is the perfect time to address
the subject of terminating
rods and reels
to function best By Mark Romanack
while both cast-
ing and trolling crankbaits.
The Rule of Thumb
Experience is a good thing and
its true that for every hard rule in
fishing seemingly there is an excep-
tion to that rule. In this case its best
to follow the rule of thumb instead
of the exception(s) to the rule! For
most of my adult fishing career
Ive fished with and recommended
attaching crankbaits using a simple
round style snap. The popular and
widely distributed Dual Lock wire
snaps produced by Eagle Claw are
the gold standard in this instance.
A snap works well for attaching
all types of crankbaits to the fishing
line, but its just as important to note
that a snap swivel should N-E-V-
E-R be used to attach crankbaits.
The extra weight, length and water
resistance of the swivel can and
does make it challenging to tune
crankbaits. Tuning crankbaits --
especially some of the more finicky
models -- is tough enough without
making the process more difficult.
A snap is the perfect termination
solution for most crankbaits. Its
true because the majority of these
lures come factory supplied with a
split ring attached to the pull point.
A pull point is the wire that pro-
trudes from the nose of the lure or
62 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
the lures diving lip. When a snap is
attached to the split ring of a crank-
bait the lure enjoys free movement
and the snap delivers nearly zero
chance the line will fail if a good
knot is tied.
Attaching the Snap
The best knot to attach a snap
to fishing line is hands down the
Palomar Knot. This easy to
tie knot is strong and works
equally well with all line
types including monofila-
ment, co-polymer, fused,
fluorocarbon and super
braid lines.
Not all snaps designed
for fishing crankbaits how-
ever are created
equal. Recently
Berkley and
also VMC introduced crankbait
snaps that are shorter and more
compact versions of the time tested
Dual Lock Snap. After testing these
for a few trips, both Jake and I had
to agree these new snaps are hard to
open and close, making them stress-
ful at best to use.
Best Size of Snap
The time tested Dual Lock snap
in a No. 2 or 3 size are hard to beat,
affordable, available at virtually any
tackle shop and yes these snaps are
easy to both open and close with-
out needing a pair of needle nose
pliers! Both the No. 2 and 3 sizes
are strong enough for most trolling
applications.
Exceptions
The exceptions to using a Dual
Lock snap have a couple different
chapters in this instance. Many an-
glers feel they should tie the fishing
line directly to the factory supplied
split ring. This seemingly harmless
act is in fact asking for trouble in
paradise.
When the fishing line is tied
directly to the split ring the knot
tends to migrate to the point where
the layers of the split ring merge.
In this close up note that the lure, a Mag Lip 3.5, has a factory
supplied snap attached to the tow point and the author has added
a snap to the end of his fishing line. Attaching a snap to a snap
helps high action baits like this enjoy a more pronounced hunting
action. This trick works very well with a host of high action wob-
bling plugs. Mark Romanack photos
If and when the knot gets wedged gives the lure complete freedom of
between the layers of the split ring, movement its true, but this connec-
it will seriously compromise the tion method is far weaker than using
strength of the line. This situation
also causes the lure to run off center,
a snap knotted to the line using a
Palomar Knot. Also, loop knots are
reducing action and diving depth in tricky to tie and it takes a lot longer
the process. to tie a loop knot than it does to
The problem of the line wedg- open and close a simple snap.
ing between the layers of the split A number of anglers have asked
ring occurs most often on split rings me over the years if they could
that have been bent or sprung during crankbait fish using a Quick Clip
installation. Inspect the split rings like fly fishermen commonly use for
on crankbaits and replace those that attaching a fly to the tippet. Using
are sprung. a Quick Clip is intriguing, but Im
Its also important to note that afraid these clips are not nearly
tying the fishing line directly to the strong enough for serious open wa-
split ring takes time. Typically tying ter trolling applications.
direct to the split ring leads anglers
to fish with an unproductive lure
longer than they should. Fishing
Snaps on the Pull Point?
with a snap at the end of the line
speeds up the process of changing Another common question about
out lures and encourages the process attaching crankbaits is what about
of experimenting with baits to see lures that feature a snap on the pull
which lures the fish seem to prefer point instead of a split ring. Lots of
on any given day. manufacturers use a snap on their
The other commonly suggested crankbaits instead of split rings.
way that anglers attach their crank- The snap gives these baits excellent
baits to the fishing line is by using a freedom of movement. The 98 cent
line loop. The loop knot or what is question becomes should an angler
sometimes called the Rapala Knot tie the line directly to this snap or
use a different approach when fish- sure they run straight and true is can agree upon is that crankbaits
ing baits that come factory equipped easier when baits are equipped with catch more and bigger fish much
with a snap on the pull point? a snap rather than a split ring on the of the time. These unique baits
Actually, attaching a snap to a pull point. The split ring tends to are here to stay and with a little
snap seems unorthodox, but this get in the way when trying to make termination savvy anyone can
trick allows high action lures even minute adjustments to the pull point become a better and more con-
more noteworthy action. Baits with with a pair of pliers. sistently successful crankbait
a pronounced hunting action like The one thing that all fishermen fisherman.n

CHARTER DIRECTORY
the Yakima Mag Lip and Fat Wig-
gler, and also the Luhr Jensen Kwik
Fish are generally livelier when
fished using a snap connected to a
snap. Other lures like Storm Wiggle
Warts, the Brads Wiggler and the
Cotton Cordell Wiggle-O are also at
their best when a snap is attached to
the plug and a second snap attached
to the terminal end of the fishing

BIGFISH
line.
In the case of the Storm Hot-N-
Tot series, another family of lures
noted for having a hunting action,
these lures have a long metal arm CHARTER SERVICES
protruding from the diving lip of the
bait. This rather unique pull point LEARN TO CATCH MUSKIES & STURGEON
is simply crying out for a snap. No ALL QUESTIONS ANSWERED HONESTLY
need here to add a snap to the lure
and one to the end of the line. Sim-
ply tie a snap on the end of the line
and attach that snap to the elongated
wire loop on the Hot-N-Tot. Crankbaits are effective when
both trolled and casted as illus-
trated here by Mari Romanack, August - November June-November
Summing It Up the authors wife. Understanding
how to get the most from these LADIES & COUPLES ALSO WELCOME
lures has kept the author busy
CAPT. TOM LOY 810-580-9252
One last thought about crank-
baits, snaps and such. In general I for more than 30 seasons on
find that tuning crankbaits to make the water. bigfishes2@gmail.com bigfishcharterservices.com

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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 63
 Dog Days of summer
HOT SPOTS
Fishermans DigestBy John Bergsma

W
ell if you fabulous bites occurring all over the
really love state. Here are just a few.
the heat, then Lake Gogebic offers the wall-
August is your eye angler a great late summer bite!
kind of month. This is usually a trolling situation so
In spite of the get out the line counter reels. Late
warm weather there are still some in the summer the Gogebic walleye
will set up in the main basin of the
lake. This predictable pattern makes
catching them on crankbaits or
crawler harnesses a real blast. The
best way is to first find the marks on
the screen and choose your weapon.
Cranks on lead core or Off Shore
snap weights are a great way to get
down to these suspended fish.
I often choose an assortment of
small shad imitating baits. Strike
King Lucky Shads and Bonzi Shads
along with the trusty #5 shad rap
or #5 Berkley Flicker shads work
great. These baits are the perfect
size to entice Gogebic walleye.
Remember to set the bait three-five
feet above the fish. Trolling speeds
Contrary to repor ts, Lake Michi- are from 1.8 to 2.2 mph. Try this
gan por ts are hot for salmon. program out and I think you will
The author on the St. Marys River in Sault Ste. Marie.
like the results. If youre in need
of tackle or tips, Tim or Sarah at
Timbers Resort will set you up for a
great day on the water.
St. Marys River in Sault
Ste. Marie offers anglers one of the
most unique fishing experiences in
Michigan. This is Salmon Cen-
tral beginning in mid-August. The
Atlantic salmon begin filling up the
river. These fish are without ques-
tion the craziest fighting fish any-
where. Hooking up with an Atlantic
is like holding the rope on a bucking
bronco. The fishery is quite specific
when it comes to fishing presenta-
tions. Here are two ways that I have
had success.
Trolling very small minnow
baits like #8 Rapala minnows or
small Yo-Zuris. The trick here is
to flat line a rod out of each side of
the boat, letting out 50-75 feet of
line. When trolling upstream you
crisscross the current and when go-
ing downstream you just go straight
down. Pick out areas that are rela-
tively shallow and have fast current
to get the best concentrations of fish.
The other local favorite way is
to anchor your boat in front of the
power plant turbines right in town.
You will need a special hook to
hold onto the wall outside these
areas. Again, the trick is always
choosing the turbines that are open
and have the fastest water flow.
Steel flies below slip bobbers is the
choice of the local fisherman. Once
you are set, pitch the bobber up into

with your host

n B e r g sm a
Joh
Visit our website and find out about . . .
Destinations Fishing Reports
Our Show Cooks Corner

64 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS


the turbine opening and let it float
back past you. It is important to reel
in the slack as you go or youll miss
the hook set when the bobber disap-
pears. To be honest I would always
suggest going out with a guide to
get your feet wet on this style of
fishing. One of the areas best is
Dane Stanaway from Live to Fish
Charters. This is something every-
one should try.
Traverse City has one of the
best kept secrets out there. I just
returned from a lake trout jigging
trip that simply blew me away.
The action is fast and the fish are
5-10 pounds of fighting fun. Grand
Traverse Bay is filled with reefs
and humps that top out at 80-120
These are great spots to find and
catch these lakers. The method is
very easy to learn but does require
just a couple things to make it more
productive. The equipment is the
easy part.
A simple six-foot MH bass rod
is perfect for this style of fish-
ing. Spool it up with 20 pound test
braid and a three-foot fluorocarbon
leader to a cross lock snap. The bait
is a 1-2 ounce jigging spoon that
is made locally. The Jonah Jig is
simply the best lake trout bait out
there for this style of fishing. This
bait was born of countless trips out
on the bay by its creator Larry Jen-
Lake Trout jigging
on Grand Traverse
nings. Larry, who is a local youth Bay might be one
pastor, joined me for the trip and we of the best kept
blasted at least 15 nice fish. fishing secrets.
The other two essential pieces of
equipment are a good graph and an
electric trolling motor with the an-
chor feature. The graph of choice
for me is the Lowrance HDS-9, and
the MotorGuide Xi5 has the best
anchoring feature on the market.
So, the process is as simple as
using your mapping system to locate
good looking structure and graph it
for fish. If the fish are there, drop in
the trolling motor and hit the anchor
button. Once the boat settles down,
drop your jigs to the level of the
marks and start jigging. You wont
wonder what a bite feels like as
these fish will flat out plow your bait
and hang on, the fight is on! One
last thing, this is a fragile fishing
circumstance that has to be treated
with the utmost respect. I strongly
urge a catch and quick release of
these fantastic fish. negative press on the salmon fishery, need a good charter option simply
Holland/Ludington this has been one of the better years login on my website for the destina-
Manistee/Frankfort, Lake for nice catches of all the salmon tion of choice, the charter informa-
Michigan port towns, are all on species. I have seen more bait on tion and fishing report will help you
fire during late summer. This is our side of the pond than in many find that perfect trip.
prime time for the best salmon and years. This is good for fishing and The more time I fish and film in
trout fishing of the season. The certainly will help sustain those fish Michigan, the more I realize what a
techniques are unchanged from the that are in the system. Bigger than great resource we really have. Visit
other articles on catching these great normal kings and lots of laker action my website for great videos, fishing
fish. The real point that needs to makes going out on a charter a fun reports, and destination information
be stressed is that in spite of all the and worthwhile adventure. If you www.fishermansdigest.comn

MANAGE THE
DAMAGE

REPORT
FERAL
SWINE
TO REPORT FERAL SWINE OR FOR
MORE INFORMATION PLEASE
CALL:USDA WILDLIFE SERVICES AT
517.336.1928
OR
WWW.MICHIGAN.GOV/FERALSWINE

FERAL SWINE
DAMAGE AGRICULTURE,
NATURAL RESOURCES,
PROPERTY, PEOPLE AND
CULTURAL SITES

WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 65

In praise of little fish
By John Schmittroth
M
y goal in fishing is
mainly to get out
and enjoy the awe-
some Michigan
outdoors rather
than to pursue tro-
phy fish or keep the freezer stocked.
Sure, its fun when I do catch what
I consider to be a big fish, such as
a 3-pound bass or 16-inch stream
trout. But I also find that catches of
little ones are memorable in their
own ways. Here are a few of my
little fish experiences over the years.
2 Brook Trout!
I couldnt tell you the larg-
est trout Ive caught thered be
several in the running but I clearly
remember the smallest. It was at a
favorite spot on the Au Sable where
a side current splits off from the
main stream to detour over a shal-
low sandbar. My approach here is to
drift a nymph over the sandbar and
back down into the main stream,
which has produced some decent
fish for me.
This time, before the nymph
66 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
even cleared the sandbar, there was
the slightest twitch that somehow
conveyed life at the end of the line.
I gingerly retrieved a thrashing two-
inch brook trout. This was a startling
sight less than half the size of my
previous smallest trout. I quickly
released the youngster, admiring his
ambition to feed at the top of the
run.
That evening at the fly shop in
town, I mentioned the little trout to
the rep as a curiosity. He was very
interested because this indicated a
healthy stretch of river, as I under-
stood him. When another employee
came out of the back of the shop,
the rep called out to him, This guy
caught a two-inch brookie! This is
the only time my fishing report has
caused any excitement in a fly shop!
Mini Perch
In the 1970s, a dozen or so of
us college students backpacked Terrific way to spend a summer afternoon is wet-wading casting poppers
into a remote U.P. lake for a week for aggressive smallies in the 6 to 10 inch range
of camping, swimming, and hik-
ing. My brother and I were the only everyone a fresh fish dinner. We en- walleye in this gorgeous water.
anglers in the group and promised visioned running into bass, pike, and But unfortunately, the first two
Dedicated to helping
you make lasting
MEMORIES
days of hard fishing produced only
stunted perch despite our best efforts
to do better (including using the
perch for bait). The plan for the third
day became clear no more chasing
the big ones. Instead, in assembly-
line fashion, we spent the day catch-
ing and cleaning some 100 perch,
none of which reached 6 inches.
We fried the fish and served
them with roasted potatoes and corn
for the gang. Theyd never had a
shore lunch, and needless to say,
they loved it. Over the years Ive
heard their fond memories of that
meal, along the lines of still the
best fish dinner Ive ever had.
4 King Salmon!
Early last summer a couple of
us were on a guided float trip on the
Pere Marquette. Dusk approached
with swarms of grey drakes turn-
ing on the rising fish. The river was
alive with dimples and splashes like
it was raining.
We drifted along using a quill
mayfly imitation, catching browns
in the 8-12 inch range while waiting
for the big ones to come to the table.
Instead of a big one, I caught and
released a considerably smaller fish
Quick Turn Around
WE ARE YOUR BEST CHOICE FOR GLOBAL WILDLIFE ARTISTRY
NORTH AMERICAN/AFRICAN/EXOTICS
14510 N. Saginaw Rd. Clio, MI
810.564.3142 www.dourlain.com
that I took to be a rainbow. A little
later I had second thoughts about
whether this was really a rainbow,
and asked the guide what else it
might be. He said possibly it was a
salmon fingerling, and a forked tail
would be one good clue.
I determined to catch another to
check this out, and began targeting
smaller risers, to the amusement of
the others in the boat. I soon held a
4-inch salmon in my hand, forked
tail and all. It was difficult to believe
that in just a couple of years, this
fingerling could be a bruising 20
pounder, well deserving the title
king salmon. It also was cool to
learn that these little salmon are the
result of natural reproduction in the
Pere Marquette since the DNR has
never stocked salmon in this river.
Small Smallies
I live near the headwaters of
Huron River in southeast Michigan.
As summer progresses and all sorts
of food becomes available, the river
swarms with panfish. The stars of
the show are the dynamic small-
mouth bass, which are present in all
sizes. Lunkers of several pounds can
be caught with careful scouting and
Unmatched Quality
stalking on the right stretch of water,
at the right time of day, using the
right lure.
But for a fun summer afternoon
of steady action, I stop by the river
whenever I get the chance and fish
for whatever is active. Always ready
in the car trunk are a flyrod, old cut-
offs and sneakers, and a small box
of poppers and nymphs. The water
is sparkling in the sun, the woods
and fields lush, and the panfish fran-
tically beefing up.
The usual catch on these sum-
mer strolls down the river includes
a dozen or more smallmouths in the
6-10 inch range. The smallies put
up a good fight for their size, leap-
ing and darting nonstop all the way
in. Theyll outfight a brown trout
thats 50 percent larger every time.
The catch also can include an en-
tertaining variety of other fish such
as largemouth, bluegill, rock bass,
perch, crappie, and the rare stray
pike or walleye.
None of the catches are trophy
fish, yet I feel lucky and honored
whenever I have the chance to share
the river with them. I cant imagine
a better way to spend a summer
day.n Little salmon. MDNR photo
Like Us On
TaxidermyByDourlain
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 67
 Sound Management
You manage your
land, scent impact,
and every detail of
the hunt, but you
may be missing one
key practice that
could make all the
T
difference!
he vault door closed,
and for the first time
in my life I
understood
what dead si-
lence was. The
sound-proof chamber at the
University of Toledo made
it impossible to hear any
sounds from the outside
world, only those coming
from within were
audible. Subtle
background noises By Adam Lewis
a human usually
doesnt notice were gone: the hum
of a computer, the soft chirp of a
bird outside, and it was a bit eerie.
For the next two hours, if an
atomic bomb went off out there,
I wouldnt know it. The micro-
phones were hot, and I set about
the task of seeing how loud, how
broad, and just how intrusive
common hunter noises really are.
Crunchy leaves, dry grasses,
brush, twigs of all sizes and
varieties, solid and hollow steel,
aluminum, plastic of all sorts,
and a wide variety of other
materials were systematically
tested and data recorded. When
I finally emerged from my time
capsule, the world was still intact,
and some of the big questions
regarding hunter noises were
well on their way to being
answered.
Hunters have always known
they should be quiet, but what does
that really mean? If you asked a
hundred different hunters, you
would get a hundred different
answers because these questions
have been left to guesswork over
the years. However, with some real
data on hunter noises and whitetail
hearing, hunters can now know the
actual impact of noises they make.
Knowing is half the battle, the other
half is what to do about it!
Knowing
The Science In A Nutshell
After analyzing dozens of these
hunter sounds, a striking story
emerged. At first glance, the graphs
of these sounds were as varied as the
items tested. I didnt expect crunch-
ing leaves to have the exact fre-
quency spectrum as steel climbing
sticks, but I did see a strong pattern:
the frequencies where whitetail hear
the best matched frequencies where
68 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
a majority of hunter sounds were
loudest. Second, from the average
intensity(loudness) recorded, travel
distances were calculated with some
astonishing results. Sounds ranged
from 100 yards carry distance, to
over 1000 yards with some hunter
noises (this is over half a mile)!
Third, most of the tested hunter
noises had frequencies well above
what is audible to a human. From
this, a few conclusions were made:
Hunter noises are heard very
well by whitetail.
Hunter noises travel
very far into whitetail
habitat.
Whitetail hear fre-
quencies we make that we
dont even know we made.
The main takeaway
to all this was introduc-
ing some sound manage-
ment to our arsenal is key
to improving our
hunting areas and
hunting success!
The Other Half: what to do
about it?
Sound Management Key 1
Its a habit!
Sound management is about
managing our gear, movements, and
practices to eliminate any and all
noise made while in your hunting
area. Weve probably all heard that
it takes a month to develop or break
a habit. If this is true, thats about
one third of most hunting seasons
around the country. Honestly, I
think it takes several seasons to start
implementing tactics, and changing
our thinking to consistently include
sound management practices. This
article wont detail every little tip to
do this, (if you want some specifics,
visit our website soundbarrierhunt-
ing.com) but is designed to encour-
age the continual habit of thinking
about how to manage and eliminate
noises we make.
Key 1 is simply this: start devel-
oping the habit of sound manage-
ment now, and the solutions will
start presenting themselves before
that season-ruining, noisy mistake
is made in September, October, or
November.
Sound Management Key 2
It takes Pro-activity
The pun is intended here, as
there are two key angles of this
point. First, its a pro activity. Pros,
or lets call them top-level hunters,
know sound management activities
are essential to success and take
them very seriously. So should you!
The research shows even moderate
sounds travel great distances and
reach the ear of a whitetail. Unless
we hunt over half a mile from where
whitetail bed (and sometimes this
isnt enough depending on terrain,
ambient noise, and other factors),
great caution must be taken when
Silencing gear with Buck Bumper, a Pro-active essential the author
uses for consistent success. Author photo
coming/going to stands, setting
stands, or in hunting areas for any
reason. It only takes one errant
noise to tip off a wary whitetail that
theyre being hunted, and when that
happens the entire area is tainted
regardless of what other precau-
tions are being taken (the latest
camouflage, scents, scent reduction
systems, and having the best name
brands wont undo this).
Many times hunters dont real-
ize the pressure put on their stands
due to poor sound management,
and how deer avoid those areas due
to this. However, over the last few
years several collared buck studies
show what many have thought: even
minimal human intrusion does affect
deer behavior (Clint McCoys Au-
burn University study; Karns study
at Chesapeake Farms to name a
few). The main point is taking sound
management seriously separates the
men from the boys, or the very suc-
cessful from the kind-of successful
hunters.
Second, its not only an activ-
ity that very successful hunters take
seriously, but sound management
also takes being proactive. Most
hunters are reactive. They just try
to be quiet in the moment and do
the best they can. To really focus
on sound management, it needs to
be thoroughly thought about and
planned out months before one sets
foot in the woods. What gear needs
to be silenced? How will this be
done? How will stands be hung si-
lently? What will be done to ensure
silent entry/exit routes? These are all
things that need to be proactively,
not reactively decided and acted on
before the big day to reap the ben-
efits of sound management.
Sound Management Key 3
Its a long climb!
Like all good things that add
great value to life, becoming skilled
at the practice of sound management
takes time, effort, and dedication.
Last summer while vacationing
in Colorado, I decided to climb
Longs peak, a daunting 14er
(hiker slang for a 14,000 foot
mountain, and quite an accomplish-
ment to summit) with dangerous
technical sections. The grueling
trek started at 2:30 in the morning
with several hundred others.
For three hours we pushed
through fog and thousands of feet
of elevation change only guided
by our meager headlamps.
Numerous times I wondered
what on earth I was doing,
toiling and sweating there in
the dark. As dawn approached,
however, and the sun peaked
over the mountains revealing
clouds below and a majestic
landscape as far as eye could see,
the reward became very clear.
Sound management is
similar, maybe a long climb,
but with a big payoff at the end.
Over the years Ive been imple-
menting these strategies Ive seen
a steady increase in sightings and
success, and in contrast seen others
that do not implement them see very
mediocre success rates, sporadic
results, and lots of frustration. Like
any practice its difficult to quantita-
tively measure over time, but when
you consistently hold the results
in your hands, its easy to see that
sound management is a crucial part
of any serious hunters management
regimen.
Adam Lewis will teach you
the new techniques and tactics of
sound concealment that can take
your hunting to a new level at the
Woods-N-Water News Outdoor
Weekend, Sept 8-10 at the Eastern
Michigan Fairgrounds in Imlay
City. His seminars are: Saturday
10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sunday
2 p.m. For more information
www.OutdoorWeekend.net.n
 d
31st Annual - Woods-N-Water News

Ou t d o o r W ee k e n
OUTDOOR WEEKEND
SPECIAL PULL OUT
OVER

240
Outdoor Exhibits!
Seminars, Puppies
Gun Auction, Wild
Animals & More

Celebrat i n g O u r O u t d o o r H e r i t a g e !
September 8 - 9 -10 th th th
Friday 5-9 pm, Saturday 9 am-7 pm, Sunday 9 am-5 pm ($8 Admission-Free Parking)

Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds in Imlay City

www.OutdoorWeekend.net

FIELD DRESSING
& BUTCHERING
DEMONSTRATIONS
Plus: Sausage Making
and Wild Game Cooking
Learn from the master, as
OUTDOOR WEEKEND
SPECIAL PULL OUT
Steve Francis and family of
COUNTRY SMOKE HOUSE
demonstrate field dressing and
butchering techniques on stage!
Then be treated to
cooking tips and techniques from
COUNTRY SMOKE HOUSE!
Seminar Saturday 1 p.m.
Wild Animal Exhibit...
You can literally get face to face...and stare into
the eyes of a live grizzly bear cub, a 700 pound
black bear, a cougar and a wolf. ($1.00 fee)
Commemorative Chainsaw Carving Contest!!!
Bucks of Michigan
CBM will be scoring deer, turkeys, and
bears throughout the weekend. Bring
yours in to be scored. You might
qualify for the state record books!
COYOTE CONTROL HUNTING SEMINARS
Trent Masterson of Michigan has 30 years If youre serious about deer hunting
of trapping experience. He has trapped you wont want to miss this amazing
across the U.S. He is Past President of the
Mid-Michigan Independent Trappers collection of deer hunting experts...
Association and MTPCA Board Member. And
specializes in control trapping of urban
coyotes! His seminars will show the basics of trapping. The Outdoor
Weekend will offer seminars from expert coyote hunters and callers.
These seminars will take place at Country Smoke House stage.
Dog Training
Demonstrations John Eberhart All New!
Outdoor Weekend favorite, Charlie Linblade,
John specializes in bow-
hunting heavily pressured areas, with
one of Michigan's top dog trainers, will present
informative demonstrations on hunting dogs in
30 bucks listed in CBMs record book from 19 differ-
ent properties in 10 different counties. Hes also
taken 19 P&Y class bucks from 13 different proper-
the grandstands Saturday and Sunday.
ties. He's never paid to hunt anywhere, choosing to
Back this year; Custom Gun Dog Trainer, Len Jenkins will be doing 'in-booth' exclusively hunt pressured public land, free walk-on
talks and demonstrations on handling that new puppy . and knock on doors for permission.
Plus ; Hunting with Hounds by Jim Wale in the grandstands! Seminars: Fri. 6 p.m./Sat. 1:30 and 3:30 p.m./Sun. 1 p.m.
What's New in ICE FISHING ! Tony LaPratt
FRANK'S GREAT OUTDOORS... Do you want to consistently
harvest Trophy Whitetail
will have the newest ice fishing Bucks? Is your small acre-
products on display and super age hunting property not
preseason deals. Plus product
reps will be on hand to give you
living up to its full poten-
tial? Is your property in a
expert advice. See the newest
technology in ice augers! high pressure hunting
Whether you're a die-hard ice area? Then you won't want
angler or new to the sport
youll find what you need!
to miss Tony LaPratt's semi-
nars! Tony LaPratt is a professional trophy deer
hunter, habitat management expert and hunting
consultant. Tony leads the nation in manipulating
and influencing the habitat and bedding areas to
attract large mature bucks.
Seminars: Fri. 7 p.m./Sat. 12:30 and 4:30 p.m./Sun. 12 and 3 p.m.
Adam Lewis
Learn the new techniques and
tactics of sound concealment
that can take your hunting to
a new level. In this seminar
youll learn new science on
deer hearing, noises hunters
make, how these noises hurt
hunting success, and how to leverage this knowledge to
gain a new advantage this fall.
Seminars: Sat. 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m./Sun. 2 p.m.
Ed Spinazzola
Mr. Food Plot, the author of "Food
Plots, Easy As 1, 2, 3" will be giving
an all new seminar for showgoers
that goes beyond basic food plots.
His field tested ideas make it possi-
ble to plan where you want the
deer to move, the number of food
plots and locations, bedding areas, sanctuaries, water
sources, travel lanes, budget, soil preparation, planting
methods and planting dates. His seminars this year are
Three days of champion chainsaw carving "Ultimate Corn Based Deer Kill Plots for Bow and Gun!"
competition; Alonzo Montoya, Tom Gillman, Mike Seminars: Fri. 8 p.m./Sat. 11:30 and 5:30 p.m./Sun. 11 a.m.
Weiss, Scott Kuefler compete FOR CASH PRIZES!!!
 The Ultimate
Air Dogs

DASH TO THE BIG SPLASH BASH - UAG REGIONAL QUALIFIER

This is a qualifier for the 2017 Ultimate Air Games at Purina Farms In October. In order to qualify for UAG, your
dog must be in the TOP 5 of the final bubble before the finals. For more information www.ultimateairdogs.com

Michigan Hunting Dog Randys Dennis Neely will take you on a

journey to 1794 as your guide.
Federation Puppy Tent Hunting Center

OUTDOOR WEEKEND
Visit the River Raisin traders

SPECIAL PULL OUT

camp, learn the value of

GUN AUCTION: wilderness necessities, price

beaver pelts and compare
todays hunting gear with the
trade guns, linen and leather
Over 150 guns clothing and shelters used
on display all long ago. Learn the unique mix
of fair-chase hunting, old-style
weekend for muzzleloaders and American
this special history. Dennis will be on hand
all weekend to talk with you.
gun auction
on Sunday, Great Deals On Outdoor Merchandise...
Buy and Sell! September10th Over

If you are in the market for a new hunt-

ing dog, the Michigan Dog Federation
Outdoor Weekends Puppy Tent is the
(See Randy's ad on page 41) 240
Exhibits and
place for you. For information on Auction begins at 11 a.m. Sunday
registering to SELL your puppies: Located in the Green Building Displays
www.outdoorweekend.net
or call 1-810-724-0254 www.randyshuntingcenter.com
!
Free Appraisals

Fishing Tackle Antique Road Show

Terry McBurney, Woods-N-Water News writer, will be answering ques-
tions and offering free appraisals about sporting collectibles, espe-
cially vintage fishing tackle and Coleman camping items. So bring your old "outdoors Dont miss the Chili Cook-off competition!
stuff" with you. Terry is also interested in purchasing items for his own collection. Saturday, September 9th -- Rotary Beer Tent
Stop and sample them all!
For more Outdoor Weekend information, seminar schedules, event times
or directions to the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds visit our website at:

www.OutdoorWeekend.net
For up-to-date Outdoor Weekend notifications text woodswater17 to 88777
 A STEP BACK Award
Winning
IN TIME! Author
Lane Walker
Author of the #1
hunting collections
of books for kids will
be on hand with his
six book collection!
Heres a chance for you to step back in time, see
the way it was on the frontier or during the Civil
War. Our encampments are a journey in education
for young and old alike. From flintknapping,
Something for all outdoor lovers
native lore, primitive skills, edible plants, hide tan-
ning and basket making, to starting your first fire
without matches. Enjoy the popular encamp-
ments with Pat, Joe and Chris Schnur, Diane and
Phil Klimowicz, Ruth Rushlow, Patrice Donnelley,
OUTDOOR WEEKEND

and others who bring

SPECIAL PULL OUT

the past to life. Plus

the incredible
authentic Civil War
Encampment with
members of the 8th Arkansas and 22nd Michigan
Reenactors. Watch a one of a kind performance on
Saturday and Sunday as Reg Pettibone and his Native
American family explain the culture and perform
beautiful dances of the Ho-Chunk nation.

