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Woods-n-Water News
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2017
DEER
FORECAST
PLUGS &
RIVER
STEELIES
Understanding
WHITETAILS'
Sociobiological Factors
Sharptail Grouse Hunting Walleye Brawlers Hunt Wood Ducks
Big U.P. BEAR Harvested How Old is that Deer? Funnel Hunting
Autumn Gobblers Open Water Trapping Ice Fishing Comfort
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LAPEER, MI of Downtown Davison
2046500 Open 6 Days: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm; Open 6 Days: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm;
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dont mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. 2017 Polaris Industries Inc.
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YEAR END
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.
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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.
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 NOVEMBER 2017 3
By Tom Campbell
SEASONS
The animal, harvested in Montcalm Township in Surveillance Plan. The order:
Montcalm County, is the 10th free-ranging deer in Creates a nine-township Core Area that includes
Michigan found to have chronic wasting disease. The Douglass, Eureka, Fairplain, Maple Valley, Montcalm,
youth hunter who harvested the deer opted to take the Pine and Sidney townships in Montcalm County, and
animal to a Department of Natural Resources deer check Oakfield and Spencer townships in Kent County. Within
Open All Year Pike and walleye season on Lower Peninsula
station and then submitted the animal for testing steps the Core Area specifically:
Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers the DNR strongly encourages hunters across the state to Institutes mandatory registration of deer at a check
Open All Year Salmon and trout season on Great Lakes, St. take during the 2017 deer hunting seasons. station within 5 miles of the new Core CWD Area, with-
Marys River, Lake St. Clair & St. Clair & Detroit Rivers Because this family decided to bring their deer to a in 72 hours of harvest, starting Nov. 15. (Available sta-
Open All Year Catch-and-immediate-release bass season on DNR deer check station, state wildlife managers were tions currently are at Flat River State Game Area and
all Michigan waters open to fishing able to gain important information about chronic wast- Howard City.)
Now-Dec. 31 Pure Michigan Hunt Application ing disease in mid-Michigan, said Dr. Kelly Straka, Removes antler point restrictions for the restricted
Now-March 15 Pike, walleye seasons on L.P. inland waters, DNR state wildlife veterinarian. As we move through tag of the combo deer license within the nine-township
U.P. Great Lakes, inland waters and St. Marys. the archery and firearm seasons, voluntary deer testing Core Area.
Now-Dec. 15 Muskie season on Lake St. Clair, St. Clair and will be critical not only within the currently affected Allows antlerless deer to be tagged using the deer
Detroit Rivers areas, but also throughout the south-central Lower or deer combo license(s) during the firearm, muzzle-
Now-Dec. 31 Bass; catch and keep season on all Michigan Peninsula and the entire state. loader and late antlerless seasons.
waters open to bass fishing CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects Institutes mandatory submission of the head for
Now-Oct. 26 Bear season (various BMUs, permit required white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk and moose. It is caused testing of a road-killed deer within 72 hours of pick-up.
and special regulations) by the transmission of infectious, self-multiplying pro- Allows disease control permits, effective immedi-
Now-Mar. 31 Cottontail rabbit/snowshoe hare season teins (prions) contained in saliva and other body fluids ately, for landowners with five or more acres within the
Now-Nov. 14 Fall turkey season (permit needed) of infected animals. Susceptible animals can acquire nine-township Core Area.
Now-Mar. 1 Squirrel season, fox and gray (black) CWD by direct exposure to these fluids, from environ- Bans the feeding and baiting of deer in Kent and
Now-Nov. 14 Ruffed grouse season ments contaminated with these fluids or the carcass of a Montcalm counties, effective Jan. 2, 2018, and encour-
Now-Nov. 6 Woodcock season diseased animal. ages hunters not to bait and feed in these areas immedi-
Some CWD-infected animals will display abnormal ately.
Now-Nov. 14 Archery deer season
behaviors, progressive weight loss and physical debilita- The DNR will work with the Michigan Natural
Oct. 10-31 Pheasant season Zone 1 (partial) tion; however, deer can be infected for many years with- Resources Commission to make the order permanent,
Oct. 19-22 -- Independence Hunt; hunters with disabilities out showing internal or external symptoms. There is no adjusting as needed in response to the evolving situa-
Oct. 20-Nov. 14 Pheasant season Zone 2, and 3 cure; once a deer is infected with CWD, it will die. tion.
Nov. 15-30 -- Regular Firearm deer season Since May 2015, the DNR has actively conducted In Michigan, there are 338 deer farms, regulated
Dec. 1-Jan. 1 -- Pheasant season Zone 3 (partial) surveillance for CWD. To date, more than 14,000 deer jointly by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and
Dec. 1-10 -- Muzzleloading deer season in Zone 1 have been tested since the first positive case was found, Rural Development and the DNR. MDARD is working
Dec. 1-10 -- Muzzleloading deer season in Zone 2 with 10 cases of CWD confirmed in free-ranging white- with the farms that are within a 15-mile surveillance
Dec. 1-17 -- Muzzleloading deer season in Zone 3 tailed deer identified in Clinton, Ingham and (now) zone to ensure compliance with CWD testing require-
Dec. 18-Jan.1 - Late Antlerless Firearm Montcalm counties. ments, implement increased inspections and monitor
*Consult the Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest, Fishing To date, there is no evidence that CWD presents any animal movement, said MDARD State Veterinarian
Digest, or other species-specific hunting digests for a more known risk to non-cervids, including humans, either James Averill. All regulated deer farms participate in
complete list of dates and regulations regarding each season or through contact with an infected animal or from han- the states CWD testing program; however, farms out-
hunt period. dling venison. However, as a precaution, the U.S. side the surveillance zone will not have additional
Centers for Disease Control and the World Health requirements.
MJC MJC Organization recommend that infected animals not be Starting Nov. 1, several new deer check stations
ARCHERY ARCHERY consumed as food by either humans or domestic ani- near the new Core Area will accept deer for CWD test-
MACOMB OAKLAND mals. ing. Archery hunters are strongly encouraged to have
As additional deer have tested positive for CWD their deer checked at existing check stations during the
within Michigan, the DNR has put specific regulations early archery season.
19744 15 Mile Rd 3001 Rochester Rd
in place. Currently, there are two CWD Core Areas, A complete list of check stations, including locations
Clinton Twp. 48035 Royal Oak, MI 48073 which are deer management units (DMUs) 333 and 359. and hours, as well as weekly CWD updates, are avail-
586-791-4600 248-589-2480 To review regulations related to those areas, visit michi- able at michigan.gov/cwd.
DEPARTMENTS...
Betty Sodders page 76
COVER STORY...
Understanding whitetails
sociobiological factors Trophy Page. . . 92-93 Classifieds . . 110-111
John Ozoga page 84 News/Op-Ed . . . 88-91 Real Estate . . 112-125
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WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 7
COVER STORY...
Tagged Out on
Opening Day
M
any of you read- ing to show in the sugar maples and
ing these words cottonwood trees. One significant
are anxiously difference for this particular Oc-
waiting for the tober opener, was that deer move-
opening day ment was quite evident along with
of firearm deer many bucks up on their feet during
season that annually occurs here the first couple of hours of shooting
in Michigan on November 15. The light.
other deer opener, the Crossbow hunter Mi-
first day of the Michigan chele Malenski went out
archery season, annually opening morning with her
occurs on the first day of longtime hunting partner
October. It doesnt usually Frank, who is also her best
receive the same fanfare friend and husband. The
or hunter success rate but married couple shared a
never the less is more sig- box blind while hunting on
nificant to many because private property in Jackson
By Jerry Lambert
it is the very first
occasion that
County. Shortly
after daybreak,
adult deer hunt- the first deer
ers have to hunt the elusive white- came walking a trail towards them
tail deer. nibbling on acorns. The deer was
This October 1 was like many a buck; a buck that the two deer
others in the fact that the daytime hunters were quite familiar with,
temperatures were relatively warm because they had already collected Michele Malenski with her second crossbow buck of Opening Day,
and autumns colors were just start- quite a few trail camera photo- this monster 11-point that unofficially green scored at 170.
graphs of the unique buck. He was
a 10-point with six points on one tention. When I shot, I thought he
side and four on the other. Accord- Five minutes later, I saw a big was a big buck that I had on trail
ing to Michele, He was not shy, he buck emerge out of a thicker part camera, but he obviously wasnt, he
liked to have his picture taken. of the woodlot. He was walking was much, much bigger. Frank and
Once the buck was within straight at me. I immediately put I didnt even know that this buck
range, Michele waited for him to my sight on him and waited for even existed.
turn broadside before taking the the shot. I ended up waiting for Michele went on to tell a little
shot. A quick lethal kill ensued and what felt like an eternity but in all story about an event that occurred
the proud hunter got to use one of reality was probably only about the day before that she thought was
her two buck tags on the archery five to ten minutes. When he finally an indicator of opening day suc-
opener. turned broadside, I took the shot cess. On the last day of September,
After taking care of the deer, it and dropped him in his tracks. I they honored her late mothers
was time to prepare for the evening miscalculated and hit high, break- wishes by having a memorial
hunt. Michele said, I hesitated and ing the deers spine. I then quickly service for her dog. While leav-
considered not going out because I dispatched the buck with a second ing the burial ground, her husband
didnt know if I wanted to tag out shot into the lungs. Knowing that found an acorn where there were no
on opening day. he was now down for the count, I oak trees. Michele told him to not
She must not have over-thought texted my husband: I JUST SHOT throw it away. She believed it to be
the process, because she indeed A MONSTER! a sign and told her husband that she
went out and was quite happy with Frank came so fast, I swear he was going to shoot a big buck on
the final results. flew. When he arrived on the quad, opening day. She promptly took the
It was unusually warm even for he immediately asked, Where is acorn out with her during her two
early October standards. Michele he at? hunts. Now that people have heard
said, I didnt think much would I told him that the buck was her story, they are now asking,
be moving because of a south- behind a tree. Ill never forget the How much for that acorn?
east wind and of the heat. I chose look on his face when he saw him. If you happen to see an acorn
to hunt from one of my favorite His mouth dropped and his eyes demanding high dollars on eBay
stands, a ladder stand in the hard- bulged out. I then, got out of the you will now know why!
woods. The first deer to appear stand to get a better look. I honestly Michelles monster buck has
Micheles Opening Day morn- were a doe and her two fawns. didnt know he was that big until eleven points and has been scored
ing buck, an unique 10-point, They meandered about the woods I saw him up close on the ground. by her taxidermist. The preliminary
she arrowed hunting with her for about a half hour. Then a spike No ground shrinkage for me, he green score tallies 170 Boone and
husband. buck came in and got the does at- actually got bigger! Crockett points.n
8 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 9
2017 MICHIGAN DEER
The MDNR has compiled information hunters may find helpful before they hit
K n ow B e f o r e Yo u G o
Part of hunting preparation includes review-
ing and understanding pertinent deer regulations.
Visit mi.gov/deer, which provides highlights of
regulation changes, information about deer man-
agement and links to additional resources, such
as deer check stations. Refer to the 2017 Hunting
and Trapping Digest and Antlerless Digest, also
available at DNR Customer Service Centers and
license vendors, for a map of all deer manage-
ment units (DMUs) and other regulation details.
B r e e d i n g A c t iv i t y
The peak of breeding activity (the rut) for
Michigan deer occurs prior to the opening of the
firearm deer season on Nov. 15, with increased
movement and activity beginning in late Octo-
ber. The peak breeding dates are fairly consistent
statewide; however, does that are not bred during
the primary rut, or fawns who are able to put
on enough weight, are likely to be receptive to
breeding about a month later. This breeding activ-
ity often occurs in mid-December and, though
less intensive than the primary rut a month
earlier, can lead to increased activity and daylight
movement later in the season. Hunters can often
take advantage of these increased deer move-
ments. Archery hunting is very popular in late
October and early November, followed by the
busiest deer hunting day of the year the opening
of the firearm season.
W H AT TO E X P E C T
The 2016 season, while seeing a decrease
in hunter numbers, ended with a slight increase
in harvest from 2015. Overall hunting success
increased across most of the state in 2016, with
slightly more than five out of every 10 hunters
taking home at least one deer last season.
The winter of 2016 was relatively mild across The 2017 harvest in southern Michigan should be like last year, with perhaps a slight in-
the entire state. Low snowfall levels and above- crease given the current conditions. Harvest in the southern Lower Peninsula can depend
average temperatures made for good deer sur- heavily on the percentage of standing corn. Kenny Darwin photo
vival conditions and great potential for this years
fawns. Spring had relatively mild weather as units are in the south central portion of the U.P., on the regular and restricted tags of the combi-
well, which is a major factor in both deer fitness which typically has higher deer populations than nation license remains in place) and a one-buck
and fawn survival. Due to these circumstances, anywhere else in the U.P. All other areas in the limit for the entire deer season. This means any
this year both the overall number of fawns seen U.P. will not have antlerless licenses available. hunter participating in the deer hunting season on
and the number of twins and triplets across the In general, hunters should expect to see a Drummond Island may only harvest one buck for
state have increased. In addition to an increase in slight increase from the number of deer they saw the entire deer season, and that buck must have a
the number of fawns being reported, the overall last year, with increases especially in 1.5- and least three antler points on one side, each 1 inch
number of deer being observed appears to be up 2.5-year-old age classes. Keep in mind that each or greater in length. Drummond Island hunters
as well. area is influenced by local factors and conditions, may purchase a combination license, but the sec-
The 2017 deer season is forecasted to have which then affects deer density and sightings in ond tag must be used in any DMU other than 117.
similar to slightly increased success rates com- that area. The largest bucks (heaviest and largest
antlers) typically come from agricultural areas, N o r t h e r n L owe r Pe n i n s u l a
pared to last year. See below for regional infor-
mation. but nice bucks also are taken from forested areas The northern Lower Peninsula is expected
where access is limited and where they have an to see an increase in deer harvest this year. With
U p p e r Pe n i n s u l a opportunity to get older. the mild winter last year and little impact from
The Upper Peninsula has experienced two Continuing for 2017: archery hunters may the previous winter, deer populations have been
relatively mild winters the last two years. Though harvest antlerless deer only if they have an antler- increasing steadily across much of the area.
overall deer numbers are still lower than many less license. In the U.P., they may not use their Deer sightings have been good throughout the
hunters like to see, some areas have begun to single deer or combination deer license to take region, and many have reported seeing healthy
recover from previous harsh winters nicely. As a an antlerless deer during archery season. This fawns, including many sets of twins and even
result, DNR staff members recommended open- change does not affect the Liberty or Indepen- some triplets.
ing a few additional units to antlerless hunting dence Hunt and does not impact the mentored Many areas may see more 2.5-year-old and
this year. Deer management units open to public- youth license. 3.5-year-old bucks this year with the now-perma-
and private-land antlerless permits include DMUs New for 2017: DMU 117 (Drummond Island) nent three-point antler point restriction (APR) in
055, 121, 155, and 255. DMU 122 will be open has a new three-point antler point restriction on 13 counties in the northwest area. This APR al-
only to private land-antlerless permits. The open the single deer license (the antler point restriction lows the majority of 1.5-year-old bucks to mature
10 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
HUNTING FORECAST
the field this fallBy Chad Stewart, Deer, Elk, Moose Management Specialist
to the next age class, resulting in increased num- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife refuges Montcalm County. DMU 359 has mandatory deer
bers of 2.5- and 3.5-year-old bucks in the years and Sharonville State Game Area in Jackson and check. Deer heads must be submitted to a DNR
following. All northern Lower Peninsula deer Washtenaw counties. Additional information check station within the DMU within 72 hours
management units are open for antlerless hunting; related to these hunts can be found on the DNR of harvest. For more information on CWD, visit
refer to the 2017 Antlerless Deer Digest if you Reserved Deer Hunts web page. A limited number mi.gov/cwd.
are interested in obtaining an antlerless license. of leftover licenses are available for these hunts; Since the discovery of CWD in May 2015,
New for 2017: DMU 487 no longer has review the leftover licenses page and navigate to over 14,000 free-ranging white-tailed deer have
an APR in place on the regular tag of the deer Deer Reserved Hunts on the drop down menu been tested and nine CWD positive animals have
combination license. Hunters can harvest antler- for available quantities. Hunters seeking more been identified. For the most up to date informa-
less deer using either their single deer or deer information related to deer hunting opportunities at tion and a map of CWD areas, visit mi.gov/cwd.
combination license during the early/late antler- the DNRs managed waterfowl hunt areas should Because of the concerns associated with
less firearm, archery, firearm or muzzleloading contact Nayanquing Point, Fish Point or Harsens CWD, a new regulation prevents the transporta-
seasons, but the APR that had been in place since Island field offices and speak with staff. tion of deer, elk and moose carcasses harvested
2010 has been removed. Keep in mind that those Additionally, an Urban Deer Management Zone outside of Michigan from being returned to
who purchase a combination license still have a has been developed for Macomb, Oakland and Michigan, except for antlers and clean skull caps,
four-point APR on the restricted tag of the com- Wayne Counties (see section below). The archery deboned meat, hides, quartered meat (that does
bination license, which is similar to the rest of the season in these counties will extend to Jan. 31, not include any part of the spinal column or head
state. For a map of the different APRs in Michi- 2018 to better manage human-deer conflicts. More attached), finished taxidermy mounts, and elk
gan, see pages 32 and 33 of the 2017 Hunting and information on the Urban Deer Management Zone ivories. Previously, this regulation applied only to
Trapping Digest. can be found on page 35 of the 2017 Hunting and states with known cases of CWD. The regulation
Public-land antlerless licenses also have Trapping Digest. now has been expanded to include all states and
changed. Removed are the individual public- provinces, regardless of their CWD status.
land units of DMUs 001 (Alcona), 004 (Alpena), W I L D L I F E H E A LT H
B ov i n e T u b e r c u l o s i s
035 (Iosco), 060 (Montmorency), 068 (Oscoda), A N D R E G U L AT I O N S
071 (Presque Isle) and 135 (Tawas). All are now In the northeast Lower Peninsula, the preva-
a part of DMU 487. Hunters who previously CWD in Souther n Michigan lence of bovine tuberculosis (TB) in the core
hunted public land under one of these licenses Due to the CWD-positive free-ranging deer zone, DMU 452, showed a slight decrease last
now can purchase a public-land antlerless license that have been found in Ingham and Clinton coun- year. The rate in DMU 452 decreased from 2.7
for DMU 487. This change opens more oppor- ties since May 2015, several regulations are in percent in 2015 to 2 percent in 2016. The preva-
tunities for hunters to move around public land place to help monitor the disease: lence rate in the five-county TB Management
in the six-county area. DMU 452, the core TB The creation of DMU 333 to surround the Zone (DMU 487) remained the same in 2016,
management area, remains separate from DMU area where the positive CWD cases have been dis- staying at 0.3 percent. Hunters are strongly en-
487 for public-land licenses. covered. This area includes Bath, DeWitt, Eagle, couraged to harvest antlerless deer to help main-
tain reduced deer numbers and keep TB in check.
S o u t h e r n L owe r Pe n i n s u l a Olive, Riley, Victor, Watertown and Westphalia
Older antlered deer also should be harvested and
townships in Clinton County; Alaiedon, Delhi,
Abundant food and cover in the form of agri- Lansing, Meridian, Wheatfield and Williamstown are especially important to be checked, as these
cultural crops and scattered swamps and wood- in Ingham County; Woodhull Township in Shia- animals are more likely to contract TB. Bring-
lots provide very good habitat across the southern wassee County; Delta and Oneida townships in ing in a deer or deer head to a check station for
Michigan landscape. This high-quality habitat, Eaton County; and, new for 2017, Roxand Town- testing allows the DNR to track the prevalence of
combined with relatively mild winter conditions, ship in Eaton County and Danby and Portland the disease in the population and informs hunters
typically results in a more abundant and produc- townships in Ionia County. whether their deer has the disease.
tive deer population compared to other regions Mandatory registration for all deer harvested The DNR encourages everyone hunting in
of the state. The 2017 harvest should be like last in DMU 333. Deer heads must be submitted to the following counties to bring their deer head in
year, with perhaps a slight increase given the a DNR check station within the DMU within 72 for testing: Alcona, Alpena, Arenac, Cheboygan,
current conditions. Harvest in the southern Lower hours of harvest. Crawford, Huron, Iosco, Lake, Midland, Mont-
Peninsula can depend heavily on the percentage The removal of the four points on a side morency, Newaygo, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Otsego,
of standing corn. If corn harvest is delayed going rule on the restricted combination license for DMU Presque Isle and Roscommon.
into the firearms season, a reduced deer harvest 333. To learn more about TB and other wildlife
can be expected. The ability to harvest an antlerless deer in health issues, visit mi.gov/emergingdiseases.
Over the last decade or more, deer popula- place of a buck with a single deer or deer combina- T H I N G S TO C O N S I D E R
tion estimates and indices (including deer/vehicle tion license during the firearm and muzzleloading
collisions, crop damage complaints, and observa- seasons. Urban Area Hunt
tions of deer by the hunting community and field The creation of a CWD Management Zone,
staff) in the southern Lower Peninsula have sta- DMU 419, which includes the parts of Clinton, New for 2017: archery season has been ex-
bilized or declined. In many instances, reductions Eaton, Ingham, Ionia and Shiawassee counties not tended in three counties in the southeastern part of
were intended to reduce conflicts that can occur included in DMU 333. the state. The archery season will now run through
when deer populations are high, though the DNR A baiting and feeding ban in DMUs 333 and Jan. 31, 2018 in DMUs 050 (Macomb), 063 (Oak-
still desires to keep adequate deer for enjoyable 419, along with increased antlerless quotas and land) and 082 (Wayne). Any valid unused license,
hunting and viewing experiences. A relatively reduced antlerless license costs. including antlerless licenses, will be available to
high proportion of land in this region is broken In 2017, two CWD positive animals were be used during this time frame. This extension
into small parcel sizes and privately owned. Giv- reported from a captive deer facility in Mecosta allows additional opportunities for archers and
en this framework, the DNR is working to find County. Regulations established this year are crossbow users to help manage deer that inhabit
more ways to balance high-quality deer hunting meant to surround where these recent positive ani- a largely urban landscape. The DNR is optimis-
experiences and increased hunting opportunities mals have been detected since last hunting season. tic that this extension will provide a gateway for
with habitat management goals among networks Due to this situation, DMU 359 was created, which many local parks to allow hunting as a recognized
of private landowners and hunters. encompasses Mecosta, Austin, Morton, Hinton, form of deer management in these urban areas.
The southeastern Lower Peninsula offers Aetna and Deerfield townships in Mecosta County
numerous reserved and lottery deer hunting op- and Cato, Winfield and Reynolds townships in
portunities at managed waterfowl hunt areas, 2017 Deer hunting forecast page 12
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 11
2017 Deer hunting forecast:
northern Lower Peninsula, offer- cherished aspects of hunting. The
ing many new properties. For more DNR encourages hunters to share
information about hunting HAP that heritage with a young person in
lands or enrolling your property, their life. Under the Mentored Youth
from page 11 visit mi.gov/hap to find property Hunting Program, it is possible to
information for each county, includ- take a youth that is 9 years of age or
Public Land Hunting ing location details and aerial maps. younger deer hunting. For specific
Hunting Access Program Each property offers specific types program requirements, visit mi.gov/
The DNR offers an online tool Looking for a place to hunt this of hunting (all hunt types, youth and mentoredhunting.
named Mi-HUNT, an interactive year or interested in earning income apprentice, turkey only, small game Michigan Sportsmen
web application located at mi.gov/ to allow public hunting on your only, elk only or a combination of A g a i n s t H u n ge r
mihunt, to help hunters home in on land? The DNR Hunting Access these).
The Michigan Sportsmen
good habitat and potential hunting Program has 23,000 acres of private Mentor
spots. For those who find them- hunting land available this hunting Against Hunger program is a
selves short on time, these tools are season. Since 1977, HAP has sup- a Yo u t h H u n t e r wonderful way for hunters to share
an excellent way to save some time ported Michigans hunting heritage A shared experience with fam- a part of their harvest this fall, or
and narrow down their selection. and this year expands to include the ily and friends is one of the most donate a whole deer. Since 1991,
the organization has been working
to help connect donors, wild game
processors and charities that feed
needy individuals. Together, they
have assembled a network of pro-
cessors and charities to help channel
wild game donations into the hands
of those in need. If interested in
donating, please visit http://www.
sportsmenagainsthunger.org for a
list of participating processors.
Deer Check Stations
Michigan has some of the best
historical data on deer in the coun-
try. The data gathered at check
stations and from the hunter harvest
surveys helps the DNR make future
management decisions and helps
monitor the health of the herd. The
time spent talking with hunters is
invaluable to field staff. Be part of
this important aspect of deer man-
agement by bringing your deer or
deer head to a check station, along
with information about where and
when the deer was taken. As always,
you will receive a successful hunter/
deer management cooperator patch.
Review our deer check station list
for locations and hours.
APRs
See pages 32 and 33 of the 2017
Hunting and Trapping Digest for
0 %% Financing
complete information on these regu-
$1,000
$ ** lations. Visit the APR Corner page
0 Financing
located at mi.gov/deer for more
1,000
A.P.R.
for 84 Months*
**
PLUS PLUS
information and history on APRs in
A.P.R.
84 Months
PLUS Orange Plus Implement Rebate PLUS Michigan.
* Orange Plus Implement Rebate L o c a l C o o p e r a t i ve
for On Select New Kubota Standard L Compact Tractors. *** Opportunities
Promotional Finance Offers End 12/31/17.