Great
Fun for
the Kids!
(12 & under free)
Climbing
Wall
Paintball
Meet the Outdoor Weekend Mascot...
Exotic
Animals "BUCKY" and get your picture taken!
Educational
exhibits
Michigan Ducks Unlimited
Heritage Church Southeast Ducks Unlimited
Duck Hunters'
Kids' Archery Shoot
Heres an opportunity for youngsters
Calling Contest
A chance to win great prizes
to shoot some arrows under the Hunters Class & Youth Class
supervision of certified archery A fun contest for all ages!
instructors that will assist with proper
techniques and safety procedures!
Contest on Sunday
For more information:
www.ducks.org/michigan
Denny Geurink
Writer, Author, Guide...
Denny has been outfitting in
NATIONAL TRAPPERS ASSOCIATION The National Trappers Association is com-
Russia and the other CIS coun-
tries since 1991 and his clients mitted to defending and promoting the safe
have put 32 bear records in and ethical harvest of furbearing mammals
the books. Denny will have his and to the preservation and enhancement
new book available; "In the of their habitats. Will be providing trapping
Land of the Bears!" information the entire Weekend.
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 73
 Early Goose Season: The adrenaline rush of huge wings pounding at point blank range...

B-52 HONKERS
W
hen giant
Canada geese
bank for your
decoys and
lower land-
ing gear they
resemble a huge B-52 stratofortress
bomber coming in for landing.
Some drop one wing straight down
causing their body to suddenly
swing sideways as they cut their
speed drastically and cup wings to
land. The thrill of waterfowl hunting
is accelerated as huge birds
glide into easy range and
you can hear the swoosh of
their huge cupped wings.
This is certainly the
case during Michigans ear-
ly goose season. This year
sportsmen can look forward
to opening day on Septem-
ber 1 and the season lasts
five Canada geese. Wrong, dont
become entrapped by this new con-
fusing wording, only three Canada
geese can be taken in regular season.
Also, chances of shooting a
Brant or white front in Michigan
are rare. In over 45 years of hunting
state and private marshes, Ive never
heard of any being killed or record-
ed at DNR check stations. Ive never
seen either in Michigan and question
the likelihood of actually harvesting
such rare east coast or Great Plains
species. Check the 2017
Waterfowl Digest for other
hunting regulations, shoot-
ing hours, hunting zones,
goose management units
and hunting dates. What
about you, are you ready
for goose opener?
With fond memories I
recall a hunt with my son

By Kenny Darwin
until September
30. Michigans
liberal early goose
hunt allows you to harvest five birds
per day and you can have 15 in pos-
session. New this year according to
the 2017 Waterfowl Hunting digest,
from September 1-30, the dark
goose aggregate daily bag limit for
Canada geese, white-fronted geese
and Brant is five, which only one
can be a Brant. After September 30,
the daily bag limit is still five, only
three of which can be Canada geese
and one of which can be a Brant.
Hunters need to be aware of the
new dark goose rules and make cer-
tain to not be confused by the daily
bag limits. Some will automatically
assume the five bird limit listed in
the digest for October season means
The author prefers to use full body decoys during the early hunt and he
sets them out in family groups. Har vested grain fields, chopped corn
fields or freshly chisel plowed grain fields can draw birds from long dis-
tances and provide excellent hunting.
74 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Zach and Scott
Goldammer.
Tendrils of fog
hugged the harvested corn as we set
out decoys and slipped into position.
The morning was still, dead calm
with only the occasional bellow
from the farmers cow. The tempera-
ture was slightly chilly as we loaded
guns but we heard no geese, no
ducks or crow, nothing. Thats when
the unmistakable sound of goose
wings filled the air as a huge flock
settled into our decoys. I dont know
where they came from, but out of
the dense fog came thirty or more
birds hell bent on landing on our
heads. The close loud raspy sound
of wing beats got my attention as
the outline of a big goose filled my
sights. The target was less than 15
Scott Goldammer and Zach Darwin happily display the results of an early
season hunt that lasted less than 45 minutes. Early season honkers can
be easy to decoy and provide fast paced shooting excitement.
yards away as my Winchester SX3
dropped him like a rock. We began
blasting and soon giant Canada
geese smacked the earth all around
with resounding thuds.
Before we reloaded a second
flock came straight from heaven and
we repeated our shooting perfor-
mance. Thats when geese began
talking and for 45 minutes we were
smothered with wild Canada geese
honking, landing in our face, the
beating of huge wings seemed to
surround us and it seemed like we
were dead center in the middle of a
goose feeding convention. Few birds
could see us until they were kissin
close and most were close enough
to pluck from the thick fog with a
slingshot.
We had harvested our limit.
Wow! The hunt suddenly ended--it
was short and sweet and when the
fog cleared I made a big pile for
result photos. Scott had a look of
shock on his face from the unbeliev-
able fast action shooting. Zach just
kept smiling. We were tagged out,
done and out of the field in less than
an hour.
This is an example of the fantas-
tic goose hunting available during
early season if you follow some
simple rules. The trick to fantastic
goose hunting relies on scouting.
Perhaps the most important variable
to goose success hinges on your
ability to locate geese and set up
in hot spots. Truth is, early season
geese are touchy about where they
go to eat. Sometimes they prefer a
freshly chopped corn field or chisel
plowed area, more often than not
they like to dine in harvested grain
fields. Harvested wheat is a given
but sometimes they prefer barley,
oats or rye. The trick is to find the
dining zone, the most popular res-
taurant and set up before daylight in
the exact location.
Begin by following flocks from
area lakes, ponds or rivers. This is
achieved by determining roosting
locations and following flights to

and from area fields. Sounds easy
but early birds tend to fly early
in the morning and they fly low
enough to dissolve into the horizon
at lightning speed. The idea is to
determine flight patterns and set out
decoys before dawn in hot locations.
Some hunters like to visit tradi-
tional Michigan marshes and set out
floating decoys. This strategy can
be deadly but more often than not
intruding hunters flush geese from
local waterways before shooting
hours. Sure you can have some fast
gunning when birds return, but early
season geese often do not return to
roosting water until after shooting
hours.
There is nothing wrong with
going full camo and ambushing
unsuspecting geese at legal morning
shooting hours. Sometimes blasting
them from a local farm pond, lake or
private waterway is great medicine
to get nuisance birds off the prop-
erty. But once you start harvesting
birds near their roost they will move
to a new protected resting location
and soon your local waterway will
be void of geese.
My recommendation is to try
field hunting. Locate feeding areas
and knock on doors to get hunt-
ing permission. The greatest thing
about open field hunting is you are
far from the sky blasting crowded
conditions of state or public land
hunting.
Begin by matching your camou-
flage to the hunting area. Harvested
grain fields or corn require camo
like Mossy Oak shadow grass,
Realtree MAX-5 or Realtree extra
wheat field or farmland Corn Belt
patterns. One cheap solution is to
purchase camo rainwear from Frogg
Toggs which are lightweight yet
breathable and ideal for lying in wet
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Few thrills in life can compete
with up close encounters with wild
Canada geese when you can hear the
raspy pounding of their wings, see
their metal leg bands and feel the
energy of their powerful wing beats.
Savvy hunters use camo face cream
to hide their white features and most
purchase fully camouflaged guns
or spray paint guns to eliminate
barrel metallic shine and glare from
finished stocks. The trick to fooling
wild geese and getting them in close
range hinges on the hide. Many
modern waterfowl hunters simply
use layout blinds that blend into the
ground.
Next, dust off your wallet and
get some decoys. Rather than buy-
ing cheap imitation decoys get full
body goose decoys with feather de-
tail and lifelike realism. Stay away
from decoys that have alert or sentry
heads-up profiles. Get dekes that
are feeders or relaxed positions and
avoid upright heads that alert wild
birds. You want a decoy spread that
looks realistic and relaxed. Savvy
hunters use full body decoys on
motion bases that allow decoys to
wobble in the wind and appear like
live moving geese. If you scout and
find fields where birds are feeding,
you can decoy birds with just about
any setup. If you want to play guide
and invite friends and relatives you
need to make certain participants are
properly camouflaged and use more
decoys to conceal hunters.
Early honker hunting takes place
during warm weather and perhaps
the best time to be in the field is
early morning. The idea is to catch
feeding flocks off-guard and limit
out before the sun gets high. Experi-
enced hunters know that one of the
tricks to enjoyable hunting is to go
early, leave early and beat the heat.
There is a misconception that
you need a large decoy spread to
have successful goose hunts. Not so.
Just ask Bob Scriver from Lansing
about our early season hunts when
we carried two full body decoys
each into a disked corn field. Piles
of birds were coming to the hot spot
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and we each carried two Big Foot
feeder decoys in a large decoy bag.
We would make blinds from the
corn stalks and set the decoys in a
group close by. The large mesh de-
coy bags were corn camouflage and
we used them as a makeshift blind.
Incoming geese were used to
feeding in the field and would swing
close for easy shooting. The extra-
large decoy bags came in handy to
carry out five giant Canada each and
a couple decoys. Fact is, most early
season hunts can be executed with
less than two dozen decoys. Come
October harvest time you dont need
many decoys either but winter hunts
require large spreads, white camou-
flage, excellent calling and extra-
long range T loads.
This year will go down in the
waterfowl books as a crazy year for
geese. Heavy spring rain brought
ideal nesting opportunities because
birds could set up shop literally
everywhere. I guess Ive never seen
so many geese throughout southern
Michigan and I predict that early
season will produce outstanding
hunting. I know one thing; Ive got
plenty of unhappy pond owners and
farmers who view geese as problem
birds. It seems Michigans goose
population is absolutely booming
and DNR efforts to curtail growth
seem futile. Then again why do they
shut down the harvest to only three
birds during October when geese
are going bonkers in area freshly
harvested fields? If you want to
slash goose numbers the harvest
limits need to be raised to at least
five a day for Canada geese. The
winter hunt needs to be moved back
to early January while birds are still
in the fields and available to hunt-
ers. February goose hunts are during
arctic conditions when geese have
migrated south. But thats another
story.
One of the biggest draws of
early geese is the hunt is a social
event that brings family and friends
together in Michigans great out-
doors. Unlike deer hunting you
can bring noisy kids and unlimited
guests that can talk, play, eat snacks
and not worry about spooking game.
The weather is ideal, the season
is long and when those low flying
birds spot the spread they seldom
fail to circle and dump into easy
range like a big B-52 on approach
to a runway. Early flocks of giant
Canada geese barely clearing the
tree tops will get your juices flow-
ing. Huge wings pounding at point
blank range will give any hunter an
adrenaline rush. Believe me, this
is the kind of waterfowling sport
that will keep you coming back for
more. Are you ready for the fast
paced shooting fun? Got your cam-
ouflage and ammo ready? Now is
the best time to be scouting, locating
flocks, getting hunting permission
from landowners and gathering your
pals for a hunting party.n
Actual
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 75
Where some see a black ash
tree, others see a basket
T
he bounty of nature
has no limits. Along
with providing fish
and game as nourish-
ment for the body,
nature also provides
an assortment of flora for
those who seek it. When we
think of flora, we tend to
think of flowers and small
plants, but trees are plants,
too, only larger ones. The
black ash tree in the Upper
Peninsula is giving Josh
Homminga and Sarah Be-
dell of Brimley
the opportunity
to keep alive a By Sharon Kennedy
tradition begun
many years ago by Joshs Native
American relative, Great-Aunt Ber-
nadette Bouschor-Azevedo.
As hunters and fishers pass along
their knowledge to young members
of their families, so too, Indigenous
people want future generations to
continue some of the old ways.
Whether its a favorite hunting
blind, a secret fishing spot, or the
art of using a draw knife to scrape
black ash bark, people who love the
outdoors enjoying sharing what it
offers with others. Through a casual
conversation with Sarah, I became
aware of the cottage business she
and her husband run from
the kitchen in their home.
Josh wasnt always
interested in making
baskets, Sarah said. He
saw it as something his
older relatives did as a
means of income. It wasnt
until Great Aunt Bernadette
convinced him
it was a way
of connecting
to his heritage
that he decided to give it a try. After
a few trips to the woods with his
Uncle Roger, he knew the experi-
ence wasnt just about weaving. It
was about learning how to spot the
perfect tree, scrape off the bark, peel
layers off in long strips, and turn
them into something useful and un-
recognizable from the original tree.
Josh and Sarah reside in the

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Upper Peninsula on the Bay Mills
Indian Reservation, an area rich in
black ash trees as well as tradition.
Its not uncommon for friends or
relatives to contact Josh when they
see the perfect tree. In their opin-
ion, this is one thats approximately
eight inches in diameter, straight
as a match stick, and free of knots.
Knots usually appear farther up the
tree or in areas where branches have
been cut or grown. One tree will
usually yield two, four-to-five feet
sections. Once the tree is downed,
the bark will either be scraped with
a draw knife or peeled off by hand.
It depends upon the time of year. In
the late spring, whole sections of
bark detach as easily as peeling a
banana.
The black ash is different from
other trees, Sarah explained. Its
growth rings are not connected by
fibers. The spring is the best time to
fell a tree because the outer layer of
growth is weak and easier to crush
when pounded. Each basket maker
has a preferred way of pounding. I
use a wooden mallet and Josh pre-
fers the back of an axe head. Both
are effective in forcing ash layers
to spring up. The summer layers
are strong and tough and are peeled
off in strips. Scraping the strips is a
tiresome job. Each strip has a rough
side that Josh has to scrape smooth
with a sharp edged knife.
We have no control over the
thickness of the layers. We use
thicker ones for the bottom of the
structure and thinner strips called
reeds are used as ribbons to weave
the sides. Thick layers are scored
and split into two thinner ones. Its
a tedious process and I sometimes
wonder if its worth all the time we
spend getting the strips ready for the
next step. When this job is complet-
ed, the strips are rolled together ac-
cording to size, fastened with a zip
tie and kept in storage until needed.
The rolling is necessary to prevent
evaporation of the moisture.
When we make the baskets,
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Great Northern Michigan Fishing
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some retain their natural color,
while others are dyed. We find plain
Rit Dye works best. The longer the
ribbons stay in the dye, the more
vibrant the shades. Hues often
vary due to the natural variations
of darkness occurring in the strips.
We offer a variety of colors, sizes,
and shapes, but all our baskets have
sweet grass woven into the rim and
lid of the basket. Sweet grass is
found locally and has been used by
Native American tribes for centu-
ries. Even when cut and dried, the
grass retains its sweet aroma. Its
often referred to as the grass that
never dies.
Strawberry baskets are always
popular, but we also make some
without lids. We make hanging bas-
kets, large ones for storing yarn and
the like, tiny ones where children
can hide little treasures, and ones The black ash tree in the U.P. is giving Josh Homminga and Sarah Bedell of
that have intricate decorative weav- Brimley the oppor tunity to keep alive a tradition begun many years ago.
ing on the outside. The possibilities are a part of nature that gives some- of wood are pounded free of the
are only limited by our imagina- thing tangible to the person who tree and made into strips of varying
tion. If someone shows us a photo brought them down. Venison nour- thickness.
of what they want, we can usually ishes the body while the meat of
replicate it and add our own special Josh and Sarah can be reached at
a tree ends up as a utility or display
touches. 906-322-8478. To learn more about
basket. I never thought about mak-
Once Josh began the process their handcrafted baskets and how
ing a connection between flora and
from start to finish, the scent of to obtain one, visit their Facebook
fauna, but then I never witnessed
fresh ash and the finished baskets page at https://www.facebook.com/
the skinning process where layers
brought memories of his childhood. fromlogtobasket/n
He realized this was something
he wanted to share with his
children. Although theyre still
quite young, he will be teaching
them a traditional craft as well
as patience. A large basket takes
40 hours to weave, not including
all the prep time.
Since Ive been helping Josh,
Ive learned it takes patience and
dedication to produce something
from nature that will last a lifetime
when given the proper care. In
olden days, the baskets were used
for practical purposes like carrying
water from the lake, but now most
people purchase them as decorative
pieces.
Skinning a deer and peeling a
log yield different results, but both
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 77
DNR surveys lake sturgeon
25 years monitoring sturgeon on the St. Clair River...By Bob Gwizdz, MDNR
Fisheries managers have
many high-technology
tools available today
acoustic tracking, remote
satellite imagery, environ-
mental DNA that might
make old-timers shake
their heads and think it all

B
sounds like science fiction...
ut old-fashioned
techniques continue
to provide fisheries
managers with data that
helps them make man-
agement decisions that
benefit both the fisheries resource
and anglers. Nowhere is this truer
than when it comes to managing the
Great Lakes oldest denizens lake
sturgeon.
The Michigan Department of
Natural Resources has been moni- A small sturgeon caught on a setline. Setlines use nylon rope 500 feet in length, with the middle sec-
toring sturgeon populations on the tion containing 25 hooks on tarred nylon leaders. The lines are set in deep water, from about 38 to 70
St. Clair River for the last 25 years feet deep, running roughly perpendicular to the bank. MDNR photos
with a technique that is as old as timate the population in the St. Clair
fishing itself. DNR crews use set system at about 30,000 fish, 2 years
lines that are anchored to the bot- old or older, with about 12,000 of
tom of the river channel and sport them concentrated in the area being
numerous hooks to catch and tag the surveyed.
mysterious prehistoric fish. DNR crews set lines Monday
The DNRs research vessel, through Thursday and run those
Channel Cat, spent much of June on lines Tuesday through Friday
the North Channel of the St. Clair throughout most of June. They set
River, above Lake St. Clair, setting nylon rope lines 500 feet in length,
and running what are essentially trot with the middle section containing
lines to monitor whats going on 25 hooks on tarred nylon leaders.
with the Great Lakes most signifi- The single hooks either 2/0
cant sturgeon population. freshwater hooks or larger, size 4
This is the largest natural re- saltwater hooks are attached
producing population of sturgeon in 10 feet apart and baited with dead
the Great Lakes, said Todd Wills, gobies. Smaller hooks help catch
Manufacturer of Fine Northern Hardwoods who heads up the Lake St. Clair smaller fish, though it takes one of
Fisheries Research Station. We es- the larger hooks to hold the biggest
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78 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
fish, which can weigh 100 pounds
or more.
The lines are set in deep water,
from about 38 to 70 feet deep, run-
ning roughly perpendicular to the
bank. Theyre marked with large
floats and kept on the bottom with
large double-claw crab anchors. The
set lines are spread over approxi-
mately four miles of river where
sturgeon traditionally have been
caught. The set lines are the DNRs
most efficient method of monitor-
ing sturgeon, though the crew also
trawls for them on the lake in the
summer.
Trawling produces fewer fish,
and its pretty variable by year,
Wills said. Some years theyre
harder to find.
Typically, it takes a six-person
DNR crew, as well as some volun-
teers, to work the lines. Occasion-
ally, some special guests are invited
to observe.
Large sturgeon are tagged on the dorsal fin.
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We had Governor Snyder out
last year, Wills said.
The crew begins by hauling in
the lines, hand-over-hand, netting
any fish that have been hooked. The
fish are transferred into a holding
tank aboard the research vessel and
are worked up as soon as the line is
cleared.
DNR personnel record more
data than a marketing firm. The fish
are weighed, measured three ways
total length, girth at its widest, and
commercial length (from the gill
plate to the base of the tail) and
the number of visible lamprey scars
is noted.
Crew members squeeze the stur-
geon to see if they release eggs or
milt, which is the only way to deter-
mine their sex, and crew members Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources fisheries assistant Jason
note anything unusual like missing Pauken shows off a St. Clair River sturgeon.
barbels (whisker-like sensory organs Fish are injected with passive curately with that technique, Wills
found near the snout) or damaged integrated transponder (PIT) tags if said.
fins. they havent been tagged before and After data are collected, the fish
recaptures are noted. If the fish is are released and the crew makes
longer than 40 inches, its also fitted sure they swim off unharmed before
with a numbered external tag on the moving along. The gear is stowed
dorsal fin. If the sturgeon is shorter until the lines are reset after all lines
than 40 inches, a pectoral fin ray is have been run.
taken to estimate the age of the fish.
Larger fish cant be aged ac- Sturgeon page 80
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 79
Sturgeon:
from page 79
Its an all-day job to run and
set lines if were successfully cap-
turing numerous fish, Wills said.
Any day you get 20 fish or more
its a really good day.
Wills said the data collected in-
dicate the population can withstand
a short recreational fishing season.
The catch-and-keep fishing
season in Lake St. Clair and the St.
Clair River is July 16 Sept. 30
this year. Anglers can keep one fish
between 42 and 50 inches annually.
Harvested fish must be tagged by
the angler and reported to the DNR.
Our catch data from the set
line survey shows about 80 percent Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources research vessel Channel Cat crewmen Jason Pauken, Brad
of the population is protected with Utrup, Drew Mar tin and volunteer Chet Kilanowski work up a sturgeon.
the current regulation, which allows
the unique opportunity to harvest a contingent of anglers. Its getting the Channel Cat, says working the you dont need a lot of gear.
fish for anglers who choose to do more popular. sturgeon survey is an enjoyable as- Trawling, youve got winches and
so, Wills said. The catch-and-release fishing signment. trawl doors and a big net lots of
Harvest is usually low, with no season in Lake St. Clair and the St. I think its the most fun, he bells and whistles and you can get
more than a dozen fish taken each Clair River continues from Oct. 1 said. It can be challenging when nets snagged up and torn up. With
year. Its largely a catch-and-release Nov. 30. there are a lot of big boats around or set lines you dont have to deal with
fishery enjoyed by a very strong Roy Beasley, who captains high winds. But the fish are big and all that, and you dont have to deal
with big waves as youre in the
river.
The

Porch
Extend Chet Kilanowski, a retired letter
Limberlost Farms Your
Stand
carrier, is one of the volunteers who
occasionally helps out on the Chan-
25 Years of fulfilling hunters dreams nel Cat.
NEW EXTENDED PORCH LINES COVER 90% I always wanted to do some-
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thing with fish and wildlife so I
Quietly flips out
of the way when
volunteered, he said. Ive been
climbing & lifting helping out for 12 years. When we
into position first started the DNR had a smaller
ready to hunt
12 more
staff and really needed the help.
foot room Now I go every once in a while,
Comfort like if one of the crew is out. I fill in
whenever they need me.
Theres nothing wrong with
volunteering when youre retired.
Get more information on lake
804 Mack Ct. LENNON, MI 48449 sturgeon in Michigan at www.
bentlymfg@yahoo.com www.theporch.biz michigan.gov/sturgeon.n

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 Caution and common sense
L
abor Day will bring to engine that had been left on its alongside the reef and the ice was to assist for several reasons. Wear-
a close the crowds who trailer in the driveway after a late solid in that area so it was possible ing Gumby Suits (very cumber-
travel into the Thumb afternoons fishing trip. Everyone to go out and rescue the boys. some, clumsy attire) to protect
region. It also heralds was tired and just cleaned the catch The ice can be unforgiving just from the elements greatly hinders
changes out on Lake and headed to bed. When the owner as an ice fisherman learned when mobility. As the airboat approached
Huron. Less people vis- went to his boat the next morning he drove his 4-wheeler out on it the rivers mouth, where it meets
iting the marinas equal fewer boats and opened the aft deck, he was and broke through in a soft spot. the bay, advancement was very
on the water so those who head out shaken. Not only had his engine The air in the tires kept the vehicle treacherous. Icy mush soon built up
may find themselves alone. As wa- froze but the manifolds had cracked afloat and as temperatures dropped in front of the vessel. Crew mem-
ter temperatures cool, fish locations which led to a very expensive re- and night fell the ice hardened so it bers had to climb out on the ice and
change and fall anglers often roam pair, not covered by his insurance. didnt sink. The owner was able to with baseball bats lift and pry the
further offshore. Fall can bring winter make it to shore and return to cut boat off the mush so the boat could
Boaters and anglers temperatures which result his vehicle out of the ice and drag it complete the rescue out on the lake.
need to be cautious be- in very shocking experi- in. Another owner was not as lucky Caution and common sense
cause of the chance of ences. One I recall hap- when his vehicle broke through. A need to be the passwords when
quick weather changes. pened on a November wrecker called in chained itself to heading out during fall and early
Preparations need to be morning after an overnight a tree to make the recovery but the winter days. Providing a float
made that include equip- storm. There was a heavy vehicle was totaled. plan including where you plan to
ment, clothing, safety coat of ice on the water at About mid-November one year be fishing or hunting will greatly
gear and the boat itself. the harbor and I was curi- as the lake began to freeze, I visited increase your chance of being

BOAT SMART...
Remember ous. I called Saginaw River Coast Guard Station rescued. It goes without saying;
how incon- a friend and with several members of Port Aus- all safety gear should be aboard
tins Coast Guard Auxiliary group.
By Captain Fred Davis
sistent tem- we each put and proper foul weather attire
peratures on a pair of We were training on an airboat should be worn. Inflatable
were during ice creep- when an emergency call came in. I PFDs can be worn over heavy out-
the sum- ers. The soon learned that ice rescue is made erwear so be sure to wear
mer months this year; 90 degrees ice appeared to be solid from the very difficult for those attempting them as well.n
during the day and plunging down harbor all the way to the lighthouse.
to 50 degrees in the evenings. A 40 We slowly advanced along the reef
degree drop in the fall can present toward the light. As we stepped
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I recall a time when my friend, loud noise and the ice shook and
who enjoyed fall fishing, had a began to crack. I dont believe I
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great catch on a very warm fall af- had ever moved that fast. Glancing
ternoon. He left his boat at the dock back we saw the ice we had stood
and took his catch home to clean. on floating out into the lake.
He expected to head right back Fall and the beginning of winter
out on the lake the next morning. weather on the lake can bring real
Because the day had been so warm, challenges to those who have to
he was sure the boat would be fine perform rescues of foolish people. Classic Rooster Tail w/HD
Split Ring & Pre-Sharpened
sitting at dockside. That evening I know because I was almost one of Black Nickel Hook
the wind came up and temperatures them but got lucky, many do not. I
plunged. When my friend got to the recall an event that occurred when Pulsating Hackle/Tinsel
dock the next morning he found his a couple of boys drove their jeep Dressed Hook Attracts Fish
outboard engines had frozen solid out on the ice at Eagle Bay, east of Genuine Silver,
and cracked. Port Austin. They broke through the Brass and/or
Painted Blades
Another incident I recall was ice and called for help. Fortunately
a boat with an inboard-outboard in years past a road had been built

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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 81

 Making Sense
of Scents for
SMALLIES
I
did a presentation in col-
lege on salmon orienta-
tion and navigation as
part of a biology class.
The idea for the presenta-
tion was to explain how
salmon managed to find their way
back to the stream or river where
they were hatched or planted years
earlier. Scientists knew that the tiny
salmon were imprinted with certain
signposts beginning as fingerlings
and eventually as smolts before they
went to sea. The salmon used those
cues to find their way back
to the same stream as adults
three or four years later.
One way was by detect-
ing infinitesimal electrical
charges that were in the
water. Another way was by
using their sense of smell.
In one study, salmon reared
in one pond were released
after being
imprinted with By Mike Gnatkowski
a chemical
unique to that pond. Four years later
when the salmon were due to return,
the same chemical was dripped into
a pond much farther upstream from
where the salmon were originally
raised and planted. An extremely
large percentage of the salmon
returned to the second pond. It was
found that salmon could detect
chemicals in the water in concentra-
tions of parts per billion. Its likely
that a school of salmon can smell an
approaching killer whale or sea lions
Why not stack the odds in your favor?
82 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
long before they can see them.
There is evidence that a fresh-
water fishs olfactory senses are as
equally acute as those of an anad-
romous trout or salmon. Its quite
possible that a foraging smallmouth
can smell a crayfish hidden in the
rocks or a passing school of ale-
wives or shad long before it can see
them. Thats why its important that
anglers include scents in their fish-
catching equation.
Ive never been a believer or
proponent of scents for largemouth
bass, but Im 100% sure
it makes a difference with
smallmouths, said tour-
nament pro and owner of
Millennium Promotions
(http://www.mpromoinc.
com/) Joe Balog.
Balog said an incident
he had in 2004 when Gulp!
first hit the market is a
good example.
He was pre-
fishing for
a tournament and was whacking
chunky smallmouths that would
put him in prime position the win
the tournament on the new Berkley
product. By the end of the day, hed
used up the dozen Gulp! baits in the
package and had resigned himself
to fishing similar unscented baits.
After an hour of no fish and just a
few half-hearted strikes Balog was
in a panic to duplicate the pattern
that had refined throughout the day.
He found a dried up Gulp! bait that
There is evidence that a freshwater fishs olfactory senses are as equally
acute as those of an anadromous trout or salmon. Its quite possible that
a foraging smallmouth can smell a crayfish hidden in the rocks.
a bass had tossed on the floor, stuck pulled a bait out of the bag at the
it on and went back to catching fish. back of the boat they could smell it
More than just coincidence. at the front of the boat. Now if a hu-
Gulp! works differently than man can smell it 10 or 15 feet away
scents, shared Balog. The scents just imagine how strong that scent
in Gulp! are impregnated in the must be in the water. Balog theo-
product. The scent is time released. rized, Great Lakes smallmouths are
It bleeds out of the bait by drawing a totally different animal than large-
in water that pushes the scent out. mouths when it comes to scent.
Balog said that the shapes that Gulp! Balog related an incident when
was first available in were terrible, he was fishing a piece of structure
but the bait still caught bass and was late in the season that was loaded
unbelievably effective in spite of with bass. He was catching one
the crude shapes. The only trigger chunky smallie after another and
had to be smell. decided to experiment. He put an
Balog admitted that even though unscented bait on that was the exact
Gulp! is now produced in more life- size, color and shape as the one hed
like shapes, its not as effective as it been using, except it lacked the gar-
once was, at least for smallmouths. lic scent. After a dozen casts without
Part of that may be due to in- a strike he replaced the bait with
creased fishing pressure and the fact the scented one hed been using. He
that the bass are seeing, and smell- caught a four-pound smallie on the
ing, that bait more often. Maybe first cast.
its because its not the only game Balog said that he found com-
in town when it comes to scent- mercial garlic scents that worked,
enhance baits anymore, too. but went on a quest to come up with
Balog said that through his his own concoctions. He super satu-
research hes found that garlic scent rates his soft plastics with the scents
is a positive aroma when it comes and keeps them in zip-loc bags
to smallmouths. Ive found that separate from other baits and even
baits with a garlic scent just seem to reserves specially fermented stocks
out-produce unscented baits when for tournaments. Balog admitted that
it comes to smallmouths. And not scent is a positive trigger close to
just a little garlic either. Ive been
fishing with a partner and when I Scent page 84
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Scent:
from page 82
90% of the time and if nothing else
gives him a psychological edge.
Scents might not only be an
attractant when it comes to small-
mouths, but also be a cover scent.
Soft plastic baits smell like, well,
plastic when they come out of the
mold and scents reduce that un-
natural smell. Scents also mask
human smells or pheromones that
may be alarming to bass. In other
words, to a bass you stink! The
idea is to keep unwanted scent off
your hands, said Balog. I wash my
hands with unscented products ev-
ery time I fish. Most of the research
that has been done with regards
to bass has been done with large-
mouths. How much scent influences
smallmouths is largely conjecture,
but Ive seen more than my share of
coincidences. I think its a huge fac-
tor when it comes to smallmouths.
Garlic isnt the only scent bass
have shown an affinity to. Scents
and scent-enhanced baits are avail-
able in coffee, salt-impregnated,
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shad, crayfish, anise and others. It
only makes sense if youre fishing
a crawfish imitation that adding a
crayfish scent will add to the pro-
ductivity of the bait.
Theres some question about
whether scent makes a difference
on hard baits that are retrieved at
a fast pace. Most agree bass strike
a speeding, vibrating crankbait
because of what they see and feel.
There isnt time to smell the bait.
Smallies may home in on the scent
trail left by the bait though if youve
applied a scent product to the lure
and enhanced the illusion.
Ive experienced times when
scent added to hard baits made all
the difference in the world. When
guiding for winter steelhead Id add
Dr. Juice to crankbaits by liquefy-
ing Vaseline in boiling water, filling
a film container half full of the
Vaseline and the rest with Dr. Juice
and then stirred the mixture up. Id
apply the paste to the backs of my
crankbaits. I observed many times,
especially in super cold water, when
the scents made a huge difference
between catching fish and going
Great Lakes smallmouths are a totally different animal than large- home skunked. Why not stack the
mouths when it comes to scent. Mike Gnatkowski photos odds in your favor?n
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O
ur family grew
up watching the
Michigan Outdoors
program hosted
by Mort Neff. We
watched each week
and dreamt about the great places
shown on the program. Our father
spent his entire life hunting and
fishing and enjoying the outdoors,
hence he got the nickname, Mort of
the North, in addition to his other
names; Dad, Grandpa, Pappy, Pappy
Grandpa, Mort, Bill, and Billy.
Pappy spent his entire life hunting,
fishing, and caring for his family.
He taught us how to fish, hunt, and
appreciate the great outdoors.
As a young boy growing up on
the east side of Detroit, he men-
tioned how he and his friends all
had BB guns and thats where he
learned to become an expert marks-
man. Back in his days going past 8
Mile Road was the country.
Our grandparents purchased
some property on Harsens Island
where he honed his fishing and
hunting skills. Duck hunting on the
island in those days was entirely dif-
ferent than it is now. Where parts of
the marsh currently exist, there used
to be fields where there were pheas-
ants. Also there were no deer.
My dad told of his casting skills
and how he entered a competition
in Detroit. This tournament was
primarily adult men, and they kind
of blew him off as being too young.
Little did they know that he had de-
veloped into an accurate bait caster
and beat the entire competition.
Pappy made several trips over
Bill Allender with a St. Clair River
walleye caught back in 2003.
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Bill Allender with a trophy 10-
point taken in 1972.
the years to the western states of
Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado.
He filled many tags for mule deer Poly Furniture and
and antelope. He also made friends
with the ranchers where he hunted.
Some of his best memories were the
Campfire Supplies and Rings
trips with his sons and our mother. I
have made several trips west myself
and each time Im there I reflect on
what he said about the magic of be- Relax In Style!
ing out west.
When it came to ballistics, he
was a walking gun digest. Most of
the time when he talked to us about
ammo information it went in one
ear and out the other. Later on we
told him that we are really listening
now.
During the past thirty years mom
and dad were able to enjoy their
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The past ten years were diffi-
cult for mom and dad as far as their 1205 N. SR 5, Shipshewana
health was concerned. Mom passed
away in 2010, and the past four 260-768-7511
years had been extremely difficult -Open-
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disease. Mon-Fri 8-5Sat
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We will miss Pap and Mom.
Their influences on us will be re-
membered and passed on to the next
generation of Allenders.n 1205 N. SR 5, Shipshewana 260-768-7511
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 85
 Don Buz Lockman elected to the Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame...By Rick Fowler

A fitting tribute to an educator,

a sportsman and human being
T
he Michigan Outdoor
Writers Association
(MOWA) in partner-
ship with the DNR
dedicated a new wing
at the Carl T. Johnson
facility in Cadillac, Michigan on
June 17. This event was to welcome
in the first class of individuals (and
one company) to the Michigan
Outdoor Hall of Fame (MOHOF)
which included Boyne City resident
Don Buz Lockman. He along with
Mort Neff, Tom Huggler, Fred Bear,
Larry Kelly, and the Eppinger Lure
Company were voted in unani-
mously.
Ed Shaw, Outdoor Skills Coor-
dinator and Interpreter at the Carl
T, Johnson Center who, along with
MOWA President Mark Sak spear-
headed the MOHOF effort added,
To be in a room with these icons
of the outdoors is impressive. These
people, in one way or another,
helped me immensely as I grew up.
President of MOWA, Mark Sak (left), presents Don Buz Lockman his Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame award.
We are very honored to house the hunting, fishing, trapping, camping,
MOWA exhibit. fly tying, casting, and first-aid treat-
Sak said, Buz Lockman was ments. The information compiled
one of those guys who flew under was surely invaluable at the time it
the radar. There are some powerful rolled off the press.
names out there in the Michigan In fact in the introduction Wat-
outdoor community. I am so pleased son and Curtis write, Our readers
to have Don represented in this pres- will find this book a handy refer-
tigious group. A guy who has shared ence manual covering a wide and
his knowledge to so many people is complete range of the techniques of
sometimes overlooked. Fantastic! outdoor life; one that they will refer
THE OUTDOORSMANS to constantly to refresh the memory
HANDBOOK, edited by Hy S. Wat- or to learn the gist of some new
son and Captain Paul A. Curtis Jr., branch of the great game not taken
and was published by The Anglers up before.
Guide Company in 1920. In fifteen If there were to be a sequel writ-
chapters which cover 320 pages, ten to this handbook, a wealth of
the editors give their readers a full new information could be compiled
gamut of information pertaining to from interviews with contempo-

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86 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
rary naturalists, loggers, scientists,
fishermen, park rangers, hunters,
teachers, and environmentalists.
Better yet, is one interview with
Don Buz Lockman, who held
all of these positions in his forty-
two years of service to the State
of Michigan residents, students at
Boyne City High School and the
citizens of Charlevoix County.
Before retiring in 2005 Buz
instructed kids in the laurels of
the outdoors for thirty-three of the
forty-two years he was a teacher, as
part of either an Outdoors Class or
a Natural Resources Class affili-
ated with the science department at
Boyne City High School.
Indeed, thousands of students
have learned a multitude of informa-
tion from the hands-on approach
this man took to the wonders of
Mother Nature and the sanctity of
how humans need to work with her.
From constructing turkey barrels to
hiking through swamps in winter,
to identifying those species of trees
that inhabit the NW section of
Michigan, Buz led his charges with
excitement, sensitivity and dedica-
tion in his role as an educator and
steward of the land.
As a kid growing up in the rural
setting of Boyne City, he could
literally go out the back door to hunt
and observe wildlife. I was prob-
ably influenced a great deal by my
grandfather who was crippled with
MS. He grew up on a homestead in
the Jordan Valley in the 20s. How-
ever, I heard about the big fish he
landed and the big bucks he shot.
Also by my dad who would fish and
hunt with me every spare minute he
could.
After four plus decades of teach-
ing and even after his retirement, the
enthusiasm for the field he enjoyed
remained. He revels in the fact that,
While teaching, I could be outside
everyday instead of just reading
out of a book. I also enjoyed work-
ing with the various conservation
groups on projects and other areas
of concern and still do.
Some of those areas included
working with Friends of the Boyne
River organization by erecting
signs, mulching trail ways, and do-
ing a yearly water quality analysis
of organisms in conjunction with
the DNR. In addition, his students
built over 90 turkey feeders over the
years for the Traverse Bay Chap-
ter of the Michigan Wild Turkey
Hunters Association, plus put on a
program at a meeting for Friends of
the Boyne.
The students were great with
the program. They learned a lot, as
did I, Buz declared.
In the 2004-2005 school year,
the Charlevoix Community Founda-
tion (CCF) approached Lockman
about the possibility of implement-
ing a Salmon in the Classroom
program with the goal of studying
and observing the life cycle of the
Chinook salmon. The CCF supplied
a $2000 grant to offset the cost of
400 Chinook salmon eggs and the
equipment needed for their care. In
October of 2004, the Conservation
Resource Alliance (CRA), based out
of Traverse City, Michigan deliv-
ered the equipment to Lockmans
classroom.
The students were then intro-
duced, by individuals of the CRA,
to the proper care of the fish who
remained in the egg state until
late November when the students
noticed that many of them had
hatched and in no time grew into
the fry stage, the third of six stages
that salmon go through. With the
supplied chiller keeping the water
at a constant forty-nine degrees, an
automatic feeder was attached to the
tank ensuring a well-fed stock over
twelve hour periods.
As the fish grew, the students
understanding grew also. The gamut
of topics that Lockman discussed
as an offshoot of this remarkable
venture ranged from conservation to
fishing. Indeed, this hands-on learn-
ing method allowed his students to
not just read about the subject with
various pictures of the six stages.
They were an actual part of the
development of the approximately
150 remaining Chinook which were
released into the Boyne River on
May 10, 2005.
When freed they were roughly
the size of a persons index finger
but would continue to mature for the
next four years at which point they
would weigh anywhere from twenty
to twenty five pounds. Lockman and
his students envisioned that some
of them would survive and return
to the Boyne River to spawn. Buz
believes, This was a good program.
The kids enjoyed it, and it was
something we all worked together
on.
He wasnt just solely a teacher
though. He was also a State Park
Officer for thirty four summers,
and an EMT for eleven. In addition
to these duties and responsibilities
Don and his wife Jackie managed to
bring up three boys in their home in
Boyne City.
With so many students over the
four plus decades there were many
interesting, momentous, and memo-
rable outdoor teaching moments for
him. Yet the ultimate culmination
of a teachers career usually comes
when they see one of their students
years later. I had a girl stop me in
the hospital when my mother had
been admitted and said that she had
decided to go into nursing because
of the day she saw me cut up a
wild turkeyGo figure! Lockman
added, Theres not a moment but
when an older outdoor class student
stops me and says that my class was
his/her favorite and they learned a
lot.
What a fitting tribute to an
educator. What a fitting tribute to a
sportsman. What a fitting tribute to a
human being.
So what had he hoped to leave
with those students who were en-
rolled in his class at the end of the
year and those he had encountered
during his various volunteer hours
in the field or on the water? A love
for the outdoors and respect for na-
ture. Mission accomplished-the se-
quel to THE OUTDOOORSMENS
HANDBOOK can begin and with
that the legacy of a member of the
Michigan Outdoor Hall of Fame.n

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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 87
 Huron
Bays
record
pike
A
photo that I recently from the bay in the past. Its not
saw of Jim Ander- much of a stretch to think there
son from Ludington could be another one of that size.
with a 31 -pound The current state record pike,
northern pike he according to the DNRs website,
caught from Lake weighed 39 pounds and was 51.5
Superiors Huron Bay on inches long. That fish was
May 15, 2016 reminded me speared in Schoolcraft
of how good that location is Countys Dodge Lake dur-
for big pike. Theres prob- ing 1961. The pike Ander-
ably a pike of state record son caught from the bay
proportions swimming was only an inch shorter
in the bays waters right than the state record. It
now. At least one northern was probably a female
pike thats bigger than the that spawned earlier in the
current state spring. Before An eye-catching photo of 3 monster pike speared from Huron Bay
record came By Richard P. Smith spawning, in 1955 by father and son, Ben and Don Pickard.

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Andersons northern certainly would
have been heavier than when it was
caught. It probably didnt weigh 39
pounds, but it could have tipped the
scales at 35 or 36.
The biggest northern that I
know of that came from Huron Bay
weighed 49 pounds. It was speared
by father and son Ben and Don
Pickard from Lanse during 1955.
That same year, they speared two
more monster pike from the bay.
One weighed 38 pounds and the oth-
er 39 pounds. Any one of those pike
would have been a state record at
the time, if the Pickards would have
had the fishs weight verified by the
DNR (the Department of Conserva-
tion then), but they didnt do that.
There is a photo of the pair with
those three fish, however, to verify
the story. I first saw that impres-
sive photo years ago pinned to a
corkboard in Indian Country Sports
Store in Lanse and eventually man-
aged to locate Don during June of
2000. He was 78 years old then and
he has since passed away.
What Don told me about his
pike fishing success on the bay
then is just as valuable today. He
fished the bay for northerns with
This photo of Don Pickard shows him with a smaller, but still re-
spectable pike, he caught from the bay on hook and line.
hook and line during the summer
every chance he could. He said he
had caught as many as a dozen pike
from the bay that have weighed over
20 pounds. The biggest northern that
hes landed from the bay on hook
and line weighed 33 1/2 pounds.
He caught it near the mouth of the
Silver River. He doesnt remember
what year that was.
Theres nothing special about
the tackle or tactics that Pickard
used to catch big pike. His reel was
spooled with 20-pound test mono-
filament. He said he never used a
wire leader because you can catch
more fish without one. However, he
admitted that he had lost some pike
that cut his line due to the absence
of a wire leader.
What Don liked about pike fish-
ing is you can be just as successful
during the middle of the day as early
and late. He used to fish as often as
he could, which used to be every
day. He used to fish from a 10-foot
pram propelled with oars, but he
eventually moved up to a 12-foot
boat with a 5 horsepower outboard
motor.
Pickard said he caught pike by
both trolling and casting. He favored
silver Mepps spinners with no skirt
in size 4 and 5, but also caught pike
on smaller spinners. When I talked
to him in June of 2000, he said he
had recently landed pike weighing
6, 8 and 12 pounds on a #2 Mepps.
He also caught pike on Little Cleo
spoons and flatfish with silver or
blue and silver finishes. He had his
best luck fishing weed beds and
drop offs.
To get to Huron Bay, drive into
the community of Lanse from
Highway U.S. 41. Theres a 4-way
stop when you reach downtown
Lanse. Turn right at that intersec-
tion, which will put you on the
Skanee Road.
Its about a 10-mile drive to the
head of Huron Bay. The Skanee
Road parallels the eastern shore of
the bay for a number of miles once
you reach it. Theres state land at the
head of the bay, on the south side,
near the mouth of the Silver River.
A public access site is also located
at the Arvon Township Park about
four miles north of the beginning of
Huron Bay.
The Silver River enters the head
of the bay. The Slate and Ravine
Rivers flow into the bay within a
mile of there. Prospect for pike at
the head of the bay in depths any-
where from five to 20 feet. If lures
dont produce results, you might
try live bait. Smelt and large
sucker or shiner minnows can
be the ticket if youre after big
northerns.n

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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 89
 Department of Natural Resources
names Bill ONeill deputy director
MDNR Director Keith Creagh announced
that Bill ONeill has been named natural
resources deputy for the agency. Current
natural resources deputy, Bill Moritz, is leav-
ing his position with the DNR to work for the
Wildlife Management Institute.
ONeill has more than 31 years of expe-
rience with the DNR. Since January 2012,
he has served as chief of the DNRs Forest
Resources Division, except for a brief stint in
early 2016 when on an interim basis he
took on the role of resources deputy while
Moritz filled in as DNR director during Cre-
aghs assignment at the Michigan Department Bill O'Neill. MDNR photo
of Environmental Quality.
While with the DNR, ONeill has taken
on many roles, including Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps camp
director, land manager for several forest management units, district man-
ager for the Eastern Lower Peninsula District and FRD field coordinator,
administering the largest state forest system in the continental United
States. Each position offered opportunities to collaborate across depart-
ment divisions, as well as the chance to build relationships with external
partners and organizations.
As DNR natural resources deputy, ONeill will administer the divi-
sions that oversee Michigans wildlife and fisheries, state forests and state
parks, minerals and law enforcement.
Bill Moritz has been a thoughtful and tireless advocate for Michi-
gans natural resources and the people who enjoy and appreciate them,
said Creagh. I have full confidence in Bill ONeills ability to step in as
the departments natural resources deputy. Bill has decades of valuable
experience to draw upon, and I know he will provide the right leader-
ship to advance the management of Michigans world-class natural and
cultural resources.
ONeill currently serves as president of the Northeast Area Associa-
tion of State Foresters, is on the National Association of State Foresters
executive board, and is a Department of Forestry board member at both
Michigan Technological University and Michigan State University. His
past affiliations include the Wildlife Society (member), the Montmorency
Soil and Water Conservation District (board of directors) and the Huron
Shores Writing Institute (board of directors).
Our state is home to some of the most magnificent woods, water
and wildlife found anywhere in the world, and I am honored to take on
this role for the Department of Natural Resources and for the people of
Michigan, ONeill said. As state forester and chief of the DNR Forest
Resources Division, I was committed to collaboration and doing whats
best for the sustainable management of our natural resources. I look for-
ward to working with our resource divisions and partners in continuing
that commitment.
ONeill earned a bachelors degree in forestry and a masters degree in
forestry with an emphasis on business management from Michigan State
University.
Until a permanent replacement is named as chief of the Forest Re-
sources Division, DNR Regional Initiatives Deputy Marc Miller will serve
as the divisions interim chief, in addition to his other duties.
UPSA honors Ettenhofer as
Outstanding Conservationist
The Upper Penin-
sula Sportsmens Alliance
(UPSA) has presented
its first Outstanding
Conservationist award
to U.P. Whitetails Inc.
co-founder, Alan Etten-
hofer of Escanaba. The
award was presented at a
quarterly UPSA meeting
at the William Anderson
Sportsmans Club in Her-
mansville in Menominee
County.
Ettenhofer, who serves
Alan Ettenhofer, (lt) shakes hands with Gov.
as treasurer of U.P. White- Rick Snyder at a tree-planting event at the
tails Inc., was given the South Marquette Co. Grouse Enhanced Man-
award in deep apprecia- agement Site in August 2014. (Middle) Gildo
tion for his vision, dedi- Tori, director of public policy for D. U.
cation, perseverance and
guidance for wildlife, habitat enhancement and chronic wasting disease
(CWD) education and prevention work. Without your efforts, the Upper
Peninsula would not be what it is today, the award plaque states.
Ettenhofer has amassed numerous accomplishments and has made
significant contributions to a wide range of projects.
He helped form seven U.P. Whitetails organizations. He serves as
chairman of UPSAs CWD committee. He has been a leader in educating
the public on CWD, including producing a radio public service announce-
ment and testifying before the Wildlife Committee of the Michigan House
of Representatives on the problem of potential importation of CWD-in-
fected, improperly processed, deer to Michigan.
Ettenhofer has been a leader in securing grant funding to enhance
white-tailed deer habitat in the Upper Peninsula. Among these projects,
habitat was improved along the Whitefish River and in the Arnold area of
Marquette County. Tree planting efforts have also been undertaken via the
Forestland Group and Marquette and Delta counties conservation dis-
tricts. Grant money has also helped fund deer trapping and tagging work.
Al is a tremendous and tireless worker for conservation and wildlife
in the Upper Peninsula, said Tony Denboski, UPSA president. He is a
fantastic choice for our first-ever Outstanding Conservationist award.
Attendees at the UPSA meeting included state Rep. Scott Dianda of
Calumet, Michigan Natural Resources Commission Chairman John Ma-
tonich and Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division
Chairman Russ Mason.
The Outstanding Conservationist award will be presented annually.
The Upper Peninsula Sportsmen's Alliance was formed in 1982 to unite
sportsmens groups in the region for a common cause. Today, the group is
composed of 57 clubs and businesses, representing 49,000 members.
The alliances mission is to be the voice of U.P. sportsmen and outdoors
users to promote, foster and advance the outdoor recreation experience,
encouraging conservation of natural resources and the environment to
perpetuate the direction of management and use, for the benefit of future
generations by educating UPSAs members, youth and the general public.

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Wildlife Habitat Grants help
improve grassland habitat
P
utting grasslands on the
ground is a team effort. To-
gether, with many partners
and with private landown-
ers, the Michigan Pheasant Restora-
tion Initiative team is working to
restore, enhance and establish high-
quality grasslands in the southern
part of the state.
An important funding source
for some of these grassland projects
is the Wildlife Habitat Grant pro-
County as well as other public and
private lands in southern Michigan.
Much of this work is funded through
the Wildlife Habitat Grant program.
Made up of many partners, the
Michigan Pheasant Restoration
Initiative is a conservation initia-
tive to restore and enhance Michi-
gan pheasant habitat (grasslands),
populations, and hunting opportuni-
ties on private and public lands via
pheasant cooperatives. It works by
acquiring state, federal and partner
resources to assist landowners in
the cooperatives to improve wild-
life habitat on their properties and
by improving grassland habitat on
selected state game areas, recreation
areas or other public lands. To learn
more visit www.mi.gov./pheasant.n Rachel Bush, Pheasants Forever photo

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gram. Since its inception in 2013,
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improvement. Over 4,700 grassland
acres have been enhanced through
this important program.

Being able to help fund these
habitat projects makes a big differ-
ence for wildlife in Michigan, said
Department of Natural Resources
assistant federal aid coordinator
Clay Buchanan.
The Wildlife Habitat Grant pro-
gram, funded with a portion of the
revenue from hunting and fishing
licenses sold each year, is adminis-
tered through a cooperative effort
between the DNRs Wildlife Divi-
sion and Grants Management Sec-
tion. These grants are available to
local, state, federal and tribal units
of government, profit or non-profit
groups, and individuals to assist the
Wildlife Division with developing
or improving wildlife habitat for
game species.
The main objective of the grant
program is to enhance and improve
the quality and quantity of game
species habitat in support of Goal 2
from the Wildlife Divisions strate-
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habitat for sustainable wildlife
populations and wildlife-based
recreation.
This program is an exciting
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in the state to increase the habitat
available for game species in Michi-
gan and to enhance the existing
habitat for the benefit of hunters,
trappers and wildlife viewers, said
DNR upland game bird specialist Al
Stewart.
Several Michigan Pheasant
Restoration Initiative projects have
been funded with Wildlife Habitat
Grant dollars in Gratiot, Sanilac,
Lenawee, Hillsdale, Washtenaw,
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 91


TROPHY PAGE

Eighty-six year-old Gene Tank of

Riley Keinath, 6, of Mid-
land was walleye fishing
with his dad Matt in early
July on Saginaw Bay and
caught this walleye!
Kelsi Green, 11, of Cedar
Springs landed this 20 inch
largemouth bass in late
June off the dock on a lake
in Montcalm Co.
Sandusky took this monster tom while
Jack Packer, 8, using recycled plas-
tic worms like his grandpa Lewis hunting with his son Rick in Sanilac Co.
Gene should be an inspiration to all!
Horn wrote about in the June
issue, caught this monster 19.5 inch
smallmouth that weighed over 4
pounds!

Fishing his grand-

parents pond in Tyler Parisot hooked this hog of
Lum, Dominac Mauk
caught a catfish, a fish, an 11 inch bluegill, at his
largemouth and a favorite fishing spot in Wales
dandy bluegill. Township in mid-July.
Tanya Coulson caught this largemouth bass, 21 1/2
inches long and 6.25 pounds Memorial weekend at
Canada Creek Ranch in Atlanta. Riley Rob-
erts, 8,
took this
spike
during
the youth
hunt last
year in
Roscom-
mon Co.