On Select New Kubota Standard L Compact Tractors. *** To assist hunters in meeting their
Promotional Finance Offers End 12/31/17.
local hunting objectives, the DNR
ROSY
ROSY BROTHERS INC.
has partnered with Michigan United
Conservation Clubs, the Quality
T
CAP he term Volcanic prob-
ably related to the am-
munition which was
called a Rocket Ball,
entailing the hollow-
based lead bullet being
filled with black powder, capped off
holds Tom Lounsbury practicing offhand shooting with his .44 Magnum
Henry Big Boy Steel Carbine. Its compact size and light weight of-
20 lbS
and with a percussion cap attached
for ignition (they also offered lever fers quick and natural handling characteristics.
corn action pistols). New Haven Arms
would then take over the Volcanic the private sector, especially on
the western frontier where a little
1873 in the newly developed .44-40
Arms business in 1857, and Ben- centerfire round which offered more
jamin Tyler Henry would begin extra firepower didnt hurt. Native power and thanks to Hollywood
working at ways to improve the very Americans would also appreciate movies, it is the gun that won the
unique lever action rifle. the Henry Rifle which would be west. The Henry Rifle however, has
During this time, Smith and evidenced by artifacts discovered the honorable prestige of being the
Wesson would come out with their on the Little Bighorn Battlefield. A lever action which paved the way
pocket revolver which used a newly range fire in 1983 would reveal a for a wide variety of makes, models
developed, self-contained rimfire whole lot of unknown history about and calibers of lever actions from
cartridge, the .22 Short (which is Custers Massacre that was before 1860 until present day.
the oldest American cartridge still obscured by dense vegetation for I purchased my first lever action
in production today). Henry would 107 years. It turns out that the Sioux rifle, a .22 Marlin Model 39, 50
use this concept to come up with the and Cheyenne warriors who en- years ago and it still remains to be
DURABLE
BROADCASTER
rimfire .44 Henry cartridge which
used a 216 grain lead bullet backed
gaged Custer were far better armed
than was once thought before.
my favorite squirrel rifle. Lever
actions to follow were a Savage
by 25 to 28 grains of black powder. Forensic archeologists uncovered a Model 99 in .308, a Marlin Model
Great For The Henry lever action rifle came wide variety of fired shell casings 336 in .30-30 and a vintage Ithaca
into being in 1860, just in time for and could literally map out how the in .22 Magnum, and I dearly en-
PUBLIC or PRIVATE the Civil War. entire battle transpired. joy shooting all of them. However
Land Hunters However U.S. Army officials A firearm that was prevalent in none were legal for deer hunting in
believed the Henry Rifle was too warriors hands was the Henry Rifle southern Michigan when the Lim-
Carry Sack Holds fragile for typical battlefield condi- due to the distinct indentation it ited Firearms Zone came into being
20 Pounds tions and they also felt it would made on the rim of fired .44 Henry 3 years ago, which allowed rifles
For Easy Refill expend too much ammunition. shell casings (there were other firing specific sized straight-wall
As a result, only a little over 1700 firearms in the battle which used the cartridges to be used. To simplify
Programmable Timer Henry Rifles were purchased by the same round). Although the soldiers matters, I ordered a .44 Magnum
Drop 1# / Day U.S. government during the Civil single-shot .45-70 Springfield car- barrel for my single-shot T/C G2
War. Despite this, soldiers saw the bines had more power and effective Contender rifle system, and I have
Lasts Up To 3 Weeks range than the Henry rifles, they
benefits of having a repeating rifle taken several deer using this combi-
on the battlefield, and those who were no match against rapid fire- nation, with my longest shot being
Hanging Wire & Throw Line could, would purchase their own. power in an up close and personal in the neighborhood of 50 yards.
INCLUDED Confederate soldiers who came up firefight. Since my preferred method of
With Metal Throwing Disc against U.S. soldiers armed with Advancements would be made bringing whitetails into range is
Henry rifles called the lever action in regards to lever action rifles using deer vocalizations, the en-
rifle the gun that could be loaded starting with the Winchester Model counters are usually up close and
on Sunday and shot all week (al- 1866 that featured a loading gate on personal, and often in heavy cover,
though the ammunition was nearly the side of the receiver as well as a which is a dandy environment for
impossible to obtain in the South, wooden forearm. It fired the same the .44 Magnum round. There are
Confederate President Jefferson Da- rimfire .44 Henry round, and was times when the shot occurs, I have
vis had personal body guards who often referred to as the improved to thread the needle so to speak, in
were armed with Henry Rifles). Henry Rifle, as well as the Yellow order to hit my mark in dense cover
www.outpostfeeder.com The Henry Rifle would go on Boy due to its brass receiver. Win- situations, and I have seen the occa-
to become a popular firearm in chester would bring out the Model sion when having a quick follow-up
outpostfeeder@gmail.com
14 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
shot isnt a bad idea at all. Needless Special ammunition, and I test fired
to say folks, Ive been giving using with that as well. For the recoil sen-
a lever action rifle chambered in the sitive, I will state that there wasnt
dependable .44 Magnum round a any noticeable kick whatsoever
serious look for some time now, and with the .44 S&W Special rounds
just recently took the plunge. (Winchester 200 grain Silvertip hol-
An American gun manufacturer low points, which hit 2 inches high
that has kept the Henry Rifle legacy at 25 yards) and thanks to a thick
alive is the Henry Repeating Arms rubber recoil-pad, the .44 Magnum
Company of Bayonne, New Jersey. rounds were quite manageable (I
Ive long admired their lever action wont hesitate to let a youth hunter
rifles featuring brass receivers and fire this carbine).
the fact that all the materials used I also performed a 30 yard,
in making their firearms is obtained offhand rapid fire exercise (with .44
from American businesses. A key Magnum rounds) at an 8-inch paper
slogan for the family owned Henry plate and the Henry carbines action
Repeating Arms Company is Made was very smooth for accurate follow
in America or not at all, a fact I up shots. This was done while fo-
truly appreciate and respect. cusing on the center of mass on the
Not that long ago, Henry Re- plate (there are no bulls-eyes painted
peating Arms brought out their Big on deer) and all five rounds formed
Boy Steel rifle (20 inch barrel) a decent group near the center of the
which was all steel, lighter in weight plate (the magazine holds 7 rounds).
and with no brass, which caught my The Henry Big Boy Steel car-
attention and caused me to seriously bine (and rifle too) already comes
ponder matters. Then last year they with sling swivel studs and has deer
brought out the Big Boy Steel hunting written all over it. Like the
carbine (16.5 inch barrel) which old original Henry Rifle, there is
was lighter yet, and very compact, no loading gate at the side of the
and I was immediately smitten. As receiver and rounds are dropped
I write this, I havent had my new into the tube just below the muzzle,
.44 Magnum Henry Big Boy Steel and then you slide a spring loaded
carbine for very long, but I have rod down, which I fully appreciate
been test firing it a number of times because the carbine can be unloaded
on my backyard shooting range, and without having to rack all the rounds
certainly a lot more shooting ses- out (just be sure to have a good grip
sions will follow before the Novem- on the rod when pushing it down
ber deer season arrives (which will over a full capacity, because this
be here before you know it). I prefer features a very strong spring the
to have complete intimacy with a reason for such a smooth feed).
hunting arm before I ever venture During recent years Ive seen
afield with it. where other firearm manufacturers
The wood (which is American have added hammer-block safeties
black walnut) to metal (American to their lever actions which isnt ex-
steel) fit is perfectly done, and the actly my cup of tea because it is an
checkering on the buttstock and extra thing to consider when things
forearm is deeply cut and tasteful happen quick in the deer woods.
while offering a nonslip grip. At Henry Repeating Arms uses a slid-
only six and a half pounds, it is a de- ing transfer bar safety system on
light to carry and it comes up to the its lever actions which simplifies
shoulder in a well balanced and fluid matters and certainly works for me.
manner to form the perfect meld. Although I wouldnt hesitate
The trigger is light, crisp and with to take my Henry Big Boy Steel
no creep, and I appreciate the large carbine into the deer woods as is,
loop lever which can readily ac- I will be mounting a Leupold 1 4
commodate a gloved hand on cold, X variable scope on it (it is already
brisk days. The adjustable sights conveniently drilled and tapped for
feature a semi-buckhorn rear and scopes), which I believe is ideal
bright brass front bead that on my optics for typical .44 Magnum bal-
carbine are (point of aim) accurate listics. I also dont have the owl-
at 25 yards on my shooting bench eyes for low light shooting condi-
with Winchester .44 Magnum, 240 tions that I once used to have. When
grain jacketed soft points, right after it comes to hunting local whitetails
taking the gun out of the box. Once I in dense cover, Ill take every edge
fired a couple of rounds to season I can get.
the pristine bore, which formed a That is also why Ive decided to
figure-8 slightly low and to the left, go to a compact and quick handling
the next 3 shots formed a single hole Henry Repeating Arms lever action,
at dead center (pristine bores are not and a key reason lever actions still
always the most accurate and a bit remain popular today with American
of fouling straightens matters out). shooters, and have been since 1860.
Besides .44 Magnum, this car- For more information, go to
bine will also readily fire .44 S&W www.henryusa.com.n
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 15
Keep comfortable on the
ice and increase your catch
So much is written uppers. These old-style boots had
flannel inserts, and Id have to use
about ice-fishing disposable toe warmers to keep my
equipment like rods, toes from freezing up.
reels, lures and line Todays boots are light in weight
that we often overlook and warmer than ever. I suggest the
very first thing you purchase for ice
the apparent when fishing is a high-quality pair.
it comes to catching My hands, conversely, rarely get
more fish through the cold when Im ice fishing. And this
is a good thing as I like the feel-
ice...comfort! ing of bare hands on an ice rod for
By Mark Martin sensitivity sake. But when on my
T
snowmobile I like to wear Clams
IceArmor Extreme Mitts. (Tip:
he fact of the matter
Mittens are warmer than gloves!).
if youre not comfort-
And when walking hole to hole to
able while ice fishing.
check out my tip-ups and the like, I
Youll lose the concen-
wear their Fleece Grip Glove as they
tration needed to catch
allow me the most finger flexibility,
fish; instead, all youll
which lets me check my equipment
be thinking of is your cold feet,
Blue skies and warm temperatures are not the norm when ice fish- without having to take them off.
hands and, eventually, whole body.
ing; learn how to stay warm, dry and comfor table and you will catch Theres No Place Like Home
And let you not forget the sore back
more fish through the ice. David A. Rose photo Theres no doubt in my mind
and joints later on, which stiffened
that the most comfortable moments
from being so cold. I keep hydrated by drinking lots needed to regulate your body heat as
when ice fishing will be spent inside
And even though its very im- of water, this keeps my veins and your activity level changes.
a nice, warm shanty. And there have
portant, staying comfortable while blood vessels from constricting, The first layer of clothing I wear
been a lot of changes in ice shanties
on the ice requires more than just which allows my blood to flow is Clams IceArmor Base Layer
over the years.
quality clothing and heat-producing smoothly throughout my body. As Poly Top and Poly Bottom. The
Compared to what we Michi-
accessories. Its also how you youve probably experienced, when brushed-fleece material is naturally
ganders call permanent shanties of
prepare yourself before the trip is circulation slows in any appendage, moisture wicking, allowing mois-
yesteryearlooking more like small
just as important. In short, keeping it gets cold. ture to move through the fabric and
houses on ice; made of wood, metal
warm, dry and, well, just plain ol Sipping hot coffee from a Ther- away from my skin; which will then
or whatever we could get our hands
comfy will help you to pay attention mos might keep you comfortable, be absorbed into the next layer of
on for cheaptodays portable
to what it takes to fool a fish into but its best not to drink too much fabric. Fleece, too, has great insulat-
shanties are the best things ever
striking. Your catch will increase, as caffeine is a diuretic and causes ing properties.
invented.
and youll enjoy your day on the ice dehydration. Alcohol of any kind Next I wear clothing that
Unlike permanent shanties, por-
from all aspects. is also a diuretic and should not be absorbs moisture, like light cotton
table shanties are easy to move from
Creature Comforts consumed when ice fishing. pants, T-shirt and outer shirt. This is
because its the wicking of moisture spot to spot. They also second as
My guess is the most overlooked As soon as I am done eating
through the fleece, away from your sleds for carrying all your gear. I use
steps to staying comfortable all day breakfast, Ill hop in the shower and
skin and into the next layer of cloth- Clams X300 Pro Thermal portable
long while on the ice are eating wash up. Although my skin may feel
ing that is the most important of all shanty it has a super tough frame,
well, cleaning yourself up before- dry, my pores were secreting sweat
layers. which holds up well in high winds.
hand and keeping dry before and throughout the night, and the oils
The next layer is my outerwear. And it has an insulated 1800 Denier
after venturing out. in the sweat, now on my skin, will
I like IceArmors Extreme Parka fabric shell to keep heat in and cold
The first thing I do is to have all hold any moisture that accumulates
and Edge Cold Weather Bib. The out. Like permanent shanties, the air
my gear packed in my vehicle the later in the day. By showering, your
Extreme series bib is windproof, inside my Clam is warmed by using
night before, so as not to work up a body oils are washed off, thus youll
waterproof and breathable, and the a portable propane heater.
sweat just before heading out. Well stay dryer and warmer all through-
Edge bibs have padded knees and Keep Comfy and Carry On
ahead of time Ill get my rods, reels, out the day.
Overall, catching more fish
lures, auger, heater, ice shanty, and Layer by layer rear end, which are comfortable as
well water resistant. The Extreme through the ice boils down to con-
snowmobile in place and strap them Once Ive bathed its time to get
parka has 200 grams of premium centrating on what you are doing.
down so all I have to do is grab my dressed. I make sure to wear nothing
Thinsulate insulation to ward off And if youre cold and uncomfort-
bait and hit the road. I wore the day or night before. I also
anything Mother Nature throws your able you wont be able to focus on
Right after waking up, Ill head dont put everything on that I may
way. fishing at all.
to the kitchen and eat a hearty be wearing while on the ice.
Extremities Pack up your vehicle the night
breakfast. No, I dont go overboard Instead, I wear just the light in-
Speaking from experience, before, eat and drink well through-
and stuff myself, but have a healthy ner garments and a light jacket, and
Im here to tell you nothings more out the day, shower up and stay
meal so as to keep my blood sugar pack the thick outerwear in a duffle
irritating than cold fingers and feet. sweat free and youll be off to a
stabilized, which will allow my bag so I can find them easily and
And when one these extremities get great start. Do all this and wear the
body to keep its stamina throughout put individual layers on as needed.
cold, the rest of the body is not far right clothing and fish from within a
the morning and help me produce a Its been proven that the best
behind. portable shanty and youll find you
constant body temperature. way to dress for outdoor activities
One of the most important can fish all day without ever feeling
I also pack plenty of food and is in many layers of light clothing
pieces of clothing for me has always the cold.
water for later in the day, because rather than bulk up in one heavy Mark Martin is a professional
theres nothing more uncomfortable garment. The reason? No matter been high-quality footwear. In the walleye tournament angler and an in-
than hunger pains throughout the the insulation value of the clothes past, I used to bring a small carpet structor for the Ice-Fishing Vacation/
day. Also, eating throughout the day you are wearing, the best insulat- sample to lay on the ice, which School (fishingvacationschool.com)
keeps those aforementioned blood ing factor is the warm air trapped acted as an insulation barrier, and who lives in southwest Lower Michi-
sugars from spiking and allowing in-between the layers. Also, you then wore boots with rubberized gan. Check out his website at mark-
me to be alert all day long. can put on and take off clothing as lower halves and thick leather martins.net for more information.n
16 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Hunting Blinds
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Care Taker $79.99 Hunter Chair
Brickhouse $89.99 $59.99
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$5.99 Extinguisher Deer Call scope priced at $299.99 or more
Scent Killer
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24oz
$5.99 Camo Clothing 20% OFF by
M-13 LINWOOD, MI
WWW.FRANKSGREATOUTDOORS.COM
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 17
HUNT
WOOD
DUCKS
By Kenny Darwin
T
he swoosh of duck wings almost
brushing my face got my heart
pumpin but it was still a few
minutes before shooting hours and
too dark to really see the ducks. In
the gray eastern sky I could see a
dozen birds in V-formation headed my direction
and when they got kissin close the flock dropped
landing gear and zoomed into my decoys and
plopped down with a resounding splash.
Now my heart was pounding as I clutched
the Winchester SX3 12 ga. loaded with steel shot
woodie #4 loads. I could make out the image of a
brightly colored drake calmly swimming among
the decoys. Thats when he let out a loud shrill
contact call that sent chills down my spine. I was
full camo from head to toe, face painted, hands
covered, gun spray painted swamp camouflage to
fool the sharp eyes of the wary adult birds only a
few feet from me. There were distant shots and
more birds appeared on the horizon and a quick
check of my watch indicated it was legal to shoot.
The squadron noticed the live swimming birds, The author likes to set up over decoys at daylight and jump shoot wood ducks during the
lowered landing gear and I greeted two big males mid-day. Come dark he is often back hunting over decoys or in a far location taking stand
with steel shot. Another brightly colored male in a wood duck honey hole.
crossed over the decoys and a quick shot dumped
him in the pond. you can have six ducks total daily including mal- Scouting can be the key to locating the exact
Wow! I thought to myself, the duck sea- lards, widgeon, gadwall, teal and more. Daily spot that woodies desire. Early morning and late
son just started and Im all tagged out. It was bag limit on mallards is four birds, no more than afternoon are when woodies are on the move and
a totally exciting opener and the birds provided two of which can be hens. Consult the Michigan swarming just above the tree tops. Watch them
awesome action and the kind of adrenaline rush Waterfowl Digest for shooting hours, time zones, with binoculars and locate hidden potholes where
that will keep any hunter coming back for more. hunting rules and regulations. Waterfowl hunt- they prefer to land. Now set up a few decoys in
The secret to my success hinged on some impor- ers must use steel shot and are required to carry the honey hole or simply use a tree as a backrest,
tant hunting strategies. If you want instantaneous a base license, waterfowl license and HIP and remain motionless and wait for incoming birds.
duck hunting shooting action Ive got good news. Federal Migratory bird hunters stamp. When the sun gets high and the birds stop
First, make the switch to woodies. Im talk- If you want to enjoy the awesome power of flying this is a time to go woodie jump shoot-
ing about really concentrating your efforts on woodies in your face you need to adjust your ing. The trick is to be completely camouflaged
wood duck hideouts and targeting the species. hunting strategy. For this brand of fast paced from head to toe and creep through likely woodie
Forget setting up over open water with mallard shooting you gotta get down and dirty. Im talk- cover. This is a very difficult task and requires
decoys. If you want hot shooting action you need ing about entering thick cover, tall cattails, boggy attention to detail and slow methodical wad-
to make the move to potholes, bays and swampy backwater bayous, hidden swamps, sloughs and ing. Woodies have excellent hearing and their
lairs that hold wood ducks by the dozens. marshes that offer thick cover. Dogs, duck boats eyesight is simply unbelievable. They can hear
This year will provide excellent duck hunting and large decoy spreads are almost out of the you at long distances if you are splashing wa-
for those who chase wood ducks. Numbers are question. In most cases you want to find a hidden ter and they often detect your presence in thick
up and great hatching conditions were enhanced swamp identified by water covered with bright cover by the telltale ripples on the water made
by abundant spring and summer rainfall. Most green duck weed. Wading is always difficult and while wading. Few challenges in hunting can
marshes carried open water through the entire you need to find ample cover to hide your human compete with stalking woodies. They are very
hot summer weather. You can expect excellent outline. Perhaps the biggest single habitat wood- difficult to approach and hide out in the thickest
gunning in local swamps, rivers, backwaters, ies desire is seclusion, far from the beaten path. cover you can find. The trick to success often
potholes and marshes. They tend to gather under willow trees covered hinges on your ability to move-pause while wad-
North zone season dates are now through with green leaves that hang over the water and ing, keeping movement to a minimum, making
November 26, 2017. Middle zone dates are provide a canopy on cool October nights. Wood- frequent stops to meticulously scan the cover
now through December. 3. South zone opens ies are experts at locating oak trees that drop for the telltale movement of swimming birds or
on October 14 and lasts until December 10. The acorns into the water along streams, ditches or
daily bag limit is three woodies either sex and marshes. Wood ducks love to eat acorns. Hunt Wood Ducks page 20
18 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 19
Hunt Wood Ducks:
from page 18
ripples on the water indicating birds past at lightning speed in low light
are swimming. The slower you conditions. Morning hunts can be
move, the less brush you break, the fast and furious and one hour after
less noise you make and the less daybreak come to an abrupt halt.
water you swoosh will determine This is when you begin stalking
how close you get to your target. woodies.
Make too much noise, use poor One of my favorite tactics is
camouflage and woodies quickly to sleep in and wait until low light
detect your presence and swim out conditions of late afternoon and
of range or jump up and fly away stalk through likely Woodie habitat. Wood ducks are a challenging target because they are relatively
out of gun range. Stalking woodies My white face is covered with face small, fly in zig zag patterns, have keen eyesight and often flare
is a tougher gig than approaching cream or a mask and my camouflage when they spot hunters. Kenny Darwin photos
wild turkeys or a big buck but it is clothing matches the environment.
Unlike other ducks, woodies multiple targets. Sometimes I use a
fantastic practice for those who wish My goal is to get the setting sun
offer only a single shooting op- #2, 3-inch shell for my last shot in
to hone stalking skills. to my back, sneak up on birds and
portunity. They zoom past kissin case the first two miss and I need a
One deadly hunting strategy is have some exciting jump shooting
close and they are gone, seldom do final long distance poke.
to set up on a pothole at daylight action. Then, come the last hour
they circle decoys and give shoot- One trick is to use motion de-
and switch to jump shooting when before shooting hours close I hug a
ers time to prepare for a shot. This coys in a woodie hot spot. MOJO
the light gets bright. Savvy hunters tree, stand motionless and ambush
is fast action shooting that requires makes a Screamin Woodie spinning
stalk their hunting location before birds flying low over the flooded
your complete attention. Expect wing decoy that almost guarantees
daylight and set up where cover timber. Some days I have my limit
targets to be in easy range but flying birds will be landing in your face,
hides their human outline. Most before I take stand. On other days
erratically and you only get shots at especially during low light condi-
hug a tree or slip into bulrushes, the birds detect my presence and
fleeing MIG jets with afterburners tions of early morning and late eve-
cattails or available brush. The trick jump far out of range. This one-two
turned up max. Jumping birds pro- ning when the white rotating wings
is to be concealed to avoid being punch hunting strategy is deadly
vides going away shots that require mimic ducks landing like no other.
spotted by ducks yet have enough during traditional duck weather with
cat-like shooting skills and you Dont overlook the drawing power
visibility to shoot in any direction. overcast skies and windy weather
need to have your gun in the ready of decoys that swim or splash in
When daylight arrives you can ex- when it is difficult for birds to detect
position with finger on the safety the water like the Wonderduck with
pect woodies to make a ceremonial a human sneaking through the
while stalking. Clean kills are often spinning feet making ripples that
morning flight. This is pass shoot- flooded timber like a cougar on the
a result of how fast you can get the draw woodies like a magnet. There
ing at its finest with flocks zipping prowl.
shotgun to your shoulder while wad- are several modern wood duck
ing. Pass shooting requires the same decoys that will get the attention of
attention and complete readiness birds looking for friends. My choice
and unlike hunting over decoys is is the Avian X Topflight Wood duck
more intense because you need to be decoys.
constantly looking for passing birds. So, make the switch from hunt-
If you relax, take your finger off the ing open water with mallard decoys
safety, dont have the gun in a ready to seeking woodies in marshes,
position then woodies can blow past potholes, creeks and watery hide
your stand and blast out of range outs filled with grass, cattails, thick
before you shoulder the gun. This is brush and the water is covered with
heads-up gunning and requires your duck weed. You can expect excel-
complete attention. lent gunning the first few days of
For this brand of awesome jump season but as fall progresses and
shooting fun I like to use 2 12 the leafy canopy disappears with
ga. Magnum loads in #4 or #5 shot colder weather the woodies migrate.
because targets are always inside 40 Cash in on the awesome hunting
yards. Once you fire at a flushing opportunity this season when
bird expect more birds to blow out conditions are ideal and there
of the cover and suddenly you have are birds aplenty.n
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WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 21
Sharptails offer unique
hunting opportunity
By Bob Gwizdz, MDNR
M
ention grouse to shape of their primary tail feathers.
most Michigan- They average about 20 inches
ders and they im- in length and weigh in at around 2
mediately assume pounds when mature. They are com-
youre talking mon in the western United States
about ruffed and Canada, but are much less so
grouse, game birds that thrive in ear- here in Michigan.
ly successional forests think aspen Michigan is the furthest east
and provide much of the romance state where you can hunt sharptails,
in upland bird-hunting lore. said Al Stewart, the upland game
But theres another grouse in bird specialist with the Michigan
Michigan that is far less numer- Department of Natural Resources.
ous and widespread and is pursued We work with a variety of partners
by far fewer hunters. Sharp-tailed soil conservation districts, pri-
grouse are prairie birds, inhabit- vate landowners, and the Michigan Sharp-tailed grouse are found in greatest concentrations in the Up-
ing grasslands and the neighboring Sharp-tailed Grouse Association to per Peninsula in Chippewa and Schoolcraft counties.
brush, found only in the Upper Pen- maintain sharptail habitat and sharp-
insula and mostly on the east end. tails so we can maintain a hunting trees. One of our challenges is trying into the state from farther west. But
While only a relative handful of season in this state. to maintain these large open areas. sharptail numbers dwindled in the
sportsmen hunt them, they offer a Youll see them in hay fields Sharptails were first documented western U.P. as the habitat suc-
unique upland opportunity to Michi- and cattle-grazed grassland fields. in Michigan in 1888 on Isle Royale. ceeded to forests, though a remnant
gan bird hunters. Michigan also has Sometimes you see sentry birds sit- They were widespread across the population remains on the east side.
spruce grouse, which are not hunted. ting on top of round hay bales. They U.P. after the logging era, when State wildlife biologists estab-
Sharp-tailed grouse (commonly like that brushy, fringe edge along wildfires opened up the landscape. lished sharptail populations in suit-
called sharptails, sharpies or sharps) grassland areas. Sharp-tailed grouse They were once more numerous able habitat in the northern Lower
are mottled brown, tan and white are an open-land species and much on the west end of the peninsula, Peninsula by trapping and transfer-
birds that get their name from the of the Upper Peninsula wants to be where it is assumed they moved ring birds from the U.P. as well as
importing birds from Wisconsin and
Alberta, Canada.