The Sierpien
Family of north- Nancy
ern Michigan Leighton
loves their with a
outdoors (lt-rt) nice perch
Hunter took this caught in
nice bass fish- a secret
ing in Cheboy- spot
gan Co., Mason
took his bass in some-
Oakland Co. and where
The Stone family of Fostoria cat fishing on Lake in Van
dad Jeff took Huron beach. (top) Jonathan Stone, 9, Annabell
this nice tom in Buren
Stone, 6, took her first big cat fish! (bottom) Jon County.
Cheboygan Co. Stone and Amber Stone.
92 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 93
 My Thoughts, My Views, My Opinions & My Humor...
Asian Carp problem finally solved
Dear Fish Diary: DNR please just send me my check!
W
hen the DNR
issued a chal-
lenge to the
public to pay
$1-million to
the
best idea to stop Asian carp
from entering the Great
Lakes, of course, my mind
has been reeling. Ive been
writing about this and fol-
lowing this a long time.
Ive recently noticed that
one of my arms is getting
longer than
the other from
patting myself
By Ron St. Germain
on the back, because thus far, my
predictions have all been correct. In
fact, these resilient fish have ex-
ceeded what I thought they would
and spread much faster across the
United States than I imagined.
My email inbox has been blow-
ing up with Asian carp issues antici-
pating the release of the new Army
Corps of Engineers study which
has been consistently delayed and
now wont be released until after
my column deadline. But look, lets
be really honest about this, nothing,
including the millions of tax dollars
already spent, electrical barriers or
any of our best collaborative scien-
tific genius minds have stopped this
fish. Now its finally time they listen
to me because my ideas to stop these
invaders WILL work. Im serious.
1) Change their name. Our
country has had a bad taste in their
mouth regarding the word carp
for nearly 200 years. The common
carp, actually imported into the
Canada changes entry requirements for boaters
T
he State of Michigan
alone has over 700
miles of Great Lakes
shoreline it shares with
Canada including Lake
Erie, Lake St Clair,
Lake Huron and Lake Superior. For
the last several years, Canada did
not allow boaters and anglers to
freely navigate between boundary
waters as they had allowed for many
years. Starting in 2011, boaters had
to call and report their entry, in-
cluding all on board, to the Ontario
Border Security Agency. In June
of 2017 Canadas Parliament voted
to ease requirements for boaters
entering into Canadian waters not
94 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
U.S. as a food fish, quickly became
labeled as a trash fish. This bottom
dwelling fish has the tendency to
take on the taste of the environment
in which it inhabits. Such as, a carp
from the Grand River will
taste muddy, where as a
carp from a cleaner, deeper
lake will have a sweet taste
to it. However, too many
fish were harvested by early
anglers from murky waters
and word spread quickly,
dont eat those carp. Silver
carp and big
head carp are
not bottom
dwellers, their meat is white, little to
no fat, and yes, they are quite edible.
The problem is, youre never going
to convince our society to eat them
or even try them because they are
called carp. Think about it, if a hot
dog was called a sewer dog, do you
really think there would be an Oscar
Meyer mobile?
Labeling this fish as a carp is
too confusing to most people and I
would wager that most people who
order fish at a restaurant are not
fishermen and dont understand the
difference between one fish and an-
other. They do know the word carp,
and they have heard you dont eat
them. Change the name to Silverfin
or torpedo fish, educate the public
that they are edible, and contain less
contaminants, probably healthier for
us, and well eat these invaders into
extinction quicker than you can say
dinosaur. Thus preserving our al-
ready contaminated native fish, you
know, the ones pregnant women
intending to land or anchor
in Canadian waters.
This is good news for
those of us on the American
side that liked to wet a line
on the Canadian side. There
were still many unanswered
questions regarding when
these regulations would
take effect, what identifica-
tion is still required by
Canadian agencies and By Mark Sak
what if any limita-
tions continued after the change in
procedure.
Before this change, it was
required anglers call in before they
crossed over into Canadian waters
and children are advised not to eat.
Just name me one wild animal
that we routinely eat that doesnt
have to be monitored by our wild-
life officials because if they werent
monitored and protected wed wipe
them off the planet. Im convinced
our ancestors ate the dinosaurs into
extinction and well eat the silver-
fins into extinction too.
2) Drain the lakes and
rivers. It doesnt take millions of
dollars of research to realize that
invaders entering the Great Lakes,
or any region, find a way to spread.
Gobies found their way from the
Great Lakes into the Mississippi
River basin, even passing through
the $100 million dollar electrical
barriers. Gobies can now be found
in 15 states. Zebra and quagga mus-
sels can be found in 35 states. Sea
for any reason. Biographi-
cal data of all on board as
well as boat registration in-
formation had to be provid-
ed on each trip into Cana-
dian waters. It was usually
a twenty-minute call and
there usually wasnt a lot
of problems with Ontario
Border Security, although
it still took time out
of an already busy
morning. I personally
utilized this system several times,
and the folks on the other end had
always been professional. Because
of this process, Ontario probably
saw a large decline in out-of-state
As you can see, Dear
Fish Diary column
writer, Ron St. Ger-
main, has really sunk
himself deep into this
Asian carp crisis and
has been juggling
problem solving ideas
for years. Read his
column and see how
hes managed to solve
all of the necessary
issues needed to keep
these jumping pests
from entering the
Great Lakes.
Lampreys have moved all across
the Great Lakes and into six states.
The silver carp, the edible ones, are
already in 11 states. Asian carp in
general, which combines the grass
carp, black carp, big head carp and
silver carp can be found in 47 of our
50 states. The common carp found
has found its way into 49 of our 50
states.
Logistically these invasive spe-
cies have found ways to inhabit non-
connecting watersheds, inland lakes
or ponds not connected to rivers or
streams. Has anyone ever wondered
how digging a pond will somehow,
some day end up with fish in it? So
spending a billion to build a wall,
seriously? Is that really going to
keep these fish out of the Great
Asian Carp problem page 97
fishing licenses. Many folks just did
not want to go through the hassle
of calling to report. Large fishing
tournaments in Detroit and Lake St.
Clair often made Canadian waters
off limits while Canadians entered
U.S. waters freely with no need to
call information to U.S. Customs.
There is actually still very little
information on the internet regard-
ing the actual implementation of
the new law, identification require-
ments or entry disqualification for
those that may have felonies or
misdemeanors in their past. The
CBSA site still says boaters com-
Canadas entry rules page 96
 Hot Topics In The Outdoors...My Thoughts, My Views
Running wild in the Big Wild
I hope its still just as wild so that the next generation can also run wild...
T
en years ago, I wrote
an article about back-
packing the Shingle
Mill Pathway in the
Pigeon Riv-
er Country
State Forest - also called
The Big Wild - for
Woods-N-Water News
called Backpacking in
Short Time. Theres a
new twist on the con-
cept of covering a lot of
ground in a few hours
with a pack on your
back that Ive wanted to
try out, though, which
combines two of my
A Running Selfie...
favorite out-
door pursuits
By Drew YoungeDyke
when Im
not hunting:
backpacking
and trail-running. Its called fast-
packing.
Following a Pigeon River
Country Advisory Council Meet-
ing the day before, I decided to try
fast-packing that same trail on a
Friday night in July. A campsite on
a shallow backcountry lake was in
mind when I hit the trail just after 8
p.m. My pack was light - probably
only 25 to 30 pounds - and I shaved
weight by packing a light tarp,
hammock and bug net instead of a
full tent. I wore sweat-wicking run-
ning shorts and trail-running shoes
instead of hiking pants and boots. I
brought a small Pocket Rocket stove
and a mini-canister of isobutane
from Jays Sporting Goods. I packed
only an extra long-sleeve hooded
t-shirt and hat to change into at
camp instead of my sweaty
clothes, and a fresh t-shirt and
The authors backcountry kitchen.
socks for the second day.
Ive been trail-running for
about two years to stay in shape for
still-hunting deer in the fall, so Im
accustomed to avoid-
ing roots and hurdling
fallen logs, and doing so
with a pack in prepara-
tion for Train To Hunt
competitions. It took less
than an hour to reach
my campsite. I slung my
hammock from two trees,
draped my bug net and
hung my tarp overhead. I
had a Clif bar for dinner
and settled into my ham-
mock to sleep.
Its funny
how a spe-
cific camp-
site can feel
like home. I
camped at this same spot on ac-
cident during that early backpack-
ing trip I wrote about a decade ago
when an earlier one Id had in mind
was occupied. I was greeted that
long-ago morning with a loons call
through the mist on the lake, a bea-
ver swimming in front of me, and
a duck flying overhead. I camped
here seven years ago in January on
my first winter backpacking trip,
carrying a Marlin lever-action .22
and a small game license for rabbits
I never saw, but learning to never
again skip the sleeping pad. I woke
up shivering every half hour from
the cold seeping up from the ground
or from the coyotes calling each
other from every direction.
That wasnt an issue sleeping
barefoot in my hammock on this
warm summer night. The only thing
that woke me up occasionally was
A tarp, hammock and bug net provides a lightweight alternative to a tent.
the hauntingly beautiful call of the
loons throughout the night, which
rivals the bugle of a bull elk as my
favorite sound in the Big Wild. I
was also kept awake by worry about
the future of the Big Wild and the
potential for these sounds to be
drowned out by the engines of Off
Road Vehicles (ORVs) on forest
roads.
At that advisory council meet-
ing the day before, we were given
an update on the DNRs imple-
mentation of Public Act 288 of
2016, which required the DNR to
conduct a forest road inventory and
a delayed flip of northern Lower
Peninsula roads from closed unless
open to open unless closed to
ORVs. The DNR has recommended
- wisely - keeping the forest roads
in the Pigeon River Country closed
to ORVs, in line with its Concept of
Management and founding vision by
its architect P. S. Lovejoy to retain
its wild character. The first game
division chief of the Department
of Conservation, as it was then
called, he coined the nickname of
The Big Wild for the forest and
had definite opinions on motorized
access:
Id like to see the Pigeon
opened up to insure really good fire
protection and damn little more... so
that it isnt too easy for the beer-bel-
ly gents and the nice old grandmaws
to get to, set down and leave their
tin cans at. I figger a whole lot of
the side-road country should be left
plenty bumpy and brushy and some
so you go in on foot, or dont go in
at all.
He had a way with words, but I
agree: There ought to be some plac-
es left to use the quads God gave
you, as the Backcountry Hunters &
Anglers bumper sticker says. And
with the Pigeons sandy soil, its
easy to see the mess that would be-
come of the two-tracks and the extra
runoff into the blue ribbon trout
streams of the Sturgeon, Pigeon and
Black Rivers with increased ORV
traffic. The public seems to agree,
too. Over 1,000 comments were
received on the DNRs plan and
only one comment was in favor of
opening roads in the Big Wild. The
rest were overwhelmingly in favor
of keeping them closed. However,
illegal ORV use is already up in the
Pigeon River Country since passage
of the law.
A loons call from the mist-
covered lake again woke me at
dawn. Loons can live up to 25 years
or more, and I couldnt help but
wonder if these are the same ones I
heard in 2007, welcoming me home.
I boiled lake water and filtered it
through a bandana before mixing it
with a packet of Wilderness Athlete
Hydrate and Recover, packed up my
camp, strapped on my pack and hit
the trail running. Between eight at
night and ten the next morning I ran
eleven miles of trail through low-
land cedar swamp, upland, pine and
mixed hardwood habitat up one side
and down the other of the Pigeon
River. I hope in another 10 years I
can still run wild in the Big Wild,
but even if I cant, I hope its still
just as wild so that the next genera-
tion can.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 95
Canadas entry rules: from page 94
ing in need to call for clearance. I
put in a phone call to the Canadian
Border Security Agency to get those
answers. Just because the govern-
ment passed the law does not mean
it went into effect immediately.
The new law took effect on June
19, 2017. Since that time, boaters
and anglers who meet Canadian
entry requirements can cross into
Canadian waters without calling in
to the CBSA. It is imperative that
boaters and anglers know the restric-
tions. Boaters and anglers alike may
not anchor in Canadian waters or set
foot on land on the Canadian side.
Doing so would violate Canadian
law and those who violate would be
subject to adjudication. The new law
pertains to those boaters travelling
through or fishing Canadian waters
with no intent to anchor or land on
Canadian soil. All those on board
must still possess proper identifica-
tion to legally enter Canada. A pass-
port or enhanced drivers license is
required.
Canada restricts entry to in-
dividuals who have committed
certain crimes. Two or more DUILs,
impaired driving and reckless driv-
ing are all offenses in which indi-
viduals are denied access. (While
there can still be a restriction for
a single DUIL, in 2012 Canada
started allowing individuals with a
Red swamp crayfish in Michigan
single indiscretion that was properly New video gives tips on identification
adjudicated with court sentences
In July, the DNR confirmed the presence of invasive red swamp cray-
appropriately completed to enter if
the violation was more than 10 years fish in Novi and near Kalamazoo. These two locations represent the first
old). This remains in effect. Even detections of live red swamp crayfish in Michigan.
someone who has been adjudicated Why be concerned?
20 years ago for multiple misde- Though they are native to southern states, red swamp crayfish are
meanors is not eligible to enter considered invasive in Michigan because they compete aggressively with
Canadian waters for a day of perch native crayfish species for food and habitat. They feed on plants, insects,
fishing. snails, juvenile fish and other crayfish, disrupting the food chain for
There are two ways folks many aquatic species.
who have old misdemeanors Of greatest concern is their habit of burrowing deep into banks, caus-
and want to enter Canada can ing damage to dams, irrigation systems and shorelines.
gain entry. As long as at least What is being done?
five years have passed and the Since the initial reports, DNR staff have been setting traps in nearby
individual has completed all sen- lakes and ponds to remove the crayfish and determine the extent of the
tencing guidelines, they could apply infestations at both locations. At the same time, staff are following up
for a TRP, or Temporary Resident on reports from concerned citizens who believe they may have seen or
Permit. It must be applied for each found red swamp crayfish at other places across the state.
time a person wishes to enter Cana- The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has created a
dian waters or Canada, or they can new video to help people identify and report red swamp crayfish. The
apply for Criminal Rehabilitation. video is the third in the departments MDEQ Minute series, offering
This is a permanent status that al- 60-second views on a broad range of topics including new and potential
lows the applicant to be determined invasive species in Michigan.
as rehabilitated and can freely enter What can you do?
again. It is a rather lengthy process If you find a red swamp crayfish, photograph it and send the photo,
and if there are multiple violations, date and location of the find to herbsts1@michigan.gov.
there are attorneys who specialize in For more information about red swamp crayfish and other invasive
applying for this. species of concern in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/invasivespecies.
The new law will definitely Help spread the word. Share this email and video link with others:
help everyone who wants to fish in neighborhood and lake associations, friends and family, etc. If shar-
boundary waters. It will save lots of ing on social media, please use the tag #NotMiSpecies. Visit Michigan's
time in the morning when heading invasive species website and learn more about what to watch for and how
to that hot bite for walleye at the salt to respond. Believe that you can make a difference, and remember these
docks. Ill see you on the river this easy tips.
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 Hot Topics In The Outdoors... My Thoughts, My Views
Asian Carp problem: from page 94
Lakes? I think not. I dont want our
government fabricating theories and
spending millions on something
that might work just to make it
look like theyre doing something.
Id rather have wildlife profession-
als look us square in the eye and be
honest and say, you know, nature
usually wins and we cant stop
them. They havent stopped any
of the invasive species threatening
our natural waters, even the lamprey
which a chemical was created to
defeat, still slithers in our Michigan
waters.
However, if you drain all the
water out of the lakes and streams,
I believe this for sure would stop
the Asian carp. Nestle has already
started the draining process, all we
have to do is help them and problem
solved.
3) Pump raw sewage
back into the Chicago Harbor and
Great Lakes Rivers. The Asian carp
have become one of the largest fish
exports from the United States, es-
pecially back to China. Makes sense
right? I mean since these fish were
originally from China, it makes
sense we are profiting to ship them
back there. But why does China
Tom Carney
Among the Aspens
To purchase: $34.95 (Michigan residents, please add $2.10 sales tax) plus
$6.35 postage/handling
Send check or money order to: Partridge Pointe Press, 2470 Strawberry
Farm St. NE, Belmont, Michigan 49306.
Purchase online at www.tomcarneywriter.com
need to import American Asian
carp? Well, because their rivers and
lakes are so polluted that their wild
populations have depleted and their
people have had to resort to muddy
tasting farm raised fish. Oh, so pol-
lution kills fish? Well shoot, what
an easy solution. Why did we spend
billions on rebuilding intricate sewer
systems to keep raw sewage out
of the natural waters? Nobody had
the foresight to know that someday
wed be overridden with uncontrol-
lable invasive species that would
threaten and compete with our al-
ready contaminated natural fish? My
goodness, well now that we know,
we can once again begin flushing
into the Great Lakes basins and
we wont have to ever worry about
these nasty, flying invasives entering
our waters.
4) Tell The World that
American Asian Carp are
Aphrodisiacs. I used to joke with
a friend of mine that if you wanted
to get rid of something, tell people
its an aphrodisiac. This includes
anything from tree bark to cock-
roaches, theyll be eaten up in a
week. Throughout history, some
very odd edible, and not edible
Award-winning nature and outdoor
writer Thomas Carney returns to
form in his latest collection of
essays, Among the Aspens: Stolen
Moments in Secret Coverts.
As with his previous collections,
Sun-Drenched Days, Two-Blanket
Nights; and Bird Dogs and Betty
Cakes, Tom employs a variety of
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
did in his first two books of essays,
in Among the Aspens Tom delivers
the goods through a single form
of outdoor recreation: upland bird
hunting.
things were labeled as aphrodisi-
acs. Nettles, sparrow brains, rhino
horns, tiger genitals, snake blood,
snake venom dissolved in ethanol,
scorpion wine, seahorse wine. How
about the blowfish? Sure, if you live
through eating one of course youll
want to celebrate. You could try
caterpillar Fungus, whale vomit, or
elephant digested fruit. In Michigan
you might remember the threat a
few years back of poaching rings
entering our state and killing bears
because they thought the bears gall
bladders were aphrodisiacs.
But there you go, throughout
history, its almost like its been
the aphrodisiac of the month. Tell
someone its so, and soon everybody
wants it. Hey, Asian carp are an
aphrodisiac, boom, gone, problem
solved.
5) Fix the Roads. We dont
need another tax to fix the roads
and bridges that arent being fixed.
Soon the giant potholes will be filled
with Asian carp too. If we use the
millions to fix the roads instead of
wasting it on trying to stop a fish
we arent ever going to stop, more
people would go fishing, and if more
people went fishing, more Asian
carp would be eliminated from the
waters and more licenses would be
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(continued)
sold that would create more revenue
for the DNR. That money could be
used to restock native predators that
also would eat Asian carp. Its a
win-win.
In reality, I think we all want
some sort of resolution to the threat
of Asian carp and we all arent go-
ing to agree on what should be done.
We already cant agree on how the
Great Lakes should be managed,
as an artificial non-native salmon
fishery, or a native fishery restored
to what the Great Lakes were. We
want to control Mother Nature, but
she usually wins. That might be the
most honest solution to this issue.
Funny fish stories wanted:
Strangest thing youve ever caught
Send a short description of your
best or worst" fishing day, or worst
fishing-related adventure to me.
You dont have to write the entire
story, just a brief outline of what
happened. If it has some humor to it
Ill be getting in touch with you and
well work on the completed story
together.
Contact - Woods-n-Water News
columnist Ron St. Germain by
calling (517) 626-2814, e-mailing
DaPhotoDude@aol.com. Visit the
author's Facebook page www.Face-
book.com/BearwaveBooksn
DETAILED COVERAGE OF:
All Hunting Methods Where to Aim
Field Judging Black Bears Recovering Bear You Shoot
Scoring on Nocturnal Bears Reading Bear Sign
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____ Walking with Whitetails DVD ($24.00) _______
____ Deer Hunting - 4th Edition ($35.00) _______
____ Great Michigan Deer Tales - Book 5 ($16.50) _______
____ Great Michigan Deer Tales - Book 4 ($16.50) _______
____ Great Michigan Deer Tales - Book 3 ($16.50) _______
____ Great Michigan Deer Tales - Book 2 ($16.50) _______
____ Great Michigan Deer Tales - Book 1 ($15.50) _______
____ Deer Tales Set - 2 for $28; 3 for $40; 4 for $50; 5 for $60; 6 for $72 _______
Please specify which books sent to the same address.
____ Tracking Wounded Deer ($20.00) _______
____ Stand Hunting for Whitetails ($19.00) _______
____ Understanding Michigan Black Bear - 2nd Edition ($20.00) _______
____ Animal Tracks & Signs of N.A. ($23) _______
____ TOTAL _______
State Zip
Signature
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 97
 TRAIL CAM/OUTDOOR PHOTOS
Join us in sharing interesting and sometimes rare trail cam
and/or outdoor photos with our readers.
Send your photos to: wnw@pageone-inc.com (please submit in jpeg format)
Mike Quertermus sent in this great trail cam-
era photo of two large black bears fighting in
Manistee County in May of this year. Wow!
This photo was taken by Allen St. Amour
from his front yard in Grand Traverse
County. This big girl had three cubs with
her.
Jonathan Schechter surprised this coyote on
South Manitou Island when it discovered his
trail camera.
98 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Justin Steefkerk of Belleville
sent us this photo he thought
our readers would enjoy.
Thanks Justin for sharing it.
Jackie Peace captured these majestic elk in the Pi-
geon River National Forest on her trail camera.
Richard Perry and his trail
cam partner Richie Perry
captured this bad antler
buck in the Lowell Flat River
State Game Area.
Tom Dolan, of Clio, caught this coyote with a fawns Mel Davis sent us this trail
head in its mouth. Nature does have a brutal side to it, cam photo of a small bull elk
as we all know. The photo was taken in July of this year. taken near Curran.
Steve Gentner submitted this
trail cam photo of a black
bear and her cubs. The photo
Chris Waldie sent us this trail cam photo from the was taken by Eric Williams in
Higgins Lake area. They are a regular sight for Chris Gladwin County.
and his family almost every evening.
World Class
Whitetails

WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 99


The Go-Ite Manufacturing Company
T
PART III
he Go-Ite Manufactur-
ing story is primarily a
narrative about Indi-
ana-style fishing reels
and the man behind
the company, Rexford
Earl Hite. His career followed the
early automobile industry, always
working with metal and automotive
patterns. Rex started as an
apprentice in a Kokomo,
Indiana machine shop in
1910. Then two years later
he was listed as a cra-
ter for Globe Stove and
Range in Kokomo, fol-
lowed by pattern maker
in 1917 at the Ford Tractor
plant in Dearborn.
By Terry McBurney
Then back
to Kokomo in
1920 where he
was again working as a pattern
maker - auto factory probably for
the Apperson Brothers Automobile
Company or the Hayes Automobile
Company. Sometime in 1924, the
Hite family moved back to Detroit
where he worked as a pattern maker
for GM. They finally moved to Flint,
most likely in late 1926, where Rex
was employed as a pattern maker for
Buick.
The Go-Ite Manufacturing
Companys fishing tackle moved
with the Hite family when Rex ac-
cepted a new job with the initial ads
in each city reflecting their moves to
Kokomo, then Detroit and finally to
Flint. The companys teardrop reels
and Water-Plane metal baits debuted
with an ad in the March 1922 issue
of Field and Stream when Kokomo
was listed as the companys address.
(left-right) The Flint catalogs center spread featured the Go-Ite Junior, Regular and Special Teardrop reels. Two new models were introduced on page 10 the Go-Ite Fly Reel and the
Go-Ite Combination Fly and Bait Reel. The Daisy Fly Box was actually made by Ford Dormire of nearby Fenton and introduced in the Go-Ite Flint catalog. Tony Nedela Catalog
100 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Sporting Collectibles...
The earliest Detroit ad that I have
found ran in July 1924.
The first Flint advertisement was
published in the April 1927 issues
of Outdoor America and Field &
Stream. I have been unable to find
any ads between 1928 and 1935,
a long eight year period anchored
by the Great Depression starting in
1929 and running through the next
four years when the economy hit
rock bottom. Our countrys
slow economic recovery
began in 1934 with four
years of growth includ-
ing the reemergence of the
Go-Ite Tackle Company. A
series of small two-column
inch national outdoor
magazine ads were pub-
lished starting in February
1936 and then
running during
the spring and
summer months of 1937, 1938 and
1939. The first ads pictured a tear-
drop reel along with copy promoting
both the 5 1/4-inch Regular reel for
$6 and the 4 1/2-inch Junior reel
for $4.95. Within two months, other
Go-Ite reel variations were added to
the copy. Readers were also invited
to write in for a free catalog.
Several copies of the 16-page
Go-Ite Manufacturing Flint catalog
have survived and tell us a lot about
Rex Hites significant plans for ex-
pansion. There was no date printed
in the Flint catalog, so my best
guess as to when it was published
was in the second half of 1935 since
a free catalog was first offered in
the February 1936 Field and Stream
Go-Ite ad.
There were three new reels
added to the Flint catalog, all are
hard-to-find to extremely rare. The
first reel was the Special Go-Ite
reel, which measured 5 3/4-inches
in diameter and had a capacity of
250 yards of 18 lb. test line, more
than twice the capacity of the
Regular Go-Ite teardrop reel. It
was designed primarily for salmon,
lake trout, and deep water trolling.
The second new reel, the Go-Ite 4
1/2-inch Fly Reel was a varia-
tion of the Junior teardrop reel.
It came with a standard reel foot,
which would mount the reel below A typical Go-Ite 2-column inch ad from
the fly rod. It also came with a steel 1936 through 1939.
wire line guard with a Garnix line for only $7.25. Go-Ites high-end
guide designed to keep the fly line bamboo fly rods were Models 34, 35
from dropping off the spool. The
and 36, which retailed for $40 list
third new cataloged reel was the price and were described as Double
Go-Ite Combination Fly and Bait
Built fly rods. Cross Double Built
Reel. This innovative design added rods were South Bends highest-
a standard off-set Go-Ite two-piece
end rods. The Go-Ite bamboo rods
reel seat with agate guide line to the match almost exactly to cataloged
Fly Reel, which allowed the an- South Bend bamboo rods descrip-
gler to change it from a fly reel to a tions, specifications, actions, and
baitcaster by removing the reel foot silk winding colors. The style num-
and wire line guard and replacing it
bers are different, and the Go-Ite list
with the two-piece reel seat making prices are slightly higher than the
it a two-in-one reel.
comparable South Bend rods.
There were two catalog pages To date, not one Go-Ite bamboo
of bamboo fishing rods one page baitcasting rod or fly rod has been
listed baitcasting rods and the sec- found by the author or by the many
ond featured fly rods. There were bamboo rod collectors that were
thirteen different models of baitcast-
queried about whether they had
ers along with different rod lengths. ever seen one. My best guess is that
The casting rods varied from 3-ft.
Rex Hite and an enterprising South
to 6-ft. in length based on the model Bend salesman put together the
with retails starting at $3.75 and
lineup making up private label style
going all the way up to $25.25. numbers and suggested retails. The
Go-Ites two most expensive series
bamboo rods were cataloged, but
of baitcast rods were described as
were any of the Go-Ite bamboo rods
Double Builts. The second page
ever produced? Or did South Bend
featured thirteen models of 3-piece
ship standard catalog rods instead of
bamboo fly rods beginning with
the Go-Ite private label rods? These
their Model 25 fly rod, which listed
questions will probably never be
answered.
Go-Ite also introduced a single
wood lure in their Flint catalog, the
hard-to-find Go-Ite Fish Fooler, a 3
1/2-inch wood bait with tack eyes
that came in six colors. It was a near
copy of the famous South Bend
Bass Oreno except that it had a flat
slanted face instead of the Bass
Orenos scooped out face. I believe
that the lure was manufactured by
South Bend for Go-Ite for the fol-
lowing reasons:
Go-Ite already had established
a working relationship with South
Bend. They were planning on buy-
ing all of their bamboo rods from
South Bend, so why not private
label the Fish Fooler wood lure,
a near copy of South Bends best
selling wood lure. Five of the six
Go-Ite colors were standard South
Bend colors, and each Fish Fooler
was imprinted across the back with
the word, Go-Ite, just as Bass
Oreno was imprinted on the South
Bend bait.
Two style numbers were printed
on most Fish Fooler boxes. The
Go-Ite style number was printed
on the top panel of the box, and a
second style number was printed
on the end panel of most boxes that
have been found. This second style
number was South Bends cataloged
color code. For example, the Go-Ite
style number G6 Red, Yellow and
White, Rainbow box was imprinted
withG6 RAIN on the end while
SPL RAIN was printed on the top.
SPL more than likely stands for
Special, and RAIN was South
Bends designation for rainbow.
Lure construction and hardware
were the same with the one noted
change to a flat slanted face. The
Go-Ite Fish Fooler also came with
Easy Off hardware and was
identical to Bass Orenos Easy Off
(Left) Four of the six colors of Go-Ites Fish Fooler wood bait. It was made by the South Bend Tackle
Company and was a close copy of South Bends best-selling wood lure, the Bass Oreno. (Top right)
A close-up of the South Bend Bass Oreno on the top and the Go-Ite Fish Fooler on the bottom. A
second close-up of the Fish Fooler in G-4 brown, silver and scale finish showing identical South
Bend Easy Off hardware. Authors collection
hardware.
Go-Ite cataloged the Daisy
Revolving Fly Box in two sizes, the
Junior size with a 4 1/2-inch diame-
ter ($3.50 retail) and the Senior size
with a 5-inch diameter ($3.75 retail).
The Daisy Fly Box was patented
by Flint, Michigan resident Ford H.
Dormire who received US Patent
#2051136 on August 18, 1936. His
companys name was the Daisy Fly
Box Company and was located in
nearby Fenton. The only references
to the Daisy Fly Box Company that
have turned up were from two clas-
sified ads run in the April and May
1937 issues of Popular Mechanics,
an ad run in the May 1937 issue
of Field and Stream magazine and
an article published in the Septem-
ber 1937 issue of Sporting Goods
Dealer, none of which references
more than one size.
No Daisy Fly Box has been
found with a Go-Ite logo or box.
Most likely, Go-Ite sold the Daisy
Fly Box in Dormires standard
box for no more than one year,
because on July 9, 1938, Dormire
entered into an exclusive licensing
agreement with the Millsite Tackle
Company of Howell to manufacture
and sell his Daisy Fly Box. Millsite
introduced a single size that mea-
sured 4 5/8-inch in diameter in their
1938 catalog, which retailed for
only $1.25!
Go-Ite cataloged two versions of
their Rod and Stringer Holder in the
Flint catalog. The first came com-
plete with an aluminum boat clamp,
a rust-proofed coil spring rod sup-
port, plus a ground spike that would
replace the boat clamp and retailed
for $2.25. The well-designed adjust-
able boat clamp rotated as much
as 220 degrees from the left to the
right-hand position. The clamp not
only tightly held the coil spring, but
it had two ears that the angler could
conveniently slip his stringers
needle through. The second version
was for boat use only and did not
include the ground spike. It retailed
for $2, and both models came pack-
aged in a rectangular white box with
black printing.
Go-Ite cataloged three qualities
of silk braided Japanese silk casting
line in the Flint catalog. All three The Go-Ite Special reel measured
models were sold on 50-yard wood 5 3/4-inches in diameter and held
spools that came 100 yards con- 250 yards of 18-lb. test line. It
nected. Aristocrat was their most was designed for salmon, lake
expensive line and the line for the trout and deep water trolling. Tim
particular fishermanmade from Bahr collection
extra select Japan silk. Marvel was
their medium priced line and made
from select Japan silk, while Big
Chief was their value priced entry
that will give excellent service to
the fisherman who wants a good
but cheaper line. To date, only one
Go-Ite spool of braided silk line has
been found. Hopefully, one will turn
up as Go-Ite advertised braided silk
casting lines from the companys
first years in Kokomo, then in De-
troit and finally in Flint.
Go-Ite listed six different ver-
sions of their 6-inch Water-Plane The ultra-rare Go-Ite Combination
Spinners in the Flint catalog. An- Fly and Bait Reel combined the 4
glers could buy them with a solid 1/2-inch Junior Teardrop bait reel
nickel spoon or a red and nickel with its offset two-piece reel seat
spoon, and they were also offered with a standard reel seat plus a
with solid brass spoons as a special steel wire line guard and Garnix
order option. Hooks came plain or guide, which allow the angler to
easily change it from a baitcaster
dressed with red and white guinea to a fly reel making it a two-in-one
feathers with bucktail or with red, reel. Bur t Hirons collection.
white and yellow feathers. All came
packaged in a white box with black
lettering.
The one unanswered question
about Go-Ites Water-Plane metal
baits, however, is that boxed ver-
sions have only been found in
Kokomo-marked cardboard boxes or
Birmingham-marked (post-WWII)
cardboard boxes. No Water-Plane
metal baits have turned up in a
Flint-marked cardboard box. Early
Flint ads from 1926 and 1927 line
list or feature Water-Plane metal The reverse side of the Go-Ite Com-
baits. These lures could be carryover bination Fly and Bait Reel showing
inventory from the Kokomo years of how the steel wire line guard was
1922 and 1923. However, the small attached to the reel.
ads run from 1936 through 1939
each listed baits in the ad copy, Made in Flint Water-Plane baits
as well as a full page of the Water- turned up?
Plane baits featured in the Flint NEXT MONTH the Go-Ite
catalog. Why have none of these Tackle Company after WWII.n
TERRY McBURNEY
FISHING TACKLE EXPERT
OFFERS FREE APPRAISALS
Terry McBurney will be at the Woods-N-Water News Out-
door Weekend held at the Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds
in Imlay City, September 8-10. He will be displaying some
of his Made in Michigan collection of old fishing tackle,
talking to readers, as well as offering free appraisals.
Bring in your old fishing tackle - reels, rods, lures and ac-
cessories to see if there is a treasure hidden away in your
old tackle box. For more info. www.outdoorweekend.net
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 101
Bring on September!
M
ost kayak anglers
in Michigan,
perhaps South-
ern Michigan in
particular, love
September. Es-
pecially after Labor Day
has come and gone, and
fewer vehicles with those
front license plates that
say Land of Lincoln are
around. Fewer of those
means fewer boats on the
lakes, especially boats
that waste the water sur-
By Dave Mull
face by pulling wake
boarders. We see way
fewer of those infernal
personal water crafts, too.
Its the start of the best time to
be in Michiganwhen fewer folks
are on the water, and those who are,
are not doing anything annoying.
Theyre fishing.
And a big plus: The fishing just
keeps getting better as late summer
turns to fall.
If youre a kayak bass angler
plying inland lakes, a big key to
3415 South Portage
Jackson, MI 49201
(517) 740-6833
WWW.JACKSONGAMEBIRDS.COM
Lund Catch of the Year
Save up to $1,500 on
2017 and 2018 models!
102 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
success is finding weedsand some
might be regenerating by now after
all those lake associations spread
herbicide on them at the beginning
of summer. Gosh, its just a horrible
to think that a wakeboarder might
get a strand of cabbage
or coontail wrapped
around an ankle.
Picking a lake apart
in September can be
done with an easy, pro-
gressive approach, from
shallow to deep. Since
were talking kayak
fishing and not being
able to pack along 28
different rods, lets
look at a five-rod approach. You can
do this with just a couple of rods if
you want to cut off one lure and tie
on another. September is a great time to star t shallow and work deeper with (from
If you happen to fish for bass top) a tube to skip under piers, a Finesse T.R.D. to probe inside weed
lines, a Zoom Super Fluke Jr. to swim over the tops of weeds, a 6 XD
on a lake that has undergone weed crankbait for the deep side of weed lines or a Hula StickZ or Bitsy Bug Jig
elimination, remember that Sep- to plummet past suspended bass on the drop-off. Author photos
tember is basically still summer
and you still can find plenty of bass toon, it doesnt make as much noise can stand and skip a big jig, you
up around and under docks. Heck, as lead-head jig would. Sometimes will be better off if you sit and skip.
thats true in the lakes where the that lead-on-aluminum clang can Not only do you save time by not
lake associations havent dumped bring the cottage owner running standing and sitting at every dock,
herbicide, too. Bass enjoy shallow through his yard just hollering. but youre also way less likely to
cover and docks provide it, even as Another really good skipping capsize, which is even more embar-
the water cools. lure that not too many folks use rassing than having a pontoon owner
Skipping stuff up underneath is one of those tourist worms, yell at you.
those docks is key to success, and the kind with two or three hooks The other great place to find
kayakers are probably better off molded right into the plastic. These bass in September is around weeds.
going old-school for skipping. Use things skip amazingly well and bass It seems like most anglers concen-
a spinning rod and a light lure that usually cant resist them when they trate on the outside, deeper edge
you can whip hard to get it back sink slowly towards bottom. They of weed beds, but if you can see a
pronounced edge in shallow wa-
under those docks. Gitzit-style make little noise when you hit a
tube baits are great, with a 1/8- or pontoon, too. ter where the weeds start, explore
1/4-ounce head up inside the plastic. Incidentally, I say light lures the shallows, first. Work a favorite
These are good for a couple of are old-school because the bass- lure down that inside edge. Some
reasons. First, they dont have a lot boat minions have started skipping guys will hit this with a square-bill
of stuff hanging down to catch the bigger, 1/2-ounce rubber-skirt jig crankbait. Personally, I like tossing
water, and therefore skip efficiently. on baitcasting tackle. Skipping with a 1/16-ounce head and a 2 3/4-inch
Second, the tube covers the lead heavier line and a levelwind reel T.R.D. worm from Z-ManI just
head, which means when you ac- is, of course, more manly, but you have high confidence that if fish are
cidentally launch it point blank into need to be standing to do it well, there, theyll grab that little lure.
the back of a hollow aluminum pon- and, although many kayak anglers Next, if you wear out the inside
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of the weeds, toss a swimbait or
other lure you like right over the
tops of the weeds. Some anglers
opt for a Texas-rigged Senko or
ZinkerZstraight, 5-inch worms.
Ive had good success the last
couple of seasons with a Zoom Su-
per Fluke Junior. I bite the nose off
of it so it has a baitfish profile with
the 1/10-ounce ShroomZ mushroom
head that matches well for fishing
just under the surface. Its another
lure that bass usually dont hesitate
to eat.
Many anglers find that the
outside of the weeds is usually the
most productive area in late summer
and fall. Gamefish hang there hunt-
ing bluegills and other small prey.
The outside edge is a good piece
of structure to attack with a crank-
bait. If possible, I like to position
my kayak parallel to the edge on a
weedline where the wind is at my
back and drop anchor, running the
trolley to the stern of the boat so Im
pointed downwind and right on the
edge of the weeds. This lets me cast
with the wind, which means lon- Dustin Murguia poses with one of many chunky largemouths that hit his Bitsy Bug Jig as it sank near a drop-off.
ger casts and covering more water. on a bunch of bass in late July on Hula StickZ on a 1/6-ounce jig- caught about 25 fish in the
Lots of different crankbaits work. a lake in Southwest Michigan, headheavier than the 1/16-ounce three hours before dark. Most
I like something that gets some finding them out from the edges. heads I throw 90 percent of the time. of them were in the 12-inch
depth, such as a Strike King 6XD. This lake is super clear with well- Dustins offering sank moderately range, but we caught three or
By anchoring, I can make multiple defined, steep breaks and a couple fast and mine pretty much plum- four apiece that were 17 to
casts and really pick that weed edge of underwater points. The bass were meted. Most bites came from bass 18 inches long.
apartyoull catch more fish if you mostly in 14 to 16 feet of water, and apparently playing centerfieldwe Thats good fishing anywhere,
occasionally tangle with weeds. To they chowed on the two baits we had to watch for twitches in the line and you kayak anglers need to
move farther down the weed line, dropped through them. Dustin threw signifying a bass grabbed it on the get out there this month and par-
I just crank the Anchor Wizard, a 3/16-ounce Strike King Bitsy Bug initial drop. take. Start shallow and move deep
pull up the anchor and let the wind Jig with a 3-inch, double-tail trailer We didnt keep a super-accurate until you find the fish. Let the fun
stealthily push me down the struc- on it. I had success with a 4-inch count, but we figured that we each begin.n
ture and drop anchor again.
Sometimes youll find the fish
out a little ways from the weeds and
one of the best techniques is drop-
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 103
BOWHUNTERS
Make every tree
your tree
By John Lyszczyk

D
awn breaks and the
November morning
temperature is brisk.
I can see my breath,
the leaves are frosted
and there is seeming-
ly no wind. All the ingredients for a
perfect morning in the deer woods
in the middle of the rut. I have a lot
of time invested in this spot. I put
in plenty of sweat equity between
scouting, tree selection and actually
hanging the stand.
This is my first time in since
the summer. My wandering minds
trance is broken by a snapping twig,
and I become fixated on the direc-
tion of where the noise came from.
Antlers. This buck left my life just
as fast as he came into it. I frantical-
ly panned the area with my binocu-
lars looking for him, but nothing.
Approximately 30 minutes later
I had some does move through
the same spot where the buck was
earlier. They were there and gone in
a matter of seconds. The rut activity
played to my favor as not ten min-
utes had passed and that same buck
came back following the path of the
does. I bleated out of desperation,
but he kept moving and didnt even
look at me once.
Both times the buck moved
through that area only 30 yards out
of my comfortable shooting range.
His second appearance was almost
as short as his first, and he was out
of my life for good.
I was ecstatic that I experienced
the deer movement that I had that
morning. I never got an opportunity
at that buck, but after thinking about
it I drew some conclusions. I try to
analyze every hunt I go on, espe-
cially when I see deer, and I start
running scenarios in my head. What
if I moved? I had a brief ten minutes
The author, John Lyszczyk with one of his bow trophies.
to get in position- what would have
happened if I got down and moved
my stand within striking distance of
where those does walked? What if I
tried that and busted the deer out of
the area? Its a risk, but I could only
think...what if?
This experience taught me a
lesson and gave me the opportunity
to think outside the box. I shouldnt
have to feel stuck. In a situation
like that, I want the freedom to be
mobile. And then I started thinking
about other situations where mobil-
ity could put me in the position for
a shot opportunity. I would want to
be able to hang and hunt if I discov-
ered fresh sign during the rut. What
if I wanted to hunt out of state, but
I only had a short period of time to
hunt? I dont have the time to hang
stands. I just need to get in a flip-
ping tree. Okay, what if I could hunt
any tree I wanted and get up there
with ease? How can I make this a
seamless process?
I have experimented with two
different mobile hunting systems.
Certainly neither are new to the
world of hunting, but some of the
research I have done on mobile
hunting made me think differently

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about the way I hunt. And I think
you will benefit from what I have
learned. My discovery of Dan
Infalts mobile hunting style had me
intrigued from the beginning, and
some of my research was done on
his website www.thehuntingbeast.
com.
I practiced extensively with
both systems. I will say this style of
hunting is not for everyone, but if
you are okay with working harder
to make things happen then this
style maybe a good fit for you. I
advise taking extreme safety precau-
tions and invest in quality equip-
ment. Being mobile can mean less
equipment, but the equipment that
you end up using must be safe and
reliable. With that aside, the over-
arching idea behind mobile hunting
systems is to make it much easier to
hunt anywhere at any time.
Style #1:
The Hang-On System
The hang-on system is already
a popular choice for mobile hunt-
ers. There are several types of
lightweight hang-on tree stands on
the market. Lone Wolf makes the
Alpha II hanger that weighs in at 14
lbs. Most recently, Xtreme Outdoor
Products (XOP) came out with the
Vanish XT that weighs only 11lbs.
Utilizing one of these hangers
with some Lone Wolf sticks and the
Alpha Tech Stick Quiver you have
a compact lightweight system. You
can purchase the Lone Wolf back-
pack straps, but I prefer something
more comfortable. Lone Wolf and
GamePlan Gear both had a tree
stand transportation system, but they
have been discontinued. You may
be able to find them on the second-
ary market, however I recommend
you search for the A.L.I.C.E. frame
pack.
A.L.I.C.E. stands for All-
Purpose Lightweight Individual
Carrying Equipment. This is some
military grade gear at a fair price!
The back pack has straps that allows
you to securely fasten your hanger
to your back. The back pack balanc-
es the weight of the tree stand and
makes it easy to carry. To further
justify your purchase, you can use
the ALICE frame pack system on a
future back country bowhunting or
camping trip. This investment will
earn its money back not just through
making your deer hunting better,
but also having the equipment to go
on other adventures you may have
planned. Listed below are the major
pros and cons of using a hang on
system:
Pros
The traditional hanger tree
stand, such as the Lone Wolf, pro-
vides peace of mind and stability in
regards to safety.
The platform allows you to
mount your bow within arms reach
and permits you to stand on an even
surface to shoot.
The entire system (steps in-
cluded) can be packed together for
easy transportation.
Cons
System is mostly made of
metal. Without noise dampening
material wrapped around the stand
or climbing sticks it can be difficult
to move through thick brush quietly.
In comparison to the hunter Hang-on tree stand system is a popular choice for mobile hunters.
saddle, it is the slower of the two
when it comes to climbing and stepped out from under the willow it is a top contender for the ultimate
setup. tree I had observed deer browsing run-and-gun setup. In my opinion,
Although the hang-on system under just a few evenings ago. The the best saddle available on the
is lighter than other tree stand op- buck slowly made his way towards market is the Aero Hunter Evolution
tions, it is heavier in comparison to the cornfield facing broadside as he system. This package includes the
the saddle system. walked. I drew my bow and ex- Aero Saddle, a linemans belt, two
My most notable run-and-gun ecuted the shot. He died in a creek locking carabiners and tree strap.
harvest was with a hang-on system bed within one hundred yards of my The system is nearly ready to go out
back in the fall of 2011. I had gained stand. I attribute my success to my of the bag and requires minimal ad-
hang-on system that permitted me to justments to be field ready. It weighs
permission to hunt a cattle farm
hunt where I needed to be. Without under five pounds! This makes my
in southern Michigan, but I had to
share this farm with other hunters, the ability to move and adjust on the shoulders and back feel better just
fly, I know I wouldnt have had the
which made hunting this property thinking about that.
very challenging. In fact, I struggled opportunity to harvest that buck. The tree strap, which is a 9mm
with wandering bowhunters that Style #2: rope that wraps around the tree and
unknowingly sabotaged my hunts Saddle Hunting connects to the saddle, comes in 6
during the first couple evenings of Saddle hunting is the less popu-
the archery opener. lar mobile hunting system; however Every tree page 106
With this type of pressure, I felt
MI Prairie
the need to adjust so I focused my
efforts on relocating to a different
part of the farm. This is where using
Dog Hunt
a hang-on mobile system helped me
the most. I could make nearly any
tree on that farm my killing tree.
On October 3 I hung my hanger in
a tree on the north side of a swamp This is the most unique action shooting
where I felt I could observe the range in the state. It is a simulated prairie
areas deer movement more effec- dog hunt.
tively than my previous locations. The range consist of ten pop-up targets which appear for approximately
That evening I noticed several fifteen seconds before disappearing back into the ground. There is also a run-
deer browsing on the south end of
ner which travels across the range every five minutes adding a little more of
the swamp near a willow tree. Con-
necting the south end of the swamp challenge to the hunt.
and a nearby cornfield was a small The range is set up for Rimfire Rifles (all .17 and .22 calibers). The shoot-
funnel of woods. This small funnel ing distance is approximately 140 yards which creates a fun challenge for the
sparked my interest as I assumed the shooter. We also have a new 25 yard, .22 caliber handgun shoot. Shooting
deer were using this to move from tables and shooting bags are furnished. Two to four shooters per one hour hunt
bed (swamp) to food (cornfield). (two shooters for the handgun hunt). Both ranges are Handicap accessible.
My plan was to setup just inside the
funnel in attempt to intercept any
deer that were going to leave their
bed early to feed in the cornfield.
However, this location called for a
rare east wind for me to safely hunt
it without the risk of being winded.
The subsequent days wind direction
was not allowing me to hunt until Targets fall when they are hit
October 9 and that evening the Lord
blessed me with a favorable north- For more information and to schedule a hunt
east wind.
Call 616-755-1473 or 616-527-1355
With my hanger strapped to my
back I made my way into the funnel Located at 3200 Welch Rd, Ionia, MI
and found a solid tree to climb. I Email: miprairiedoghunt@gmail.com
was very early on my first time into
this area and I had the feeling some- Check out our website: www.miprairiedoghunt.com
thing good was going to happen on Find us on Facebook: MI Prairie Dog Hunt
this hunt. My hopes had developed
when a large bodied 11-point buck Featured on Michigan Out of Doors TV, Episode 1627 (June 30, 2016)
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 105
Every tree
from page 105
foot or 12 foot lengths. I recom-
mend paying extra for the longer
rope to ensure you can wrap it
around larger trees. All the compo-
nents combined provide a weight
capacity rating over 1,100 lbs. and
the system is designed to prevent the
user from falling out. It is important
to note that you will need to spend
time making sure you have all the
aforementioned components with
you once you are climbing. If you
are missing any components or ne-
glect to tie yourself in properly you
run the risk of having an accident.
This system is great simply based
on the fact that it is assembled with
very little metal parts, which makes
it easier for you to move quietly
through the woods. Listed below are
the major pros and cons of using a
saddle system:
Pros
Quiet, lightweight (5 lbs.) and
easy to transport
Allows for simplified 360
degree shooting
Hunt in any size tree with a
lean of 15 degrees or lower
Cons
Takes time and practice to get
comfortable shooting
Climbing, setting up and hang-
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106 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
ing takes some getting used to and
may be uncomfortable at first.
More expensive than other
mobile systems available.
Whether you are using the hang-
on system or the saddle system, the
overall strategy is the same. Hunting
over fresh sign wherever you find
it becomes much easier. Locating,
setting up and hunting new locations
will increase your number of first-
time-in sits. It has been acclaimed
by many experts such as Stan Potts,
Andrae DAcquisto and Adam Hays
that the first hunt in an area is going
to have the highest percentage of
success.
The more an area is hunted the
probability of success decreases.
As many of us know, mature bucks
have an uncanny sense of smell.
They do not tolerate any disturbance
in their environment. With that said,
to catch a mature buck off guard
one must use the element of sur-
prise. In theory, having the ability
to hunt new areas more frequently
will boost your odds of harvesting a
mature buck.
Additionally, accessing lower
pressured areas of public or private
land is much easier when using a
lightweight mobile system. There
is a reason why experts preach on
The saddle system is best in accessing hard to get to hunting areas.
hunting deep, especially on public rolling hills or mountainous terrain,
ground. Getting away from the pres- I highly recommend using a saddle.
sure is a crucial step, and it takes a
special, lightweight mobile hunting Conclusion
system to execute this tactic. One Being a user of both systems, I
may setup a tree stand and leave it have found that each one has its own
out for future hunts, but you run the time and place. For instance, I will
risk of having the stand stolen or use the saddle system in spots that
your hunting spot being discovered are hard to get to or in areas where
by another hunter. I do not know the deer movement
Moreover, the saddle system is very well. In areas that I am familiar
best applied in accessing deep pub- with and have the deer patterned
lic land areas. Simply put, the saddle pretty well I will use a hang-on sys-
system is much lighter and easier tem. It is really user preference, but
to handle. I have found that I am with either system you are permit-
saving a lot of energy and reducing ting yourself to be more adaptable to
the amount of sweat when enduring any hunting situation.
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The right attitude for dog training
By Len Jenkins
I
f you want to train your dog
successfully, you will have to
approach your task with the
right attitude. In fact, a prerequisite
to accomplishment in any endeavor
is a constructive attitude in which
you systematically work toward
your goal. Without a constructive
attitude, youre doomed to failure.
Any person with reasonably
good judgement can train a bird dog.
However, if you arent motivated
by the desire to own a classy, well-
trained gun dog, your effort might
be in vain. If you want success,
youll have it, provided you think
positively, have faith in your dog,
and maintain confidence in yourself.
Positive thinking will serve you
well. Anything is possible if enough
effort and planning go into it. Dog
training is no exception. There is no
place in the process for doubt, anger,
or defeatism. These are negative
forces which will sap your energy
and motivation and lead to dismal
failure. Although slow progress can
lead to doubt and disappointment,
dont dwell on negative factors.
Instead, proceed with your mission
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by always being patient with your
dog by rewarding and recognizing
improvement.
Have faith in your dog. Hell
learn if you think he will. If you
expect him to be a finished gun dog,
thats what he will be. If you think
hes a loser, hell be that. You get
what you expect. If you expect a lot
from him and preserve your faith
in his ability to master the various
tasks you are teaching him, he will
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own. Having faith in your dog will
build his confidence. This will lead
to an improvement in his animation
and enthusiasm, bringing you much
personal satisfaction in the field.
While having faith in your dog
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can analyze a task and then devise
a strategy for its execution, you can
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lyze what needs to done and devise faith in both yourself and your
the right strategy for accomplishing dog, you will have the kind of
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 Dirt hole set-ticket
to canine success
20 years laterBy John S. Chagnon
I
first wrote an article
20 years ago with this
title. The dirt hole set still
remains my favorite and
most productive set when
trapping any land furbearing
animal. In fact, besides mentioning
some new variations that have worked
well for me over the years, I cannot
stress enough the fact that no set, no
lure, no trap will catch fox or coyote
if you have not located the fox, coyote
or whatever furbearing animal you are
targeting.
The dirt hole set has probably
caught more fox and coyote than all
other sets combined. A properly made
dirt hole set can catch every canine
that passes, but the secret is learning
how to make a good one. Hopefully
you have read the previous three
articles I have wrote in WoodsN
Water News on preparing for trapping
season and how to properly dye and
wax your traps. I would also highly
recommend reading the information
on Herb Lenons Methods on How
to Trap Fox and Coyote Trapping
Visit our booth
at the 31st Annual
Outdoor Weekend!
108 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Information on www.LenonLures.
com. Asa Lenon clearly summarized
the five best trapping information
pages ever comprised based on his
fathers methods. The article covers
cleanliness, trap care, natural looking
set, being very careful, location, wind
direction, visibility and eye appeal,
proper lures and much more that will
make every trapper a better trapper.
The first step is to put your set
location in an area inhabited by fox
or coyote. In wooded areas, look
for your set location near trails that
cross. In farm country, locate where
fence rows meet, near rock piles and
old farms. Anywhere mice and other
rodents are abundant or an open area
nearby will work also. The set loca-
tion should be in an area thats open
at least 20 or 30 yards in all directions
and relatively flat. Gray fox dont
mind sets in thickets, but red fox and
coyote are too suspicious if the set is
not in the open. For example, a trail
through the hardwoods is as open as
a hay field when it comes to trapping
fox and coyote.
Fox and coyote season usually starts
October 15 in Michigan every year,
please check the current regulations. I
usually start most of my canine trap-
ping in November after a few heavy
frosts, they seem to travel more then
and begin to prime up.
Clean equipment is a necessity.
At a very minimum, clean traps and
equipment free of factory oil, rust and
dirt. Preferably, dye and wax your
traps and understand its best to get
your traps out before the deep freezes
and heavy snows. But still reserve
some time for the challenge of trap-
ping a few canines in the snow.
Have two pairs of gloves with you
in case one gets contaminated. Wear
rubber boots as they do not hold odors
and can be rinsed off. Keep baits and
lures away from traps and tools, either
in a coat pocket or strapped to your
pack basket.
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1. Ruger American bolt action stainless ranch
w/magnaport brake & Leupold CDS scope 450 bushmaster
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4. Winchester Super X Camo 3 1/2 12 ga.
5. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
6. Savage stainless camo w/scope 223
7. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
8. Remington 870 Express 28 vent rib 12 ga.
9. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga.
10. Mossberg 500 turkey thug vent rib 12 ga.
11. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
12. Henry Golden boy lever action 22
13. H & R ultra slugger fully rifled slug 12 ga.
14. Honda EU1000 Generator
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31. Remington 870 cantilever slug gun 20 ga.
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33. H & R Pardner pump walnut vent rib 20 ga.
34. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
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47. Mossberg 7 shot home defense shotgun 12 ga.
48. Ruger 10/22 semi auto 22
49. Savage Trophy bolt action 308
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It is important to note I suggest you
set three sets in close proximity
while trapping canines say, 20 feet
apart. Canines often travel in groups
and there is no better time to catch a
second fox or coyote than when you
have a live decoy in one of your sets.
Also skunk and opossum find a way
to get into our canine sets so having
a couple extra working traps when
you catch incidentals is a good thing.
To reduce the amount of incidental
catches I usually use no bait and a
good lure. My favorite is Lenons Fox
Super Range All Call when my target
are coyotes; however, from years of
experience using and now making
Lenon Lures I assure you either lure
will make any fox or coyote commit
to that final step.
The following dirt hole set
described is targeted for fox and
coyote, but it can and will catch rac-
ODDS 1 IN 33!
51. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 102. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
52. Walther semi auto pistol 9mm 103. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga.
53. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 104. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
54. Weatherby PA-08 hi gloss walnut 20 ga. 105. Ruger 10/22 semi auto 22
55. CVA stainless camo 50 cal 106. Ruger American semi auto pistol 9mm
56. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 107. Mossberg Patriot bolt action walnut 270
57. Winchester Super X field walnut pump 12 ga. 108. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
58. Remington semi auto mod 597 22 109. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
59. Mossberg Patriot bolt action walnut 7 Mag 110. Savage home defense pump shotgun 12 ga.
60. Savage stainless camo w/scope 223 111. Ruger American bolt action 30-06
61. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 112. Smith & Wesson stainless semi auto 9mm
62. Taurus 709 semi auto pistol 9mm 113. Savage 93 bolt action 22 MAG
63. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 114. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
64. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga. 115. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
65. Savage home defense pump shotgun 20 ga. 116. CVA stainless camo muzzleloader 50 cal
66. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 117. Ruger American semi auto pistol 45
67. Winchester Super X field walnut pump 12 ga. 118. Savage bolt action tactical tan 243
68. Savage bolt action tactical tan 308 119. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
69. Henry lever action walnut 22 120. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga.
70. Mossberg 7 shot home defense shotgun 12 ga. 121. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
71. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 122. Honda EU1000 Generator
72. Smith & Wesson stainless semi auto 9mm 123. Remington semi auto R-51 pistol 9mm
73. Ruger American bolt action 223 124. Mossberg 7 shot home defense shotgun 12 ga.
74. Weatherby Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga. 125. Ruger American bolt action 30-06
75. Savage 93 bolt action 17 HMR 126. Henry lever action walnut 22
76. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 127. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
77. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga, 128. Henry lever action walnut 22
78. H&R Pardner pump walnut vent rib 12 ga. 129. Smith & Wesson bodygard semi auto 380
79. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 130. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
80. Taurus Judge revolver 45/410 131.Ruger American semi auto pistol 9mm
81. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 132. Browning semi auto Buck Mark 22
82. Browning semi auto Buck Mark 22 133. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
83. Bushmaster AR-15 semi auto 223 134. CVA single shot rifle 44 mag
84. Ruger American semi auto pistol 45 135. Ruger American bolt action 30-06
85. Savage 220 bolt action slug gun camo 20 ga. 136. Tri Star over under Setter vent rib 12 ga.
86. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 137. Winchester Super X field walnut pump 12 ga.
87. H & R Pardner pump walnut vent rib 12 ga. 138. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
88. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga. 139. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
89. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 140. Smith & Wesson stainless semi auto 9mm
90. Savage bolt action tactical tan 223 141. Savage stainless camo w/scope 223
91. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 142. Ruger LCP semi atuo pocket pistol 380
92. Mossberg 7 shot home defense shotgun 12 ga. 143. Tri Star Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 12 ga.
93. Ruger LCP semi auto pocket pistol 380 144. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster
94. CVA fully rifled slug gun 20 ga. 145. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg
95. Remington 870 pump vent rib 20 ga. 146. Henry Golden boy lever action 22
96. Ruger American bolt action 450 bushmaster 147. Weatherby PA-08 hi gloss walnut 20 ga.
97. Tri Star over under Setter vent rib 410 148. Ruger American bolt action 30-06
98. STIHL 12 Saw w/battery/chg 149. Weatherby Hi-gloss semi auto vent rib 20 ga.
99. Ruger American bolt action 30-06 150. Ruger American bolt action stainless ranch w/ mag-
100. Mossberg 500 vent rib pump 12 ga. naport brake & Leupold CDS scope 450 bushmaster
101. Henry Golden boy lever action 22
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coon, skunk, opossum, bobcat, etc.
If coyote are your target use larger
traps with coyote scent. Place the
trap several inches from the dirt hole.
Under normal conditions the 1-1/2
coil spring trap works fine; however,
in Michigan during fox season, we
have plenty of rain, freezing weather
and snow, so I use a lot of 1-3/4 and 2
coil spring traps. The larger traps have
the strength needed to push through
ground under adverse conditions.
Set your trap before moving to the
set location and take large steps so the
area is disturbed as little as possible.
Place a 3 x 3 piece of canvas or
tarp to one side and your pack basket
on the other. Using your trowel, cut
out your trap bed approximately one
inch larger than your trap. Place the
sod and dirt removed on the canvas.
Dig the trap bed approximately 4 or
5 inches deep. Dig a hole one inch in
front of the trap bed, 3 to 6 inches in
diameter approximately 8 to 10 inches
deep at a 45 degree angle. I vary the
size of the dirt hole I make from a
mouse size to gopher sized hole. I
prefer a larger hole but if ground is
hard or rocky and hard to dig I dont
fight it, I just make a smaller hole.
Youre making a natural set no matter
what size your dirt hole is and canines
will want to investigate.
Decide if you want to use a stake
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or drag to fasten the trap. It is very
important to make sure you are using
a staking or drag system that will hold
any coyote that you might catch. It is
not a good feeling to visit a set loca-
tion and find an empty circle with no
trap or coyote. For stakes, use re-rod
between 15 and 24 inches depending
on the soil with a short 6 inch chain to
the trap. With the increase in coyotes
in Michigan it is highly recommend
using a double stake swivel and
two rebar stakes when using rebar
stakes.
Today cable trap stakes are a
choice of many, and I prefer AuSable
Brand Trap Cable Anchor Stakes.
They are extremely affordable, light-
weight and do the job of holding the
biggest meanest coyote. Basically
which ever stake system you are using
make sure you cannot pull it out of
the ground. If you can pull it out of
ground so will Mr. Coyote, so use a
drag under those circumstances. If
you use a drag make sure to have 4 to
6 feet of chain, plus dig your trap bed
deeper to accommodate the drag in
the bed. Sift one inch of dirt over the
stake or drag. Push the trap firmly into
the sifted dirt and pack sifted dirt all
around the jaws and springs. Having
the trap firmly bedded is one of the
most important steps to a good dirt
hole set. It will be less likely to tip or
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spring when the animal steps on the
outer area of the trap bed. The trap
should spring only when the fox or
coyote steps on the trap pan.
Place a trap cover over the trap-
either a wax paper or fiberglass pan
cover- and sift inch of dirt over the
entire trap and trap bed area. Be care-
ful to make sure there are no small
rocks or other debris that could get
stuck in the trap jaws when the trap
springs. The covering over your trap
should be flush to slightly elevated
compared to the surrounding ground.
During freezing temperatures use
trap antifreeze, dry peat moss or wax
proofed dirt.
The final step is placing the lure,
bait and urine. I perform this step
last so as not to get any odors on the
trap or bedding material which would
cause the canine to dig and scratch
at the trap resulting in a sprung and
empty trap.
A good gland lure is a must. Put
several drops on some fur or piece of
sheep wool and deposit in the bottom
of the hole. Place a natural backing
about 4 to 6 inches high behind the
dirt hole and spray urine over back-
ing. Use anything from the natural
surroundings, such as a piece of wood
or rock. If you use bait try to use
something slightly tainted, as rotten
bait seems to attract more possum and
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skunks.
Your set is ready and only needs
to have lure added weekly or after
rains. Try making several sets in one
location, especially if a lot of sign is
present. When you catch a canine, be
sure to remake the set even if the area
is all torn up. Just use a different clean
trap and bedding material. As soon
as the weather starts freezing, mix
trap anti-freeze with your dirt or use
dry dirt that you saved during the dry
summer months.
The last several winters have
been pretty mild, which has provided
us with some excellent weather for
canine trapping. Be patient if your
line gets covered with snow, because
having sets out during a thaw is one
of the most productive times and
could result in your best catch of the
season.
The 2017 Northern Great Lakes
Fur Harvesters Annual Trappers
Convention will be September 22
23rd, at Kinross Chippewa Country
Fairgrounds. Its my favorite trapping
show of the year with great demos
and trappers supply companies that
attend every year.
I welcome you to visit my web-
sites at PcsOutdoors.com and Lenon-
Lures.com. I always welcome calls
from fellow trappers (989) 569-3480
ext. 225.n
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 109

Want squirrels?
FIND ACORNS
B
roken nuts scattered
under the oak tree was
a signal that squirrels
were working the area
and I hun-
kered near
the tree trunk and remained
motionless. From the
heavens a big acorn hit the
ground near my feet as the
mature white oak slowly
shed its fruit. I looked
across the forest floor and
By Kenny Darwin
noticed hundreds
of them along
with deer drop-
pings, turkey feathers and squirrel
sign. When another acorn made a
solid thud at my feet I looked up to
see a fat fox squirrel looking straight
down at me. I centered the crosshair
on his head and the .22 rifle brought
him down. When I picked up my
prize I noticed the solid bed of white
acorns on the ground which is the
secret to squirrel hunting success.
In most of Michigan it goes without
saying you can up your odds for
squirrel if you spend time hunting
around oak heavy with acorns.
Michigan is blessed with boom-
ing populations of squirrel. Most
hunters seek fox squirrel but there
are fast growing numbers of black
and gray in every county throughout
the state. You can bet that plenty
of Michigan hunters spend open-
ing day September 15 looking for
bushytails. September and early Oc-
tober provide an opportunity to get
outdoors while the weather is warm
and there is plenty of cover. Squir-
rels offer a unique natural resource
110 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
that gives Michigan hunters a reason
to go hunting and enjoy the great
outdoors with family and friends.
The dense leaves can make spotting
ol bushytail a challenge,
but squirrel are very active
during early season. The
leaves also serve to conceal
your approach and make it
difficult for critters to spot
you.
Perhaps the biggest
advantage of hunting the
early season is
the acorns are
falling like rain.
Some hunters think they fall from
trees in late fall but actually the big
white oaks shed their mast crop in
late August and throughout Sep-
tember. Wise squirrel hunters know
that falling acorns will draw squirrel
from near and far. When the food is
falling the squirrels go on a feed-
ing spree and they are extra busy
gathering acorns, burying some and
storing plenty in tree limb forks,
sanctuary tree holes and lofty nests.
My point is if you want extraor-
dinary hunting look for squirrels
where acorns are plentiful.
Michigan has had some crazy
weather this year and 2017 has seen
massive rainfall that has helped oak
trees to remain healthy and produce
large acorns. In some locations there
will be a bumper crop while other
parts of the Wolverine state will
see very few acorns. Some of my
prime trees in mid-Michigan are
loaded with acorns and the hunt-
ing will be exciting. One is on the
edge of a corn field and I will be
able to approach the tree by walk-
ing slowly in the tall standing corn
which provides concealment and
the soft earth hides my footsteps.
Once I reach the oak honey hole Ill
slow my pace, scan the huge white
oak from top to bottom and prob-
ably catch a fox squirrel off guard.
Once I harvest that first squirrel Ill
sit down on a fallen tree which has
upright branches to hide my human
outline and Ill wait. Sometimes
Accurate shots can be achieved if
you use a tree trunk as a gun rest.
Just place your hand against the
tree and rest the gun in a steady
position. Kenny Darwin photos
other targets appear in less than 15
minutes but as a rule it takes about
45 minutes for the woods to quiet
down after the shot.
Some savvy modern day hunt-
ers are using pellet guns for squirrel
hunting. Fast pellet speed guaran-
tees easy kills and the silence of an
air gun keeps critters coming that
would normally hide from the sound
of a conventional shotgun or rifle.
Plus some of the new pellet guns
come equipped with fancy scopes
that provide the brand of pinpoint
accuracy to place lethal shots on
squirrels. Most pellet shooters
prefer the .22 caliber because of its
increased knockdown power over
a .177. Although I must admit that
my .177 has taken bushels full of
squirrels for me over the years and
I love the silent killing power of an
air rifle. A pellet gun adds a new
dimension of sport to the fun of
hunting small game and they are the
perfect starter rifle for young kids
that are timid about the loud sound
of a conventional gun or dislike the
recoil. This old timer squirrel nut is
reaching for the pellet gun more of-
ten than his beloved .22 Ruger rifle.
Some squirrel hunters use tacti-
cal methods for hunting and they
wear Gillie suits. Others paint their
face and hands with face cream to
conceal their white skin. Most carry
accurate guns and practice one shot
kills by making head shots. Dont
overlook the killing power and im-
pressive accuracy of modern pellet
guns and the ammo is cheap.
While Michigan law requires
you wear some blaze orange while
small game hunting, it is a good
idea to wear as much camouflage as
possible to hide your human outline.
Smart hunters conceal their face
with camouflage netting or a face
mask and camo gloves, hat, pants;
even boots is a good idea. Camo
will break up your outline, hide your
movement and up your odds of see-
ing more game.
Begin by scouting for oak trees
that carry a good mast crop. The
hottest strategy going is to find an
oak ridge that has trees scattered for
a long distance. Once you locate the
trees with the most acorns you take
stand and after harvesting a squirrel
stalk the next acorn honey hole. The
trick is to have several hunting loca-
tions based on oak trees and acorn
abundance and you move from one
location to the next. This gives you
an increased opportunity to contact
Want squirrels page 112
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 111
Want squirrels:
from page 110
maximum number of squirrels.
Smart hunters stalk likely
acorn hot spots. The idea is to wear
camouflage and blend in with the
environment and sneak through
the forest. Savvy hunters move at a
snails pace and keep body move-
ment to a minimum as they stop fre-
quently to scan the trees for targets.
Squirrel hunting gives you a golden
opportunity to hone stalk hunting
skills that can be used hunting deer,
turkeys and other game. For this
style of hunting you become the
ultimate predator as you move like a
fox on the prowl and catch wildlife
off guard.
Once you spot a squirrel you
slide slowly next to a tree and you
use the trunk to hide your human
outline and support your gun. A reli-
able gun rest is the key to accurate
shooting. By resting the gun against
the tree you can keep the scope on
critters for extended periods of time
and eventually settle the cross hair
on target with ease. A small sapling
or fence post can also serve as a gun
rest.
The telltale movement of
branches and sound of rustling
leaves can indicate critters are danc-
ing in the trees. Gotta love it when
squirrels are chasing each other,
playing in the canopy high above
the ground and when they stop you
can have an excellent shot.
Small game hunting is the ideal
way to introduce youth to hunt-
ing. The weather is ideal, chances
of seeing another hunter is slim.
While your goal may be to take your
kids deer hunting, keep in mind the
weather is cold and kids need to
remain silent and not move. Squirrel
hunting can be a relaxing sport as
you sit by a tree and share the many
gifts of nature. Teach a kid how to
enjoy the outdoors, give him the
knowledge to spot game and he will
be a hunter for life. Teach them the
technique of slowly sliding through
the woods, carefully not breaking
sticks or branches, keeping body
movement to a minimum and how
to frequently stop, look and listen
and soon they will see lots of game
and be a hunter for life. Squirrels are
abundant in Michigan and hunting
them is an excellent training exer-
cise for youth. Plus you can share
hunting together, teach woodsman-
When oaks drop their acorns squirrels spend plenty of time on the
ground searching for nuts.
ship skills and how to field dress
wild game and share respect for
harvesting game. Most importantly
you convey the importance of hunt-
ing for table fare.
Spotting and stalking squirrels
requires woodsmanship skills and
taking stand and hiding requires
plenty of patience. One way to
make hunts more exciting is calling.
Some hunters use a distress call that
brings them running. Many more
make squirrel chatter that gets their
attention and brings them out of
hiding into view. A deadly strategy
is to sneak near oak trees and get the
attention of local animals with a few
calls. After you harvest a critter or
two, move to another acorn hot spot
and call again. Use this run and gun
calling tactic and you will soon fill
your game bag.
Squirrel slow cooked until it
falls off the bone is absolutely
delicious and gives you a reason
to go get more. Early season gives
you an opportunity to sharpen
hunting skills, practice shooting,
get outdoors and enjoy the many
gifts of nature with family and
friends. What about you? Are
you prepared to take advantage
of this golden opportunity to get
outdoors?n