We are stocked with the highest quality compound They were popular with hunters
and traditional bows in the industry. Eds Archery is for many years, but forest regenera-
tion eventually eliminated their hab-
on the cutting edge of crossbows offering some of itat in the Lower Peninsula and most
the best. We also cover all your fishing needs, of the U.P. By the late 1980s, an
estimated 90 percent of the states
bow accessories and much more. sharptail habitat had disappeared,
and some biologists worried that the
Stop in and see us! birds were in danger of being elimi-
nated entirely from Michigan.
In 1996, the season was closed.
But subsequent surveys, led
by DNR research biologist David
Luukkonen, found that the birds
were more numerous than previ-
ously thought. Historically, surveys
E ven the
were conducted on established
breeding grounds, which are known
best turkey as leks.
We did a radio-telemetry study
hunters appreciate with Michigan Technological Uni-
less recoil and versity and found the birds arent
always faithful to one lek, Luuk-
muzzle jump! konen said. They move around a
lot. We not only went to established
I recommend Pro-Port to all my clients leks, but we did random samples of
other open-land areas. A little more
Graig Everetts, Bluffton, South Carolina
than half the areas we surveyed had
Phone: 586-469-6727 sharp-tailed grouse in them. And we
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48045-1306 opened sharp-tailed grouse season in
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22 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS www.magnaport.com
of I-75. In a conservative approach, the field. You know how pheasants
the DNR gradually expanded the are wary and wild late in the sea-
open hunting area west of I-75. son? Sharp-tailed grouse are even
During this time, habitat improved more wary.
in this western area largely as a You wont get a lot of shots at
result of wildfires. them, he continued. In your effort
Still, few hunters chase them. In to hunt sharp-tailed grouse, you may
the most recently completed sur- spend a lot of time walking through
vey of sharp-tailed grouse hunters pastures and meadows and then, if
in 2014, an estimated 289 hunters your dogs go on point, if you get
killed 134 birds. close enough to get within a 20- to
Though there are good popula- 30-yard range of them, you can
tions of sharptails in areas some- harvest one.
what farther west in the U.P., the In Michigan, theyre a trophy
DNR has been conservative about grouse. A Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources fire crew conducts a
expanding hunting opportuni- Hunters may take two sharptails prescribed burn to improve habitat at the AuTrain Wildlife Refuge in
ties. The counties with the highest a day and have four in possession, Alger County in 2016.
population levels are Chippewa and with a season limit of six. Surveys
Schoolcraft. show hunters average about a half a private land. tling shaking their wing feathers.
Were approaching sharptails bird per season. We have very limited state On quiet mornings, rattling can be
with a very conservative sustainable The DNR is anticipating a good land that has the habitat on it, but heard for half a mile or more.
management process, Stewart said. season this year. there are some Hunting Access From their early history in
We set our season to correspond to Weve certainly been seeing Program (HAP) lands available, Michigan, to the hunting opportuni-
that. birds in the surveys weve done, Jentoft said. ties of today, as the birds make a
Sharp-tailed grouse season is said Dave Jentoft, the DNR wild- More information about the comeback in the Upper Peninsula,
opened Oct. 10 and closes Oct. 31 in life biologist in Sault Ste. Marie. I Hunting Access Program is avail- sharp-tailed grouse are a fascinating
portions of Chippewa and Mackinac expect it will be a decent season for able at www.michigan.gov/hap. species to learn about, see and hunt
counties. Check the 2017 Michigan hunters who are pursuing sharptails In addition to hunting, sharp- a welcome denizen to our wonder-
Hunting and Trapping Digest for in the area. tails are popular with birdwatchers ful prairie habitats.
details. Its a unique opportunity for because of their lavish courtship More information about the
Sharptails are challenging to hunters. Its a relatively small area, rituals. On spring mornings, males Hunting Access Program is avail-
hunt. given the size of the state. There are fly into leks where they dance to at- able at www.michigan.gov/hap. To
Theyre fairly wary, Stewart hunters who come from miles away, tract females. learn more about hunting for sharp-
said. Sometimes when you enter a even from out of state, to hunt. The birds arch their backs, raise tailed grouse and other Michigan
field, they flush out at the far side of Most birds are harvested on their tails and twist and turn as they game species, visit www.michigan.
stomp their feet, vocalizing and rat- gov/hunting.n
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Plug fishing
but the ratio of fish that stay buckled
up is much greater. My favorite Si-
wash hook is the Eagle Claw Trokar
in 2/0 size.
Great Lakes steelhead anglers
are much more likely to use pre-
river steelhead
mium treble hooks when switching
out the factory hooks on their plugs.
Some of the most popular models
include the Eagle Claw Trokar
TK310 and Mustads Short Shank
KVD Triple Grip.
When switching out hooks on
F
plugs, most anglers will opt for a
hook one size larger than the factory
all steelhead can be the wide wobbling action on fall that fish are hitting these lures with OEM hooks. Going any bigger than
caught on a lot of dif- steelhead. more enthusiasm and getting hooked one size is risky as larger hooks can
Skip Beat Action
ferent presentations, more solidly as a result. and do impact negatively on the ac-
but when these fish
Colors Matter
tion of some plugs.
show up in Michigans
many spawning streams
Lures that have a wide wiggle
are at the top of the list among seri- When it comes to steelhead fish-
Sharp Hooks
wobbling plugs are in a class all ous plug fishermen. Lures that also ing it seems every angler has his or For those anglers who arent
by themselves. For reasons only feature a hunting action are even her favorite plug colors. Some of the willing to purchase premium after
steelhead seem to understand, a more productive on river steelhead. most popular color patterns for fall market hooks, the next best option is
wobbling plug incites an angry and The Yakima Mag Lip heads the steelhead include metallic gold, me- investing in a good hook file and be-
almost always savage strike. Com- pack in terms of baits that hunt tallic gold/black back, metallic gold/ coming religious about sharpening
pared to the subtle take of fishing a while they fish. Yakima calls it a orange back, metallic gold/flame, hooks. Rapala makes a good file that
bead rig, a spawn bag or jig below skip beat action because the bait metallic gold/green pirate, metallic has a pair of rat-tail files on one side
a bobber, steelhead literally crush will be wobbling in a consistent and perch and metallic gold/black bill. and a grooved diamond stone on the
plugs, pinning the rod tip to the predictable manner, then suddenly On bright sunny days metallic other. The file is handy for remov-
water in the process! skip a beat and dart suddenly to one silver clown, metallic silver/blue pi- ing material fast and the diamond
stone best for putting a finish edge
Pick of the Litter side or the other. A second later the
bait is back to wobbling in a predict-
rate, metallic silver/red herringbone,
grinch, metallic silver/chartreuse on hooks.
A number of wobbling plugs able manner. and metallic silver/fluorescent red A sticky sharp hook makes
routinely produce great ac- The skip beat action stripe are also good color options. all the difference in keeping those
fish that bite hooked up. Learning
tion on fall steelhead. His-
torically the baits of choice
of the Mag Lip is some-
thing that didnt just hap- Custom Colors to sharpen a hook is easy. Taking
included the Luhr Jensen pen by accident, explains In recent years a growing num- the time when the fish are biting is
Kwik Fish and Hot Shot, lure designer Buzz Ramsey. ber of manufacturers have started something many anglers struggle
Storms Wiggle Wart and We painstakingly worked offering their baits in custom colors. with.
Scent Helps
Hot-N-Tot, plus the Yakima on creating not only baits Dealers must order a minimum
Flat Fish. These days some that are tuned and ready number to get these special color
newcomers are making a to fish out of the package, options. A few of the custom colors All species of trout and salmon
serious name for themselves but baits that also have a that have made quick names for have a highly developed sense of
including the
Yakima Mag By Mark Romanack natural hunting
action.
themselves include hammer time,
princess and payday.
smell. Using natural scent products
is one way to help trigger strikes
from fish that might otherwise be
Lip series and
Fat Wiggler, Brads Wiggler and the
The inter-
esting thing about lures that hunt Custom Hooks skeptical of hard baits. Natural is the
Cotton Cordell Wiggle-O. is they tend to generate even more In addition to fishing custom operative word here because a lot of
All of these lures have in com- aggressive and intense strikes than painted plugs, most serious crank- fishing scents are made up primarily
mon a compact shape, pronounced other wobbling plugs. I think when bait fishermen are removing the of anise oil.
diving lip and wide side-to-side that bait darts to the side, fish reach factory hooks and adding premium My favorite fishing scents are
wobbling action. When it comes to aggressively because its getting after market hooks. On the west produced by Pro Cure, who uses
steelhead, there is something about away, adds Ramsey. Ive noticed coast most anglers remove the treble natural baitfish like alewives,
crankbaits with a wide wiggle that in my own plug fishing experience hooks and replace them with Siwash herring, smelt, etc., to make their
trips their trigger. Other crankbait that baits with a hunting action are hooks. A small swivel is first added fishing scent products. The baitfish
styles and actions catch steelhead on often inhaled deep into the back of to the split ring and then the open is first dehydrated and then ground
occasion, but nothing out-produces the fishs mouth. There is little doubt eye of the Siwash hook pinched into a fine powder. Next a sticky
24 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
and odor free gel is mixed with the
ground up baitfish to create what is
known as Super Gel.
Super Gel is ideal for fishing
with hard baits because it stays
where it is put and gives off a strong
scent stream for about 30 minutes.
Most fishing scents are liquids that
wash off almost as quickly as they
are applied.
Clean Up Matters
Fishing scents work nicely for
triggering strikes, but for these
products to work properly the lures
must first be washed free of foreign
odors. Bad Azz Hand and Lure Soap
also produced by Pro Cure is ideal
for removing the sticky residue left
behind when using scent products.
If this residue is not washed away it
will eventually turn rancid.
A new product, this soap is de-
signed to be used without water and
also to be eco-friendly and nontoxic.
The author (left) and Josh Crabtree caught and released this impressive hen steelhead while filming an episode
This product also does a nice job of of Fishing 411 TV on the Kalamazoo River.
washing slime, blood, bait odors and
fish smell from your hands. places steelhead lay up like undercut premier steelhead streams that at- as the most popular destination on
banks, downed wood, rocks and cur- tract lots of fish in the fall. The St.
Plug Wraps rent seams. Joe, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, Pere
the Lake Huron side of the state.
Plugs catch steelhead on all of
Another way to create a scent Marquette and Big Manistee are the these rivers. The action gets going in
stream in the water is to cut small Mini Boards top prospects on the Lake Michigan November and stays strong through-
strips of herring and attach them to Most steelhead plug fishermen side and the AuSable River reigns out the winter months.n
your plugs using stretchy thread. fish their lures straight out the back
Plug wrapping is wildly popular on of the boat. A growing number of
the west coast, but few Great Lakes anglers are discovering that with
JOE THOMAS PRO SERIES ROOSTER TAIL
anglers have tried this trick. the help of pint sized planer boards
DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY
The Mag Lip series of crankbaits wobbling plugs can be presented to
FOR BASS
even has groves molded into the places an angler could never cast
side of the plug to help hold herring into.
strips in place. Most guys who rou- The Off Shore Tackle Awesome
tinely use plug wraps tie up a few Crappie Board is just as awesome
baits ahead of time, pop them in a when it comes to steelhead fishing.
plastic storage container and freeze By simply clipping the planer board
them. onto the line after deploying a favor- Classic Rooster Tail w/HD
A plug wrap will create a nice ite plug, the Mini Board does a nice Split Ring & Pre-Sharpened
scent stream for about 20 to 30 min- job of using the current to plane out Black Nickel Hook
utes. At that point the wrap can be to the side of the boat. Pulsating Hackle/Tinsel
removed and replaced with a fresh Boards work great when tar- Dressed Hook Attracts Fish
piece of herring or a scent product geting current seams and they can
Genuine Silver,
added to recharge the bait. also be used by anglers fishing Brass and/or
from shore or wading. When a fish
Plugging Rods/Reels strikes, the board releases from the
Painted Blades
The ideal plug rod for stream tow arm line release, but remains
steelhead applications is a medium pinned to the line thanks to an OR16
action graphite rod about eight foot Snap Weight clip mounted at the
- six inches in length. The ideal plug back of the board.
rod must have a soft tip that allows The second a fish is hooked the
the angler to monitor how well the board releases and when the line
plug is wobbling by simply watch- pulls tight against the fish, the light-
ing the rod tip dance. If the rod tip weight board actually pulls right out This new Rooster Tail was designed with
stops dancing, most likely the plug of the water. When the board nears input from professional angler Joe Thomas
and built specifically for bass and schooling
has fouled on leaves that are con- the rod tip it is removed by simply stripers. Special components make it extra
stantly floating downstream. pinching open the line clip. strong to handle the toughest fish, and it features all the
A round frame baitcasting reel Board fishing for river steelhead attributes that make Rooster Tail so productive. Available in two sizes,
loaded with 200 yards of 12 to 17 is becoming very popular because it and ounce for long casts and fast retrieves, the Joe Thomas Series
pound test monofilament line is allows anglers to fish multiple rods. Rooster Tail comes in 12 finishes hand-selected by Joe Thomas.
perfect for plug fishing. A growing Shore, wade and boat fishermen can
number of anglers are using high set out a plug and board rig with one
visibility line and adding a six to rod while casting spawn or a bead
eight foot leader of fluorocarbon rig with a second.
at the terminal end. High visibility
line makes it easier to see the line Summing It Up
and direct baits into the kinds of Michigan has no shortage of
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 25
AUTUMN
GOBBLERS
I
was stalking a beautiful huge gobbler. I was overjoyed to take
buck when movement from such a dandy tom using archery gear.
the underbrush More often than not harvest-
caught my atten- ing a fall gobbler requires
tion, something plenty of scouting and hard
dark black. To work. Heres why.
my surprise it was an adult When leaves be-
gobbler sporting a huge fan gin to fall and the smell
and 10-inch beard and then of autumn is in the air fall
I spotted two more toms gobblers become difficult to
following the lead bird. hunt. This is the time of year
My attention shifted to the when they travel in bachelor
By Kenny Darwin
feathered targets groups and there
as I slowly is always a look
shouldered the out scanning the
Darton Toxin crossbow and centered forest for predators. Fall toms are
the crosshair on the lead gobbler. He difficult to hunt, almost impossible
slipped through the underbrush silent to stalk and calling a bachelor group
as a cat stalking a mouse and when into bow range takes unbelievable
he came to a large fallen tree he skill. Fall birds dont come running
hopped on top. He looked absolutely to the sound of hen calls like spring
huge through the scope as I sent the breeding birds. So, one hunting strat-
bolt through his vitals. The Spitfire egy is to ambush them. A big gobbler standing erect offers an ideal target for those aim-
Gobbler Getter smashed through his Begin by scouting and spot- ing at the stretched neck. However, birds that take this stance
chest and knocked him on his tail ting birds that have a daily routine. while you are hunting them have probably spotted you and are
feathers. I rushed to the flopping Often fall gobblers make daily treks about to run the opposite direction.
prize and quickly put my tag on the to white oak trees or grain fields in
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Sandhill
crane
hunt?
T
he House Natural Resources
Committee advanced state
Rep. Jim Lowers resolution
encouraging the MNRC to add
Sandhill cranes to the game species list
and seek approval from the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service to establish a hunt-
ing season in Michigan.
Michigan is home to an increasing
population of Sandhill cranes, with an
estimated 23,082 reported in Michigans
2015 population survey. Over the past
10 years, the population has grown an
average of 9.4 percent annually.
The Sandhill crane population
has increased in Michigan to the point
where farmers are experiencing se-
vere crop damage, said Lower, of
Cedar Lake. Sandhill cranes appear
in Michigan farm fields in spring and
feed on corn sprouts and wheat plants.
A hunting season would help control the
population and limit damage to farms.
Sixteen other states have already es-
tablished Sandhill crane hunting seasons
and the number of Michigan farmers
with nuisance permits allowing them to
eliminate Sandhill cranes causing crop
damage has increased drastically over
the past decade. Still, Lower said the
population continues to increase.
Cranes killed with nuisance
permits are a wasted resource, as the
meat cannot be harvested. The addition
of Sandhill cranes to the game species
list will offer hunters an opportunity to
harvest excellent meat with the added
benefit of controlling the population
and limiting damage to crops, Lower
said. There is absolutely no reason to
believe the sustainability of the species
will be threatened if a Sandhill crane
hunting season is established in Michi-
gan. No game animal has ever been
threatened with species survival in the
history of regulated hunting.
House Resolution 154 advances
to the House floor for consideration.n
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 29
13 prior, lingered where I stood. Current
POINTS
sign told me this was the time and
place to hunt!
POINT 7
Know your deer
Having one of the few climbable
trees on the property nearby, I got
One buck, many lessons set right then and there. A few hours
later loud bluejays told me some-
thing was happening, and I noticed
By Adam Lewis a buck pushing a doe behind and
parallel to me in the thick brush. As
he turned sideways, I saw the mass
and realized this was the buck from
the trail camera! The problem was,
the doe was leading him away from
me. I had to do something. If I were
in Michigan, I probably would have
tried a doe bleat or a young buck
grunt so not to scare him. However,
I chose to give a loud deep grunt
and a snort wheeze because I knew
the area and how deer would most
likely respond. With this big buck,
I was pretty sure he would want to
push off another buck. It worked,
as he broke away from the doe and
I
slowly worked down the hill toward
my shooting lane. As he emerged
n that moment, my heart cold-calling, knocking on doors, wind, hunting logical spots, and tak- broadside, one step, then another,
raced, I was short of and scouting. I was relentless, and ing strategic chances. These are not and his vitals came into clear view, I
breath, and I could not it, exhausting. After all was said and reckless, but chances I can live with drew. With the pin settling behind his
believe my eyes. What done, two key properties emerged: if they go south and that are based on shoulder, I released the arrow.
was the lowest point in my a 100 acre and a 30 acre piece thirty Intel and reason. That morning I took POINT 8
hunting career just seconds minutes from each other in the heart such a chance. I walked through an Be honest
prior, accepting I would probably of big buck country. open field well before light (knowing The broadhead cut through him
lose the biggest buck of my life, POINT 3 I might blow out deer) and headed to- like paper, perfectly placed up and
changed in one exhilarating moment Think decades, not days ward the best doe bedding area on the down on his wide body, but back
as I stared through the thick brush at Ive learned planning long term property (wind predictions allowed further than I wanted due to a last
the massive rack of a downed Ohio is where success lies. Learning new me just this day to hunt it). This paid second step. In my mind I thought
bruiser. This is the story of that land, bedding areas, how deer use off with a shot at a nice 8-point an liver, as I watched him walk away
buck, and what I learned as I reflect the topography, and when and where hour later who escaped with a mere from me, half expecting him to
on 13 points. neighbors hunt all took several years, haircut (another story, another time). wobble and go down. He did not. In
POINT 1 but I knew this knowledge would Knowing my strategic chance had fact, he showed no signs of being hit,
Like homework pay off in the future. The first time made some impact on deer move- and simply slipped into the brush.
I sat staring at my computer, I knew of the 13 point was from a ment, however, I decided to give the This was not good. My excitement
reading blogs about the best Ohio trail cam picture taken the day before 30 acre property a try that evening. told me to go after him, but I had to
hunting, pouring over Google maps, I shot him, but it was the years of The southeast wind told me to be honest with myself about the shot.
and cross referencing plat maps for preparation that told me the most hunt the far northwest corner of I made a decision to wait the 50 min-
landowner phone numbers. I did a lot strategic place to put out some feed the property, but instead I cut the utes until dark, and then back out. I
of homework to find the areas of the and a camera, when bucks tended to property in half, another strategic had to be logical, not emotional. This
biggest bucks, highest deer numbers, show up on the property, and exactly chance that could alert some deer, would make for a very long night.
and highest success rates in the state. when I should think about hunting but would get me key intel (from my POINT 9
This was six years before I laid eyes there. trail camera) to know if I should hunt Dont rush
on this buck, and two years before he POINT 4 there that day or future days. As the sun came up the next
was born. It was not as glamorous as Be strategic POINT 6 morning and I began tracking, I
a trophy shot, but the essential first The last six years told me the Hunt current sign knew I had to take it slow and give
step toward catching the glint of sun window of time I needed to be in Two years prior the hot spot myself every chance to find this deer.
off 13 white tines that crisp Novem- the tree, and I planned my Ohio rut With dew on the ground, and blood
was a saddle on the 100 acre prop-
ber morning. hunt accordingly. I thought long and turning to a random speck after 80
erty I hunt. There, I arrowed a nice
POINT 2 hard about when to hunt, where to 10-point and my dad arrowed a small yards, I took extra caution not to step
Legwork builds hunt, what winds I would hunt these tree attempting to down an 8-point. on or miss any sign. Every turned
a strong base spots, and stayed out until the time I hunted it the first morning of this up leaf, scuff of dirt, or tiny drop
In my high school days they used and conditions were right. I exer- rut hunt, and did not go back due to of blood was crucial evidence, and
to say, Arms are for show, legs are cised self-control, and I believe due lack of sign. Deer change behavior I stood in one spot and scanned the
for go! It meant on the football field to this was seeing buck movement from season to season, and hunt- area for sign as much as I could find.
what really mattered was a strong when I hit the woods at the 100 acre ing the same spots can be a waste Excitement pushed me to speed up,
base that would carry you down the property. The day before the 13-point of time, unless current Intel reveals but I thought this buck was prob-
field. Ive never been about having came into my sights, a high, wide you should. Heavy rubs and active ably dead, and now I just had to be
the coolest hunting equipment, but 8-point came at me on a string to my scrapes with big fresh tracks caught patient, methodical, and not rush.
about doing what actually advances grunt call. my eye on my walk to the trail cam- POINT 10
one toward the goal: legwork. After POINT 5 era, and told me the 30 acre property Maybe hit your knees
identifying key counties and prop- Take strategic chances was hot. As I checked the pictures, a During the night I prayed for
erties, I did the grueling work of Im a firm believer in playing great buck, in daylight, the morning
13-Points next page
30 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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A
little while ago, one been a learning process.
of the Facebook deer Before you can somewhat ac-
hunting groups that I curately guess the age of a deer on
follow came up with the hoof, you first need to gain some
a new policy banning knowledge about the size of the deer
all posts that ask the in your specific hunting area(s) in
question, How old is this deer? relation to their age. Many novice
The reason was that the groups hunters just focus on the antlers to
24,000+ members were flooding the determine the age of a deer, which
page with those aging requests bury- is inaccurate at best. In Michigan,
ing other pertinent information that based on the habitat and geographi-
was more vital to the primary mes- cal location of deer, the average,
sage and goals of the organization. antler growth can vary greatly, to
All those deer aging posts there say the least.
really did illustrate though just how For instance, in much of the
many hunters out there are now tak- U.P., the vast majority of yearling
ing an acute interest in using the age bucks only grow spike antlers, while
of a deer as a benchmark in prime agricultural areas
for determining whether to of southern Michigan most
kill it or not. bucks wear a rack (three
From a deer manage- points or more on an antler)
ment perspective, allowing as yearlings. Correspond-
younger bucks to live while ingly, antler beam diameter
targeting older bucks is data from check stations
certainly a good thing. It also varies widely in year-
helps to balance the buck to ling bucks across the state.
doe ratio and also promotes To further confuse things,
By Michael Veine
a more natural in many regions
buck age struc- of the state, deer
ture resulting in a body and antler
healthier overall deer herd, which is size varies greatly from one area to
what surveys indicate that most deer another and based on past winters,
hunters in Michigan prefer. the size of deer can change even
I got into using deer age as a kill from year to year in the same area.
criterion back in the 1980s. It was Its wise to contact a local DNR
then that I started to weigh all the deer biologist and query them on the
deer I hung up too. I also learned average size of yearling bucks and
how to age deer by the tooth wear two year olds in your hunting area.
and replacement method then too. After that its a learning process
Practicing taxidermy from then where you need to factor in a lot of
on also increased my deer aging data and experience into making ac-
knowledge exponentially. Ive read curate age judgments on live deer.
all sorts of articles and seen lots of Keep Records
videos on aging deer, both on the Keeping records of the weight
hoof and post mortem. Ive also and age of the deer you harvest will
taken most of the deer Ive har- provide insight so you can more
vested to DNR check stations to accurately judge the age of deer on
have them aged there too, which is the hoof. I kept detailed records
always interesting comparing their of not only every deer Ive shot,
age estimates to mine. Its certainly but also every day spent hunting
34 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
too. My daily hunt log records such weigh a bit more than the chart
information as the date, weather indicates, and conversely bucks
conditions, hunt location and the that are all rut worn and down to
number, sex and estimated age class low body fat levels will weigh less
(fawn, yearling, adult) of the deer I than shown. My records indicate
see along with any other pertinent that bucks in my U.P. hunting area
information I might find interesting weigh 140 to 160 pounds dressed at
at a later date. If I kill a deer, then 2- years old. Three year old bucks
I write down the hunt in detail in a have weighed 165 to 200 pounds.
separate log, which contains a narra- Once a buck is four years old, they
tive of the hunt, date, time, weapon have likely reach their peek weight
used, location and the details about and the ones Ive weighed from my
the deer including sex, weight and hunting area have tipped the scales
antler characteristics. at 180 to 230 pounds dressed. Once
For many years (since my wife you have a good idea of how big
bought me a scale for Christmas deer are for their age in your hunt-
before we were married) Ive been ing area, then it becomes a lot more
logging the actual weight of the deer accurate to age deer on the hoof.
taken typically within 24 hours of Resources for
the kill. Deer are weighed minus Deer Age Estimation
the guts, tenderloins and interior I could go on and on describing
trimmings. how I estimate a deers age both on
In the last 10 years though, Ive the hoof and after death, but it is far
also been recording the measured better to study these things on the
weight of deer. There are charts Internet. The Quality Deer Manage-
available on the Internet where ment Association has a multipart,
people have developed a conver- YouTube video available to not only
sion chart where you can determine help you field judge deer ages, but
the approximate weight of a deer also to age them using the Tooth
by taking a chest circumference Wear and Replacement Method. In
measurement. I use the one on the addition to studying those and other
Pennsylvania Game Commissions deer aging videos, I also recommend
DNR check stations will age your deer using the tooth wear and replacement
website at http://www.pgc.pa.gov/ keeping a copy of a deer aging sheet method. They also record the number of points on the deer, the beam
Wildlife/WildlifeSpecies/White- with you on your hunts, which is diameters, and other per tinent information.
tailedDeer/Pages/DeerWeightChart. what I do. A good one is available
aspx and have found that it is pretty through the Indiana DNR at https:// deers jaw bone. corner of the eye. This nose-to-eye
close to the actual dressed weight. www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/ Another tool for aging deer is a measurement is used in taxidermy to
Keep in mind though that bucks fw-deer_aging.pdf and it is a good taxidermy measurement taken from
that are really fattened will likely reference when you are examining a the tip of the deers nose to the front How old is that deer? page 36
*Tax, title,
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designs, features, models or equipment without incurring obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Read the BRP side-by-side Operators Guide and watch the Safety DVD before driving. Fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Operator must be
at least 16 years old. Passenger must be at least 12 years old and able to hold handgrips and plant feet while seated against the backrest. Side-by-Side vehicles (SxS) are for off-road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. For your safety reason, the operator
Freight not
and passenger must wear a helmet, eye protection and other protective clothing. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs dont mix. Never engage in stunt driving. Avoid excessive speed and be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Always ride responsibly and safely.
included
CAN_TO_J17_0015_Defender Ad Planners - September_HP_EN-V4.indd 2 9/15/17 4:54 PM
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 35
2017 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. , and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. In the U.S.A., products are distributed by BRP US Inc. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices,
designs, features, models or equipment without incurring obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Read the BRP side-by-side Operators Guide and watch the Safety DVD before driving. Fasten lateral net and seat belt at all times. Operator must be
at least 16 years old. Passenger must be at least 12 years old and able to hold handgrips and plant feet while seated against the backrest. Side-by-Side vehicles (SxS) are for off-road use only; never ride on paved surfaces or public roads. For your safety reason, the operator
NEW FOR
How old is that deer?
from page 35
The author keeps all the jaw bones from the deer taken at his U.P. camp.