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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 113
 AUTUMN
VISITORS By Jim Bedford
A
utumn is an exciting
time for Michigan
River anglers. Chi-
nook, coho and pink
salmon; brown, lake
and brook trout and
Atlantic salmon all spawn in the fall
and to varying degrees migrate up
Great Lakes tributaries to procreate.
Steelhead are spring spawning
fish but a proportion of these great
game fish run the rivers in the sum-
mer and fall. Thus the river angler
has a real smorgasbord of salmon
and trout to tempt with his offer-
ings in the fall. Often it is possible
to catch four or five species of these
fish in the same river at the same
time.
While Atlantic salmon and sum-
mer steelhead may begin their runs
in early summer, their river numbers
build to a peak in early fall. While
Atlantic salmon are currently mostly
limited to the St. Marys River, the
DNR has started to stock them in
other Lake Huron tributaries.
Summer steelhead are primarily
a Lake Michigan fish. The Skamania
strain has been the most successful
with Indiana supplying Michigan
with eggs in exchange for eggs from
our Little Manistee winter strain. A
fair number of these steelhead have
the unusual characteristic of wait-
ing four plus years after planting or
smolting to make their first run. Of
course not all of each year class of
Terri Bedford with Grand River coho
114 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
these fish wait that long but a much
higher percentage do compared to
our Great Lakes winter steelhead.
These fish start running in June
depending on the river temperatures
but the most dependable time to find
good numbers is in late summer and
early fall. While summer steelhead
are only stocked in the St. Joseph
River by Indiana and the Manistee
River by Michigan, they frequently
stray to other rivers.
Chinook salmon also begin their
spawning migration in late summer
with runs peaking in September. In
some northern rivers these fish will
run upstream in midsummer but
most of these fish wont spawn until
September or October.
These salmon have been ex-
tremely successful at reproducing
themselves and you would be hard
pressed to find a sizable stream
that doesnt host a run of these fish.
They may return as foot long, year
old jacks or trophy sized six year
olds. The majority make their only
spawning run at ages in between
these extremes. In recent years the
average size of the returning kings
has been decreasing in the upper
Great Lakes with a few exceptions.
Their numbers are also down but
fishing is often better in the rivers
when fish are not crowded in the
holes.
In early September it is best to
look for kings in the deep holes of
The author, Jim Bedford with a lake run brown.
the lower reaches of the tributary
rivers. As the month progresses
more and more fish will move to the
spawning gravel. By early October
spawning activity will peak and the
runs and holes near the gravel and
the spawning beds themselves will
be the place to concentrate your ef-
forts for our largest autumn migrant.
Pink salmon also reach their
peak river numbers in September.
None of these fish are stocked but
because of their short river residence
they have been very successful at
reproducing themselves. The largest
runs occur in Lake Superior and
northern Lake Huron tributaries in
odd years.
A number of years ago while
fishing the Little Calumet River in
Indiana my silver spinner was inter-
cepted by a smallish fish that bored
for the bottom. Right away I thought
I was into one of the resident brown
trout that reside in the upper reaches
of this stream.
After a minute or so I pres-
sured the fish to the surface and
scooped it up in my net. It was a
colored up male pink salmon with
the characteristic pronounced hump.
It weighed three and half pounds
which is a bit above the average for
these fish in northern waters.
Having now made it to the
southern tip of Lake Michigan, this
diminutive salmon has expanded its
range throughout the lake. Most of
these fish only live for two years so
their growing time is limited. The
two year life cycle explains why we
still have somewhat larger runs in
the odd years. Some of these salmon
do live for three years and thus as
time goes by the difference in the
magnitude of the runs between years
is lessening.
While many coho enter the riv-
ers in September, the main run usu-
ally arrives in October. Migrations
of this fish continue into November
and December. The coho tend to
remain in good shape in the river for
a longer time than its Pacific cous-
ins. Bright silver cohos have arrived
in Lansing after negotiating over a
hundred miles of river and finding
their way up half a dozen fish lad-
ders.
These salmon spend their first
year and a half in the river so they
have been much less successful than
the kings and pinks at natural repro-
duction. Like the pink salmon they
only spend a year and a half load-
ing up on forage fish but since they
get a head start from a much larger
smolting size the cohos average sev-
eral pounds larger. As you would
expect, the best coho action will be
in rivers that receive large plants.
Cohos are often aggressive on
their spawning migration and are
eager strikers of a wide variety of
lures. They are frequently found in
deep slow holes near good spawning
gravel.
While many brown trout attempt
to spawn in the lakes themselves
they do add to the river anglers bag.
They begin to run in mid-September
and most spawn in late October or
early November. They have a curi-
ous trait of remaining in the river
after spawning often staying until
the spring runoff begins.
Browns are easiest to catch be-
fore they begin spawning and during
Autumn Visitors page 116
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Autumn Visitors:
from page 114
the winter. I think they are the most
difficult of all our salmonids to ag-
gravate into striking when they are
on the redds.
Little is known about the success
or failure of the lake run browns at-
tempts at natural reproduction. The
best runs seem to occur where there
are large plants in river harbors.
Runs of brookies or coasters are
quite sporadic. The best runs occur
in Lake Superior and northern Lake
Michigan and Huron tributaries.
Often these fish spawn in small trout
stream tributaries which are closed
to fishing by the time the brookies
get there.
The vast majority of lake trout
spawn on rocky reefs in the Great
Lakes. Many large tributaries do
host runs of these fish and the lak-
ers seem to spawn before returning
to the lake. Michigans St. Joseph,
Grand and Manistee Rivers are the
best bets for anadromous lake trout
but in recent years their numbers
have been low.
Good numbers of our Great
Lakes steelhead join their summer
run cousins in October and Novem-
ber. Ample fall rains will increase
116 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
the proportion of these spring
spawners which add themselves to
the autumn anadromous bounty.
Since fall steelhead are still
many months from spawning they
are in prime shape and usually battle
spectacularly. Many anglers focus
on catching these fish and the other
species taken are bonuses. Runs
and holes in the lower parts of the
rivers are the best places to intercept
autumn steelies.
River run trout rarely actively
feed and the Pacific salmon are
actually physiologically incapable
of ingesting food. The notion that
steelhead and lake run browns fol-
low the salmon to gorge on their
eggs is not true, but these fish,
along with the other trout species,
remain opportunistic. They will pick
up food items that drift very close to
them but usually they do not swal-
low the food.
Spawn, wigglers, wax worms,
crawlers, and other natural baits
smell and taste right, so even though
they may not be swallowed the lake
run trout will hold on to them long
enough for you to get the hook set.
Very fresh run salmon will also pick
A close-up of a fall caught steelhead.
up bait, but to increase your chances brown, coho, chinook, and laker in
for all of the fall anadromous fish my home river, the Grand.
I suggest you use brightly colored Many times I have caught four
lures. Salmon will hit flashy lures of these fish on the same outing.
right up until their last days and The toughest is the brown trout and
fresh run kings, cohos, and hump- often when I catch one it is too early
ies are very aggressive in attacking or late for the lakers or I am fishing
lures. Fluorescent drift baits, silver a river that they dont run. Twice I
and gold spoons and spinners, and failed to make the circuit because I
minnow and high action plugs will couldnt catch a coho which isusu-
attract the attention of all the migrat- ally one of the easiest to catch. But,
ing salmonids. maybe this will be the season.
While almost every trip pro- Autumn is a special time for the
duces a mixed bag for me in the fall Great Lakes tributary angler. The
I am still trying to catch at least one rivers are full of exciting battlers
of each of the main species. This and you never know which one will
grand slam includes the steelhead, hammer your lure next.n
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Ducks Unlimited Michigan 80 Anniversary
By Dale Borske, Ducks Unlimited State Chairman
D
ucks Unlimited is
celebrating 80 years
as a nonprofit conser-
vation organization
operating here in
Michigan and across
North America. Michigan was one
of the first charters of the organiza-
tion, which was started during the
Great Dust Bowl by a small group
of sportsmen on a mission to save
North Americas waterfowl popu-
lations, and the continents strong
waterfowling traditions. Joseph
Knapp, DUs founder, got a group of
duck hunters together back in 1937
and they made a commitment to
conserve our nations wetlands and
waterfowl, and Ducks Unlimited
was born. Since its inception, DU
has evolved into the world leader
in wetlands conservation with a di-
verse membership and team of com-
mitted staff. DU consists of hunters
and other conservation-minded
folks both young and old, male and
female and from all walks of life.
DU has conserved over 14
million acres of wetlands in North
America to-date. To put that in per-
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spective that area is the size of both
Maryland and New Hampshire com-
bined! We have spent $4.5 billion
during that period on those projects
with money raised from fundraising
events, major donors, foundation
support, corporate partners, as well
as matching grants from federal and
state government. Here in Michigan,
DU has spent over $38 million on
wetlands projects and conserved
over 81,000 acres. National mem-
bership totals over 700,000 mem-
bers, with just over 29,000 members
from Michigan.
Early on, the organizations
focus was solely on the conservation
of habitat on North Americas breed-
ing grounds. DU began working on
domestic projects across the United
States in the 1980s, completing its
first project in Michigan in 1987 at
Tuttle Marsh in cooperation with
the U.S. Forest Service. The contin-
ued growth of the organization has
evolved into a massive conservation
machine, fueled by funds raised by
our volunteers and major donors
that are used by its professional
staff to leverage large federal and
gun blind
th
state grants to fund its mission. The
conservation program alone has
conserved an average of more than
2,500 acres of habitat each year over
the past 5 years, equating to an an-
nual investment of $2.9 million into
Michigans natural resources.
So many of our supporters are
now seeing projects in the areas
they hunt and live in. With the ef-
forts of DU and other like-minded
organizations, waterfowl are at peak
levels. Over 900 species of wildlife
benefit from these conservation ef-
forts.
DU is also proud of the fact that
we are able to leverage funds raised
from our donors and fundraising
James Ferrari and Sons, Inc. strives for customer satisfaction and the ideal customer experience. We are
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events at a ratio of 3:1 or better in
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So as we celebrate these accom-
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 117
 Wilderness Destination: Saskatchewan...By Jeff Pendergraff
Big Bears, Big Fish
I
took my first black bear
in Ontario, Canada in the
mid-1980s. Since then I
have taken four other black
bears, two of them in On-
tario and two in Manitoba.
I have hunted many other areas for
black bears including Alberta, New
Brunswick, Michigan and Saskatch-
ewan.
Ive been trying to harvest a
color phase black bear for over 12
years. Most people know that black
bears come in color phases; blond,
brown and cinnamon. I havent
heard of anyone ever taking a color
phase bear in Michigan, but that
doesnt mean someone hasnt. There
arent many in Ontario either, but on
a hunt in northwest Ontario a hunter
with our group took a cinnamon
colored.
The further west in Canada, the
higher percentage of color phase
bears. In Manitoba, the percentage
is higher than Saskatchewan and
Alberta.
118 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
I saw a big brown color phase boar
the last time I hunted in Saskatch-
ewan, but I was bow hunting and
he walked right through the bait site
without stopping. I believe he was
just looking for a sow to breed and
had no interest in eating. If it was a
firearm hunt I believe my quest to
harvest a color phase bear would
have been over that day!
My one trip to Manitoba I spent the
entire week sitting on a stand where
there were pictures of a brown phase
bear. He never showed up and I left
empty handed.
I decided to hunt bear in Dore
Lake, Saskatchewan, a spot that I
have hunted bears once before and
several times for whitetails. The
area hadnt been hunted for two
years because the lodge owner was
busy with fisherman. I checked with
a few hunting buddies if the third
week in May worked and they all
agreed.
The winter weather in Dore
The author, Jeff Pendergraff with his trophy spring black bear. Lake had been mild and gave me
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great hope on having an early spring
with a great bear hunt, along with
some good fishing. About 10 days
before the hunt Dore Lake received
two feet of wet, heavy snow. Many
of the soft trees in that area were
knocked over with heavy snow,
blocking the outfitters trails. Duane
spent 11 hours in just one day clear-
ing a 6-mile trail into a bait site.
Prior to our arrival it had rained for
three days. Melted snow and rain
left lots of standing water and cool
weather with temps in 40s and 50s.
Always be prepared for any kind of
weather, no matter what the forecast
is.
Dore Lake is 550 square miles
or the size of Crawford County
and located three hours northwest
of Saskatoon. It is well known for
its world class walleye and pike
fishing. Pike up to 25 pounds and
walleyes up to 12 pounds are not
uncommon. Fishing season opened
the day we arrived but we were
focused on getting our hunting gear
together and getting into our blinds.
Despite the unusually cool
weather we saw bears the first night.
I never thought wed see bears feed-
ing in 40 degree temps.
Though no one took a bear the
first night, we were all very excited
and ready to try fishing in the morn-
ing. The camp was full of fisherman
and we saw some very big pike
caught. After breakfast, we headed
to the boats and had a great morning
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of fishing.
The second evening Al Nutter
took a very nice bear with his bow.
It was Als first bear. Al was excited
about his bear and the thoughts of
fishing more!
The fishing picked up the third
day and we started catching big-
ger pike. Even though Dore Lake
is huge, we didnt have to go very
far to catch fish, they were catch-
ing some very big fish right off the
docks.
Hunting that evening was prov-
ing to be as good as the fishing was
with Ray Piper taking his first bear.
Rays first three nights of hunting he
had been entertained at his stand by
a young bear which he nicknamed
Limpy because of an injury to his
right rear leg. Limpy just hung out Al Nutter with a trophy walleye from Dore Lake.
at the bait all day. He also let Ray
know every time another bear was the work and spent the day fishing. warmer and we knew it was just
coming in as Limpy would climb a While I was catching some of the a matter of time before the bigger
tree. Limpy made the 5-hour sit go biggest pike I have ever seen in my boars would start looking for love
by fast after keeping Ray amused lifetime, I still wonder what may and would begin to move.
watching him come and go. Most have visited my stand that day. I was hunting with my Thomp-
likely with his injury and his youth Day five started with another son 50 Caliber Muzzle Loader. I
he didnt venture too far from the day of fishing. My guide went to would have preferred to have been
site. bait and check the cameras and
Ed Dobbs saw six different bears found a very big boar came into the Big bears, big fish page 120
at his stand. There was one that same stand that Ray had taken his
showed a lot of potential, but Ed bear. So, the decision was made, I
couldnt get a good shot at him and would be hunting at Limpys blind
let him pass. after fishing that morning. I went
After three days of not seeing out earlier that evening hoping that
any color phase bears or bigger this big boar or perhaps a nice color
bears and with fishing being on fire phase bear would show. As the week
I decided to let the trail cameras do progressed the weather was getting
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 119
Big bears, big fish:
from page 119
hunting with my bow, but I didnt
want a repeat of what happened to
me the last time and not get a shot.
My guide took me into the stand
by ORV. Its not uncommon for
bears to have already been on the
bait and when they hear the machine
coming in, they go a short distance
and return later after hearing the ma-
chine leave the area. I was looking
forward to meeting Limpy once I
got on stand, but never saw him. An
hour into my hunt I noticed some
pine needles falling from a tree not
far from the bait. I looked high up
into the top of this very tall pine tree
and it took a few minutes to notice
a flicker of a black ear about 50 feet
up this tree. It was Limpy. We must
have scared him up tree when we
came to the stand. After three hours
of looking very uncomfortable ly-
ing on a very small branch he came
down and started feeding. Minutes
later he was looking intensely in the
direction I had come in and quickly
Semi-guided Rifle and Muzzleloader Whitetail
hunts still available this fall on FREE RANGE
400-acre farm in northern Michigan.
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Labor Day and All Year Long
MENOMINEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
UPPER PENINSULA
Sandra, General Manager 313-410-2204
Perry, Outfitter 906-241-9653
www.whitetaildeerhuntinglodge.com
120 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
moved off in the opposite direction.
I began looking for another bear.
Unexpectedly, there he was
walking on the same trail we came
in on. Some of these bears may have
never seen a human before. But
this big guy was very cautious. He
stopped 60 yards out and just looked
at the bait site. After a few min-
utes, he turned and started walking
away. He then stopped and walked a
little closer and then stopped again.
Looking at the bait site, after a few
moments he turned and started
walking back the way he came.
Once again, he stopped and walked
toward the bait again, this time stop-
ping at about 40 yards. He started
to turn again and paused, I fired my
Thompson with a 225-grain bul-
let being pushed by 150 grains of
powder. It hit him hard, right in the
vitals.
Each time he stopped it gave me
time to study his size to determine
if he was big enough. It wasnt
The group caught several pike pushing 20 pounds.
difficult. He had a very large head, lodge for 20 years and fishing has
small ears and large girth all around never been better. He also said the
his body, signs of a mature bear. He fishing was just starting.
also had a near perfect, thick black This was truly wilderness hunt-
coat. As I got down and walked ing and fishing that you can drive to.
closer he kept getting bigger the A lodge that has very little hunting
closer I got. pressure and world class fishing! If
I called my guide on the radio youre interested in more informa-
to let him know a bear was down. tion about this trip you can contact
I knew the shot echoed across the me at jptrophyhunts.com.n
Circle T
lake and everyone fishing near the
lodge, including Al and Ray heard
that blast. So everyone showed up
and shared the excitement of my
Ranch
trophy bear.
The only thing that could make
this day better was for Ed to harvest
a bear as well. As it turned out Eds
stand had turned cold. Once my
bear was brought back to camp the
weight of the bear was 309 pounds. Located in beautiful
Thats a good bear anytime; its a Northwest Michigan in Buckley,
great bear for the spring. Duane
caped my bear out, quartered it, just South of Traverse City
and then the bear was frozen for the
return trip back to Michigan.
Our last day and Ed decided to
spend the last day fishing with the
three of us; he had already taken a
bear on our first trip to Dore Lake,
which was good because the wall- LI NO
eyes had really started to turn on. REQ CENSE
UIR
One fisherman in camp had already ED
caught a 12-pound walleye. We
really got into the walleyes, several
being caught in the 6-8-pound range Come and experience a little
along with several very large pike.
On Dore Lake, theres a limit of five bit of Northern Michigan
(231)
pike in your possession and only
one can be over 30 inches. It was
very difficult to catch a pike under
499-0246
30 inches.
We caught more pike than
we could count. Several in the
17-pound range. One fisherman in
camp caught a 20 pounder. There is VISIT US AT:
a 26-pounder mounted hanging on www.circletranch-michigan.com
the wall in the lodge. Duane told me
OR EMAIL US AT:
that he cleans between 6,000-7,000
fish per year. He has owned the circletranch-haines@hotmail.com
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WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 121
 THE EYES
HAVE IT!
Can You Identify These
Predatorss Eye Makeup?
T
en years ago, I wrote
an article for this
publication under the
following title, Can
you identify wild and
feral predators? It
was a quiz that was well received
and contained predators eyes,
ears and mouths for identification.
Since that time, I have obtained
additional photos of wild animals
eyes which our readers may enjoy
matching up. You may
find it is not as easy as you
might think.
Our ID listing in-
cludes: Badger - Black
Bear - Bobcat - Canada
Lynx - Coyote - Feral Cat
- Feral Dog - Gray Fox -
Raccoon - Red Fox With
those species
fixed in your
mind, all you
By Betty Sodders
need do is...
Match them up!
For the most part of the list,
the animals named are predators
with the exception of the Badger
and Raccoon. Yet, in a sense, those
two wild creatures can and do kill
animals smaller than themselves.
So lets define predator and prey.
The canine predators: Wolves,
coyotes, foxes and feral dogs are
deemed canine predators for they
represent members of the canine
family. Remember, wolf is the
only true wild dog.
Wolves are nature designed
to keep to keep deer and moose
herds thinned through removal of
aged, sick and very young animals.
It is natures way...the way of the
whitetail and the moose. Here in
Michigan, wolves abound across
the Upper Peninsula and remain
protected by law. Law makers
and wildlife biologists must work
together to maintain a proper
balance between deer, moose and
wolf populations so as not to upset
the rules of nature.
Coyotes are first-class efficient
122 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
A
hunters of young ungulates, small
animals, ground-nesting birds and
rodents. Evidence indicates that
coyotes take a measurable toll on
deer as well as other wildlife.
As a matter of note, the fox re-
mains a canine predator, yet actu-
ally it plays a dual role being both
hunter and hunted...predator and
prey...often falling to predation by
its cousins, wolf and coyote.
B
Historically, predator and prey
evolved through a bal-
ance of nature as a form of
species control; however,
a false canine predator
exists; that being the feral
dog. Abandoned domes-
ticated dogs, left to fend
for themselves, can and
often do revert to killing
instincts neces-
sary for surviv-
al. Many acts
once attributed
to wolves or coyotes were com-
mitted by feral canines. Cocker
spaniels and dachshunds are just
as likely to join in feral activity
as German shepherds or border
C
collies.
The wild cats; feline predators
of North America include cougar,
Canada lynx and bobcat. Their bag
of predatory tricks includes fang
and claw...making them efficient
killing machines.
A cougar kill usually involves
the large cat leaping on to its
victims back. With a quick bite to
its neck while rotating its claws,
its prey is dispatched. The kill
remains standard among the entire
cat family.
On a smaller scale than cougar,
Canada lynx is a formidable foe,
regarded as being a predator of the
north. Snowshoe-like paws enable
the animal to traverse deep snow
D
and its long legs enable the cat to
reach winter-bound prey with rela-
tive ease.
Lynx have long vanished from
the Michigan landscape, how-
ever, sightings occur from time
to time. A St. Marys River Study
conducted by a Wisconsin univer-
sity issued notice and a photo of
a Canada lynx crossing on the ice
covering the International River.
Raber Bay Outfitter, Bob Warner
of Goetzville, recently sighted a
Canada lynx on the Michigan side
of the river.
Across the Upper Peninsula
rare sightings of Cougars surface,
one confirmed by the Michigan
DNR was reported within 10 miles
from my home; recently, just a
mile from where I live in Raber.
Even bobcat, small in stature,
is an efficient killer taking its toll
on upland and lowland game birds,
small mammals and rodents. They
can be fierce fighters!
Furthermore, abandoned
domestic cats left to fend for
themselves revert to natural killing
instincts as means of survival. Fe-
ral felines face countless hazards,
remain prolific, and are prone to
parasites and other health-related
problems. In some instances, feral
cats become rabid.
One more Michigan predator
exists and its eyes are included
G H
I J
in this write up, that being the
black bear. Actually, the bear is
not dependent on meat alone as it
eats just about everything imag-
inable from grasses, leaves, ants
and other insects, honey, fruit, etc.
Bears prove to be a dire threat to
nursing fawns, as they often kill
E
them simply to obtain the milk in
their belly.
Identification of predator eyes
covers just a small part of a preda-
tors defense system. Certainly,
combined with its ears and nose...
The eyes have it!
Photos By Jan VanHoesen
J - Feral Dog
I - Canada Lynx
H - Feral Cat
G - Red Fox
F - Bear
E - Bobcat
F
D - Grey Fox
C - Coyote
B - Badger
A - Raccoon
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 123
 Woods-N-WaterNews Classified Section
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H-9-1 H-8-2 com 231-745-7268. RR-4-6
words to runmonths. BOX MY CLASSIFIED - $5 Extra
............................................... ..............................................