They are used for aging and are also displayed in the cabin.
order shoulder mount forms, but it that one side of the jaw looked like
also can provide even more evi- a two year old, but the other side
dence to the deers age too. A deers was worn more like a three year
skull and nose will enlarge as they old. They decided to age it at three
grow older until they are full grown years old. The second buck I killed
at about age four. I have found that in 2015 was 180 pounds and very
OUT-OF-THE-BOX, THE ECLIPSE WAS THE MOST ACCURATE CROSSBOW yearling bucks from Michigan have lean. It had a large, eight-point rack
IVE SHOT AND THE EASIEST TO COCK. I KNEW IT WOULD BE THE PERFECT a nose-to-eye measurement of less with an 18 inch spread. I aged it at
HUNTING WEAPON...IT WILL GO DOWN AS ONE OF TENPOINTS BEST! than 7-1/8 inches. Two year olds four years old, but the DNR came
CUSTOMER REVIEW
are normally 7-1/4 to 7-3/8 inches, up with a similar issue as with my
while three year old bucks are usu- first buck saying one side of the jaw
ally 7-1/2 to 7-5/8 inches. Mature looked three years old, but the other
bucks typically have a nose-to-eye looked four. They decided it was a
of over 7-5/8 inches. By looking three year old though.
at the deers teeth and factoring Just for fun I had those three
in the dressed weight and nose-to- deer aged using the cementum an-
eye measurement, one can be nuli method where a tooth is sent
UP TO
fairly confident of the age of the to a lab where they treat and ex-
deer. amine it under a microscope. This
370 FPS
Even though I have a good idea method is considered very accurate
UP TO how old the deer are that I have on northern deer. I first used agey-
116 FP KE shot, I still always get a second or ourdeer.com and do not recommend
even a third opinion by taking the that business because it took over
140 LB DRAW WEIGHT deer or just the jaw and antlers to a six months to get the results back
DNR check station. This is not only and when I did they had mislabeled
6.9 LB BOW WEIGHT a good idea to get more age related them so I could not tell which deer
information on your deer, but it also was which. I do recommend deer-
13.5 IN AXLE-TO-AXLE provides the DNR with valuable age.com as they are a lot more
information for deer management professional.
purposes. The cementum annuli results
In 2014 my wife shot a big were interesting. My wifes buck
U.P. nine-pointer with her rifle was deemed to be four years old,
that weighted 226 pounds dressed. my seven-pointer was three and
I aged the deer at five years old, my eight-point was three also. The
but when I took it to two different seven-point was shot on public land
DNR check stations, they came up where there are no food sources
with two different ages of four and available to deer except what they
five years old. In 2015 I killed two can scrounge out of the big woods.
PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A. bucks: the first one was extremely The other two deer though were shot
GET YOURS NOW OR FIND YOUR LOCAL TENPOINT DEALER AT: fat and weighed 184 pounds and off my property where food plots
TENPOINTCROSSBOWS.COM had a rather small, seven-point rack. abound and the habitat is ideal. Just
I aged it at two years old, but the one more piece to the puzzle of ag-
one DNR check station tech said ing deer.n
36 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Gun Chat...Colt Woodsman .22
T
he Colt Woodsman .22 good understudy for my pin gun, a 1911 the other pins Id drawn. I think I was in or 25 yards next
with the four and a half built on a Para-Ordnance frame. too much of a hurry on those pins. time I go to the
inch barrel always ap- Id drawn pins on a piece of card- I also shot the Woodsman at a range. Also on
pealed to me. The heavy board and they looked vaguely like the couple of self-healing polymer targets the menu will
target versions were inter-
esting, but the shorter guns
set used on the first table at The Pin
Shoot. I shot from about eight yards,
from Cabelas. My daughter and son-in-
law gave me those targets for Christmas
be tests with
several other By Lee Arten
looked more streamlined. They also coming up and taking one shot at the a few years ago. The .22s didnt jump types of .22
seemed the best models of the Woods- first cardboard pin and then moving on them as much as centerfire rounds ammo. Early Woodsman pistols were
man to carry for hunting or fishing. Id to the others. When I was done shooting do, but they were easy to hit with the only rated for standard velocity .22s.
carried a bull-barrel Ruger Mark I in the at the first pin Id put 12 shots into two Woodsman, as long as I remembered to Third Issue guns, like mine, work with
woods. While tough and accurate the and three eighth inches. They were cen- hold on the bottom edge of the polymer high velocity as well. With an adjust-
Mark I quickly got heavy on the belt. I tered on the middle of the pin and would targets. ment to the sights, and a fix on what
thought a Woodsman would be different. have knocked the pin off the table. Two The Woodsman appears to have ammo shoots best in the gun, Ill be
I got the chance to shoot a Sport groups of two shots in the larger group been sighted in for six-oclock hold. Ill ready to carry the Woodsman during
Model Woodsman as a teenager. I were touching. Groups were larger on change that to a center hold at 50 feet small game season this fall.n
loaded five rounds into the 10 round
magazine, and fired them into a tight
group at 50 feet. (It was a Bullseye club,
T HERES NOT HING DIF F ICULT A BOU T I T.
so along with only loading five rounds,
I shot from a target stance, one-handed.) T HERES NOT HING DIF F ICULT A BOU T I T.
While I was loading another five rounds,
the owner of the gun told me how well
I was doing. The second five shots
didnt make nearly as tight a group. Ive
wondered since how Id have done if Id
filled the magazine, or no one had told
me I was shooting well.
Woodsman pistols were made from
1938 to 1976. New or used, they didnt
show up in every gun counter, and I nev-
er bought one while they were in pro- 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.
duction. This year I noticed one for sale A Boomer compact tractor is the definition of ease. Controls are intuitive, your visibility is unmatched, and
A Nthe
both EW ROPSWplatform
O R L Dand DE cabMareA Nlarge
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E W H O LBoomer
L A N D. tractors continue to be the ultimate power
in June, just before leaving for The Pin tool for homeowners,
A Boomer
performance
rural lifestylers,
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Controls municipalities, andvisibility
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one magazine may be enough.
TO TOUGH
Even the short Woodsman is rela-
tively heavy since its made of steel and Shown: 1526
walnut.
The balance is good, and the guns
have a reputation for accuracy. Accuracy
AND GET 0% INTEREST
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often depends on finding what ammo a
particular gun likes. I took two types
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B
for accurate shooting...
FIRST IN
y classic, I mean the a blade type front sight.
single shots, lever After gathering the tools needed,
actions, old military head out to the range for a shoot-
CLASS
arms, traditional ing session. Always use a solid rest,
muzzle loaders, or preferably a good bench rest, for
just about any firearm sighting in. This removes as much
using open sights. Sighting-in is ex- human error from the shot as pos-
tremely important because any rifle sible. Start at 25 yards using a small
that isnt reliable to hit where you aiming point on the target. Once
aim is basically useless. An sighted in at 25 yards you
accurate rifle is essential can move out to a longer
for serious target shooting range and still be on the
and hunting. paper for final adjust-
NEW FOR 2017 With open sights, ments. Aim at your small
often called iron sights, aiming point and shoot a
sighting-in is usually done 3 shot group. Never base
by moving either the front sight adjustment on just
or rear sight, or both, until one shot. Then use the cen-
the rifle shoots ter of your group
exactly where the
sights are aligned. By Darryl Quidort as the point to
make your sight
THE ONLY CROSSBOW IN ITS CLASS WITH THE ACUDRAW Although it may adjustments from.
THE COCKING DEVICE THAT REVOLUTIONIZED seem complicated, there is no mys- I like to adjust for windage (left
tery involved in this. and right) first, by moving either
THE CROSSBOW INDUSTRY Two basic rules need to be fol- the front or rear sight, whichever
lowed. seems easier and keeps the sights
Rule one; the rear sight is moved more centered on the barrel. Before
in the direction the point of bullet I move a sight, I use a knife point
impact needs to go to hit the center to make a tiny index mark on the
Now compatible of the target. barrel. Without it there is no way to
with all Wicked Rule two; the front sight is know how far the sight was moved
Ridge Crossbows. moved opposite the direction the or to return it to the original posi-
point of impact needs to go to hit the tion. The index mark can be touched
center of the target. up with cold gun bluing after the
As an example, if the rifle is rifle is sighted in to make it invisible
330 shooting to the right, you want the again. A very slight movement of
FEET-PER-SECOND
point of impact to move to the left to the sights will make a big difference
165 hit the center of the target. There-
fore, either move the rear sight to
on the point of impact on the target,
so go slowly to avoid overcorrect-
LB. DRAW WEIGHT
the left, the way you want the bullet ing.
97 impact to move. Or, move the front When the rifle is shooting cor-
FP KINETIC ENERGY sight to the right, opposite the way rectly as far as windage, I begin to
you want the bullet impact to move.
6.6
correct the elevation (up and down).
The tools needed to accomplish If the bullet point of impact is high,
LB. BOW WEIGHT moving the sights will depend on the rifle needs either a taller front
the type of open sights the rifle is sight or a lower rear sight. If the
equipped with. The rear sight may point of impact is low, either file
have a screw adjustment, a notched down the front blade or raise the
ramp, or a sight that is dovetailed rear sight.
directly into the barrel. A small When I built my .50 caliber
screwdriver will be needed if the flintlock rifle, I initially put a tall
sight has a screw adjustment. A flat, front blade on it to allow room for
brass punch and a small hammer elevation adjustment. Its easier to
can be used to move a sight which remove metal than to add it on. Of
is dovetailed into the barrel. Brass is course, with the tall front blade, the
GET YOURS NOW OR FIND YOUR softer than steel and wont mar the rifle shot low. Filing the front blade
LOCAL WICKED RIDGE DEALER AT sight or the barrel. Be sure to care- down a little at a time soon raised
fully tap on the base of the sight, not the muzzle enough to shoot dead
WICKEDRIDGECROSSBOWS.COM on the upper part. The front sight is on at 25 yards. Since the iron sights
usually dovetailed in, so the brass on that rifle are mounted low on
PROUDLY MADE IN THE U.S.A. punch can be used. A fine file may the barrel, it is still on at 50 yards
be used to carefully lower the top of and as close as I can hold with open
38 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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Cedar or Pine Just Or
Ive taken several deer
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with that flintlock rifle Insulated
Get
simply by holding dead
on for the shot.
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equipped with a screw to adjust for elevation
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have to remove the ramp and care- primitive style sights that cant be
fully file a new notch between the moved for sight alignment. Filing
factory notches. I did just that with a small amount from the side of
a little .22 caliber rifle that I often the front sight will make the blade
used when hunting rabbits with thinner. When centered in the rear
sight notch, this thinner
blade will change the
sight picture to correct
the point of impact. To
move the bullet impact
to the right, carefully
file on the right side
of the front sight. To
move the bullet impact
to the left, file on the
left side of the front
sight. The rear sight
Any dovetailed-in sight can be moved by tapping notch can also be filed
the base with a small brass punch. slightly wider to cor-
rect bullet placement.
my beagles. My shots were usually To move the point of impact to the
taken at fairly close range on rabbits right, widen the right side of the Poly Furniture and
that were either sitting or slowly notch. To move the bullet impact to
moving through thick brush. The the left, widen the left side of the Campfire Supplies and Rings
finely tuned, open sights allowed notch by careful filing. It takes only
head shots, which preserved the a very small correction on pistol
tasty meat on the bunnies.
It is important to
sight-in your own rifle. Relax In Style!
Every shooter has his
own style of holding
the rifle and aligning
the sights and needs to
be intimately familiar
with his rifle to have
confidence that it is
dead on for him.
Once properly adjusted, Standard Features
STANDARD FEATURES
iron sights seldom get This flintlock rifle has a dovetailed-in front sight Fully Insulated
out of alignment. After that can be moved for windage corrections. Carpeted Floor
Fully Insulated Silent Shadow Window Systems
being transported in the
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back of a pickup truck, in a scabbard sights to make a big difference
on a horse, or on a sling hung over a downrange due to the short sight ra- All-Aluminum Exterior Upper And Lower Vents
Rodent Proof Floor
backpack frame, iron sights will still dius on a pistol barrel. Go slow and Silent ShadowExterior
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One final sighting-in method Back in the day, I believe Upper And Lower Vents
that has been used successfully almost every American pioneer had Upper Interior Shelf
the skill and knowledge to properly
sight-in his own rifle. In todays 1205 N. SR 5, Shipshewana
world of rifle scopes with built in
range finders and instant compensa- 260-768-7511
tion for both windage and eleva- -Open-
tion, I think maybe shooters are - Open - 8-5
Mon-Fri
losing some of the self-sufficiency
Americans were once proud of. Mon-Fri 8-5Sat
Sat 8-3:30
8-3:30
Therefore, I feel that its important
The rear sight on this Ruger target for us modern shooters to preserve
pistol is adjustable for both wind- the skill and knowledge of properly
age and elevation. Author photos sighting-in.n 1205 N. SR 5, Shipshewana 260-768-7511
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 39
BIG U.P. BEAR
G
reg Reimus from ed. It looked like he was putting on
Beaverton may have 50 to 75 pounds per year.
bagged the biggest Greg applied for a bear license
black bear in the every year, always applying for the
state for the 2017 first hunt starting on September 10,
season on property hoping the big bear would still be
he owns in the U.P.s Schoolcraft alive by the time he got a tag. The
County on the evening of September statewide reduction in the number of
11. The monster bruin had a dressed state-issued bear licenses since 2012
weight of 525 pounds, but its live obviously prolonged the wait to be
weight could have been drawn. Prior to 2012, it
close to 600 pounds. took an average wait of five
We had him on a years to get a bear tag for
550-pound scale, but it the first hunt in the U.P.
maxed out before his head When Reimus started
was off the ground, Rei- placing bait for bear
mus said. hunting this year, he was
The bears head was pleased when he found out
big, just like the rest of the big bear was still in the
By Richard P. Smith
him, and could area by way
easily have of his trail
weighed 50 camera that
pounds. Greg said the animals head monitored the bait site.
was so heavy that he couldnt lift it I usually start baiting with Greg Reimus may have har vested one of the biggest bears this fall.
for photos that were taken of him dog food and oats mixed with oil
with the bruin. or bacon grease, Greg explained. one, Reimus bait camera captured ing for.
I had the bear I shot on cam- Closer to the hunt, I give them less, photos of another adult male that he I heard a branch break behind
era for quite a few years, Reimus but go with some goodies like circus estimated would weigh 300 pounds my blind 20 minutes earlier that
stated. When it takes nine years to peanuts (marshmallows), granola three days before he scored. may have been the big bear circling
get a license, hunters have to wait and fried chicken (the big bears I thought about hunting with me. Fortunately, he didnt smell me.
a long time to be able to hunt. The favorite) sprinkled with Kool-Aid. a bow and arrows, but the wind All of a sudden, he was just there in
last time I had a bear permit was in A new bait I started using this was bad, Reimus added. I knew I front of me. I instantly recognized
08. I had a bigger bear on camera at year may have been the ticket for would probably only get one chance him. When he turned broadside,
Seney that year than on the prop- getting the big bear to come to the at this big bear and I wanted things I hit him through both lungs. He
erty in Schoolcraft County, so thats bait during legal shooting hours. I to work out in my favor. ran right by my stand 10 yards
where I hunted. I saw a bear while got some honey slurry from a friend Greg hunted with a .300 Win- away.
hunting near Seney during 2008, and mix some of it with oats, roll chester Magnum rifle made by Greg said he had to locate some-
but it wasnt the big one, so I passed them into balls about the size of a Thompson/Center and he hunted one with a 4-wheeler to help him get
him up. golf ball and sprinkle Kool-Aid on from an elevated stand about 45 the bear out of the woods. There was
The first time Greg got photos them before freezing. I put out about yards from the bait. He also wore no way he was going to move him
of the bear he shot this fall was a dozen the last couple of times I Scent Lok clothing to reduce the himself. Due to warm weather dur-
in 2010. He estimated the bruins baited my spot. chances of being winded. ing the first hunt, Reimus skinned
weight at 280 pounds then. Since As an added attractant, Greg September 10 was the first day the bear as soon as possible after it
then, he watched it gradually get burned a pair of scent sticks while of bear season, but Greg didnt see a was out of the woods.
bigger. hunting. The scent sticks he used the single bear that day. He had to wait The monster bruin is Gregs
Three years ago, the bear was day he got his bear are called 12 until almost 8:00 p.m. on the 11th first Michigan bear. He shot a
really big then, Reimus comment- miles of Dead Fish. Besides the big before seeing the bruin he was wait- 250-pounder in Alberta.n
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ouldnt find birds. ing by mid-October. This year, Id
Took worst been working out since May. The
spill ever: Spun dogs are in shape. Everything was
180-degrees after in place. This was supposed to be
lodging foot beneath a root. Nothing the fall we finally put it all together
to break my fall. Gun barrels hit me to find and flush fantastic numbers
on the back of head. Water bottle of birds. Instead, its just been an
valve bruised and tattooed my ribs. autumn of discontent.
Lizzy ran off for over Thats a good one.
two hours. Not sure if thats You know where that
when she lacerated her leg. comes from, dont you?
Abbey ran off twice Jerry asked.
for 20 minutes each time. Where what comes
Nice looking aspen from?
stand disappeared from Youre saying, the
where I had found it a day autumn of discontent. The
earlier. original is winter of dis-
Lizzys lacer- content. You know
ated leg ended her
hunting season only By Tom Carney where that comes
from?
three days after it Of course, I
started. replied. Its from The Crisis by Maddie the setter leads hunters Jerry Dennis (left) and Rober t DeMott
Injuries both human and ca- Thomas Paine: Now is the win- back from a successful foray in another good cover their pal and author
Tom Carney directed them to. Tailfeather Communications, LLC photo
nine have now done us in for three ter of our discontent. The summer
seasons in a row. soldier and sunshine patriot will in John Steinbeck novel, Tom. And he rative it would be helpful to point
Sitting in the recliner on the en- this crisis shrink from uh hell got it from Shakespeare. out that Bob, an English professor
closed porch at my cabin, I looked shrink from something. Thats all I Well still its a crisis for me. emeritus from Ohio University, is a
over these final items, part of a list remember. Thats what matters, Jerry. My soul real academic. Not the stereotypical
that seemed to have led me to a de- Jerry replied, These are the has been tried and this is the autumn snooty professor-type who wants
cision about my continued participa- times that try mens souls. of my discontent. Im done. to yammer you into submission but
tion in our annual bird hunting camp Yes! You get it! I said. You Jerry tried further to console rather a regular guy who will gladly
in the Upper Peninsula. Heck, from see how bad things are for me? Its me: Look, youre a great friend. engage in conversation about litera-
the looks of the list, Id even go so awful! What a great way to put it: Your genius seems to be in directing ture if someone else starts it.
far as to say the decision was actu- These times are trying my soul. your friends to promising cover and I had started it, and he engaged.
ally about my continued participa- Testing me. My soul has been tried helping them find birds. Bob and In the Try-Works chapter of
tion in bird hunting, period. and busted. I can attest to it. The Hidden Lake Moby-Dick, Bob explained, Herman
Thats when Jerry Dennis No, thats not what I meant. cover today was magical. And look Melville describes the try pots a
stepped in, freshly scrubbed from Thats the opening line of The at those grouse dishes you prepared pair of huge cauldrons found near
the days hunt during our annual Crisis. The winter of discontent for the five of us on the final night in midship on whaling vessels in
post-camp decompression visit to comes from someplace else. Ask camp. You just made them up from which sailors would boil slices of
my cabin. Bob. scratch, and they were great! So, blubber, and, thus, render the oil for
What are you working on, Bob is a Steinbeck scholar, I youre not totally useless. market. Like separating the wheat
Tom? he asked. said. You cant expect him to know That was kind of him to from the chaff.
Im going to quit hunting. anything about the literature of the say, but So, Bob said, perhaps your
What are you talking about? American Revolution. But the thing that tries my spirit is being tried out to remove
You cant do that. Jerry called in to the kitchen soul, Jerry, is Ive lost the ability to the impurities.
Facts are facts, however. table where Robert DeMott, our put my dogs into spots where they I thought about that on the drive
Just look at everything that guest in camp this year, was enter- can be successful locating birds. The to our first cover the next day. De-
continues to go wrong for me. I ing the days events into his hunting times have tried my soul, and Ive spair had descended upon me; faith
had hoped so much that this would journal. come up short. had begun to waver. Self-doubt, as
be the year everything would kick Hey, Bob! Where does winter Without ceremony, Bob put always, remained a dead weight on
into gear again. Gee, two years ago of our discontent come from? down his pen and quietly offered, my shoulders. If those impurities
each of the dogs had injuries that Almost absentmindedly and Maybe you should think of try in could be boiled off, what would
kept them out of the woods for at without disengaging from his task at the other sense, the Melvillian. remain to impel me consistently to
least three weeks. Last year, my hand, Bob muttered, Steinbeck. Huh? the woods with the dogs?
neck pain caused me to stop hunt- Jerry advised, Its the title of a Perhaps at this point in the nar- Hope.n
42 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
HAP offers private
land for hunting
L
ooking for a new place to hunt The HAP webpage includes details
pheasants, deer, turkey or rab- about enrolled properties, including
bits? Michigans Hunting Ac- types of hunting allowed and aerial
cess Program provides private-land photos.
hunting opportunities, and great Made up of many partners, the
habitat ranging from grassland to Michigans Pheasant Restoration ties on private and public lands via life habitat on their properties and
woodland to wetland for a variety Initiative is a conservation initia- pheasant cooperatives. The initiative by improving grassland habitat on
of hunting types. tive to restore and enhance Michi- works by acquiring state and federal selected state game areas, recreation
HAP is an important part of gan pheasant habitat (grasslands), resources to assist landowners in areas, or other public lands. To learn
Michigans Pheasant Restoration populations and hunting opportuni- the cooperatives to improve wild- more visit www.mi.gov/pheasant.n
Initiative. One of the initiatives
goals is to expand pheasant hunting
opportunities on public and private
lands HAP provides that link to
private-land pheasant hunting op-
portunities.
This year marks the 40th an-
niversary of Michigans Hunting
Access Program, created in 1977 to
increase public hunting opportuni-
CROSSBOWS
ties in southern Michigan, where 97
percent of the land base is privately
owned. It is one of the oldest dedi-
cated private-lands, public-access
programs in the nation, providing
access to quality hunting lands close
to urban properties and in agricul-
tural areas.
Landowners enrolled in HAP
receive an annual payment, up to
$25 an acre, for allowing hunters to
access their lands. Using funds from
the 2014 hunting license restructur-
ing and a new federal grant, the De-
partment of Natural Resources has
continued expanding the program
over the past few years moving
into the eastern Upper Peninsula and
northern Lower Peninsula.
Providing access to hunting
lands that are close to home is criti-
cal for supporting Michigans strong VISIT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED
hunting heritage, said DNR wild- CARBON EXPRESS DEALER
life biologist Monique Ferris. Our http://carbonexpresscrossbow.com/pages/dealer-locator
commitment to providing access
has more than tripled the number of
farms enrolled in HAP the past three
years. We now have over 190 farms THE BEST
and nearly 24,000 acres available
for public hunting. CROSSBOW READY TO HUNT KIT
Ferris said the Hunting Access AT ENTRY LEVEL PRICING
Program also is good for the econ-
3 - 20 PileDriver Bolts, 3 - 100gr Field Points, Quick Detach
omy. Hunters taking trips to HAP
lands contribute $1.7 million annu- $299.99 Quiver, Rope Cocker, Rail Lube, Deluxe 4x32 Scope with
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ally to Michigans economy. The
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are only 25 miles from the hunters - LIGHTWEIGHT COMPACT DESIGN
home, making HAP lands extremely
- ADJUSTABLE BUTT STOCK
accessible and close to home.
To control the number of hunters - MULTI POSITION FOREGRIP
( WITH 9 .5 PICATINNY RAIL)
using HAP lands at any one time,
- DURABLE COMPRESSION MOLDED LIMBS
hunters are required to register to
hunt each time they visit the prop- - ANTI DRY-FIRE TECHNOLOGY
erty. Landowners may ask hunters
- BLACK OR ALL CAMO AVAILABLE
to check in with them personally
before hunting or there may be a - 3.5 LB. TRIGGER
self-registration box on site.
Visit www.michigan.gov/hap to
learn more about the program and www.carbonexpresscrossbow.com
to see a current list of private lands
W A RNING! To avoi d se r i ous i nj ur y and l e ar n about saf e hunt i ng t e chni que s, use r s must r e at he i nst r uct i ons and w at ch t he vi de os at w w w .saf e ar r ow .com pr i or t o shoot i ng any cr ossbow bol t .
available for hunting in Michigan.
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 43
Business and bowhunting dont mix
Business and bowhunting go together One of the office staff members caught Tom bad times, its just the way it is. Its our time to
and I in action just the other day, it went a little escape the everyday pressures of all that unfolds
like water and oil. Most of the time one like this... around us.
interferes with the other. Which stand are you headed to tonight? Now, I cant speak for Tom, but to say Im
As our economy begins to return from such The pine tree stand, I replied. Seen a some sort of hunting wizard with many success
dire shape its sometimes hard to appreciate the couple deer there the night before last. stories under my belt, well, as much as I hate
simple pleasures of fall. Any horns? to admit, its simply not true. Although, some
Pick up a newspaper, watch TV or listen to Nope, but on the way in I heard the crash- are under that impression. No doubt because
the radio and no doubt a good portion of the ing of brush behind and looked over my shoul- Tom and I run the Woods-N-Water News, some
programing will be devoted to less than pleas- der to see a spike and a larger buck head into think we are some sort of grand hunting gu-
ant news. There seems to be no place to escape the bean field from their bed on the point by the rus.
from it all, except the woods. lake. Im not and I dont think Tom thinks of
And at times, perhaps escaping is the best Where did they cross? Anywhere near that himself as one either.
course of action. stand you sat in the poplars? In fact, I have to tell you of one telephone
There is not a time of the year I like any bet- Yep, bout 50 yards or so. call I got from a business which wanted to buy
ter than right now. Deer season bowhunting The staff member looked on as I broke out some trophy deer head mounts.
to be specific. a piece of scrap paper and started to doodle on I answered chuckling, Sure, are you lack-
My brother-in-law and business partner, it, making crude landmark drawings of the lake ing a dandy 5-pointer with an 8-inch spread for
Tom Campbell, shares my passion for bowhunt- and giant oak trees. Then with a squiggly line, your collection? Wouldnt he look nice over the
ing over all other forms of I marked the path of the deer I had seen. Once fireplace?
outdoor pursuits. We attempt I was done, Tom latched onto the pen and did No, there are no Pope & Youngers hiding in
to align our schedules to allow some doodling of his own. The staff member, my closet!
as much time in the woods no doubt, had an important business ques- Were just trying to squeeze time out of our
as possible. And often the tion, but he has learned to wait till were done, jobs to get to the tree stand. Sometimes its two
conversation around the office knowing our minds were too cluttered with hours here and four hours there and to be sure,
is tonights hunt. buck talk. there is always some reason we have to be back
Its just the way it is around to the office.
By Randy Jorgensen our office during the hunt-
ing season. In good times or
There lies the problem, I know.
As a result, we dont always have the scout-
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WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 45
Sharing Our Love of Hunting
By Jeff Poet
H
unting, fishing and a implement and oversee a public Our initial research showed that generations can carry them on.
strong connection to education campaign to promote hunting enjoys strong approval Weve shared dozens of stories
Michigans outdoors are the essential role that sportsmen in Michigan, even among the on social media, television,
at the core of my fam- and sportswomen play in further- vast majority of nonhunters. At magazines and newspapers about
ilys heritage. ing wildlife conservation and to the same time, we found, most the men and women who tire-
My great-grandfather, grandfa- educate the general public about people have limited knowledge lessly work, as professionals and
ther and father passed that deep- hunting, fishing and the taking of of conservation and how hunt- as volunteers, to protect our re-
rooted tradition down to me, and game, which includes the impor- ing and fishing are key wildlife sources. There have been stories
now Ive passed it on to my sons tance of conservation and wild- management tools. about the decades of work that
and to my grandsons. life management to Michigans From the start, the councils has gone into restoring elk, stur-
That love and respect for the natural resources and outdoor goal has been to provide informa- geon, turkey, peregrine falcons,
outdoors is simply in my blood, traditions. tion that will help nonsportsmen woodcock, Karner blue butterflies
just as it is for many other sports- The nine members of the understand what is required to and more.
men. Michigan Wildlife Council share protect Michigans forests, waters Were also aiming to gener-
But as times change and the a common vision when it comes and wildlife. ate understanding and apprecia-
number of hunters dwindles, to Michigans cherished outdoor Let me be clear: Were not tion for how hunters and anglers
its sometimes a challenge to traditions: ensuring they are here asking them to join us (although demonstrate responsibility for
explain this love of hunting for generations. I am proud to everyone is welcome, of course). healthy animal populations and
to folks who grew up in a have served as a member of the We just want to help ensure that environments by leading wildlife
nonhunting world. council from the very beginning our states hunting and fishing and habitat conservation funding
Many people who have never and to currently serve as its vice heritage is respected, understood and initiatives.
hunted mistakenly think its just chair. and appreciated, so that future But we need your help in
about taking game. But we know
its so much more than that. For
most of us, the best part of a hunt
is time spent with family and
friends surrounded by nature.
Thats why its important for
us as sportsmen to help explain
to people who dont hunt or even
fish that our pastimes play a key
role in conserving Michigans
woods, water and wildlife.
Many nonsportsmen love the
outdoors every bit as much as
we do. We need to build on that
shared value by helping them un-
derstand how and why the things
we do in the outdoors help make
the activities that they enjoy
possible and also help ensure
that our states great outdoor
resources will be there for future
generations to experience.
With hunting season upon us,
its a perfect time to have conver-
sations centered on the fact that
hunters are the original conser-
vationists, that we have long
advocated for safeguarding
wild animal populations and
environments, and that we are
committed to continuing to
serve as partners in conservation
and wildlife management.
Changing hearts
and minds
The Michigan Wildlife Jeff Poet, right, and his grandson Jeff Allen, now 17, pose for a photo after he har vested his first
Council was created in 2013 to turkey. Poet says hunting and fishing are integral par ts of his familys heritage.
ADV
Walleye
Brawlers
By Mark Romanack
T
he annual Lake Erie Walleye
Fall Brawl fishing derby is tak-
ing registrations and this year the
grand price is a Warrior 193 fi-
berglass fishing boat! Even better
this boat is fully equipped with a
200 horsepower Evinrude E-Tec G2 Outboard,
Cisco Fishing Systems track and rod holders and
Lowrance Electronics. A boat, motor, trailer and
accessory package worth over $70,000 is going to
be awarded to the angler who catches the biggest
walleye during the 2017 Fall Brawl.
Registration for the Walleye Fall Brawl is just
$30 and anglers can sign up online by visiting
www.lakeeriefishingderby.com. Its important
to note that a strict rule associated with the Fall
Brawl is that to qualify for the grand price or the
many cash and product prizes, everyone fishing
in the boat when a fish is caught has to be offi-
cially signed up.
Thats right, if three guys are fishing and two
are signed up and one isnt no one in that boat
is eligible to win cash or prizes as part of the of-
ficial rules of the Walleye Fall Brawl. This unique
derby format is fair and makes sure everyone
ponies up the $30 registration fee. Make sure
your fishing buddies are signed up and clearly
understand the contest rules.
Last year we had about 1600 individuals
sign up for the annual Walleye Fall Brawl, says
event coordinator Frank Murphy. This year we
expect that number to double thanks to Warrior
Boats, Cisco Fishing Systems and Lowrance
Electronics stepping up to offer an amazing grand
prize package. We have also added a youth divi-
sion to the 2017 event.
The Walleye Fall Brawl is a big fish derby
and the official weigh station is Erie Outfitters
at 5404 Lake Road, Sheffield Lake, Ohio 44054.
The telephone number at Erie Outfitters is 440-
949-8934. To be eligible fish must be caught in
the Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New York or
Ontario waters of Lake Erie.
Day Trolling
Fishermen can compete in the Walleye Fall
Brawl using any legal sport fishing technique.
Overwhelmingly however, trolling with crank- The authors fishing tips will help anglers increase their odds of catching a super tanker
baits has been the most popular fishing presenta- walleye like this one and also doing well in the annual Walleye Fall Brawl taking place on
tion. Popular crankbaits for walleye trolling in Lake Erie from October 20 until December 3, 2017.
Lake Erie during daylight hours include the Reef
Runner 800 series, Rapala Deep Husky Jerk No.
12, Rapala Taildancer TDD11, Bandit 5/8 ounce
baits that are designed to reach the most common
fishing depths ranging from 15 to 30 feet deep. Night Trolling
Deep Walleye, Bay Rat Long Extra Deep 5.5, The majority of anglers who are trolling these Trolling crankbaits after dark is another
Berkley Flicker Minnow No. 9 and No. 11 and crankbaits are also using inline planer boards like popular method that Walleye Fall Brawlers use
the Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow DD 7/8. the popular Off Shore Tackle OR12 Side-Planer to to target trophy sized Lake Erie walleye. Night
All of these lures are diving minnow style cover more water and also to target boat shy fish. trollers use some of the same crankbaits as day
48 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
time trollers, but shallow diving stickbaits are
important lures among anglers fishing the night
shift. Some of the most popular stickbaits or
shallow diving minnows include the Smithwick
Perfect 10, Rapala Husky Jerk 12 and 14, Rapala
No. 18 Floating Minnow, Yo-Zuri Crystal Min-
now Floating 5/8 ounce and the Bandit Shallow
Walleye 5/8.
All of these shallow diving stickbaits are
ideal for targeting walleye feeding at or near the
surface. As with day time trollers, inline planer
boards play a critical role in targeting night shift
walleye. In order to monitor their boards better in
the dark, most anglers use small Cyalume light
sticks taped or zip-tied to the planer board flag.
A few commercially produced battery operated
planer board lights are also available for those
anglers interested in customizing their boards for
night fishing. A lot of anglers also suggest adding
a couple strips of Coast Guard approved reflector
tape to their boards so they are more visible at
night. Adding reflector tape to both sides of the
board makes it much easier for other anglers to
spot planer boards on the water.
Snap Weight Trolling
A growing number of trollers are also us-
ing Snap Weights to get their diving minnow
and stickbaits to deeper depths. The Off Shore
Tackle Snap Weight Kit comes with an assort-
ment of 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 ounce size Guppy
Weights and four OR16 Snap Weight Clips and
split rings. The beauty of Snap Weights as inline
sinkers is they can be placed anywhere on the
fishing line between the lure and rod tip.
Most anglers let out their favorite crankbait
about 25 feet and then attach the Snap Weight Jake Romanack holds up a couple, Fish Ohio, class walleye taken on Lake Erie during the
onto the line. More line is then played off the reel fall. The later in the fall an angler targets walleye the bigger and heavier these popular fish
to achieve target depths. When a fish is hooked become. November is prime time for chasing these Great Lakes giants. Author photos
the angler simply reels in the fish and Snap
Weight until the Snap Weight is at the rod tip and slower trolling speeds routinely produce the best ages reluctant walleye into biting.
can be quickly removed from the line. results. Once the water temperature dips below Pro Cures Super Gel is a popular scent
A quick, easy and effective way of getting 50 degrees most anglers are slowing down their product designed for hard baits that consist of
crankbaits to deeper depths, Snap Weights are trolling speed to 1.5 MPH or slower to trigger dehydrated and ground up bait fish that are in
very popular trolling aids among Fall Brawlers. bites from lethargic, but still actively feeding turn mixed with a sticky and odorless paste. The
Lead Core Trolling walleye. gel formula insures the scent stays on hard baits.
Most fish scents are liquids that wash off almost
Using lead core line is another trolling option Cold Water Means... as quickly as they are applied. Pro Cure Super
suitable for getting crankbaits to deeper fish.
Lead core is a sinking line that is most often
REALLY BIG FISH! Gel produces a strong scent stream for up to 30
minutes before it needs to be reapplied.
fished as a segment of lead core sandwiched The Walleye Fall Brawl could be won Pro Cure Trophy Walleye is a popular formu-
between a 25 foot leader of fluorocarbon line and on day one of the 2017 event, but odds are la among fall walleye trollers on Lake Erie. Other
200 yards of monofilament backing line. the biggest fish of the event will be caught Super Gel formulas that are natural and effective
A common Lake Erie lead core set up consists much later in the season. As the water tempera- scent products for cold water walleye trolling
of three colors or approximately 90 feet of 27 ture of Lake Erie drops, walleye are triggered include the Alewife, Herring, Minnow and the
pound test lead core line. The lead core is rigged into a last minute feeding binge aimed at Smelt formulas.
with a 25 foot leader of 15 pound test fluorocar-
Summing it Up
securing critical protein before the onslaught of
bon line and 200 yards of 12 to 15 pound test winter. This feeding binge is necessary to help
monofilament line as backing. develop the egg mass growing inside
adult females. The annual Walleye Fall Brawl takes place
The lure, leader and all the lead core is played
The later in the season a walleye is caught, from October 20 to December 3. Registration is
off the reel and then an inline planer board is
the more egg mass that is developed and the just $30 and anglers this year have a chance at
attached to the backing line. Because lead core is
heavier these fish become. This is precisely why winning a $70,000 fully rigged Warrior 193 fish-
a sinking line, most anglers use it as their inside
ing boat. In addition to the grand prize there are
board lines that are designed to target deeper fish. lots of anglers put in extra time during the last
week of the annual Fall Brawl. thousands of dollars in cash and product being
This set up allows more shallow running middle
given away at this years Fall Brawl.
Dont Forget to use Scent
and outside board lines to be pulled right over top
Perhaps the coolest thing about the Walleye
of the lead core without tangles.
Fall Brawl is it keeps anglers fishing right up to
Trolling Speed Matters In cold water walleye are lethargic and prone
to follow lures before striking at them. Adding
the bitter end of the season. Everyone loves to
fish for trophy walleye and the Fall Brawl adds a
The Walleye Fall Brawl gets started on Octo- scent products to crankbaits is a good way to set little more incentive not to winterize that fishing
ber 20 and runs until December 3. Late in the fall up a natural scent stream in the water that encour- boat until after December 3.n
Shorter Cover
points. They continue on duty today
NO Small Game License Required!
Hunter Orange REQUIRED!
in Afghanistan. There are currently
600 teams deployed saving lives
Individual Partners, Groups Or Private Shoot Dates For Your Group Or Company. We Can Customize Your Hunt!
every day.
NOW BOOKING FALL, WINTER & SPRING HUNTS! QUALITY PHEASANT HUNTS The New York Times reported
Friends Family Corporate in 2011 on Cairo, the dog that ac-
50 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
companied the Seal Team that killed
Osama Bin Laden. Although much
of the training of dogs in Navy Seal
Teams remains shrouded in secrecy,
the Times quoted Major Wes Ticer,
the then spokesman for the United
States Special Operations Command
who confirmed the dogs primary
functions as finding explosives and
conducting searches and patrols.
Weitlauf and I talked about the
site and he directed me to informa-
tion of a more personal nature, his To honor the well trained K9s of the Vietnam War that saved so many lives the Michigan War Dog Me-
summer of 2010. We were told morial erected a Black Granite Wall with all the dogs names and tattoo numbers to recognize them for
about an abandoned war dog monu- their ser vice and sacrifice to our country. Author photos
ment at the corner of Milford Rd.
and 11 Mile in Lyon Township. I law that guarantees the safe return oung, who was reunited with his war its funding. He explained, The
took my trusted companion Cody, of all retired military dogs to the dog, Cena, said in a press release af- MWDM is the Arlington for K-9
a German shepherd, to take a look. United States after serving abroad. ter Obama made it law. These dogs heroes and offers our service of
As we arrived at the corner we saw The Washington Times reported at have so much love to giveits time full ceremonial burials for K9s
nothing but a heavily wooded area. the time, The American Humane we show some in return. that passes from the Unit at no
We parked the car and went for a Association estimates that a mili- I walked along the edge of the cost, including the headstone.
walk and there it was a large granite tary dog saves between 150 to 200 woods near the Vietnam War Dog This allows their K9s to be
monument with the words The War service members during his tenure Memorial and listening to the wind memorialized and never forgotten.
Dog. As we looked around we by detecting improvised explosive rustle the fallen leaves, and the hum If anyone would make a donation
could see several headstones buried devices and hidden weapons caches. of insects that signaled the end of to help us off set our costs it
in the foliage and brush. The site Upon return from combat, these summer. Other visitors at the pre- would be appreciated. They can
was in horrible shape. animals, if given the chance, often sentation gathered in small groups go to our website www.mwdm.org
After much work and restora- continue to protect their humans to talk. I sensed a mixture of pride, and send a check to our mailing
tion, including walkways assessable and help them transition back into honor and intense sadness among address, or donate through the
to disabled vets, the War Dog Me- society.INTRODUCING THE NEW our Heritage Conference gathering, websites donation tab. My check
morial transformed into a beautiful, INTRODUCING
The bill THE
will NEW ensure that our especially from those that learned went in the mail the next day. It
yet somber place that openly reveals four-legged veterans will finally about the fate of the war dogs that was the right thing to do.
have their chance to come home and went to Vietnam, and never came Jonathan Schechter is the Na-
some of the tragedy that had fallen hope-
on our military working dogs. I live a comfortable, quiet life, home. ture Education Writer for Oakland
THE
fully STRONGEST.
with a BECAUSE Ithey
handler SAID SO. deployed I thanked Weitlauf for his County Government and an avid
walked over to a large black wall THE STRONGEST. BECAUSE I SAID SO.
with or a STEVE
fellow AUSTINveteran, retired remarkable efforts and asked him backpacker and naturalist. E-mail:
about the Vietnam War and was
Marine STEVE Corps AUSTIN Lance Cpl. Jeff DeY- about the future of the site and Oaknature@aol.comn
stunned by what I discovered after
WORK PLAY
inquiring about the 4,234 names on
WORK PLAY
the wall; names of dogs. Dogs were TH
trained and deployed to Vietnam
with their military handlers. As
INTRODUCING THE NEW
13 Annual
negotiations brought the war to an
end, and orders came down that the THE STRONGEST. BECAUSE I SAID SO. Buck Pole/
HARD PLAYHARD
STEVE AUSTIN
HARD HARD
troops were going home, the dog
handlers were excited about bring-
Family Event
WORK
ing their loved four-legged combat
partners home. That was not to be,
TH
for our government classified the
dogs as excess equipment, with
NOV. 15 !
Buck
these well trained K9s that saved so to a whole new level.
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A
So on a weekend in mid-Sep-
tember, Donarski and about 30 other
nd sometimes, if vets, pushed that door open just a
youre one of the crack. To see those elusive slivers of
wounded, and are light.
enduring your own Finally, with his wife and adult
brand of pain, you children urging him every painful
just have to decide step of the wayDad, your bag is
youve had enough. You finally still packed, right?...Dad,
muster the courage to take youre going, right?...
a deep breath, and take that they asked Dan, who many
first step through that door, moons ago was my editor
out of the darkness, into the at the Michigan Hunting &
light. Fishing magazine before it
For fellow writer and was taken over by another
retired Army officer Dan publication, may have be-
Donarski, a Bronze Star gun the journey. Mar tin, center, makes two vets happy with a September Bur t Lake
recipient in the first Gulf He pushed the door walleye taken on a crank bait.
War who was later
seriously injured in By Bill Semion open just a crack.
He did it by driving
from his Sault Ste. Marie home to
a safe place just north of Pellston
annual event through South Lyons
Operation Injured Soldiers (OIS).
Airport, to join others with similar OIS operates Brave Hearts
Call us at:
was then North Viet Nam, his group
lobbed 8-inch and 175mm shells
Ray Hoody
517-617-6786
in support of other units, morning,
noon and night, he said, at anything
that made noise.
In the service, youre short if
Huntin-It, LLC Goose Hunts
you only have a few months or days
left in your tour. Radle was short.
9851 West Youth Deer Hunts His buddies on his gun crew told
Turkey Hunts Coyote Hunts him he didnt have to be on the fir-
Territorial Road Whitetail Hunts ing line that day. He was down be-
Montgomery, MI 49255 low when the gun malfunctioned.
6900 Huron City Two of his friends didnt make
(East of Clear Lake, IN) Port Hope, MI 48468 it. He could have been there, but
Mon - Fri: 989-428-5071 wasnt. He survived. But sometimes,
its the wounds you cant see that
WWW.HUNTIN-IT.COM
Weekends: 989-670-4336
are the worst.
www.hotshotoutfitters.com
He heard about Brave Hearts
52 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
HuntinIt_70824 Hunting Guide 6/29/17 dr/dr/dr KPC Media Group PROOF
Corrections must be made by 2:00
Full Page #43 Machele 4-COLOR p.m. Thursday, June 22 or ad will be
assumed correct and run as is.
through a friend who volunteered at
the house. He came for dinner, and
this Septembers event was his first
stay, hunting for two days on the
estate property.
Its really nice. Its just so nice
that people now show Viet Nam
vets respect for having served. Now
people recognize it. I went to the
Viet Nam Wall on my motorcycle
and a girl came up to me, gave me
a hug and gave me a set of beads
in the colors of the Viet Nam flag.
So now I make them and give them
to vets, he said. Viet Nam vets
know what it is. It says thank you Landing a Bur t Lake walleye during Mark Mar tins September Operation Injured Soldiers event from
to them. Pellstons Brave Hear ts Estate. Bill Semion photos
From the Wednesday before
the event, Mark Martins team was Youre with a bunch of guys others like walleye charter captains Brave Hearts and OIS, to make sure
prowling Burt Lake looking for who can relate. Who understand Brandon Stanton and Kyle Buck, every vet in need sees not darkness,
walleye. The early prospects werent what you went through. For six Ralph Pike, Ernie and Eric Plant but light. So every vet sees that
too good. That evening, this vet and years, I had family members who of Franks Great Outdoors, Randy those hands are out to help them
fishing partner Denise found a fish were in Viet Nam. Im totally sold Stohn, Todd Sokolow, Dan Locke, enjoy life again. All they need to do
in the evening south of Maple Bay on OIS, he said. plus Soo, Ontario walleye pro Joe is have the courage and willingness
campground, where wed hooked On Saturday morning, boats and Giuliani and others, including this to look, and ask.
some last year. Thursday morning, vets began gathering at Maple Bay vet, brought aboard. Combined, it For more on Mark Martins vet-
we went again, and Martin hadnt boating access. By that morning, was more than enough to make sure erans events, including an upcom-
landed a fish before finally bringing Martin and his boat captains knew each went home from the weekend ing ice fishing outing on Burt Lake,
up a rainbow on a crankbait early about where to go and how to show with a bag of fish. as well as next Septembers walleye
that afternoon. the vets a great time. While some Including Dan Donarski, whos gathering, go to www.injuredsol-
Team members like Jeff Sowa, still dragged crawlers, Martin and now thinking of helping out at diers.org.n
however, had better luck targeting others switched to cranks, spreading
fish on Slow Death crawler rigs. But out to troll Burt in about 30-40 feet
it looked, at least then, a little iffy of water, depending on individual
whether theyd have enough for Sat- preference.
urdays fish fry. Fortunately, Martin Noon came, and a wind chop
had other anglers in reserve. A West bumped up the lake near Maple Bay
Michigan Walleye Club tournament just enough to diffuse the light and
was taking place on Saturday, and turn on the fish. But not before a
theyd donate all fish that didnt shore lunch at the state forest camp-
survive weigh-in for this catch-and- ground prepared by Brave Hearts
keep event, so every vet attending Estate. There, Martin told the group,
could take home walleye Sunday. one vet who was out fishing that
They wanted me to tell you all morning almost didnt show. PTSD
thanks for what you did, Martin had reared up again. Sometimes, its
said to the group Friday. This isnt the wounds you cant see that are the
a charter. Before the end of the day worst. But, thanks to encouraging
youre going to be setting lines and friends, he did. And hes better for it.
reeling in fish, and each captain will By the time boats were on trail-
explain how to do everything. Its a ers that afternoon, Martin and his VALID TIL 12/31/2016
learning experience for each and ev- crew of vets had caught 10 walleye, % %
ery one so you can try some of this which was indicative of the catch
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248-969-2800 burdickstreet.com WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 53
Loons and Finns
F
or the first time in 16 Bill Lantta bought an old deer
years, I dipped my pad- camp on this small inland lake just
dle in the still waters of above the Wisconsin border to con-
Chaney Lake in Gogebic vert to a summer cottage (mkki
County. I was return- in Finnish) for his family. The first
ing from the week-long journal entry in the camp log from
Association of Great Lakes Outdoor 1961 concludes with a postscript
Writers (AGLOW) annual confer- noting that Grandpa Bill caught a
ence at Lake of the Woods, Minne- beautiful 24 northern.
sota, and had stayed the night before My great-uncles Bill and Walt
at my familys cottage on used to take me fishing in
Chaney Lake on my drive the aluminum boat, though
back home to Ann Arbor. I dont remember reeling
A black protuberance on in many fish myself; some
the flat water caused me to things never change. What I
set down my kayak paddle do remember is hearing the
on my lap and raise my loons call, a haunting wail
binoculars, finding a loon providing the soundscape
through the glass. of the Northwoods. Cedars
I came up here every swoop before the enclosed The Lantta family cottage on Chaney Lake.
summer of cottage
my youth
with my par-
By Drew YoungeDyke porch, and a
few senti-
Little has changed physically
since I was last here: the same red
little brother and me in that boat,
and my mom as a teenager with a
ents and brother to spend time with nel white pines rim the lake amidst log cabin and the sauna any self- string of walleye I never knew she
the Finnish side of my moms fam- oaks, maples, cedars, and birch. respecting Finnish cottage must fished! Uncle Bill with a buck hang-
ily, but somehow I havent found Before I knew their name, I thought have. My dad and brother put in a ing from a pole in front of the cabin,
or made the time to visit since of white pines as eagle trees due new dock last summer, someone which he sometimes used as a deer
I was 21. In the middle of the last to the nest in one on the lake years likely my great-Uncle Bill built a camp, too.
century, my great-grandpa William ago. vestibule over the picnic table. It has But then, there are older photos,
indoor plumbing now, though I still much older. My grandma Ruth
insist on using the huusika, what who passed when my mom was a
you might call a two-holer. So teenager as a baby in 1924. My
much else has changed, though; Un- great-Grandpa Bill as a young man
cle Bill and his wife, my Aunt June, paddling a canoe, another of him
passed on a few years ago. Just over holding a rabbit hed hunted with a
W W W. S L AY E R O U T D O O R P R O D U C T S . C O M a month ago, my Uncle Walt passed revolver fitted with a shoulder stock
away just before his 97th birthday, out in Red Lodge, Montana. One
5-SIDED HUNTING BLINDS leaving my Aunt Elaine as the last of was of the whole family after a day
the greatest generation which filled of fishing in the nineteen-teens with
Outfitter Grade Hunting Blinds! this cottage with laughter, intellect, my great-great-grandpa John, who
One Floor Plan, Two Window Options and love for over a half century.