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

124 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
 Woods-N-WaterNews Classified Section
RESORTS/RENT
S E A S O N A L - O N LY
CAMPING Private, gated
paradise on Big Manistee River
offers large, wooded sites, full
hook-ups, easy access to Lake
Michigan beaches. Long sea-
son. Quiet and peaceful.
COHO BEND - 231-723-
7321
R/R-3-8
www.cohobend.com.
TRAILS END RESORT
ON BIG MANISTIQUE
LAKE, Curtis Michigan -
Hunting, fishing and sightsee-
ing. 2 Bedroom modern house-
keeping cabins. Boats, motors
and pontoon rentals. Call 906-
586-3515. R-9-3
HUNTING LEASE
HUNTING LAND TO LEASE:
30 acres - AuGres on US-23, 1056
ft. of frontage. Large creek is rear
property line. Mostly wooded, good
cover. Lease from September 1,
2017 - January 1, 2018. $800 Call
810-217-8295. L-9-2
..............................................
GOOD HUNTING/FISH-
ING! 200+ gated acres avail-
able for yearly lease. Boat
docks with power and offsite
boat ramp. mile canal with 2
dredged channels to the
Saginaw Bay, casino within 4
miles. Perfect for hunt clubs!
References needed. Email
DJRMVP@gmail.com by
appointment only. Please see
our ad on page 130 of this issue
of the Woods-N-Water News.
HL-8-3
EXCELLENT HUNTING
AND FARM GROUND FOR
SALE OR LEASE by owner in
central MI or U.P. For more informa-
tion 517-881-0128. L-9-2
..............................................
JACKSON 104 ACRES sur-
rounded by 3500 acres unhunted
state prison land. Big bucks taken.
Corn and beans surround. Call 248-
978-7673. HL-4-6
..............................................
WANT TO LEASE
FAT H E R / C H I L D R E N
GROUP LOOKING FOR
LEASE. Will consider any size
lease, location, with or without
cabin/barn. Terms/price negotiable.
Experienced hunters, responsible,
ethical and will make improvements
if desired. Jay 248.396.8322.
WL-7-3
..............................................
Classifieds
Work!
(810) 724-0254
email: wnw@pageone-inc.com website: www.woods-n-waternews.com
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE BY OWNER 49.8
acres with 14x70 mobile home.
24x32 pole barn well and septic.
Great hunting land located in Hills-
dale. Silver Creek runs through. 20
tillable 29.8 heavily wooded $4500
per acre. 313-949-4176. RE-9-2
..............................................
HUNTERS DREAM! Livingston
county, Killen Rd. North of Cohoc-
tah Rd. 12 acres of open farm field,
backing to hundreds of acres of Oak
Grove state game area! $69,900. 18
acres of woods located on Lutz Rd.
North of Cohoctah across from Lutz
Park $145,000. Trophy deer abound
on both these lots. Email:
Fowlervillerealtor@yahoo.com
for more info. RE-9-1
..............................................
180 ACRES CHIPPEWA
COUNTY: Hunt, fish, hike or
snowmobile. 180 acres with
trails, blinds, and food plots.
Adjoins thousands of acres of
public land, 13 miles south of
Sault Ste. Marie, less than 2
miles to boat launch and the St.
Mary's River. E.U.P. hunting
and fishing camp, the 1100 sq.
ft. home and 32x42 garage will
satisfy most as a year round
residence. A great buy at
$250,000. Call 989-390-0362.
Details Craigslist and Zillow.
RE-8-3
WOODS AND WATER PAR-
ADISE! 2 bed, 2 bath home
w/2000+ ft. of shoreline on private
Horseshoe Lake and 45+/- acres of
woods. 11925 Strait Rd, Hanover
MI. Deer, wildlife and variety of fish.
Insulated 4 car garage w/workshop,
office. Additional 3 car garage.
Southern Michigan. $399,900 Amy
Gilpin, Assoc Broker, Production
Realty 517-879-4141. RE-9-1
..............................................
HISTORIC HUNTING/FISH-
ING LODGE ON SAGINAW
BAY, 2 cabins, small marina and
12 RV sites. Located near wildlife
refuge. Great business potential!
Contact owner for price and details.
989-551-2738. RE-9-1
..............................................
HOUGHTON LAKE
AREA ON MUSKEGON
RIVER. Best of all worlds
fish, hunt, boat, kayak, snow-
mobile, ATV, ski and more!
1200sq ft. cottage, 2 bedrooms,
many updates. 50ft river front-
age. $69,900 code FC Contact
Karen Wallace Greater North
Realty 989-302-0562. RE-9-1
LAND FOR SALE, 25.91 acres.
Field, woods and swamp. Easy ac-
cess to Maple River. Good deer
hunting. On Wilson Rd, Ashley, Mi.
west off of US 27. 989-838-4406 or
98 RE-9-1
..............................................
HUNTING CAMP WITH 80
ACRES. Fish pond and deer
blinds, Upper Penninsula, Delta
Co., MI 906-384-6351. RE-9-1
..............................................
REAL ESTATE
HUNTING LAND: 20 wood-
ed acres, with house, could be
year round home. Deer, bear,
turkey near State Land. Plowed
road, 19 miles north of MIO.
Price to sell at $99,500. 810-
366-0473. RE-9-1
OVER 43 ACRES OF PRIME
WILDLIFE PROPERTY,
Grand Ledge schools. 17 deer
stands on property. 3 Br, 2.5 Bt
home, 40x64 pole barn. Paved
Road. Natural Gas. Minutes to Lan-
sing. View at 11710wacousta.c21.
com or Call Matt 517.930.7511 C21
Looking Glass. RE-9-1
..............................................
HILLSDALE COUNTY MI.
10.28 acres of gorgeous, wooded
land with the St. Joe River running
through the property. Three bed-
room, 1.5 story home, 30 x 40 de-
tached 6 car pole building. $99,900.
Call Diana at Faust Real Estate,
LLC 517-270-3646. RE-9-1
..............................................
19 ACRES OF BEAUTIFUL
RECREATIONAL PROP-
ERTY. Mostly wooded. Great bldg.
sites
Wildlife pond, frontage on the
big swamp Raisin drain. Trails
throughout. Lots of wildlife. En-
joy the natural beauty. A very rare
find in Western Lenawee County.
Sand Creek MI Schools. All offers
considered. Call Larry at Faust
Real Estate, 517-270-3645.
RE-9-1
..............................................
10 ACRES. NEWAYGO
CO. adjacent to 600 acres
federal forest. 2 miles from
Muskegon River. Well, septic,
and 1600 ft shell. partly wooded
and partly meadow, very pri-
vate. Terms available. $62,500.
517-505-5445. jgd_99@yahoo.
com RE-9-2
5 HUNTING PROPERTY: 160
LONG-ESTABLISHED
Lakes Resort on Butternut Lake,
north of Hesperia, MI. Offers 3 Bdrm
year-round residence and 8 modern
cabins, 300+- frontage on Butternut
Lake and access to all-sports
McLaren Lake. Short distance to
Manistee National Forest, White
River, golf courses, and Lake Michi-
gan beaches. $425,000. Scott Kro-
epel, Coldwell Banker
Schmidt.c/231-855-2882, o/231-
924-5880, or e-mail
scott.kroepel@coldwellbanker.com.
RE-9-1
..............................................
292+ ACRES 2 miles river
frontage. 3 bedroom, 2 bath house.
60x90 pole barn and guest house.
Mule deer, whitetail, waterfowl and
pheasants. 2 antelope land owner
tags. Hudson, Wyoming. 307-332-
2532. RE-9-1
..............................................
35 ACRES: Osceola Co. Good
hunting - wooded thick cover - small
creek, paved road, electric avail-
able. Deer birds $59,500. Call 231-
920-3652. RE-9-2
..............................................
REAL ESTATE
18.5 WOODED ACRES ON
YEAR ROUND COUNTY
DEAD END BLACK TOP
ROAD. Short drive to Torch Lake
or State Land. Fully wooded with
a hardwoods and pines, terrain is
rolling to hilly. There are 2 sepa-
rate access points and cleared ar-
eas. ldeal for hunting along with
camping or building your weekend
getaway home. Utililies are along
the front of the property. $59,900,
$2,000 down, $700 per month
11% land contract Northem Land
Co. 231-258-5100 Refer to GW-10.
RE-9-2
..............................................
WATERFRONT CABIN FOR
SALE: Well built, remote UP.
Seney, MI area, Schoolcraft County,
Main Branch Fox River, 7 1/4 acres,
surveyed, fish for brook trout, hunt
deer, bear, grouse, rabbits. $35,000
Owner 269-795-9727 Or Northcoast
Realty List #CC-154. RE-8-3
..............................................
PINE RIVER BETWEEN
LUTHER AND LEROY
private club 450 acres. 1
miles of river. Cabin - 1,028 sq.
ft. furnished. 2 bedrooms, living
room, kitchen, bath with tub and
shower, 3 season room. Electric
and wood heat. 3 out buildings.
$97,500 Call Jac at 231-250-
4951. RE-9-2
283 ACRES WOODED WITH
20 ACRE LAKE. Lapeer boy
scout camp 21,000 sq ft of homes,
cabins, and buildings $1,250,000
Call Mark Mitchell at Cooper Com-
mercial 810-348-0503. RE-8-2
..............................................
VERY COOL COTTAGE
RIGHT ON THE BEACH OF
LAKE MICHIGAN. Awesome
wood floors and stairs. Great atmo-
sphere. Big Trees. Naubinway, MI
$175,000 Call 989-751-7472. RE-
8-2
..............................................
ACRES Rolling hills 80% wooded
with markeable hardwoods, pine,
birch and cedar. Excellent hunting;
artesian streams with brook trout, a
3.5 acre lake for fish and waterfowl,
established blinds and food plots.
Access by paved road with electric.
A wide choice of building sites. Rose
City area, Rose Township, SEC 21.
Owner 989-820-5858. RE-7-3
..............................................
LAKE COUNTY 80 ACRES.
Sportsmans paradise. Headwaters
Pere Marquette River. Partially
wooded, 25 tillable acres, some
marsh, blacktop road. $159,000.
Call 231-832-4552 weekends. RE-
7-3
..............................................
MODERN CABIN FOR
RENT ON BEAR CREEK - a
trout, salmon and steelhead stream.
Sleeps 5, private access available.
Call 231-590-1136. RE-4-6
..............................................
Subscribe
Today!
(810) 724-0254
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE - Approximately 95
wooded acres with half mile front-
age on premiere trout, salmon
and steelhead stream in Manistee
County. $4,000 per acre. Call 231-
590-1136. RE-4-6
..............................................
DOGS
LLEWELLIN SETTERS,
Daybreak Llewellins has pup-
pies and started dogs available.
Excellent bird dogs and family
companions.
daybreakllewellins.com
Contact Kevin 989-291-7915
Located in Sheridan, MI D-8-2
GUN DOG TRAINING AT
ITS BEST! by Paul
Rheaume. Over 35 years
experience with pointing and
flushing breeds. All inclusive 4
week class that is customized
to meet your dog's needs.
Excellent for young dogs start-
ing out, for experienced dogs
tuning up, or for dogs with
issues. $600. Find us on
Facebook or online http://gun-
dogtraining.webs.com.
Rheaume's Kennel. (989) 864-
8606. D-9-1
BIRD DOG TRAINING by bird
dog Hall of Famer David Grubb. Da-
vid has trained over 5,000 gun
dogs. We are now working on wild
birds. Let David use his expertise to
train your dog for this fall. We train
labs too. Only $450.00 per month
and this fee includes everything.
English Pointer and English Setter
Stud service available. Please call
248-860-1009. D-8-2
..............................................
Classifieds
Work!
(810) 724-0254
Monday-Friday
9am-5pm
or try our website
woods-n-waternews.com
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 125
DOGS
LLEWELLIN SETTER
PUPS, F.D.S.B. Registered.
See: gouldgundogs.com
D-9-1
GERMAN WIRCHAIRED
POINTER PUPPIES
AVAILABLE. Welphed 6-14-
17. 1 male, 3 females, both
parents are excellent hunting
dogs. Phone 269-998-8325.
D-9-2
WATERFOWL DOG
TRAINING BY PAUL
RHEAUME. Are you ready
for waterfowl season this year?
Is your dog ready? How is he
with gunfire? How does he
swim? Has he ever retrieved a
bird? Is he obedient? We can
help! We offer an all-inclusive
gundog training class that cov-
ers obedience and good man-
ners, introduction to gunfire
and birds, swimming and
retrieving. We also guide
goose/duck hunts. Rheaume's
Kennel. Find us on Facebook.
www.migundogtraining.com.
989-864-8606. D-9-1
GERMAN SHORTHAIR
POINTER PUPS: Males
and females available. Excel-
lent hunting dogs and superb
family pets. Close working
dogs with strong point and
retrieve instincts. Reasonably
priced for the sporting family.
Money back guarantee. Eulen-
hof Kennels, Gladwin, MI.
http://www.eulenhof.com
989-426-4884 D-8-2
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WO O D S - N - WAT E R N E W S R E S E RV E S T H E R I G H T T O R E F U S E A N Y O R D E R I F I T I S C O N S I D E R E D T O B E I N P O O R TA S T E O R U N E T H I C A L .
126 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS

PAGES FOR SALE MID-MICHIGANS LARGEST
NATURAL, SPRING FED LAKE & PROPERTY!

127 - 137
425+ acres of prime land in the Heart of Central Michigan
LUMBER, ALL RIGHTS INCLUDED GAS, MINERAL, TIMBER...
INTERNATIONAL BUYERS WELCOME,
Local Buyers Preferred! Serious Inquries only: (810) 629-9376

Recreational Property Leaders List and Buy with the Experts

www.TrophyClassRealEstate.com
877-843-0910
77 Acres of Hunting 20 Acres with impeccable full 173 wooded Acres on
& AG Land! log home on Waiska River! Drummond Island with
Big Buck area, 30 acres 2800sq ft 3 bed/4 bath, 40x30 4 over 3000 of waterfront on
planted with soybeans, mowed car garage with guest quarters, Whitney Bay!
trails, hardwoods, rolling, ravines decks, enclosed porch. Hunting Deep channel to allow for most boats to
and small stream! Need we say and fishing success stories! travel to Lake Huron. Older farm house
more? Oh and 24x24 garage. Boat to Waiska Bay from here. with updates, trails, paved road access.
ALLEGAN COUNTY CHIPPEWA COUNTY CHIPPEWA COUNTY
#17036603 #1835103 #1835452
$269,000 $399,000 $499,000

339 on beautiful Lake 25 Acres on Little Manistee 80 Acres, Creek

Miramichi with Comfy Home!
All-sports lake, pan fish, water sports,
association amenities. Setting is quite
private, year-round home, 3 bed/2
baths, walkout, decking, boat lift,
paddle boat and aluminum dock.
OSCEOLA COUNTY
#17012169
$190,000
River with custom home & Stylish Home!
a craftsman delight as finishes are more Well managed acreage, trails, food
like artstained glass, Tulikivi stove, hand plots, public land across road, wood
crafted specialty accents built in, 3 bed/2.5 boiler, 40x80 pole barn, 5-stall garage,
baths. Fish this famous river and hunt the 3 bed/2 bath ranch and wildlife in all
wooded ground that borders each side. directions! Come on Home!!
LAKE COUNTY OSCODA COUNTY
#16041271 #1834265
$550,000 $299,900

30 Acre Estate, 22 Acres Wooded 40 Acres to Hunt with

View of Lake Michigan & Versatile! Confidence!
Near Arcadia Dunes, Mott Nature Preserve, Property is nicely wooded Overgrown cover, pond, food plots,
adjoins Grand Traverse Regional Land with electric nearby. Enjoy the varied woodlands. Property is well
Conservancy. Immaculate home, recreational aspects of this piece placed in northern mid-Michigan
4 bed/4.5 bath, great room, w/o lower level, and the convenient location near and ready for the hunter with a
gas fireplace, wet bar, pole barn! Lake Michigan and National Forest. dream to fill that wall of fame!
MANISTEE COUNTY MUSKEGON COUNTY MISSAUKEE COUNTY
#1828038 #17023168 #1832945
$350,000 $59,000 $69,900

GRAND HAVEN TRAVERSE CITY

233 WASHINGTON, SUITE 202 GRAND HAVEN, MI 49417 4249 US 31 S TRAVERSE CITY, MI 49685
(877) 843-0910 (231) 233-3575
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 127
 8 Acres +/- with trail road, camping pad
and small pond. Land contract available.
$19,800 #299102
14 Acres with trail road, camping and
hunting. Close to Pigeon Rive State Forest.
Terms $33,231 #257296
30 Acres with small stream, trail road.
Excellent hunting. Near Black Mountain
Recreation Area Terms available.
$52,173 #308394
31 Acres of upland woods with trail
through, camping pad. Utilities at road.
Land contract $59,000 #293468
STATE WIDE REAL
ESTATE OF HAWKS
OF HAWKS FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ONE OF OUR AGENTS: 989.734.4840
40 Acres with hunting cabin with electric, Hunt in your own back yard!
well & septic. Trails though property. VERY
Affordable. $69,900 #309026 Near
40 acres set back from road. Trails on prop-
Marlette
erty. Camping site. Electric adjacent. Very
picturesque. Terms $70,000 #309034 in Sanilac 121
60 Acres of prime hunting with blinds,
County Acres
food plots and cabin. Ready to hunt parcel. Almost 5000 sq ft of custom brick home on
15 mostly wooded acres (couple acres of $
$119,000 #303829
73 Acres - all around use property. Includes
meadow) of river front property, a few ar- 375,100
tesian wells, trails cut through the property.
older barn, workshop and large pond. A Private setting close to Van Dyke and I-69. Will OR
mix of woods and fields. Excellent hunting. Deer, Turkey, Etc abound! $529,000. Video
online at www.JackieHawleyRealtor.com
consider $3,100 per acre
$80,000 #307931
all
Jackie Hawley, Realtor offers.
Check out our web site for
additional properties of all types. ReMax Encore
www.statewideofhawks.com (248)736-6407
Jackie@JackieHawley.com

Choose your
own adventure. Whitetail Realty,
Lake City, MI
231-839-8142 or
office@lakecityrealestate.com
lakecitymirealestate.com

If you are looking to finance land off the beaten Lake City Area MLS# 21122954 $85,000
33 Acres of woods and open area
path, Greenstone is the lender to help you get it 450 on the Hopkins Creek
20 Travel Trailer included
done. We offer a variety of loan types for country Small storage Barn also
acreage and recreational land of any size. Leave
Lake City Area MLS# 21118625 $129,900
your options wide open and contact your local Small Hunting Cabin w/well & Electric
GreenStone office for more information! 25 x 40 Pole Barn for lots of storage
62 Acres of woods and wet lands
Tractor w/equipment & a Quad included
800-444-3276
East Missaukee MLS#21123882 $79,900
37 Wooded Acres surrounded by state land
Located on a blacktop road
Close to Trails

N. Missaukee MLS# 21118706 $19,900

10 Acre Heavily Wooded Parcel
Located close to State land & Trails
Good Hunting Area

Lake City Area MLS# 21122417 $23,900

12.5 open & wooded acres
www.greenstonefcs.com Close to Lake City
Private drive off blacktop road

N Missaukee MLS# 21119410 $24,900

Rolling & open 20 Acre Parcel
Trail Road access in good hunting area
Adjoins Hundreds of acres of State Land

128 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS


WE NEED LISTINGS 40+ ACRES AND LARGER
Excellent Duck, Deer & Turkey
Hunting. Area of Other Large
Property Owners. Man Cave
w/Game Cleaning Station
$
1,074,000
G
D IN
P EN
Alcona County, 240 Acres,
House, Barns, Pond, Stream, Food Plots
$499,000
L D
SO
Calhoun Co, 86+/- Acres
750 ft. Frontage on Prairie Lake, 1 Mile Frontage Tawas Lake, Kunze
Big Buck Hunting, Outbuildings River Crosses Property, 5 Bedroom Log
$349,000 Lodge, 3 Miles from East Tawas
Newaygo County, 30 Acres, 2 Bedroom,
1 1/2 Bath Mobile Home, 24x28 Pole
Barn, Adjacent to National Forest
$99,000
Newaygo County, 80 Acres
Rolling Hardwoods, Great
Hunting, 2 Bedroom Mobile
$150,000
www.
231-652-7000
- or -
231-250-8200
537+/- 359+/- ACRES,
ACRES, TUSCOLA &
JACKSON GENESEE
COUNTY COUNTIES
30 Acre Private Lake, 3,400
sq ft Custom Lodge,
$
1,750,000
70x70 Pole Barn, 60x120
Pole Barn, 2 Rental
Houses, 26 Ladder Stands,
5 Elevated Box Blinds
LD LD
SO SO
Antrim County, 52+/- Acres Arenac Co, 167+/- Acres, Calhoun County, 67+/- Acres Calhoun County, 70+/- Acres
Rolling Hardwoods, Pole Barn 3,500+/- ft Lake Huron, Branch County, 43+/- Acres, Big Bucks, Calhoun Co, 61 Acres 300 ft. All Sports Prairie Lake, House, Pole Barn, Pond, River,
Alpena County, 316+/- Acres, Good Trails 6 Bedroom Lodge, Guest Cabin,
Lodge sleeps 10, Professionally Managed Forest with Living Quarters, Excellent Hunting Great Duck & Deer Hunting Cold Creek Crosses Property, Nice Woods 2,500 ft. St. Joseph River, Excellent Hunting 1/2 Tillable, 1/2 Wooded Elevated Blind
$439,000 $129,000 $599,000 $136,500 $129,000 $275,000 $289,000
I NG LD
END SO
P
Iosco County, 783+/- Acres, Kalkaska County, 40 Acres, Mecosta County, 40 Acres Excellent Midland County, 80 Acres Missaukee County, 80 Acres Newaygo County, Newaygo Co, 25+/- Acres
Cabin, Barn, Trout Pond, Deer, Turkey & Small Game 12 Miles to Mount Pleasant, Pond, Professionally Managed 5+/- Acres Frontage 7 Ac Private Lake, County
Excellent Hunting Hunting, Good Trail System Excellent Hunting Forest, Food Plots on White River Road Frontage, Pond
$1,250,000 $115,000 $88,000 $176,000 $129,500 $38,000 $75,000
I NG NG
ND DI
P E P EN
Newaygo County, 40 Acres Newaygo Co, 45+/- Acres Newaygo Co, 55+/- Acres
Newaygo County, 40+/- Acres Newaygo County, 40 Acres 5 Ac Private Lake, Nice 25 Ac Private Lake, Excellent Newaygo County, 60 Acres Newaygo Co, 80 Acres
32x48 Pole Barn with Water &
Adjacent to Federal Land, Remote Electric, 20 Ac Old Apple Orchard, Heavily Wooded, Excellent Pond, Trail System, Tillable Waterfowl & Deer Hunting, QDM, Trophy Bucks Close to Federal Land, Pole Barn,
Location, Small Lake 20 Ac Hardwoods, Great Hunting Hunting, Building Sites Land, Excellent Hunting Good Trails Harvested, Great Parcel Great Hunting
$80,000 $199,000 $60,000 $135,000 $165,000 $90,000 $140,000
460+/- Acres, Saginaw County
Osceola County, 167 Acres 8 bedroom Log Lodge, 40x114
Newaygo County, 80 Acres Newaygo County, 125 Acres, Three Newaygo County, 240 Acres, Presque Isle County, 47+/- Presque Isle County, 80 Ac Pole Barn, Care Taker Residence
4,600 ft. White River Frontage, spring fed lakes, Excellent Deer, Adjacent to State Land, Good Trail System Nice Cabin, Good Trail Acres, 2 Bedroom House, Pole Creek Frontage, 24x24 Garage, with Barn, High Fence
Great Hunting and Fishing Turkey and Waterfowl hunting Food Plots, High Deer Population System, Excellent Hunting Barn, Excellent Hunting Excellent Hunting Deer Ranch, 275 Quality Deer
$189,000 $375,000 $384,000 $389,000 $99,000 $90,000 $3,200,000
WildLifeRealty.com
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 129
 HUNTING PROPERTY AUCTION BUYING OR SELLING?
You cant make a better choice than us!
www.stoneycreekoutdoors.com
57 Acres woods along Pine River * Gratiot County Eaton County Eaton County-100 Acres
465+/- Acres with custom built log home

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 *12:00 NOON*

This is one of those properties that
doesnt come along very often.
How would you like to own 465
acres of deer hunting paradise!!
(Sale held on site at the property)
There are irregular shaped
fields for food plots. All this
$2,500,000 make for a pretty nice set up
for all types of hunting. $550,000

D
APR ZONE!! Missaukee County Clinton County Waterfront

SOL$374,900
123 Acres with Log Home Vacant Land-67.76 Acres
*57 Acres surveyed property along the Pine River Are you looking to start a northern This is a great recreational piece of ground that you dont see come
Michigan deer camp in the Antler around very often. I have personally fished and waterfowl hunted on
*Nearly all wooded property Point Restriction zone? This area is this piece and both are pretty good.
$249,900
the new big buck zone of Michigan.
*Small open area near road for building or camp site MORE AVAILABLE PROPERTIES ON OUR WEBSITE!
*Gorgeous hardwoods and thicket areas Stoney Creek Brokered By:

Outdoor Properties, LLC WEICHERT, REALTORS

*Winding river with peninsulas St. Johns, MI 48879
Property Mart Southgate Plaza
800 S. BR 127
*Ditch and feeder creek on property Cell: (517) 819-6344 St. Johns, Michigan 48879-1649

*Surrounded by woods and farm fields

*Road frontage on Ferris Rd, easement access
from St. Charles Rd. Good hunting and fishing!
*Notorious Big Buck area Sunny Cove
*Must see property 100 Hunting
Preserve
* Subdivision
East of canal
Please see www.PavlikLLC.com for all
Acres,

Saginaw Bay
maps, aerials, survey, and information
*
Directions to the property. 11 miles west Please feel free to walk the property at your Dyked &

of Ithaca on Washington Rd. to Ferris Rd.
Turn north mile to the property.
Holton Family, Owners
www.PavlikLLC.com
Farm
convenience. Auctioneer on site for questions
and answers on FRIDAY, SEPT. 8 *11AM-1PM*
Isolated *
Dredge
Wetland
200+ gated acres available for yearly lease. Planned boat docks with power and
offsite boat ramp. mile canal with 2 dredged channels to the Saginaw Bay, casino
within 4 miles. Camp sites with power. Perfect for hunt clubs! References needed.
EMAIL DJRMVP@GMAIL.COM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

SANBORN CREEK KARNEY KREEK COOL CREEK LITTLE SOUTH BRANCH PM BALDWIN RIVER
2BD, 2BA, 35 Acres 2BD, 1BA, 2 Acres 3BD, 2BA 1800 Sqft 1 BD, 1BA, Log Cabin 2BD, 1 BA, 11 Acres
MLS 17007632 $169,900 MLS 17022523 $34,900 MLS 16019251 $89,900 MLS 17033761 $104,900 MLS 15059321 $149,000

LITTLE TWIN LAKE WOODLAND PARK LAKE BIG L LAKE LAKE CECILIA LOON LAKE
3BD, 2BA 2 BD, 1 BA 2BD, 1 BA 2BD 1 BA, Chalet 2 BD, 1 BA
MLS 17014727 $72,500 MLS 17009070 $74,900 MLS 17017916 $109,000 MLS 17029454 $139,900 MLS 17019280 $144,900

Looking for Affordable Vacation Property?

LAND CONTRACTS ARE AVAILABLE
Call us today & get started on the path to owning
your own little piece of Northern Michigan!
130 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
 HUNTING LAND FOR SALE

BRANDON CROPSEY CHUCK KEEFER EDMUND NOGASKI JAKE EHLINGER

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

CONTACT AN AGENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BUYING AND

SELLING HUNTING, FARMLAND AND TIMBERLAND

whitetailpr operties.com
Whitetail Properties Real Estate, LLC | dba Whitetail Properties | Nebraska & North Dakota DBA Whitetail Trophy Properties Real Estate LLC. | Lic. in IL, MO, IA, KS, KY, NE & OK - Dan Perez, Broker | Lic. in AR, CO, GA,
MN, ND, TN, SD & WI - Jeff Evans, Broker | Lic. in OH & PA - Kirk Gilbert, Broker | Lic. in NM & TX - Joey Bellington, Broker | Lic. in IN - John Boyken, Broker | Lic. in LA, MS, GA & AL - Sybil Stewart, Broker | Lic. in TN
- Chris Wakefield, Broker | Lic. in TN - Bobby Powers, Broker | Lic. in AR - Johnny Ball, Broker | Lic. in SC - Rick Elliot, Broker | Lic. in NC - Rich Baugh, Broker | Lic. in MI - Brandon Cropsey, Broker

MI_WNW_ad_9.83x13.indd 1 WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER

8/1/17 2017 131
9:57 AM
 TARGET REAL ESTATE SPECIALIZES IN
WATERFRONT HOMES AND HUNTING PARCELS
WE REPRESENT BUYERS AND SELLERS
HARRISVILLE NATIONAL CITY MLS #17034835 - N French Bay Rd - Beaver Island: Beautiful acreage on majestic Beaver Island! Imagine
building your dream home nestled on your own private oasis or maybe having your own deer hunting compound. This
diverse wooded habitat boasts approx. 120 acres atop the West side bluff which then splits down to a multi level bluff to
the lower area on the Western border. The NE corner features a Cedar swamp & the road to French Bay goes thru the SW
corner. The N & W sides of this 160 acre parcel is bordered by over 240 acres of State land. Access to a trail to Lake Michigan
with views that are second to none. Hold as an investment, clear the timber & farm or build your future - opportunity
is endless. This is your chance to own a large chunk of Michigan's Emerald Isle. http://www.tourfactory.com/1828644
Nice building site, 1.63 +/- acres bordered by the East 80 acre Ponchos Sand Creek Longhorn Ranch now
Branch of the Pine River, a known trout stream. Power available. Working farm with 5 bdrm/1 bath home, barns,
at the paved road and beautiful countryside views. outbuildings, pastures and approx. 10 acres of woods.
MLS #1836231 MLS #1819844
WHITTEMORE-$18,000, 11.15 acre parcel just off county maintained and paved Keystone Road. Previously farmed, this
cleared parcel would be perfect for a small hobby farm or a couple of horses. Additional smaller parcels available. MLS #1835859
OSCODA-$24,900, Square 10 acre parcel just outside Oscoda. Well and septic already in place from former cottage. Mostly
lowland hardwoods and some wet areas. Would make a great 12 man hunting spot. Lots of cover with deer sign throughout.
MLS #1832226
EAST TAWAS-$26,900, Potential building site on Tawas Lake with nice views and great fishing opportunities. The deep
50x241 lot has lots of mature Oak throughout. Located just minutes from East Tawas and Tawas Bay. MLS #1832928
GREENBUSH-$44,900, Nice square 40 acre parcel joining Federal and State land. This area has proven to hold quality
bucks over the past years, QDM is practiced here. MLS #1828817
GREENBUSH-$54,900, 45 acres of hunting land off the beaten path. This rolling parcel is heavily wooded with hardwoods
and evergreens. Call today. MLS #1799569
River Front or Lake Front?
19771 10th 5308 S Woodruff
HARRISVILLE-$84,900, 17.16 acres with 2 bdrm/2 bath home and outbuildings in need of work. 1800 of frontage on the East Ave. Barry- 54 ACRES Rd, Remus, Mich. 80 ACRES
Branch of the Pine River, a known trout stream. Panoramic countryside views. MLS #1836400 ton, Mich. Rare opportunity to
Beautiful own a lake and 80
OSCODA-$124,000, 227 of sandy frontage on Cedar Lake in St. Georges Point Sub. Build your dream home on this .74 acre Nature Oasis acres! This nature
lot surrounded by upscale homes. MLS #1826558 with 2,340 retreat includes
WHITTEMORE-$195,000, 120 acre hunting parcel. Diverse terrain with red oak, white oak, and red pine. Numerous areas for ft. Premier over 2,000 feet
food plots. Deer, turkey, partridge and other game are plentiful. MLS #1778247 Chippewa River Frontage. Perfect for a Hunting Lodge, of Woodruff Lake
Exclusive Development or Private home. 5,840 sq. ft. frontage, a smaller
MORE PARCELS ARE AVAILABLE . . . Quality Construction w/ 4-5 Bedrooms, 2.5 baths, private lake, camp-
CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS Geothermal, Oak Flooring, Modern Upgraded Kitchen. ground with electric hook-ups, his/her out-houses,
866-496-4400 Master suite has Hot Tub room. Sundeck Overlooks fire rings, grassy areas for multiple campsites, a
River. Options and Amenities are endless! Canoeing, dock, bus-boat house, deer blinds, over 21 acres
TARGET REAL Hunting, Deer Blinds, ORV Trails. Detached 3-car of tilled land for farming and sooo much more!
$479,000
Garage, Pole Barn and Guest House! $699,900
ESTATE COMPANY
701 W. Bay Street, East Tawas, MI 48730
Office (989)362-4400 Cell (989)370-2152
MATTHEW COZZIE
Realtor/Sales Executive
info@TargetRealEstate.com
www.TargetRealEstate.com 402 N Mission, Ste #2
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
989-289-4001 matthewcozzie@gmail.com www.hometowne-realty.com

Outdoorsmans Paradise, 50 Acres of Wildlife Wonderland

Perfect for Year-round living or Weekend Getaway!
314 N. Cottonwood Avenue in White Cloud, Michigan
Private and secluded. Quality Custom-Built Home with 2900 sq. ft. of finished living
space, 16 x 24 attached garage, and a 12 x 16 custom log screened-in porch. 4 BR, 2.5
Baths. Large custom Kitchen, main floor laundry, central dining area, expansive Great
Room with cathedral ceiling and grand floor to ceiling stone Fireplace. Large Master
Bedroom & Bath w/walk-in closet. Spacious loft bedroom, finished Rec Room in base-
ment. Exterior is log, white cedar siding with full log corners.
Outbuildings include a 32 x 42 x 12 high pole barn with a 16 x 32 finished heated
shop area and a 16 x 42 loft storage area or future Bunkhouse and a 22 x 24 carport.
Featuring Runnin Bear Park a kids playground and Fire Pit area complete with a
tee-pee. Large garden space, and a wildlife pond in front with a waterfall. Rock land-
scaping with perennial & annual plantings as well as native ferns & flowers.
50 total acres, 25 acres of rolling meadow with 2 ponds and various food plots 25
acres of prime woodland habitat. Deer numbers and rack size continues to increase
due to placement of minerals & Lucky Buck, food plots and the Let-em-grow rule.
Located 9 miles East of White Cloud, Michigan. 5 min. from Hardy Dam Reservoir, 6
min. from 131-X-Way, 15 min. from Big Rapids, 35 min. North of Grand Rapids.