The night before, I flipped
Modular Design Aluminum Frame through the photo albums and
scrapbooks that didnt interest me
as much as a kid. There are pictures
of my great-uncles teaching my
younger cousins to clean fish in the
years that I was somehow too busy
to come up here. Then theres my
CHECK OUT
OUR BUTCHER
SHOP & LODGE
A
fter a few years of ing a funnel because the surround-
deer hunting, most ing terrain or some natural feature
of us have dis- pushes them into a narrow band
covered that deer of cover. This is really avoid-
generally move on ance behavior. The deer are using
the same paths or that trail to avoid coming out into
trails when they move through a the open or crossing the road or
given area. On the land I hunt, wading through the swamp. The
some of those trails are worn right funnel route may be taken because
down into the soil and nothing it offers better cover than the thin
ever grows there. Those trails stuff that surrounds the area.
have been in use for decades. To illustrate the value of the
The trails most used are those funnel idea, let me describe two
that are forced upon the deer by stands that have been in use for the
the topography or some natural or past 20 to 25 years and produce
man-made feature of the land or regularly.
the terrain. The topography or the One is in a little valley right
terrain creates a funnel or a fun- next to some large crop fields.
nel effect, compressing the deer The deer come out of the fields
movement into a narrow band or very early in the morning so it
strip of land. The list of the things is necessary to get in there early
that can create a funnel or bottle- and quietly, taking a route around
neck is long and mixed; a stream through the woods and away from
or river, a swamp, a road or even the fields. The deer are headed up
a two-track, a natural opening or on a ridge to a favorite bedding
meadow, a crop field, a steep bank area. The does and fawns use one
or bluff, a thick band of cover in of several well-established trails
an area of thin cover. This simple brush blind covers a natural funnel situation and has down though the valley and then
In most cases, the deer are us- produced six deer in the last seven years. up on to the ridge. The bucks will
810.629.5325
GunsGalore@outlook.com
& More! Mon.-Fri. 10am-6pm; Sat. 10am-4pm
56 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
often loiter in the area, trying to always to pick the right one on a tive. Obviously, the selection of a tance and mark some trees at criti-
intercept the does as they move given day. stand site within the funnel area is cal ranges. If you have just two or
through and a buck will often fol- There are two considerations easier with any sort of firearm than three trees marked with the dis-
low one group of does up the ridge that must be handled before set- a bow and the much greater range tance, you can more easily gauge
and then come back to look for ting up a stand in a funnel loca- associated with a rifle. There are the distance to a deer approaching
more action. The lesson quickly tion. First, it must be remembered two things to consider in any of from any likely direction. At least
learned at this stand is that the that bucks very often dont use these situations. One is the direc- for me, it seems infinitely better to
bucks may show up anywhere and the trodden down trails, prefer- tion of the movement of the deer, know that a buck just passed the
including moving in the wrong ring instead to walk along roughly morning or evening. The other is 30 yard mark than to be fumbling
direction. parallel and using the same cover the wind direction on a given day. for a range-finder at that critical
Another favorite stand is along but not the same trail. We may not If these two things are handled and moment.
the edge of a rather large wet know exactly why bucks act that the stand is placed correctly, the Another bit of stand prepara-
swamp. There is a creek running way but it may have something to hunt is on. tion might be to move some of the
down through the middle of it and do with their habit of going their With all the things that can vegetation around. That brings to
it represents a barrier of sorts. The own separate and secretive way. screw up a given funnel situation mind a stand that had a fair-sized
deer are generally moving north to The bottom line is you had better and the stand associated with it, downed tree in just the wrong
south in the morning, coming make allowances for that buck to the canny hunter will have a num- spot. The deer would walk
from some crop fields and headed come through at least a few yards ber of stands ready on any given around that blowdown on the
for a bedding area to the south. away from the main trail. Second, day. This will permit the hunter wrong side of it, taking them
They like to move along in the many of the funnel situations are to use a stand only when the wind out of range for a few yards at
grassy area of the swamp where very narrow. is right for the known deer move- just the edge of good bow range.
the brush is fairly thick but they It is often difficult to set up a ment and it will also mean that the To fix the situation, all that was
wont cross that creek unless tree stand, a brush blind, a portable hunter will not use a single stand required was to trim that tree
pushed by man or buck. The or even get behind a natural screen more than once or twice a week, down a bit so it could be moved
trick is to anticipate just where of trees without fear of detection. even if he or she hunts every day. and than drag it about twenty
the deer will leave the swamp Many funnel situations are so nar- The stand wont be ready until feet so that it forced the deer to
and turn up toward the higher row that they can be hunted with the hunter has made some prepa- stay on the trail.
ground of the bedding area. only one particular wind direction, rations and those might include Funnel hunting is just another
Several stands along that route unless you are confident that your clearing some shooting lanes. The trick in the bag of the experienced
might work and the trick is scent control is 100 percent effec- hunter might also pace off the dis- and successful deer hunter.n
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
MICHIGAN MEANDERS
to drink Manistee,
while drift- followed
ing along
in kayak, By Tom Huggler by the
Muskegon,
canoe or the Pere
rubber raft. What does surprise is Marquette, the Pine, and now the
that the Au Sable accommodates so Au Sable. This summer we paddled
much people pressure and is none the South Branch from just below
the worse for it, thanks to landown- Roscommon and fished the Holy
Tom Guerin of Metamora and his 10-year-old grandson Colin were first-timers on
the trip. Tom Huggler photos
Water of the Mason Tract and lards, gadwalls, Canada geese and
camped there before joining the mergansers. Because they are used
Main Stream for another day and to seeing people, most of the duck
night. Taking out at Parmalee Bridge families allowed us to drift by so
above Mio turned into a 40-mile, closely we could almost touch them
three-day adventure. with our paddles.
We were treated to more wild- We also encountered a parade of
life than any of the other rivers we friendly people, all of whom seemed
have visited. Members of our group, to enjoy the river as much as we did.
which ranged in age from 10 to 78, Putting in at Paddle Brave Canoe
saw deer, mink, wild turkeys, pile- Livery and Campground on a Friday
ated woodpeckers, kingfishers, an morning, we had the South Branch
The authors 10-member group poses at the end of their Au Sable adven- eagle, an osprey, cedar waxwings mostly to ourselves, except for a
ture. Other Michigan rivers they have toured are the Manistee, Muskegon, from beginning to end, and abun- few fly fishermen. It was when we
Pere Marquette and Pine. dant waterfowl including teal, mal- hit the Main Stream the following
afternoon that the party crowd began
to thicken and peaked with a traffic
No Electricity? Keep Your Food Cold! jam at popular Parmalee Bridge as
tubers put in or took out.
We brought our own canoes ex-
cept for one rental from Tom and Jill
Roberts, owners of Paddle Brave,
who also agreed to transport our ca-
noes from Parmalee Bridge back to
their campground for a nominal fee.
I can also recommend the Paddle
Brave Campground with its clean
restrooms and grassy tent sites and
where we camped the night before
launching on the South Branch.
The South Branch rises from
Lake St. Helen in Roscommon
County and begins to look like
With A Propane Fridge You Can a trout stream as it approaches
Roscommon. Near Chase Bridge,
Keep it Cold. Anywhere.
where the Mason Tract begins, the
river is 40 to 50 feet wide. Classic
fly water, the roadless and cottage-
And Relax. free Mason Tract runs for 12 river
miles and includes lovely Canoe
No Electricity Required! Harbor Campground. Managed by
the DNR forestry division, the rustic
campground features vault toilets,
fire rings, picnic tables and a hand
For more information call 866.825.4013 pump. Fee is $13 per site. We had it
Diamond Refrigerators, 7295 50th Ave., Sears MI 49679 to ourselves.
Fishermen in our group caught
www.diamondrefrigerators.com a few small browns and brookies,
60 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
each of which was gently released denly appeared to see if we needed
due to no-kill restrictions. The next water or the use of their bathroom.
morning we left the Mason Tract Feel free to eat in the gazebo if
at Smith Bridge and drifted and youd like, she offered. Upon
paddled a few more miles to where learning we were low on campstove
the South Branch joins the Main propane, Bruce donated a canister
Stream. and refused payment.
The two rivers are quite dif- The river is not ours, Barbara
ferent. The lower end of the South explained. It belongs to all of us.
Branch deepens and widens with We like to see people enjoy it as The Mason Tract is a roadless, cottage-free area that includes 12 miles
appealing cottages and cabins along much as we do. of the South Branch.
the banks. As we approached the Indeed. Ive long suspected that
Main Stream confluence on this rivers have a way of bringing out the Stream. Here we met members of between Grayling and Mio the most
Saturday, most of the homes were best in people. Now I had proof that the Big Girls Camp, a group of popular. The lower half is mostly
some two dozen mothers, daugh- impounded water due to eight dams
ters and female friends who have from Mio to Oscoda.
camped, kayaked and canoed on the The incredible history of this
AuSable for 19 consecutive years. river includes more than one and
The Big Girls partied hard that Sat- one-third billion feet of logs run
urday night; luckily we had spread through the system during the
our tents near the river, 100 yards or 16-year period from 1867 to 1883.
more away. Catches as high as 5,000 grayling
Also, the earplugs I had packed from a five-mile section of the North
were good insurance. Branch Au Sable were reported by
Beginning paddlers will find commercial anglers using hook and
the river of sands, as a French line in 1878.
explorer called the AuSable in 1688, Trout apparently were not native
a good choice. The Main Stream is to the system, which contains 22
split between what researchers call tributaries the DNR has classified as
low gradient (less than 3 feet per top-quality trout streams. The first
mile) and medium gradient (3 to rainbows were released in 1875 and
The Grobe clan left to right: Grandpa Ed, Grandson Garrett, brothers 10 feet per mile). A total of 71 miles brookies introduced ten years later.
Justin and Kevin. The annual trip star ted 30 years ago when Ed took the is low gradient and 81 miles are Biologists have identified at least 90
brothers camping and canoeing on Michigan rivers. medium gradient. Although not as species of fish living in the Au Sable
wide, the South Branch is also easy River. Sadly, two native species
vacant and the few people we it was true. to navigate due to its overall gentle the grayling and lake sturgeonare
drifted by waved or made small talk. That evening we camped at flow and ongoing efforts to clear considered extinct.
Bringing up the rear of our five- Rainbow Bend, another state forest fallen trees and other debris. Even so, the AuSable is an in-
canoe armada, my son Daniel and I campground between Connors Flats Total Main Stream length is credible river and a certain favorite
were surprised to see our group al- and McMaster Bridge on the Main 157 miles with the 30-mile stretch for me.n
ready on shore, making preparations
for lunch. After all, this was private
property with No Trespassing signs Church Tackle Co. ALL MADE
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New for 2016!
WE DIDNT INVENT THE PLANER BOARD, WE JUST PERFECTED IT!
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Those in the lead canoe had ac- Adjustment Adjustment Screw
planer boards, but we recommend the full size Lock-Jaw for the TX-44. 1/2 Wide Locator holes for Line Protector inside
keeps line from making
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WE HAVE PERFECTED THEM!
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TX-007 Stern Planer & TX-005 Mini Stern Planer TX-44 Tournament Series Unique error-proof design allows anglers to put
more fish in the boat! Water strikes top surface,
The TX-44 is the first and the only in line planer to pull the large Divers,
(10 1/4 long, weighs about 3 oz) (7 long, weighs about 1.5 oz) Lead Core, Wire or Copper Lines and Heavy Weights. The size of the TX-44 forcing the Stingray downward. A fish on will
An all new type of planer! makes it harder for fish to pull the board under, however it is still easy to force the nose upward & Stingray to the surface.
retrieve. The Vise Clip comes standard with the TX-44; especially Available in unpainted or painted. 2 snaps for
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Great for trolling in congested areas and more effective contour trolling along unpainted #40302 black
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drop offs contour lines, reef edges and weed lines in rivers, lakes or the ocean. Rear Pin and E-Z Store for easy
Effective for all species. Run more lines out the back of the boat by staggering tow-arm removal. Part# 30630 Size #2 - 1.4 oz
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& TX-22 side planers. Slide the tow-arm off for storage or change Includes a Lock-Jaw Clip
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pose at Canoe Harbor SFC on the Please check with your local tackle shop first, if they dont carry our products visit us at www.churchtackle.com to view all
South Branch. of our great American made fishing gear, or call us at 269-934-8528 to request a catalog.
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 61
Unique
fall fishing
Cheboygan the contours and depths we are looking for and
with a split screen, you can use your sonar to find
Mullet Lake where the fish are in the water column.
If you are looking for a unique inland bite, the Right now, they are in the bottom 15 feet and
steelhead in Mullet Lake are starting to holding near bottom. This is a great
get active. Water temps have remained time to target them with lead core line
warm following our recent string of 80+ and down riggers. Experiment with the
degree days and surface temps are still number of colors you use, to find where
68-70 degrees. When seasonal temps the most active fish are. I used 9 and
return and the water continues to cool 10 colors to reach 63-70 feet of depth.
the steelhead will become very active as Sufix Performance braid 18 pound lead
they prepare for the long winter months core is ideal for reaching maximum
ahead. They will be most active and depths because it drops seven feet per
feeding when the water temps reach the color as opposed to everyone
60 degree mark.
Currently they are stacked By John Bergsma elses five feet per color. At-
tached to the business end is
Mullet Lake Steelies will be most active and
feeding when the water temps reach the 60
up on the southeast shoreline a 30 foot leader of 20 pound degree mark.
in the deepest parts of the lake. With the wind Berkley fluorocarbon and a stinger spoon. The
at your back, hug the drop off where depths go most productive colors have been a perch pattern, marking a majority of the fish. Steelhead are fast
from 30 feet down to 90-110 feet of water. With but white and blue showed some promise as did powerful fish so start trolling at 2.5 mph and
a south wind I started where the Indian River bright orange. dont be afraid to go as high as 3-3.2 mph to trig-
flows into Mullet and worked the entire eastern If you are using down riggers, drop them ger a strike. Steelhead are beautiful fish so make
shoreline. We use a Lowrance HDS 9 unit to find so they are about two feet above where you are sure your camera is ready and fish on!
n B e r g sm a
Joh
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New Hours: Mon-Thurs: 8am-6pm Fri: 8am-7pm Sat: 9am-6pm Sun: 10am-2pm 622 N. Van Dyke Rd, Imlay City, MI 48444
810-721-1515
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 63
64 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 65
64 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 65
MICHIGAN MADE
M
By Jerry Lambert agrunt
tough, all wood
call that
produced the deep
ike Perkins from grunt that many deer hunters desire.
Leslie started Proud of his craftsmanship, he started
hunting at an early selling his custom calls.
age and developed a passion for the Consumers were genuinely im-
outdoors. Like many other hunters, pressed and started ordering more for
he purchased various game calls that their family and friends. Originally
were designed to lure wild game word of mouth created a demand, but
within shooting range. Mike, how- then Perkins appeared on Michigan
ever, wasnt satisfied with the store Out-of-Doors TV with host Jimmy
bought calls. He said, I often wasnt Gretzinger and business soared.
happy with the sound and they didnt In fact, business was so good that
seem to last or have any longevity. Mike resigned from his job as a State
Instead of complaining about it, of Michigan Corrections Officer and
Perkins showcased his genuine fron- started making calls full-time. He has After two-years of experimenting, Mike Perkins has perfected his grunt tubes.
tiersmen spirit and set out to make his now sold the Michigan made calls in
own handcrafted calls. Mike bought every state except Alaska and Hawaii. the deep guttural grunt sound is kind offers a Lifetime Warranty. Perkins
a bench top lathe and started experi- Perkins credits much of his suc- of like the Colonels secret recipe. says, When a person buys a call, I
menting. After two years of research- cess to the sound that he is able to People really fell in love with our want that to be the last call that they
ing, the industrial hunter developed generate on his grunt calls. He says calls. In fact, I sold a call to a Qual- have to buy. Quality is very important
ity Deer Management Association to me.
(QDMA) Officer out of Missouri and In addition to their popular deer
he liked it so much that he started grunt call, Timber Creek also makes
ordering a high number of calls to and sells elk, turkey and waterfowl
be featured at fundraising banquets. calls. The custom calls come in a
Last year, our Timber Freak Game variety of colors and for an
Calls were chosen as the official call additional five dollars Mike will
at the National QDMA Banquet. It personally engrave it. To order visit
was between us and Primos and they www.timberfreakgamecalls.com or
chose us! find them on facebook at Timber
Timber Creek Game Calls Freak Game Calls.n
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YOU SEXY LITTLE PHEASANT
Contact
Contact one
one of our buyers
of our buyerstoday
today
brad@billsbylumber.com or jim@billsbylumber.com
brad@billsbylumber.com
(616) 634-1522 or or (989)
jim@billsbylumber.com
544-9342
2725 Larch Rd. Harrison, MI 48625
(616) 634-1522 or (989) 544-9342
2725 Larch Rd.
www.billsbylumber.com
FIREWOOD BY T H E
Harrison, MI 48625
www.billsbylumber.com CALL 734.216.2278 DUNDEE, MI
SEMI-LOAD
www.pheasantpreserve.com
T
he Michigan Department of Natural the high quality and diverse nature of the training.
Resources is seeking candidates An applicant must:
for its 2018 Conservation Officer Be a U.S. citizen.
Recruit School, a 23-week train- Be at least 21 years old before graduating
ing academy that is the first step in from the academy.
becoming a conservation officer. Become a resident of Michigan by complet-
Recruit School #9 runs July 15-Dec. 21, 2018, ing the Probationary Training Program.
at the training academy in Dimondale, near Lan- Be allowed to lawfully possess a firearm in
sing, Michigan. Michigan.
The academy demands total effort and com- Possess a valid Michigan drivers license.
mitment, said 1st Lt. Steve Burton, training Possess a satisfactory driving record.
section supervisor in the DNR Law Enforcement Possess a clean criminal record absent of any
Division. It challenges recruits academically felony convictions.
and physically. But those who succeed are on the Submit to a thorough background investiga- at life in the academy, subscribe to the weekly
path to an exciting, fulfilling career as a Michigan tion measuring the applicants suitability for law conservation officer academy blog, which also
conservation officer. Not just anyone can wear our enforcement work. is posted on the Michigan DNR Facebook page.
gray and green uniform. Only the finest men and Pass the Michigan Commission on Law En- View previous blogs from Recruit School #8.
women should apply. forcement Standards (MCOLES) physical fitness DNR conservation officers serve a distinct
The DNR is an equal opportunity employer test. role in Michigans law enforcement community.
and encourages diversity among its applicants. Complete and attach the Job Fit Question- They are certified police officers with full author-
During the academy, recruits become state of naire, Location Preference Sheet, a cover letter ity to enforce all of Michigans laws. As conserva-
Michigan employees and are paid biweekly. After and resume when applying. tion officers, they also have specialized training
graduation, they become probationary conserva- A detailed guide to the application process is in a variety of areas related to the protection of
tion officers and spend several more months train- available at www.michigan.gov/conservationof- Michigans citizens and natural resources. This
ing throughout the state before being assigned to ficers. includes extensive training in fish, game and trap-
one of Michigans 83 counties, in which they will For more information contact Sgt. John Meka ping enforcement; recreational safety and enforce-
live. The entire training process, which includes at mekaj@michigan.gov or 517-284-6499. ment, as well as firearms, precision and off-road
the academy, takes one year before candidates This years Recruit School is underway, with driving, survival tactics and first aid. Learn more
become full-fledged conservation officers, due to graduation scheduled in December. For a look at www.michigan.gov/conservationofficers.n
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J
ames Sutton of Newberry buck mounted as a birthday gift for
began hunting at the age me.
of three when his father, Two years ago James put down
Jim, took him along dur- his rifle and picked up a bow. Last
ing deer season. As the October he was in his deer stand
story goes, James was and used his bow to shoot a coyote.
more interested in playing with Lego Although he occasionally takes a rifle
blocks than waiting in the box blind with him when hes in the woods, he
and watching for deer, but at the says bow hunting has won his heart.
tender age of four all that changed. Whitetails are my passion, he ex-
James explained, Dad said I had plained. In the past two seasons Ive
matured enough to venture into the harvested four mature bucks with a
deer woods regularly. From then on, I bow and arrow. One is a record book
was with him every year until I could kill, a 5 year old buck that scored
go out on my own. We hunted on our Pope & Young 144 gross typical. I
180 acre family farm in Brimley. agree with my dad that nets are for
By the age of seven, the squir- fish. We think a buck should be given
rels around our place didnt stand a credit for all the bone that he grows
chance. My Daisy Grizzly BB gun on his head. The other three bucks
did the job. On my 10th birthday, I were in the 110-125 range.
graduated to a higher caliber and was Stripping down to your underwear in 40 degree weather may not be I love being in the woods and
given a .22 caliber rifle. Its been a a family traditionbut making every effor t to recover your quarry the challenge of patterning a ma-
tradition in our family to hand down is! James drags his trophy buck out of the river. ture whitetail buck. I have a history
this rifle as a rite of passage. I was with some deer. One years failure
the fourth generation to receive it. Its and has no children, I imagine the sity in Houghton where his focus is can compound into the next years
my intent to give it to my son on his gift will remain in his possession chemical engineering. As part of the success. That paired with the close
10th birthday and continue the long- for many years to come. At present, program, hes interned for Marathon encounters afforded by bow hunting
standing tradition. his attention is given to his studies Petroleum Corp. in Detroit and next and its limited range is intoxicating.
As James is only 22 years old at Michigan Technological Univer- summer will began his last internship I get to witness first hand how these
at a refinery in Canton, Ohio. Im animals live on a daily basis. Its a
looking forward to the opportunity unique experience, one I would rec-
and am pleasantly surprised at the ommend to any hunter.
numerous career paths available in Its the season of 2015 James
the chemical engineering profession, says he will remember for the rest
James said. of his life. In early October, he was
His enthusiasm over a bright in a tree blind waiting for the return
future after graduating from MTU is of a buck who fed at a public land
matched with his interest in hunt- bait. With less than two hours of light
ing. He was 12 when he shot his first left, the deer came into sight about
whitetail. The 7-point buck was 35 yards from James. As he put in it,
taken from the same box blind where The sun broke through a patch of the
I first started hunting. I brought the overhead canopy and rested on the
deer down with another family heir- buck. He was standing still as a statue
loom, a third generation Remington and taking his time as he approached
700 BDL chambered in .308. Dad the bait pile. Buck fever hit me like
and Jason Pesola, my uncle, helped a truck. I was shaking, but I knew I
me drag it out. Ive shot a lot of deer didnt have to rush my shot because
since then, but that 7-pointer remains I knew his routine from pictures my
a cherished memory. Dad had the trail cam had captured. He always
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68 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
circled the bait, checking the wind. his back leg, shook it free, and ran already introduced his girlfriend to
Once his vitals were no longer my hand up his neck. I grabbed the deer hunting and hopes shell bag
hidden by tree cover, I drew. He largest chunk of antler Ive ever felt her first buck this season. He also
stepped closer and I let her fly. I felt and pulled the beast out of the water. convinced her to enter her name in
sick as I watched the arrow nose dive Mike, the dog handler, took a picture the May bear tag draw. Her name
before reaching its target, the bucks and exclaimed OMG as he helped me wasnt picked this year, but he said
lungs. I thought I had missed him. He pull out the deer. Dressed, it weighed thats okay. Shell have plenty of
bolted and stood in the brush down- 195 pounds, so it was easily 250+ on time to practice her aim for next year.
wind of me and out of range. As dusk the hoof. Any fellow who can talk his lady into
turned to dark, I climbed down from So far, its the biggest deer Ive picking up a rifle or bow and arrow
my blind and thats when I discov- brought down. It was the hunt of a and spending time in the woods is a
ered I had liver shot him. The arrow lifetime, the memories of which cant fellow who can accomplish anything
was covered in dark red blood and I be beat. I never dreamed Id strip to he sets his mind to. Well done, James James at secret brookie lake
could smell gut. I was devastated. I my underwear in 40 degree weather, Sutton.n in Houghton Co.
was on a small patch of public land tread water, and end up with a record
and didnt have permission to track book buck, but thats the thrill of
him onto adjacent properties. hunting. You never know what youll
As James told his story, he be called on to do or the lengths
recalled his mixed emotions. He youll go through to do it.
was upset that he had wounded the Most of my hunting experience
animal instead of bringing him down has been in the mixed forests of the
with a clean hit. He said he phoned Upper Peninsula with some hunt-
his father, more for moral support
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WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 69
The Upper Peninsula always
makes me laugh Part One
DEAR FISH DIARY... With camera in hand, I fished, and I
I
fished, and I fished, and I fished, and
bought my first camera to I fished, and I fished, and I fished.
take photographs of my From dusk till dawn and then some,
monster fish. I many times pulling all-nighters
had big expecta- Yes, I had a good flash, I
tions. I was going wasnt about to blow a shot
to be on the cover when I landed that monster.
of every fishing magazine Oh sure, I got a few Master
sporting my unmatched Angler patches, and a few I
trophies. Id practice my didnt turn in, because after
big smile, that kind of so much effort, it occurred
smiley-smirk like, huh, go to me, I really stink as a
ahead, try and fisherman.
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drove into the lake anyway. You dont have to write the entire
Millions of people have photo- story, just a brief outline of what
graphed the end of the earth sign happened. If it has some humor to it
leading into Lake of the Clouds, Ill be getting in touch with you and
often stopping for family photos well work on the completed story
and selfies. But does anyone know together.
whats on the back of the sign? On Contact - Woods-N-Water News
the back of the sign is a billboard for columnist Ron St. Germain by
ice cream. Ice cream? In the U.P.? calling (517) 626-2814, e-mailing
Who knew? DaPhotoDude@aol.com. Visit the
On this trip I discovered the authors Facebook page www.Face- This double arrow sign creates such drama within the author and leaves
worlds shortest hiking trail. This book.com/BearwaveBooksn more questions than answers. Ron St. Germain photos
trail awaits you at the highest point
INTERESTED IN SELLING
overlooking Lake of the Clouds.
There are no markers designating
where this trail leads or why youd
want to hike this trail. There are
CALL US !!!
the shoreline of Lake of the Clouds,
just a few feet of a hike, then about
a 400 or so foot drop and youre
there. But it is definitely a trail, there
is no vegetation growing and not Michigan Lumber and Wood Fiber is a locally owned and
enough rain to make this the worlds operated sawmill located in the heart of Northern Michigan. We
shortest stream.
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the Carp River below. From that
vantage point it is easy to survey
our departments of forestry, wood processors, timber haulers
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or 600 feet of line on my reel was sional and quality timber services available in Northern Michigan.
a bit problematic. I finally came to
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completing the hike. modern sawmills and one scragg mill operation. A distinct advantage that we have is specific
For sure though this trails ac- markets for what is referred to as industrial lumber. As a sawmill, we are paying good money for
the best quality wood out there, but we also pay well for lower quality industrial timber. Another
cess needs to be blocked off. There advantage that we have is the scragg mill. This mill allows us to utilize smaller diameter material
are far too many people up there that in the past would have been sold for firewood or pulpwood which is typically worth less
aimlessly walking around staring at than scragg material.
their phones hoping to find that one We are your complete source for buying your timber! Our operations take your standing timber
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T
wo wild turkeys clucked soft and sweet.
A gravel-mouthed hen uttered a terse
reply from over the ridge. The dim gray
of the eastern sky yellowed. A noticeable
silence gripped the glade. Such was the
dawn of that late-November morn in the
Year of our Lord, 1797.
Overnight the prior days steady rain froze.
All about, silver ice orbs clung to the tips of bar-
ren branches. The air smelled musty and damp,
yet cold and crisp. Before daylight, buffalo-hide
moccasins stepped light on an earthen trail. When
necessary, leather-clad toes slipped under the
boisterous, brittle leaves. Two dozen footfalls
down the slope, berry bushes encircled a large red
oak tree, offering a woodland haven for a forest
tenant.
Tiny snow balls began falling. The gentle
drone of firm snow striking rigid leaves soothed
the soul. All too soon a flood of fluffy, drifting
flakes hushed the din. With a great rushing of
wings, a hen turkey flew from her night roost.
The bronze streak flashed around the trees and
coasted out over the big swamp. Others followed.
Still huddled on the roost, a solitary bird
clucked a mournful solo. Intermittent leaf crunch-
es mixed with the reluctant hens soliloquy. To
the south, on the lower trail, between two cedar
trees, a deers ear flipped front-to-back. The
whitetails antlerless head displayed a sense of
caution. A bare thumb traced anxious circles on
As snow fell, the hunter engaged to provide meat for the Nor th West Company trading post offered
the domed screw that held the Northwest guns a prayer of thanksgiving. Then, with his back against a tree and his Nor thwest gun leaned within
razor-sharp English flint in the cocks jaw. arms reach, the woodsman drew his knife and settled about the business of the forest.
The deer broke over a little rise, nibbled on
a branch, then trotted into full view. It stopped watched, checked her back trail, then walked on, hind the two cedar trees where the does ear first
thirty-five paces distant and glanced away. With a never looking uphill at the mighty oak surround- appeared. The bucks head dropped from sight.
handful of violent flaps, the reluctant hen flushed ed by raspberry switches. The Northwest guns muzzle eased to where the
from the roost, flew behind the doe and coasted A fair amount of time passed before more doe stopped. A buckskin-covered knee raised up
in the direction of the rest of the flock. The doe leaves crackled over the rise. White tines rose be- to support the woodsmans left elbow. The Eng-
lish flint clicked to attention as the tarnished brass
butt plate settled against a hunt-stained linen
shirt. A clean kill, or a clean miss. Your will, O
Lord, the trading post hunter whispered with a
puff of white breath.
A small army of hunters, both modern and
traditional, will take to the field for Michigans
Firearms Deer Season on November 15th. Some
will hunt with a rifle, shotgun or pistol handed
down from a beloved family member, perhaps
several generations removed. Others will wait for
an opportunity to christen a brand new arm, or
at least, new to them. For most deer hunters, the
cost is secondary to the perceived importance of
the chosen arm.
Old Turkey Feathers is by far my go-
to gun. The smooth-bored, flintlock trade gun
accounts for its share of wild game, and has for
almost forty years. As I so often tell people, If
you called me and said, lets go hunting, Id
show up with Old Turkey Feathers, the optimum
projectile and load for that days wild game, and
dressed in the correct clothing and accoutrements
of a 1790-era woodsman.
In this daguerreotype-style image, the clerks wife tends the counter at the American Fur Company This particular Northwest trade gun is the
trading house on Mackinac Island. Even at a primitive post in the backcountry, clerks displayed the work of my own hands. Further, I cast each round
European goods to entice hunters to par t with their winter peltry and deer hides. Wild River tree photos ball or buckshot from molten lead, and on certain
72 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
occasions, drip my own bird shot. The accompa-
nying clothing and accoutrements are hand-sewn
based on existing museum examples. Thus, a
deep sense of personal satisfaction accompanies
each adventure set in the 1790s, and that is a
unique benefit of traditional black powder hunt-
ing.
Perhaps Old Turkey Feathers is not as pe-
riod-correct as it should be. Documentation on
the Northwest gun has advanced over the years,
but that is a common issue for traditional black
powder hunters. The historical knowledge and
understanding we base our simple pursuits on
is better today than yesterday, and with careful
study, will be better tomorrow than today.
Folks interested in getting started in tradi-
tional black powder hunting often ask, What
does a Northwest trade gun cost? A number of
variables affect the answer, but the price ranges
from $800.00 on up. The question that is never
asked is, What did a Northwest gun cost in the
18th century?
One prime beaver pelt (about 40 inches in
diameter or larger), written as plu or plus,
was the common currency in the fur trade. All
other furs were valued against the beaver. A bear,
lynx or otter hide equaled two prime beavers.
Two deer hides or two pelts from martens, minks
or small beaver equaled a plu.
When a Native American hunter needed
goods, he brought his peltry to the trading post.
The post clerk or one of his traders graded the Kinwalaniihsia unbound his pack and sor ted through the furs. The French trader offered a knife and an
furs and established a value for the lot, expressed ax for a prime beaver pelt, but the Miami hunter shook his head and patted the folded blankets. The
in prime beaver. If the hunter was not happy, he warrior ventured to the French for t because his family needed wool blankets to fend off the severe cold.
could leave and go to another trading house, un-
less he had accepted credit on account from that early 1930s, someone professed the idea that to ability to make each shot count provided not only
trading post, which had to be settled for. purchase a Northwest gun a Native American had food for the table, but hides and peltry for future
After the revival of muzzleloading in the to present a pile of prime beaver pelts as tall as purchases
the gun was. This supposition was not based on The buck came over the little rise at a fast
historical documentation, but nonetheless became walk. His nose nuzzled the trail, savoring the
repeated fact. does scent. His demeanor lacked the does cau-
This fallacy fails to recognize the Na- tious concern for impending danger. As expected,
tive American as an astute consumer, which is the eight-pointer stopped where the doe lingered.
established in a number of traders journals. On He sniffed the ground. The Northwest guns turtle
August 19, 1804, Francois Victor Malhiot, a clerk sight clutched a roughed-up tuft of hair over the
for the North West Company, records the frus- deers heart. The English flint lunged. Sparks
trated response of one of his traders, Bazinet: showered. Powder flashed.
Not one devil among them intends to give Kla-whoosh-BOOM!
three deer hides for a plus. I am obliged to do like Orange fire belched from the smoothbores
my adversary (traders for the XY Company) who muzzle with a deafening roar. White, roiling
takes two for a plus, (Collections of the State smoke billowed forth, shrouding the buck as the
Historical Society of Wisconsin, v. XIX, A Wis- death sphere delivered its fatal message. In due
consin Fur-Traders Journal, 1804-05, Francois time, the post hunter stood over a magnificent
Victor Malhiot, Madison, WI, 1910, pg. 192). forest creature and spoke a humble prayer of
Referenced ledger pages included with Mal- thanksgiving to God for the woodland blessing.
hiots 1804 journal indicate that a Northwest gun And as an aside, I also offered thanks for the
traded for ten prime beaver pelts (222). A double blessing of a Northwest gun
handful of powder required two plu and a Give traditional black powder hunting a try,
handful of shot one plu (216). Thirty bullets be safe and may God bless you.
traded for one beaver pelt (218). Dennis Neely maintains a web site devoted to
The values listed in Malhiots 1804 account traditional hunting at www.traditionalblackpow-
ledger are comparable to those of the last decade derhunting.com.n
of the 18th century. Thus, in 1797 a backcountry
woodsman could buy a Northwest gun, powder,
shot and round ball for thirteen prime beaver Muzzle Loading State Events
pelts or twenty-six dressed deer hides. Michigan State Muzzle Loading
Other necessities of wilderness life, wool Association State Shoots
point blankets, brass kettles, traps, knives,
hatchets, fire steels and assorted fabric carried a Nov. 3-5 - Turkey Shoot: Sauk Trail Long
price tag stated in prime beaver. Luxuries such Rifles: Tecumseh: 517-522-8976
Nor thwest guns lined the wall in the British as beads, ribbon, ear bobs, silver brooches and
tobacco required the same currency. The more Nov. 5 - Woods Walk: Clinton River Muzzle
traders house at For t Michilimackinac. Crate
No. 37 in the inventory of trade goods sent to skilled a hunter was, the better he and his ex- Loaders: Detroit Sportsman Congress
David McCrea in 1777 contained 8 NW fuzils. tended family fared. When game approached, the 586-731-6088
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 73
Keeler Society Honors Wes ODell
Submitted by the members of the Spirit of Roy Keeler Society
I
was stunned, Wes ing sports, not only in Michigan, spected his leadership skills. They
ODell said, absolutely but across the country. His wisdom, called him Pa. When he married
stunned. wit and humor touched innumerable his wife, Thelma, he affectionately
I kinda sat in lives and advanced all facets of the called her Ma. They lived their
the clubhouse and listened to the muzzleloading hobby in ways even entire life in Eaton Rapids.
awards for shooting. Then Randy he could not comprehend. Pa Keeler favored flintlocks,
[Mac-Innes] got up and started Following Keelers death in especially the heavy bench guns. He
talking about the Keeler Society. 1998, the MSMLA established the became a respected competitor at
I listened, but I dont remember Spirit of Roy Keeler Society. The MSMLA shoots and at the National
what he said now, ODell recalled society is charged with keeping Muzzle Loading Rifle Associations
with an abrupt chuckle. When he Keelers memory alive by honoring national matches, held at Friend-
was done, he said my namejust individuals who display the values ship, Indiana. Roy Keeler was the
stunned. There are people around he lived by: sportsmanship, friend- first inductee in the NMLRAs Black
here that deserve this more than ship and a passionate devotion to Powder Hall of Fame in 1995. Wes ODell displays the Spirit of
Roy Keeler Society memorial trophy
I do. You cant hardly help but promoting and preserving Americas He owned Keelers Trading at the 2017 Michigan State Muzzle
become overwhelmed when you rich muzzleloading heritage. Post and took his wares on the road Loading Associations State Champi-
receive this. In early spring, society mem- when he shot. Keeler wrote Pas onship Shoot. Mar ty Maddox photo
As Wes ODell walked to the bers select one Michigan resident Powder Horn, a popular column in
front of the meeting hall his fellow from a list of deserving candidates, the Michigan United Conservation day. I was pretty proud of that tar-
shooters rose and surrounded him nominated by MSMLA members. Clubs publication, Michigan Out- get, so I took it over to Roy and had
with enthusiastic applause. Randy The newest inductee into the Spirit of-Doors. He penned informative him autograph it. Ive got it hanging
MacInnes handed the heavy memo- of Roy Keeler Society is announced articles for the NMLRA magazine, in my shop. Its a prized possession.
rial trophy to the worthy recipient. during the awards ceremony at the Muzzle Blasts, and was a noted I was fortunate to have known Pa,
The Columbiaville Sportsman Club MSMLA state shoot. authority among antique arms col- ODell said in a hushed tone.
(5124 Klam Road, Columbiaville, Roy Keeler was born in Eaton lectors. Wes ODell joined the Colum-
Michigan), which hosted the Michi- Rapids, Michigan, in 1917. With I got my first muzzleload- biaville Sportsman Club in 1974. He
gan State Muzzle Loading Associa- the Great Depression approaching, ing rifle about 1965, ODell later is a three-time past president, former
tions 2017 State Championship he left school to help raise his eight recalled. That gun was one I was head range officer and a director of
Shoot, is Wes ODells home club. brothers. He was 10 years old. His never very proud of. It had a two- the club. He started attending the
Roy Pa Keeler was a soft-spo- brothers recognized his wisdom, piece stock and the inside of the MSMLA State Championship shoots
ken force in the black powder shoot- depth of understanding and re- barrel was like going down a wash- in the late 1970s, is a past MSMLA
board road. It was a brand new kit president and served on the board of
gun. directors of the organization.
A few years later I won a I noticed different clubs try
Superior Game Ranch Sharon barrel. It was a meet where
you shot and picked merchandise off
a table, according to how good your
to get young people interested in
shooting, ODell said. A lot of
parents dont have a gun for their
Route 3 Box 163 Cornell, MI 49818 score was. I lucked out that day. The kids to shoot. I had a .32-caliber
barrel happened to fit that gun, so I rifle with a shooting box, ramrod
Incredible U.P. of Michigan replaced the barrel. My son has that and supplies that I carried to all the
Hunting Opportunities gun and wont part with it. shoots. It was available to borrow
I bought the next gun at the for the shoot. I cant remember how
Private farmland in south Marquette Midland show. It was a collection of many young people borrowed the
County Michigan, fully guided parts I bought from Roy Keeler. It gun. A lot of times I would sit and
was a .54-caliber in a Hawken style. teach both the youngster and the
bow and firearm hunts in I built it up from the parts, and Roy parents how to shoot black powder.
hunting preserve for: Elk, gave me a lot of good advice. I think Wes ODell spends more time
Whitetail Deer, Buffalo, Wild Large Russian Boar
I still have those notes around.
I was shooting a cross-stick
helping others than trying to win
medals. Through sharing his friend-
Boar, Red Stag & Fallow Deer. Hunts Available! target that was part of the Keeler ship, life experiences and wealth of
Aggregate. I shot a 50-4X. Roy knowledge, Wes ODell keeps the
Keeler was the range officer that spirit of Roy Keeler alive.n
Trophy Elk,
Trophy Red Stag & SUCCESSFUL HUNTERS
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L
uke Jaroche and Lindy Hunt, back a trophy moose?
both from Cedarville in the A) We booked our trip in 2014 for
far eastern end of the U.P., mid-September 2015, which is the
each harvested a peak of the rut in Alaska.
worthy Alaskan Q) How long was your trip
bull moose. Lukes booked for? Where did you
Safari Club International SCI fly out of and how long did
score was 550 -5/8; ranked it take to get to your destina-
#59. Lindys moose scored SCI tion?
473- 1/8, ranked at #265. A) We flew from Kinross to
Luke and Lindy have Detroit then to Minneapolis,
been close friends since at- Seattle, Anchorage, Galena
tending elementary school. and then the 180 miles into Luke Jaroche, Cedar ville with trophy Alaskan moose scoring 550-
Jaroche owns and the bush near the 5/8 SCI with a ranking of #59.
operates Maples
Sawmill, Inc. and By Betty Sodders Kotzebue Sound. It
was scheduled as a pable of hauling heavy payloads in and scattered among a variety of bogs,
Hunt works there, ten-day hunt. out to the bush. They dropped us off creeks and shrub covered thickets. The
while together the pair own Mackinac Q) What was planned for you by on the shore of a small lake that had all distant hills were dense covered in a
Bluffs Maple Farms, Inc. Nothing World Wide Trophy Outfitters? Basi- the earmarks of great moose habitat. mix of aspen, birch, spruce and balsam
tops U.P. maple syrup at breakfast atop cally, what was your game plan? Q) I understood it was more or less forests. Open ground was covered in
a stack of pancakes! A) The air service provided air a one hunter only arrangement, Is that grassy tussocks that made it difficult to
Results of my interview with Luke transport as well as the gear and provi- correct? walk. Besides moose, the habitat also
Jaroche and Lindy Hunt follow: sions required for a five-day stay. They A) No. This was booked as a two supported grizzly bears and wolves.
Q) Outfitter Information: dropped us off and advised us to hurry hunter hunting trip. There were limited Q) Describe Alaskan weather during
A) Sportsmans Air Service in An- and set up camp as weather in Alaska tags available for the area we chose to your stay:
chorage, Alaska. It is a do-it-yourself tends to change drastically and quickly. hunt and we were fortunate enough to A) Temperatures ranged from single
drop camp booked through World Q) Did they arrange a future pick up draw two of them. The moose popula- digits to high 30s. We saw very little
Wide Trophy Adventures formerly date? Was part of the journey by float tion in this area has been on a steady sun during our time on the island
known as Cabelas Tags. plane perhaps? decline due in a large part to heavy which consisted of mainly rain, sleet
Q) When did you book this particular A) Yes, we were dropped off by a predation...namely, wolves! and snow.
hunt to Alaska in hopes of bringing Havilland beaver float plane that is ca- Q) Tell our readers what your living Q) How many bears did you view
arrangement consisted of; tent, heat, during your stay?
IR2,000EAGunsRinMStockS
TOTAL FOver
food, cooking, etc. I imagine the entire A) We saw a total of two bears and
set up was pretty rustic, beyond belief, more wolves than we could count. Not
was it not? a single day went by that we did not
A) We were outfitted with a Cabelas see multiple wolves. Most memorable
three-season, two-man tent and a was the giant black alpha male that
INDOOR GUN RANGE Coleman gas camp stove for cooking
which we set up 50 yards from our tent
would appear by himself (lone wolf)
nearly every time we were in the bush.
Hand Guns, Long Guns, Muzzleloading, in a makeshift lean-to kitchen. We While we had wolf tags in our pockets
Reloading Supplies, Ammo, Archery & Accessories were unable to build a campfire at any we hesitated to shoot one due to a risk
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( Mile South of Holt, 127 to Cedar St. exit, North 2 Miles) it? I understand that island habitat sup- later, I realized why the wolves had
ported both bear and moose. Correct? suddenly departed. A grizzly stood up
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76 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
the bear finally slowly moved off. which we used to check in with the
Q) Lets talk moose. How many were outfitter and let him know when we
observed during your stay? When did had to fly a moose out. We had very
you see the trophy animal you eventu- short windows when planes could fly,
ally harvested? not to mention the processed moose
A) We saw a total of three moose served as a great attractant for bear and
during our ten-day stay. Harvested two. wolves! The pilot flew back on day
One taken down on the second day; four to pick up our first moose then
one on the ninth day. again on day 11 for the second moose
Q) Tell us about the actual moose and we left that time as well. Our mis-
hunt. At any point during the hunt were sion was complete!
either of you scared? Both of you; Q) I understand that when you have
please relate the circumstances: fresh cut moose meat, bears are at-
A) Luke: We were in remote Alaska tracted to it. How did you manage to
and living under extreme conditions keep grizzlies away at a safe distance?
which have a way of making your A) We established a meat pole com-
senses razor sharp. Having been to plete with a tarp for shielding the meat
Alaska before helped prepare me for from the brief rays of the sun. This was
this second hunt. The main thing you done about 100 yards from camp down
cannot prepare for is being cold and by the lake so as to avoid predator Lindy Hunt, Cedar ville, with his Alaskan bull moose that recorded a fine
wet for the entire 10-day hunt. It is a encounters and aid in loading of the score of 473-1/8, ranked #265 by SCI.
mental and physical grind. There is transport plane. We were also careful sealed bags that you heated up in boil- searching for a bull holding remark-
no way to explain what it feels like to in that any cooking we did was done a ing water on the small Coleman stove. able headgear. That evening I saw the
wake up on the ninth day and put your fair distance from camp as well. Better The toughest thing about Alaska moose and instantly realized it would
feet into a pair of frozen boots. safe than sorry! is the fact that when I was there it be a once in a lifetime shot.
A) Lindy: The first time you actually Q) How heavy were the magnifi- snowed, sleeted or rained or a combo The pilot flew in and helped quar-
see a live Alaskan moose up close is cent horns? Where do you have them of the three, making for tough living ter the carcass. We used a small hand
somewhat overwhelming to say the displayed? conditions. No time to dry-out. My come-along and loaded 1200 pounds
least! The animals we harvested stood A) Luke: The horns weigh 100 sleeping bag was frozen as were my of meat and hide. In Alaska you must
over 7-foot tall and weighed in excess pounds and are hung in my living boots. All I had for heat was the small take everything with you, leaving
of 1500 pounds! I would say fear is room. Coleman cook stove. nothing behind. Most likely, the animal
replaced by a heightened sense of A) Lindy: Horns weigh 80-100 On the sixth day of a 16-day hunt, weighed over 1600 pounds All we
caution and concern for ones safety as pounds and are hung as a full shoulder I shot my moose. (17th of September could take home was 50 pounds of
once you have a moose carcass on the mount above the fireplace in the living 2014). The moose was positioned on meat packed in one cooler...the balance
ground you know soon the predators room of my home on Lake Huron. higher ground traveling between two was given to area Native Americans.
will arrive! Q) How did your wives feel about lakes and was slowly moving between The bull mooses rack mea-
Q) How did the two of you manage the sheer size of the mounts? Almost them accompanied by two cows. Earli- sured 68-1/2 inches and scored 215.8
field dressing the huge carcasses, re- overwhelming? er the same day I had seen a somewhat Boone and Crockett; 525 Safari Club
moving the horns, plus cutting up and A) Both of our wives can be de- smaller bull but let him pass as I was International.n
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WHITETAILS
Visual signals expressed
through body language play
an important role in
establishing social bonds
and in aggressive behavior
E
among whitetails...
ven we humans can relate to, and
differentiate, the intents involved in
affectionate facial grooming versus
that of a nasty, swift kick. And al-
though whitetails are not overly vocal,
they will sometimes emit subtle bleats,
mews, grunts, snorts and wheezing sounds to
accompany and enhance the effectiveness of a
given bit of body sign-language.
With a forest-dwelling animal like the white-
tail, however, glandular secretions and scent-
marking, referred to as chemical signals, tend to
play an even more important role in communi-
cation than do visual signals and vocalizations,
since the latter serve only immediate, short-range
purposes. Nonetheless, despite the powerful role
that odors play in the lives of whitetails, even the
most astute observer will have great difficulty
discerning the chemical signals deer exchange
when they interact.
When compared to animals, it has been said,
we humans have no nose. We humans cant detect
odors as well as deer, nor can we think like deer.
But, we are beginning to understand more fully
the mechanisms, functions, and significance of
odor communication among whitetails. Findings
from Georgia-based research, in particular, indi-
cate that the whitetails world literally fumes with
complex odor signals that play a very special,
year-round role in the animals social lives.
As far as we know, the communicative odors
produced by deer may include secretions from
certain skin glands, urine, vaginal secretions and,
probably, saliva. Feces also serve as a means
of odor communication in some mammals, and
probably do in whitetails too, but this has not Researchers have identified seven types of skin glands in white-tailed deer that likely play some role
been documented. in scent communication: The forehead, preorbital and nasal glands located on the head, the tarsal,
Researchers have identified seven types of metatarsal and interdigital glands on the legs, and the preputial gland on the bucks penis sheath.
skin glands in white-tailed deer that likely play
some role in scent communication. These include bucks throughout their range, before and during ods of time even in the makers absence. Thus,
the forehead, preorbital and nasal glands located the autumn breeding period, presumably to com- signposts convey long-lasting messages that
on the head, the tarsal, metatarsal and municate their dominance, individual likely have both physiological and psychological
interdigital glands on the legs, and the identity, and other information of social impact upon other (generally subordinate) deer in
preputial gland on the bucks penis importance. the area.
sheath. Signposts arc both visual and olfac- According to Karl Miller, Chemical signals
To solve some of the communication tory signals in that they are showy in that relay information among animals are called
problems associated with living in dense nature and are scent marked with various pheromones. This term was originally coined to
cover, white-tailed deer have evolved an secretions. In some cases, bucks might describe chemical sex attractants in insects, but
elaborate system of scent communica- even emit auditory signals while making has since been expanded to include any chemi-
tion by establishing signposts, which signposts, thereby attracting the atten- cal produced by one individual that transfers
they use effectively during the autumn tion of other deer. Dominant bucks also information to another member of the same spe-
period. These signposts are more
popularly referred to as buck By John Ozoga sometimes make signposts in the
presence of other deer, especially
cies; some researchers reserve pheromones for
insects and use chemical signals when referring
rubs, made when bucks rub trees with their right after emerging as the victor in an aggressive to mammals.
antlers, and pawed areas in the soil, referred to as encounter. Whatever the terminology, notes Miller,
scrapes, which include urine deposits as well as Unlike other forms of communication, sign- these signals include releaser pheromones,
scent-marking of overhead tree branches. These posts virtually serve as an extension of the animal
signs are primarily made by mature, dominant itself, remaining functional for extended peri- Sociobiological factors next page
84 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 85
Sociobiological factors:
numbers relative to the perceived nearly so overpowering and white-
food and cover resources available. tails have a long breeding season.