$695,000 Contact: Builder/Owner 231-642-1531 or 231-642-1536

314 N. Cottonwood Avenue in White Cloud, Michigan
NON-STOP WILDLIFE VIEWING! BEAR, BUCKS, BIRDS!

132 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS

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

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

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

WATERFRONT HOMES

BORDERS STATE LAND!!
3-bedroom, 1.7 bath lakefront home built in 07 on TRANQUIL HELMER
LAKE! Open floor plan, partly finished basement, wood stove, knotty pine
cathedral ceilings, covered deck and patio area, AC, family room & more.
Excellent year round home with beautiful views and 64 of water frontage!!
$154,900 1833744
SILVER CREEK FRONTAGE!!
Affordable weekend or vacation getaway or cozy year round 2 bedroom
home. Sits on 1.5 PARTLY WOODED ACRES with trails and nice views.
The 24x30 garage for storage has a metal roof and lean to. Located in
excellent recreational area and not far from many lakes and State land!!
$39,900 1833833
SHARED WATERFRONT!!
Cute and cozy possible 4 bedroom home w/access to ALL SPORTS
GEORGE LAKE!! Mostly furnished with some appliances and possible
3rd and 4th bedrooms on upper level. Nice back deck off of dining area for
enjoying the outdoors, a newer furnace and a dock for your boat!!
$49,900 1829801
PENINSULA ON DEAD END ROAD!!
3-bedroom home on all sports LAKE OGEMAW has views galore, AC,
open floor plan, wood stove, appliances, full walkout basement, 4 car
garage, roadside carport, side deck, front covered and uncovered patio
areas, lakeside 3 season room, boat dock, some furnishings & more!!
$269,900 1834261
UNIQUE LAKEFRONT PROPERTY!!
Spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath home on full basement w/garage plus
COZY 2 BEDROOM GUEST COTTAGE! 130 feet of water frontage on
WEST TWIN LAKE, fantastic views, most furnishings to stay and large
screened porches on both homes!! This is definitely a must see property!!
$249,000 1833785

WATERFRONT HOME LEVEL TO LAKE!!
Spacious 4-bedroom home with 86 of frontage has appliances, wood
floors, FP, updated bath, AC, family room, newer roof, paved driveway
and garage. The covered lakeside porch runs the entire length of the
home and offers beautiful views of private ALL SPORTS LAKE OGEMAW!!
$279,900 1833767
SPECTACULAR VIEWS!!
3-bedroom, 1.7 bath home on two level lots with 100 feet of sandy frontage
on 471 acre ALL SPORTS LOON LAKE!! Fantastic covered deck to savor
the beautiful views, detached garage with electric and work bench area &
just over a half acre of property!! Super nice waterfront year round home!!
$179,900 1818975
SUPER NICE SUBDIVISION!!
2-bdrm home with 178 feet of frontage on all sports, private FOREST
LAKE!! Full walkout basement, open floor plan, a bath on each floor, central
air, skylights, appliances and garage. Subd has so many great qualities in-
cluding security, beautiful common areas, sandy beaches and boat docks!!
$160,000 1811285
BEAUTIFUL CAPE COD RIVERFRONT!!
3-bdrm, 2.5 bath home on 8.8 ACRES with 1170 feet of frontage on
the gorgeous Au Gres River!! Home has hardwood floors, fireplace,
central air & so much more! There is also a heated garage w/upstairs
& two sheds, a fenced area & extensive decking with fantastic views!!
$285,000 1798150
PRIVATE LAKE!!
Nice waterfront home on FOUR LOTS with frontage on FEEDING GROUNDS
LAKE!! Newer furnace, open floor plan, fireplace, heated sunroom and beauti-
ful views!! Home sits on 2 partly wooded lakefront lots and there is a garage on
2 additional lots. Great year round residence or spacious getaway!!
$97,900 1830216

ALL SPORTS LAKE!! SOUTH DEASE LAKE!!
Beautiful 4-bdrm lakefront home with frontage on HENDERSON LAKE!! Cute 2-bdrm home with frontage on all sports 269 acres lake!! 56 feet of
Full walkout basement, lots of windows for natural light and fantastic views, water frontage, large back deck with beautiful views, fenced yard, arte-
large deck for enjoying the outdoors and views, a garage with electric for sian well, fire pit, 8x14 storage shed and a dock for your boat. This home
storing your Up North toys, a shed at the waters edge & a boat dock!! would make an excellent year round residence or super nice getaway!!
$174,900 1829140 $114,000 1829341
RIFLE LAKE WATERFRONT HOME!!
3-bdrm home with tons of charm on 1.53 PARTLY WOODED ACRES!!
100 feet on all sports 183 acre lake, 3 season porch, fireplace, knotty
pine interior for that Up North feel & mostly furnished! There is also a
garage, 2 decks, incl one at waters edge & a boat dock and boat lift!!
$169,900 1832417
POPULAR LAKE OGEMAW!!
You will relay enjoy relaxing on your own sandy beach on this all sports lake
and 90 feet of water frontage!! Move in ready with some appliances and
furnishings. There is also 2 garages for lots of storage, a deck and a porch
for enjoying the outdoors, a blacktop drive, boat dock and much more!!
$162,500 1825235
ELBOW LAKE WATERFRONT!!
Nice 3-bdrm ranch style home on channel to all sports ELBOW LAKE!!
Lots of great amenities including large kitchen with convenient island,
pantry and breakfast nook, garden tub, walk-in closet, detached garage,
wrap-around deck, beautiful views, an ACRE of property & a pond!!
$157,000 1810533

HOMES ON LOTS AND ACREAGE

NESTLED ON 1.45 ACRES!!
Nice 3-bedroom, 2 full bath home and attached finished garage. Built in
2004, well-maintained, move-in ready, appliances, full walkout basement
plumbed for another bath, front and rear decks, beautiful views, and not
far from town for shopping and restaurants and also near State land!!
$164,900 1833813
BEAUTIFUL CUSTOM BUILT!!
Spacious 3-bedroom, 3 bath home ON 10 ACRES and full finished walkout
basement, family room, office/4th bedroom or den, newer metal roofs on
home and 38x40 garage, fantastic kitchen w/snack bar, main floor laundry,
wrap-around decking with great views & trails thru-out property!!
$219,000 1834486
ALL SPORTS GEORGE LAKE!!
Cozy 2-bedroom cottage with access to 186 acre lake, 17x7 sunroom
for relaxing, loft area for your guests to sleep, garage on separate lot for
your Up North toys and in great recreational area. Needs some TLC
& fixing up, but would make an excellent vacation/weekend getaway!!
$47,000 1833419
21.9 ACRES!!
4-bedroom well-maintained home nestled in the woods with 3000 square feet,
2.5 baths, FP, newer windows, AC, knotty pine interior, master suite, mud
room, family room with 2nd fireplace, deck with great views, heated garage &
access to MORRIS LAKE!! This property has it all and is a definite must see!!
$299,000 1833576
70+ ACRES!!
Fantastic hunting property with lots of wildlife in the area, a pond and 30x40
barn style outbuilding for storage. Home has 3 bedrooms, some appliances
and furnishings and 1200 square feet of living space. This is the perfect
place for the nature enthusiast or excellent spot for your hunt camp!!
$249,900 1816928

GORGEOUS COUNTRYSIDE LIVING!!
Spacious 5-bdrm home, full finished basement, open floor plan, modern
kitchen with eating area and pantry, built-in bookcases, convenient mud
room, cathedral ceilings, family room, large closets in all bedrooms,
bonus 18x12 storage room, deck, oversized garage & 32x52 barn!!
$199,900 1832736
SECLUDED FOR PRIVACY!!
Large 4-bdrm, 2.5 bath home on 3.3 PARTLY WOODED ACRES!! Open
floor plan, tongue and groove ceilings, full walkout basement, family room,
work area, ceramic tile floors, kitchen with some appliances & island, formal
dining, carport plus detached garage for your vehicles and blacktop drive!!
$189,000 1832169
PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS!!
You will enjoy private access to no motor FAWN LAKE with this
super nice 3-bdrm home with oversized garage. Move-in ready
on 2 lots with great amenities including laminate and tile floors,
central air, natural gas heat and beautiful custom oak cabinetry!!
$158,000 1832940
SECLUDED HUNTING CABIN!!
2-bdrm cottage that is the perfect spot to have your hunt camp nestled among
18 WOODED ACRES and ADJACENT TO STATE LAND!! Some appliances,
wood heat, propane lights, gravity tank, excellent hunting and a great variety
of wildlife in the area. Awesome rustic spot for your hunt camp!!
$64,900 1805656
OVER AN ACRE OF PROPERTY!!
Large 4-bdrm home, full partly finished basement with newer wood floor-
ing and newer roof in 2016. 2 car garage plus a shed for additional stor-
age, nicely landscaped, and a nice deck for enjoying the outdoors and
views. Nice rural setting yet not far from town for shopping & restaurants!!
$154,900 1830864

GREAT SPOT FOR HORSES!!
This 3-bdrm, 2 full bath home has some appliances, central air, full walk-
out basement that has already been carpeted, kitchen pantry and much
more! There is also a spacious detached garage for your Up North toys
and both front & rear decks, all nestled on 10.10 BEAUTIFUL ACRES!!
$89,900 1832322
TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE!!
This unique property has TWO 2-bedroom, 1 full bath homes, each
with its own yard and appliances, a privacy fence, storage shed
and some nice landscaping. A PERFECT OPPORTUNITY to be a
landlord to both for extra income or live in one and rent the other!!
$57,500 1835380
LOTS OF IMPROVEMENTS!!
This 3-bdrm home on AN ACRES has had many updates over the years,
including water heater and softener in 2009, pump and pressure tank,
appliances and furnace in 2008, a newer breaker box in 2013 plus there
are new metal roofs on the home, detached garage & heated outbuilding!!
$102,950 1832684
OVER 30 ACRES!!
Updated possible 3-bdrm home on full walkout basement that you could
finish to your own liking!! Beautiful hardwood floors, central air, appliances
and much more and updates like newer furnace, water heater and well.
Outside there are 2 garages for storage and nice patio area for relaxing!!
$139,000 1828567
21+ GORGEOUS ACRES!!
2-bdrm, 2 bath home nestled on partly wooded acreage with beautiful views
and a 3 acre pond!! Open floor plan, door walls to nice back deck, a wood
stove to help keep you warm, circular drive, detached garage and a heated
and insulated workshop!! Home sits back off of road for some privacy!!
$117,000 1808352

FOR MORE LISTINGS

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.CAHANES.COM
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 133
 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

Skidway Lake

Almont

Linden
Howell

Contact Your Nearest State Wide Real

Estate Office To Buy or Sell In Michigan
ALPENA
1100 W. Chisholm, 49707
email: alpswre@speednetllc.com
989-356-2142 Fax: 989-356-2144
ALMONT
844 Van Dyke Road
lafrancesharon@yahoo.com
810-798-8591 Fax: 810-798-8079
CURTIS/NEWBERRY
Main Street, P.O. Box 305, 49820
email: swcurtis@sbcglobal.net
906-586-9606 Fax: 906-586-9607
ESCANABA
2209 Ludington Street, 49829
email: escanaba@statewiderealestate.net
906-786-1308 800-900-0777
Fax: 906-786-1388
GLADSTONE
1401 Delta Ave.,
Gladstone, MI 49837
906-825-9000
email: judy@statewiderealestate.net
HARRISVILLE
430 S. US-23, 48740
email: sold@anjstatewide.com
989-724-5711 800-655-5735
Fax: 989-724-6833
HAWKS
8383 Hwy. 451, 49743
email: rita8383@yahoo.com
989-734-4846
HILLMAN
14938 State Street, P.O. Box 98, 49746
email: statewidehillman@yahoo.com
989-742-4523 800-228-7856
email: sw@statewiderealestate.org
906-228-9312 Fax: 906-228-8069
Fax: 989-742-3931
HOUGHTON
email: statewideone@newbc.rr.com
500 Shelden Ave., 49931
email: dick@statewideofhoughton.com
906-482-6955 800-676-6323
Fax: 906-482-7699
102 West 8th St., P.O. Box 395, 48647
HOWELL/LINDEN
1285 S. Michigan Ave., Howell, MI 48843
email: statewid@earthlink.net
517-546-9060 800-531-4449
Fax: 517-546-9148
IRON MOUNTAIN
231 East A. St.
Iron Mountain, MI 49807
906-828-2525
Fax: 906-828-2727
email: steve@multistatewide.com
MANISTIQUE
10 N. State Highway M-149
Cooks, MI 49817
906-644-2304
email: dekeysermary@yahoo.com
MARINETTE, WISCONSIN
1460 Marinette Ave., 54143
email: statewidemarinette@yahoo.com
715-735-9964 Fax: 715-732-1107
MARQUETTE
856 W. Washington, 49855
COVENTRY REALTY LLC
MENOMINEE
3631 10th Street, 49858 CAROLE PORRETTA, GRI, BROKER-OWNER Carole Porretta
810.678.2288 Office 248.310.4242 Cell
www.CoventryRealtyLLC.com
906-863-9905 In Michigan, Resort Living is Year Round!
Fax: 906-863-7935
HOT PROPERTIES WITH COOL SAVINGS!
MIO
1835 E. DEWAR 4721 HASSLICK
email: info@statewidemio.com $349,000 Com- $1,490,000 - Ex-
989-826-3292 pletely renovated ceptional 8500
Fax: 989-826-2108 2500 square foot sq ft European
farmhouse with 4 stone/brick coun-
beds / 2 full baths, try estate, slate
ONAWAY granite kitchen, 3 fireplaces. 40 x 80 find roof, Andersen windows, 3-story 550 sq ft Ball-
M-33 & M-68,
gar w/loft, 30 x 40 full wrkshp, 24 x 12 & 32 x room, Solarium, Master with sitting room, Ro-
18 enclosed storage barns. 60 x 120 indoor meo & Juliet balcony. 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, fin
P.O. Box 478, 49765 arena w/attd 60 x 80 storage/stalls. Heated
w/o LL, 20 acres, 3 acre pond, copper Onion
email: bigdan@frontier.com observation/tack rm! Large pastures w/auto Dome studio, Scandinavian Sauna, inground
989-733-6522 waters. 20 acres or 40 acres @ $389,000 pool, guest house, 5 car gar, 3 pole barns!
Fax: 989-733-2427
6350 WOLF 1343 E.
HUNTERS
POWERS $2,995,000 -
W3776 US2 & 41, 49874 Exquisite cus- CREEK
906-497-4190 tom retreat for
$985,000 -
Fax: 906-497-5328 car collector,
hunting & entertaining enthusiast. Home Mirror Lake all-
holly@statewiderealestate.net offers over 10,000 sqft of living space sports lakefront! Exquisite architec-
on over 160 acres of beautiful property. ture on 11 wooded acres. 4700 sq ft
Log home features 5 bdrms/5 baths & all-custom home, quality built by cur-
SKIDWAY LAKE 2 kitchens, rec room, home theater & rent owner. Lovely 1st floor master, 5
bed, 4.2 baths, Hearth room in kitchen
2228 Greenwood Rd., massive 12 car gar, plus an 11,000 sqft
with stone fireplace, granite island, top
Prescott, 48756 facility for 20 guests with enclosed pa-
of the line stainless steel appliances,
email: atlas@m33access.com tio, dog kennels & RV storage! 2 ponds,
orchard, cedar tree nursery, heated ele- heated sun room, formal dining, Cher-
989-873-3601 vated blinds & deer/pheasant food plots. ry floors and study, 4 fireplaces. 2200
Fax: 989-873-6914 True pheasant preserve w/turkey and sq ft walkout w/kitchen, rec, exercise,
trophy deer galore! Hunters Paradise! & family rms. 3 car garage.

134 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS

 CENTURY OAKS GOLF CLUB RANDY MINTO 79 ACRES
Always Working Hard for You!

REALTOR
Direct: LAPEER COUNTY
AMAZING Once-In-A-Lifetime Opportunity to OWN a 810.449.1286 Amazing Home Over 5,200 sq ft of Living
Space & Outdoor Entertainment. Gorgeous
Golf Course! Set on 62 Acres in Huron County. Updated - OR -
Clubhouse & Restaurant. Liquor License Included. Office: property, 8 ponds. Very Private and Secluded.

*DV 810.653.4500
$649,000 $1,265,000 *DV
SPECIALIZING IN UNIQUE, LUXURY AND LARGE RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES
DEER & NATURE LOVERS DREAM PROPERTIES
*
D 257 ACRES ST. CLAIR COUNTY *
D 7+ ACRES GENESEE COUNTY
V
LICENSED
SOLD V

PHEASANT
200 TILLABLE ACRES PRESERVE
LAPEER COUNTY
Amazing 2 Story Country Home, 2,688 sq ft. Lots of living space, 4BD.
Great farming, income producing, Pheasant Preserve
Possibilities, over 1/2 mile on Belle River, multiple Great for Family Entertaining. Attached 2 Car Garage. Stocked Great Commercial Opportunity in Burton with
Outbuildings, 2 Ponds. Pond. Deer Hunters and Nature Lovers Dream Property. Just off I-69. excellent visibility from I-69.
$1,250,000 $319,900 $195,000
* LICENSED DEER RANCH *
D AMAZING APPLEGATE HUNTING
SOLD
D
V V
PRESERVE! $1,250,000
34 ACRES 80-100 DEER
20-25 TROPHY BUCKS
GENESEE COUNTY
GENESEE COUNTY 18+ ACRES
Woodland Deer Ranch in Davison. 6-car garage, pond, 5 blinds, Beautifully Designed BRAND NEW Custom-Built Ranch Home. Abundance
3 lg feeders, Lg polebarn. 4BD, 3BA, walkout & up basement. of Wildlife. Truly a Deer Hunter and Nature Lovers Dream Property!
$849,900 APPROX. 200 DEER APPROX. 100 ELK $279,000
* *
D 128 ACRES GENESEE COUNTY D SANILAC COUNTY 80 ACRES
V V

SOLD
Newly Renovated, 41 tillable acres, 3 ponds, 65% Wooded.
SANILAC COUNTY 186 ACRES
Gorgeous Lodge AND a 2,000 sq ft Ranch home set on acres
of Evergreens full of Trophy Elk and Deer! Updated, Andersen Deer Hunters Dream Property, Private, 2-streams.
Great Development & Commercial Possibilities. A Rare Gem! windows, formal dining room. Great for entertaining groups. Large Elevation changes.
Waterfall pond, pavilion and several out buildings.
$599,900 $275,000
*
D MIDLAND COUNTY 160 ACRES * GENESEE COUNTY
D GENESEE COUNTY *
D 50 ACRES 56 ACRES *
D
V V 25 ACRES 26 ACRES V V

NDIN G PEN DING

SA LE PE SALE
Rustic 2-story Hunting Cabin w/fireplace, well, septic, on Great Building Site, 4 splits
50 Acres, Genesee County, 56 Acres, Genesee County,
Commercial & Residential. available. Zoned Ag. Paved
Hunters and Nature Lovers Dream property. Great Building Site, wooded. Shiawassee Lake & River. Shiawassee Lake & River.
Road, Corner Lot.
$279,000 $239,000 $119,900 $395,000 $395,000

210 ACRES IN CHIPPEWA COUNTY * 3 ACRES

D *
D *
OSCODA COUNTY D
THE UP
V V V
10 ACRES
OAKLAND 20 ACRES
GENESEE COUNTY COUNTY 3900 sq. ft. Amazing log interior with knotty pine, cus-
Cozy Log Cabin on mile of St. Marys
Great location in Davison. Lots Great Building Site. Nicely tom built. Abuts 500+ acres Federal land (land locked).
River. Beach front. Secluded. of development in the area. wooded. 1/2 Mile from Brandon
$219,900 $249,000 Schools. $115,000 $279,000
* LAPEER COUNTY *
SOLD SOLD
D 86 ACRES D 72 ACRES
V V

120 ACRES CLARE COUNTY LAPEER COUNTY

Gorgeous Updated Home, Ponds, Waterfalls.
Fantastic Development Opportunity. 30-2 Acre lots Prime Hunting & Nature Lovers Dream Property. 90% Barn with 6/stalls. Truly a Deer Hunters, Nature
approx. currently zoned agriculture. wooded, hardwoods, pines & cedars. Nice hunting cabin & HORSE LOVERS Dream Property.
$550,000 built 2001. 2BD & 1BA. 5 Deer Blinds. $299,900 $895,000

DRONE
*DV VIDEO GO TO: MIDREAMPROPERTIES.com
OR CALL 810-449-1286
WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 135
 Arenac County Hunting Camp
70 acres w/pole barn, pond,
septic, electric, and living quarters.
The Kempf Team Realty
Sue Maziarz
(989)-876-1010
sue1253@yahoo.com
CHAPPLE REALTY INC.
YOUR LAKE AND RECREATIONAL PROPERTY CONNECTION!
www.WESTMICHIGANLAKES.com
(269) 623-4058 269-207-3280
118 E Orchard St. Delton MI 49046 Drew Chapple Associate Broker
120 ACRE CAMP backing to State land.
The home has 1 bedroom, 1 bath & open
living area. 30x48 pole barn with a 450 sf WALL LAKE - 2.9 Acre lot with 75 of Wall Lake frontage. Quality Built
Brick Ranch Home with 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms, Formal Dining Room,
bunk room that sleeps 10, sauna & more. Living Room with Fireplace, Main floor Laundry, Full Basement, Attached
Trail roads, blinds & pond. Excellent 2 Car Garage, Deck over looking the Lake and 30 x 40 Pole Barn. Great
hunting! Reduced to $169,900 #303078 Opportunity to own just under 3 Acres on 530 Acre all Sports Wall Lake.
Priced @ $389,900 (17024647) Call Drew Chapple 269-207-3280
CROOKED LAKE - 75' of Crooked Lake Frontage with stunning sunset views.
Property is wooded and has a 24x24 pole barn, sewer and a sandy beachfront.
Beautiful sunset views on 735 Acre All Sports Crooked Lake. Conveniently lo-
cated between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Priced @ $139,000 (17008790)
Call Drew Chapple 269-207-3280
187 BLACK RIVER. Class A trout fishing,
canoeing & kayaking. Custom built 3 bed, LONG LAKE - 66 Lake Frontage - Awesome 4 Bedroom, 4.5 Bath Contemporary
2 bath cape cod in a quiet wooded setting. Lake Home with over 5000 sqft of Living space and just under an acre of Land.
Private setting with Lake Frontage, Garden Area, Pole Barn/Studio/Greenhouse.
T&G cedar walls, vaulted ceilings, huge
Home can be heated by Outside Wood Heater or Propane Forced Air Furnace.
kitchen, 1st floor master, radiant in-floor Long Lake is 3 miles long, with great fishing, boating, and lake living opportunities.
heat. Motivated seller. $149,900 #306531 Conveniently located with in 35 minutes of Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Battle
Creek. Priced @ $429,000 (17034396) Call Drew Chapple 269-207-3280

WILKINSON and CLOVERDALE LAKE! 30 ACRES of Rolling

Woods, Nature lovers and Sportsman Paradise!! 2100 of Lake
Frontage on a Chain of Lakes, 30 x 40 Pole Barn, Conveniently lo-
cated 35 minutes from Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Grand Rapids.
Priced at $229,900 (17027178) Call Drew Chapple 269-207-3280

100 BLACK LAKE 1900 sf custom home,
3 bdrms, 2-1/2 baths, awesome year round
sun room, fireplace, open floor plan, attached 19 ACRES - Cape Cod 3 bdrm, 3 full bath home on 19+ acres, tucked back 1/4 mile
off the road for ample privacy. Home boasts main floor laundry, unfinished walk-out
2.5 car garage and more. Additional 3 car

basement, outside wood burner, heated sidewalk and mud room floor. Ideal for
garage with a 2 bedroom guest apartment farming, raising livestock or horses. One barn is 30x40 with 2-12' lean-tos. Second
above. Just reduced to $299,000 #305672 Barn is 44x64 with an attached 23x64 Four car garage. Additional Acreage Avail-
able. Priced @ $349,900 (17019385) Call Jane Drewyor 269-317-7994
Carol Steiger, Associate Broker
(231) 627-9991 Office
Call 810-724-0254 (989) 351-0110 Cell
VACANT LAND
5.5 ACRES, Barry Twp, Rolling, Close to Town. $36,900
To Place Your email: carol.steiger@remax.net 10 ACRES, Barry Co., Barry Twp, Tillable, Close to Town. $64,900
16 ACRES, 700' of Cox Lake Frontage. Woods, water, wetlands and wildlife. $59,900
846 S. Main, Cheboygan, MI LITTLE CEDAR LAKE, Barry Co., Hope Twp, 2 Acres w/200 of Lake front. Great Fish Camp. $39,900
Ad Today! www.liveupnorth.com
PLEASANT LAKE AREA, 2.89 Acres of woods and wetland. $13,900
North WEST GEORGETOWN LAKE, .75 Acre lot, beautiful beachfront. Close to M-6. $349,900

4 Bdrm, 1 bth Camp or home. Full log home. 40 3 Bdrm, 1 bth camp. 78 Acres adjoins State land. 1 Bdrm, 0 Bths, Camp. 125 Escanaba River. 42
Acres. Outbuildings, well, septic, power. Cornell. Power on site. Two power ponds. Shed. Stonington. Plus Acres for hunting and recreation. Cornell.
$130,000 1102854 $95,000 1101570 $114,900 1101607

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

Bay de Noc. Stonington.
1 Bdrm, 1 bth cottage. Gorgeous sand beach.
Swimming! Small cottage. Stonington.
2 Bdrm, 1 bth camp. 18 Acres.
2 Car gar with deer blinds. Ensign.
ACRES AVAILABLE $109,000 1102049 $129,900 1102261 $55,900 1097355
FROM $5200 TO $526,200.
Escanaba
2209 Ludington Street
(906) 786-1308
1 Bdrm camp. 40 Acres. Nice high ground. 2 Bdrm, 0.25 bth Camp. 80 Acres, Wilson 2 Bdrm, 1 bth A-Frame. Lake front Chalet,
Great hunting. Well built. Perkins. Creek, well, power, trails, pristine. Powers. great fishing and boating. Manistique.
Powers $84,900 1101098 $125,000 1100747 $150,000 1101361
W3776 US 2 & 41
(906) 497-4190

Gladstone
1401 Delta Ave.
(906) 825-9000
1 Bdrm, 0.5 Bth cabin. Rustic log cabin on 40 1 Bdrm, 1 bth cozy cottage near Stevens
acres. Shower and Sauna house. Snowmobile/ Lake. Elec. Generator included. Deck. Cozy 1 bdrm camp on 4.2 acres. Electricity.
ATV trails. Hunting. Northland. Gar. Wetmore. Outbldgs. Furnishings included. Stonington
$75,000 1103001 $64,000 1102479 $41,000 1099277

136 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS

 WOW CHECK THIS OUT! DISCOUNTED PRICES!

ALL OFFERS WELCOME!!! 160 ACRES: Tower road property. Well Treed, hunt-
WOW CHECK THIS OUT! DISCOUNTED PRICES! WOW CHECK THIS OUT! DISCOUNTED PRICES!

WOW CHECK THIS OUT! DISCOUNTED PRICES! WOW CHECK THIS OUT! DISCOUNTED PRICES!
CANADIAN WATERFRONT AND ing and recreation property. Rolling Hills w/$30K in
RECREATIONAL PROPERTY. timber, beaver pond surrounded by Government
CLOSE TO SAULT STE. MARIE, land. Two miles off year-round maintained road. 25
MICHIGAN BORDER mins East of Sault, Ontario. $69,900 US.
*LAND CONTRACTS MACDONALD PROPERTY: 759 acres with hunting
AVAILABLE O.A.C.* camp, 25 miles east of Sault St. Marie Ontario, prop-
erty is gated, isolated and wooded, with a four bed-
BEAR GOOSE room, two-story pole barn. 20-acre lake and 2
DUCK MOOSE streams. Great Bear Hunting! Two Deer plots! Five
WOLF WHITETAIL deeds, no guide required, underpriced at $259,900
US. Terms available, excellent buy!
BEAR SEASON OPEN AUG. 15TH
AND GOOSE SEPT. 1ST 160 ACRES HARDWOOD & SOFTWOOD: Large
beaver pond. Only 2 miles off year-round maintained
OTHER PROPERTIES AVAILABLE! road. 35 minutes East of Sault, Ontario. $54,900 US.
TROPHY DEER & BEAR AREA
One-10 ACRE SAND BEACH LOT (this lot has it
WITH GREAT FISHING!!! all): 60 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie. 300 frontage
NO GUIDE OR on Bright Lake near Hwy 17 East (lake area approx..
OUTFITTER REQUIRED! 24 sq. miles), year-round access with power to prop-
Don't Be Shy, Make An Offer. erty. Inland lake has Perch, Bass, Walleye and
LOOKING FOR OFFERS!!! Northern Pike. Priced to sell at $109,900 US.
DESBARATS LAKE AND RIVER PROPERTY: This 5.5 EXCLUSIVE LAKE HURON WATERFRONT &
acres is on a year-round road with power. Only minutes WATER-VIEW ESTATE LOTS LOCATED IN
from the Village of Desbarats which is 35 miles east of THESSALON, ONTARIO 50 MILES EAST OF
Sault, Ontario. Great Walleye and Northern Pike fishing SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO ON HIGHWAY 17
and good Whitetail hunting. Asking price is $24,900 US.
EAST: Lighthouse Point serviced with hydro, tele-
400 ACRES OF ROLLING HARD-AND SOFTWOOD phone, sewer, water, gas, cable on paved street.
HILLS: Large beaver pond and creek runs thru property, Airport, marina and hospital in area. No time limit for
next to above property if more acreage is required. building. Waterfront lots 100 478 frontage, water-
Property is great for bear hunting, white tail and grouse. view lots 80 frontage. Prices from $11,900.00 US
Four miles off year-round maintained road. $124,900 US. and up.

LAJAMBE OFFICE: (705) 248-9663 CELL: (705) 941-8355

FAX: (705) 248-1110

ENTERPRISESINC. Frank Lajambe

flajambe@lajambe.com
715 Finns Bay Road www.lajambe.com
Echo Bay, Ontario CAN POS 1C0 *Prices subject to change.
WOW CHECK THIS OUT! DISCOUNTED PRICES!

Heritage Exclusive Marketing Agents for Northeast

House Michigan Properties
RealtyPC Located in the Heart of the Huron National Forest, on the Shores of
Personalized Service is the Difference Lake Huron and the banks of the AuSable River
5115 Pine, Glennie
740 sf, 2 be 1 bath with walk-
out basement to enjoy the
131 feet on Vaughn Lake.
Could use some of your
finishing touches. Make this
your perfect Up North
Retreat. Newly at Listed
$69,900
5157 Lake Dr, Glennie
1400 sf, 3 bed, 2 bath
manufactured home with
Vaughn Lake Access. This
move in ready home is in
quiet neighborhood perfect
for spending a day on the
water. Reduced $57,900
For More Information Test
R155064 to 52187

Alcona Co. Hunting Camp AuSable River Frontage

217 acres with Pine River
flowing through. 1400 sf, 3
bed, 2 bath fully furnished.
This is a must see for any
outdoorsman. Reduced
$309,000 For More
One of northeast Michigans premier resorts located complete information Text
R155061 to 52187
on 300 feet of Lake Huron sugar sand beach, half
way between Oscoda and Greenbush. Includes 16
cottages with one or two bedrooms, 8 luxury beach 4265 North Lake, Glennie
front suites, 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom owners or 1600 sf, 3 bed, 2 bath
managers home, recreation building, onsite laundry Manufactured with large
facilities, playground and paved parking. This nicely Pole Barn and spacious
deck overlooking 150+ feet
wooded site is over 463 feet deep. Great rental on North Lake this place is
history with several repeat clientele. The lakefront perfect to relax. Newly
luxury suites include deluxe furnishings and dcor listed $189,900 For More
similar to some of the finest Bed and Breakfast Information Text R40412 to
homes. Each with their own wet bar, king size bed 52187
and oversize whirlpool tub. Cottages feature knotty 405 E Church, Harrisville
pine interiors, full bathrooms, separate heating, 1750 sf, four bed, 2 bath
cable television, internet, and complete furnishings Victorian right in downtown
right down to the silverware. Social Hall for family Harrisville. Own a piece of
gatherings can accommodate 110 guests. This is an history with this move in
ready classic. Reduced
active turn key business opportunity that only $119,900. For More
comes around once in a lifetime. Priced to sell with complete Information Text
owner financing available to qualified buyers. R306384 to 52187
1300 sf, 4 bed, 1.5 bath Dam
Keepers Home with 160 feet
on the river. Canoe/Kayak
right out your front door and
a 2-car garage to store
everything in. Newly Listed
$132,500 For More
Information text R363856 to
52187
Hunting Camp, Hillman
1700 sf, 4 bed, 2 bath with
several other structures
perfect the entire family
hunting trips. Just over 9
acres with Millers Creek
running through. Will need
some TLC, being sold AS-IS
New $60,000
5047 Pine St
1000 sf, 3 bed, 1 bath with
full walk-out basement and
50 feet on Vaugh Lake to
enjoy year-round. Pack your
bags and move in, comes
fully furnished. NEW
$114,900 For More
Information Text R457796 to
52187

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

WNW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2017 137
 DAN DAN LOG CABIN
FURNITURE
THEMATTRESSMAN.COM
WHOLESALE TO THE PUBLIC CHECK
US OUT
ON THE
WEB!

Queen Size Log Headboard $

7500
Queen Log Bed $19999
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199
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189
2 Drawer Night Stand
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149
MORE SIZES,
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CALL ANYTIME (989)-832-1866

THEMATTRESSMAN.COM 802 ASHMAN ST., MIDLAND
138 SEPTEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Come see us September 8, 9 & 10 at the...
Woods-N-Water News Outdoor Weekend

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$
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