Little management concern is ex- Most certainly, the inept court-
pressed maintaining populations of ship behavior employed by yearling
from page 84 favorable sex and age composition bucks, and the lack of a firm domi-
-- deer populations that exist in so- nance hierarchy in the absence of
which evoke an immediate behav- tively narrow breeding window that cial harmony. Exceptionally heavy nature bucks, minimizes the chance
ioral response; priming pheromones prevails at the northern Michigan harvesting of antlered deer, regard- for female mate selection. In the
which result in a physiological latitude, confining bucks and does less of age, is generally encour- long run, this could reduce genetic
response; and informer pheromones, together during autumn resulted in aged by todays game management fitness within populations wherever
which relate information but gener- advancing mean breeding dates by policy, sometimes contributing to yearling bucks, solely, function as
ally do not result in behavioral or eight to nine days. The exact mecha- grossly unbalanced adult sex ratios herd sires.
physiological responses. nisms involved here were unknown, and leaving the physiologically and Only recently have wildlife
Miller proposes that signpost- but observations suggested that the behaviorally immature yearling biologists questioned how hunting-
ing by dominant bucks plays a vital close and unnatural confinement of bucks to function as herd sires at an induced mortality (or lack thereof)
role in maintaining social harmony bucks with does had some type of abnormally young age. influences deer social behavior. In
in white-tailed deer populations. He biostimulating effect and could have My research indicates that turn, researchers are striving to bet-
suggests that primer pheromones been due to pheromones produced well-nourished yearling bucks can ter understand how such behaviors
-- those which produce a physiologi- by males, which induced ovulation fulfill the role of herd sires, at least as signposting impact deer biology.
cal response -- deposited by domi- earlier than normal. on northern range, by impregnating In the process, theyve learned that,
nant bucks at rubs and scrapes help In whitetails, the adult sexes live does on schedule with no decrease while nutrition is of paramount im-
synchronize reproductive cycles, apart much of the year, meaning that in the number of fetuses conceived. portance in producing healthy pro-
bring adult does into estrus early, they may not associate for sufficient However, yearling bucks in my ductive whitetails, sociobiological
and suppress the aggressiveness and periods to allow priming phero- studies demonstrated a distinct lack factors also play an intricate role.
sex drives of young bucks. These mones from the male to alter the of ritualized courtship behavior As a result, some biologists, espe-
are conditions which help maintain, physiology of the female. Therefore, -- exhibiting instead what Id call a cially those involved in promoting
and improve, the health and vitality Miller suggests: If continued expo- seek-and-chase courtship be- quality deer management, are
of the population. sure to chemical signals is required cause yearling bucks are delayed in now calling for revolutionary
Studies conducted at the Cusino for biostimulation of female white- sexual development and do minimal changes in traditional deer-manage-
Wildlife Research Station in Michi- tails, as it is for domestic animals, signposting, they likely lack the ment practices by placing increased
gans Upper Peninsula lend sup- rubs and scrapes probably serve this biostimulating effects demonstrated emphasis on the restructuring and
port to the idea that the presence purpose. by mature bucks and necessary to maintenance of deer populations
of mature whitetail bucks has a Currently, most deer population synchronize estrus among does -- that have optimal social structure,
definite effect on the reproductive management strategies in this coun- at least in southerly environments in addition to being nutritionally
physiology of does. Despite the rela- try emphasize controlling total deer where photoperiod effects are not balanced.n
NEW
Brad Beards trail cam photos taken near Gabe Rices trail cam near Alanson caught this doe
Barton City shows coyote predation. trying to nurse all three fawns at once!
Kraig Staples trail camera set up near Lauren Trainors trail cam near
Millersburg caught these mature elk spar- A late August trail cam photo from Robert Weller... Mio caught a fox and a skunk
ring. nothing but bucks! getting into a dispute.
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 87
Hot Topics in the Outdoors and Letters...
Wild game processors now need free permit from DNR
At its June meeting, the Michi- the state of Michigan and where they of filling out an online form and then inspections associated with those
gan Natural Resources Commission are located, said Casey Reitz, DNR printing off your permit. regulations.
signed an order requiring anyone wildlife permit specialist. Commercial wild game proces- Wild game processors who have
who receives compensation for As we work to manage white- sors should register immediately questions related to being licensed
processing wild game to be regis- tailed deer diseases in Michigan, we so they are legal for the fall hunt- or food safety requirements can visit
tered with the Michigan Department need to be able to contact proces- ing season. The form to register www.michigan.gov/meatprocessing
of Natural Resources. The new sors who might be able to assist us is located at www.michigan.gov/ or call at 800-292-3939.
requirement was brought forward as in processing donated deer," she wildlifepermits, and anyone who More information can also be
part of a larger set of deer manage- said. "In addition, we would like to is unable to fill out the online form found at:
ment regulations related to hunting provide this information to hunters should call 517-284-9453 for as- Wild Game Processing at Retail
licenses, chronic wasting disease re- so they can have their deer processed sistance. Food Establishments Variance
sponse measures, urban conflict and relatively close to home. Right now, Food safety requirements and Venison Processing - Process-
other issues. The commercial game we do not have those capabilities. licensing are regulated by the Michi- ing Guide and Sanitation Require-
processor registration requirement is If you receive compensation gan Department of Agriculture and ments for Retail Food Establish-
effective immediately. for processing game, you are now Rural Development and the U.S. ments
This free permit is to determine required to be registered with the Department of Agriculture, not the Wild Game Sausage Processing
how many game processors are in DNR. It is a quick and easy process DNR. MDARD and USDA conduct Requirementsn
N
eedless to say folks,
in order to properly
write this article I
have to use some
big words which I
have trouble even
pronouncing much less being sure
I spell everything correctly, and Ill
try to keep matters in order. Trans-
missible spongiform encephalopa-
thy (TSE) is a fatal disease which
involves a misfolded protein known
as a prion to cause normally folded
proteins to become misfolded, and
affects the nervous system and
body tissues. Typically, certain
types of TSE are species related, A questions and answers period was held with the panel of exper ts from several states and Norway each day.
but recent times have shown what
is known as a crossover of the spe- the species barrier. However, parts transport the meat (and sometimes this area was probably the result
cies barrier can occur. of the west are known as sheep whole carcasses) back to their of improperly disposed deer parts
An example is bovine spon- country (wool is an important home areas and improperly dispose from a CWD infected deer killed in
giform encephalopathy (BSE) product to the economy) and seeing of matters (such as dumping it in another state, but that mystery may
which is also known as mad cow sheep pastured in the same vicin- the woods to get rid of it) and parts never be solved.
disease that was discovered in the ity as mule deer isnt uncommon at relating to the brain (per a trophy Then in 2017, samples from a
United Kingdom in the 1980s. It all in a lot of places. So any finger cape with head intact) and spinal whitetail deer in a captive cervid
is believed to have been caused by pointing at the research facility column (what can be left over after facility in Mecosta County proved
scrapies (a TSE per sheep and goats (performing vital and important deboning) which are true culprits positive for CWD. Remaining deer
that is a disease which symptoms research) isnt a sure thing at all. for containing infectious prions and in the facility were eliminated and
were known to be around as far Prions are passed on by infected contaminating the soil at a dumping tested but none had CWD (not
back as 1732 the name animals in what is referred site (for years to come). much information is available due
derived from sick sheep to as shedding through When you study a map of CWD to an ongoing investigation). One
rubbing on things and feces, urine and saliva. and how it is suddenly realized free ranging (wild) deer tested posi-
the wool is scraped Prions are truly tough and in various states, it is quite clear tive for CWD in Montcalm County
off) infected sheep be- can contaminate the soil that it was often brought there in as well. So Michigan to date as I
ing processed in the same for decades and are even some form, on wheels. This is no write this has had a total of 11 deer
slaughterhouse facility as absorbed by plants. Deer doubt what occurred in Michigan test positive for CWD, nine in close
cattle, then contaminat- grazing on the contami- when a captive whitetail deer was vicinity, and two further out and
ing a byproduct known as nated soil (and plants) and diagnosed with CWD in 2008 in spread apart. I can only guess what
bone meal, that was used drinking from associated the southwestern part of the state. that may mean in the future.
as a concentrat-
ed supplement By Tom Lounsbury watering spots,
as well as close
All the remaining captive cervids
in this facility were eliminated and
What really surprised me was
when a CWD infected reindeer was
for cattle feed, association to thoroughly examined, and none had recently discovered in southern
causing a crossover of the species each other can be readily intro- CWD. Norway (by a helicopter doing a
barrier. duced to CWD. A critical part about Then a free ranging (wild) GPS study of reindeer). Norway
This would in turn would cause CWD is that prions can be shed for gaunt and sick deer near Lansing has strict laws which prevent any
variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob dis- a couple years or more by infected was euthanized by a Meridian importation of cervids which makes
ease (vCJD) in humans who had animals that appear healthy without Township Police Officer in 2015. the arrival of CWD a true mystery.
eaten meat (and body organs) of showing the apparent signs (living Tests revealed it had CWD and a However sheep are pastured as well
BSE infected cattle. This alarm- skeletons) of the disease until just plan of action was immediately put in the reindeer territory and therein
ing evidence represents a species prior to dying from it. in place by state officials (actually may lay the possible link which
barrier crossover of sheep to cattle CWD (which can affect deer, a CWD response plan was put in Im sure is being looked at. To date
to humans and how a lot remains elk and moose the bigger species place if CWD occurred in 2002, Norway has a total of two reindeer
to be a mystery continually being take longer to show signs of the and revised in 2012 by wise and far and two moose that have tested
researched. disease) has a tendency to travel thinking state officials). Because a positive for CWD and officials are
Chronic Wasting Disease on wheels and captive elk from large portion of Meridian Township taking immediate measures in an
(CWD) was first identified as a new Colorado that were shipped to elk is urban related, skilled sharpshoot- attempt to eliminate the disease.
and nasty disease in a mule deer in farms in Saskatchewan and Alberta ers were required to kill some of I was at the Natural Resources
a research facility in northern Colo- transported the disease in a big the deer for testing as well as in Commission (NRC) meeting last
rado in 1967. CWD would soon be leap across the border. Elk sent bringing the deer numbers down year when they directed the MDNR
seen occurring in mule deer in the from Saskatchewan to elk farms in (some shooting was required to be Wildlife Division to arrange a
wild in Colorado, then Wyoming South Korea brought CWD across done at night by state sharpshoot- CWD Symposium with other states
and western Nebraska. It is often the ocean. Captive mule deer sent ers to be effective in a suburban to share knowledge and information
wondered if all of this didnt start from Denver to the Toronto Zoo environment). Eight more deer in regards to CWD, for this fall,
at the research facility that to my brought CWD with them. Also proved positive for CWD, and and I truly commend the NRC for
understanding, was also research- brought on wheels are infected DNA analysis discovered all nine taking this action. I also commend
ing scrapies in sheep at the same animals (which appear healthy) deer were related in some form.
facility, thus creating a crossover of killed by out of state hunters who The most likely source of CWD to Chronic Wasting page 91
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 89
Hot Topics in the Outdoors and Letters...
ORV use on state forest roads for northern lower Michigan
The Michigan Department of Commission meetings Oct. 12 in Send mail to DNR Roads DNR. Reasons for closures
Natural Resources is welcoming Alpena and Nov. 9 in Lansing. DNR Inventory Project, P.O. Box 456, include ensuring user safety,
comments on revised recommenda- Director Keith Creagh will make a Vanderbilt, MI 49795. preventing user conflicts and
tions to open thousands of miles of final decision at the Dec. 14 NRC Visit www.michigan.gov/for- protecting environmentally
state forest roads to off-road ve- meeting. estroads to comment online. Instruc- sensitive areas.
hicles in the northern Lower Pen- Public input will be accepted tions are available on the website. For more information about
insula. The expanded access takes as the process continues. In-person PA 288 encourages more people the state forest road inventory
effect January 2018, as required by comments will be accepted at all to enjoy Michigans public lands by and recommendation process,
Public Act 288 of 2016. three NRC meetings. Mail, email enhancing ORV opportunities in the visit www.michigan.gov/forestroads.
The revised recommendations and online comments will be ac- northern Lower Peninsula. Begin- For more information about
incorporate public input received cepted until Nov. 16: ning in 2018, all state forest roads trails in Michigan and to sign
in June and July. They will be Send emails to DNR-RoadIn- in the region will be open to ORV up for trail email updates, visit
discussed at Natural Resources ventoryProject@michigan.gov. use unless designated closed by the www.michigan.gov/dnrtrails.n
ULTIMATE LAND MANAGEMENT FORAGE & COVER SEED FOR MICHIGAN PLOTS
Tony Lapratt and associate Chris Pierson The Brassica Blend provides both summer feed and winter forage. The Ultimate Blend is
with new associate Ed Spinazzola an excellent mix that includes both annual and perennials. The Wildlife Cover and Forage Blend
is designed to keep deer on your property by providing them a bedding area and food in close
WEBSITE -- tonysulm.com proximity. Go to deerattraction.com for a full list of ingredients and detailed planting instructions.
Chronic Wasting Disease: from page 89 CWD in 2012) on the other hand is
not dropping its mandatory APRs
and needs to see more evidence
the MDNR Wildlife Division for a family clan (mothers, daughters before doing so.
arranging the very well run CWD and sisters) in a smaller territory Michigan has a combo-buck
Symposium at the Kellogg Center and males disperse from the fam- tagging system which entails one
in Lansing in early October, which ily clan when they are 1 years non-restricted buck tag and one re-
I attended. There was a very im- old (Ive read the females give stricted buck tag (requiring 4 points
pressive list of experts (most had a the yearling males in their group on one side). In what is determined
PhD at the end of their names) from the boot which in turn prevents as the CWD Zone, the restricted
several states affected by CWD inbreeding). Dispersed males can buck tag is now considered as being
as well as the USDA, the captive go as far as several miles before non-restricted and the buck tags can
service industry and there was even establishing a territory, and they are also be used for antlerless deer (see
a representative from Norway. known to wander even farther dur- the 2017 Hunting Guide for details
It was an amazing podium of ing the rut. and a map of the CWD Zone). The
speakers to say the least, and I Missouri for instance, estab- key here is to obtain more samples
was in for a whole new world of lished mandatory antler point over a broader spectrum and to
enlightenment in regards to CWD. restrictions (APRs) from 2004 lower what are considered as being A slides shown during a presenta-
Normally Im not the sort who can until 2012, but dropped the manda- a high number of deer in the af- tion at the CWD Symposium with a
sit all day long in a stadium seat tory APRs in order to prevent the fected zone. strong message for hunters.
without getting a bit antsy. How- spread of CWD, because mature On another side of the issue, ing prions, that should be taken
ever I was riveted to my seat and bucks tend to be the major carriers Im also aware there are folks, very seriously and requiring a posi-
anticipating what each new speaker of CWD in a deer herd. Missouri some quite notable, who believe tive response. There have been no
had to say. Not incredibly at all, looks upon dropping the manda- CWD has always been a natural confirmed cases of CWD crossing
those two days of sitting station- tory APRs as being a reasonable occurrence in North American deer over the species barrier to humans
ary on my behind whisked right by. management practice to eliminate and look upon the measures be- who have eaten venison from CWD
At the end of each day, the experts CWD, and noted that the annual ing taken by government officials infected deer (which often appear
formed a panel to answer any and deer-kill ratio didnt drop any, with as being too drastic and uncalled very healthy), but health organiza-
all questions, which there were a lot a lot of yearling (1 year old) for, and as a result is dramatically tions recommend to not eat any
of, and good ones too. bucks being harvested, because harming the future of deer hunting. venison from a deer that has tested
Certain issues were brought Missouri deer hunters obviously The impressive panel of ex- positive for CWD.
to the forefront, and one was in love to hunt deer. Dropping the perts I observed during the CWD As the incident of BSE (mad
regards to the fact that whitetail mandatory APRs very apparently Symposium from several states, the cow disease) in the United King-
bucks are more likely to transmit didnt cause much hunter dissatis- USDA and even Norway all agreed dom makes very clear, anything is
CWD than female deer. This is be- faction. that CWD has all the hallmarks of possible and there is a whole lot to
cause female deer tend to remain as Pennsylvania (which discovered being a new disease clearly involv- yet be learned about CWD.n
James Ferrari and Sons, Inc. strives for customer satisfaction and the ideal customer experience. We are
hunters and processors ourselves and we know what supplies you need so you can process your own game.
Casings & Accessories Meat Saws and Blades
Cutlery (knives) Meat Tenderizers
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Meat Grinders and Accessories Gift Certificates
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TROPHY PAGE
Skylar Mc-
Cormick
took this
4-pt. on
the second
day of the
youth hunt,
using her
crossbow in
Huron Co.
Kaitlynn Demers, 12, of
Karson Gonyea, 9, took this Rockwood took her sec- Kyler Van Den Berg of Mac Kaster, 9,
nice Alcona Co. buck taken ond buck to date, her first Imlay City took his first took this nice buck
during the early youth with a muzzleloader, in buck during the youth during the youth
hunt. the youth season. hunt, a nice 5-pt. hunt.
92 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
TROPHY PAGE
Kim Fast of Gaylord/Lansing While waiting for legal shooting time, Terry Brooke Hubler of Hanover with a mon-
harvested this beautiful 6x7 Vanderzee watched two Michigan bull elks ster 13-pt. that field dressed near 200
bull elk in Gaylord the morn- sparring. Later that morning he was able to pounds and had a rough green score
of around 150, taken during the youth
ing of August 31. harvest this dandy 6x5. hunt. Last year she took a big 10-pt.
Jack Lavery
took his first
Zach Michigan
Hemker black bear
caught with his
Fred Bear
this 21 Compound
inch Bow hunt-
large- ing Craw-
mouth ford Co. on
near public land.
West He applied
Tommy Trudell of Attica for 8 years
Branch! to receive a
caught this 5 lb. bass in Keith Leighton caught this 42
Lapeer Co. in July while northern on ultralight tackle in tagtruly a
fishing with his dad. Van Buren Co. in September. blessing!
SEND US
Leah Christensen, 8, has
been in the woods with her
dad on his shoulders before
YOUR
she could walk or talk; scout-
ing, looking for deer, putting
out trail cameras enjoying as
much time together in the
outdoors as they can. They
are a family of bowhunt-
ers. Leah passed on 6 other
TROPHY
bucks during the youth hunt
before taking this dandy 8-pt.
She also took a jake this past
PHOTOS
spring with her crossbow. wnw@pageone-inc.com
10 year
old Luke
Schienke
bagged his
tom along
with his
dad, Tim,
and fol-
lowed up
with a
four point Isaac Trottier caught
buck in the these smallies on a live
youth hunt crawler and a crawler
with his
harness he made himself
Kole and Brady Kozlowski of Kinde had Grandad,
fishing the U.P. , 17 1/2
a successful youth hunt. Kole took a 5-pt. Fred.
and Brady an 8-pt. and 18 inchers.
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 93
Weirs: An important DNR tool to
manage fisheries, educate public
By Bob Gwizdz, MDNR
Michigan is home to a salmon.
tremendous Great Lakes There, the fish were born in
freshwater lakes and streams, then
sport fishery, which in- migrated to the saltwater of the
cludes native lake trout, Pacific Ocean, where they matured,
steelhead, brown trout before returning to spawn.
Once they were transplanted to
and several varieties of Michigan, these fish continued to
salmon introduced to act on this instinct, but instead of
these freshwater inland migrating to salt water, they migrate
to the Great Lakes.
seas in the 1960s or Fish with this type of behavior
T
beforehand.. are called anadromous fishes.
To get eggs from salmon and steel-
o maintain this fishery, head for fish stocking, the DNR
the Michigan Depart- first needs to capture the fish. This
ment of Natural Re- is done by use of one of the most
sources relies on fish important parts of the DNRs fish-
stocking with the help stocking system: weirs.
of eggs taken from My definition of a weir is a re-
spawning fish. movable dam, said Aaron Switzer,
Steelhead (rainbow trout) and the DNRs Platte River State Fish
Chinook and coho salmon were Hatchery manager and weir coordi-
introduced to the Great Lakes with nator. There are two types of weirs:
fish stock taken from northern Cali- those that allow water to completely
fornia in the case of steelhead, and pass through but dont allow fish to
from the Pacific Northwest for the pass up and those that not only stop
Eggs are removed from a salmon at the Swan River weir in Presque
Isle County.
fish passage but impound water, too. collected) and maturation ponds,
Our lower weir on the Platte Switzer said.
River allows water to pass through When fish reach the upper weir,
but doesnt allow fish to pass. It they remain in a holding pond until
goes in Aug. 15 every year. What fisheries biologists determine that
that does is it allows us to control the females eggs are ripe enough to
the number of coho (salmon) that be fertilized successfully.
we let up from the lower weir. When the females are 75 per-
As part of a court-ordered con- cent ripe, its green light, lets go,
sent decree, the DNR allows 20,000 Switzer said.
coho salmon through the weir. After Usually, egg take begins around
that, the remaining fish are harvest- the second week of October.
ed and marketed. Overall, the DNR operates five
The upper weir at the Platte weirs (six if you count the Platte
River does back up the water at the River weirs as two) on the Platte
upper weir thats like that so we River in Benzie County, Little
can gravity feed the water into the Manistee River in Manistee County,
building (where spawn and milt are the Boardman River in downtown
94 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Traverse City in Grand Traverse salmon going up a creek thats 2 feet
County, the Swan River (on Lake wide running up into the cement
Huron) in Presque Isle County and plant, Switzer said, though it could
Medusa Creek near Charlevoix in be a potential egg-take site in the
Charlevoix County and they all future if necessary.
have different functions. The lower weir at Platte takes
The Platte River facility is the about a half days work for a crew
DNRs source of coho salmon eggs. of four people to put it in and to
The Little Manistee River weir remove it, Switzer said.
is the prime source for Chinook The upper weir takes time, he
salmon eggs and the only source for continued. There are basically big
steelhead eggs. Any fall steelhead, steel boards that go in the chan- Salmon stage in the Swan River below the weir. MDNR photos
brown trout or other fish that wind nels in the concrete at the weir. We all at once during removal. see how the operation works. At the
up in the Little Manistee River dur- install it and take it out in stages so That process usually covers Little Manistee River, visitors are
ing Chinook egg take are allowed to they dont completely deplete down- about two weeks. welcome during the fall Chinook
pass upstream. stream flow in installation and not Switzer said the DNR usually and spring steelhead egg takes.
The Swan River facility has let a big slug of water downstream installs the upper weir around Sept. Staff members from the DNRs
1 and it stays in place until July 15 Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery Visi-
because we also use it to block tor Center and Carl T. Johnson Hunt
steelhead and sea lamprey. Lamprey and Fish Center lead free fall tours
cannot get past it. It is an effective at the Boardman River, Little Man-
lamprey barrier. istee River and Platte River weirs
Sea lamprey, an invasive fish through mid-October.
that preys on native lake trout, Visitors can learn about salmon
spawn in streams like the salmon biology, how weirs and fish ladders
and steelhead do. work, invasive species, state fish
Weirs allow the DNR to herd hatcheries, and the DNRs annual
fish into one place and process them egg-collection efforts and their im-
in a timely matter. Without weirs, pact on Michigans fisheries.
DNR staff would be reduced to For more information on tours,
using nets or electro-fishing gear visit www.michigan.gov/huntfish-
to collect fish. The process would center and click on the Boardman
be longer, more expensive and not River Weir 2017 Programs or Platte
nearly as effective. River Weir 2017 Programs link, or
The DNR does not operate any visit www.michigan.gov/wolflakevc
weirs in the Upper Peninsula. and click on the Little Manistee
Egg take at the Platte River River Weir 2017 Programs link.
occurs throughout October. Its a To learn more about how the
A Michigan Depar tment of Natural Resources worker scoops salmon popular school group and tourist DNR manages Michigans fisheries,
eggs into a container at the Platte River weir. attraction as it allows the public to visit www.michigan.gov/fishing.n
been considered a back-up facil-
ity for many years, but was used to
procure Chinook eggs the last two
years when there was an insufficient
supply at the Little Manistee.
Theres a weir at the Boardman
River that is not used for egg take
at all.
We just dont get enough fish
there to use it as back up, Switzer
said. But its used to keep the fish
from going upstream and dying in
town. And weve used that for the
last few years as an educational
facility a place to learn about
salmon and how we manage them.
Its an educational facility as much
as anything else.
We get plenty of people
through the Little Manistee, Platte
and the Boardman. Theyre all great
places to educate the public and for 267 Gun Giveaway
the public to see us in operation. 5 guns will be raffled every Wednesday
There is no public access at PLUS a bonus Twelve Guns of Christmas
Swan River; the weir is on private drawing Wednesday Dec. 19.
property and access is restricted. Your purchase of a $50 calendar
The weir at Medusa Creek is means you are entered in each
strictly a harvest facility. There is no weekly drawing.
physical facility there, but water is
Must be 18 years of age to enter. Michigan Lottery License number C28069
diverted from the creek into a hold-
ing pond where the fish collect.
We cant have all those mature
Contact Deb Gray (734) 623-2000 for more information and to enter www.miducalendar.org
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 95
9/17/18,20,22 - MI
Bud Stewart
Michigans extraordinary lure maker
PART I dive. His ability to make it swim
was uncanny, and Frank decided to
buy one of Buds snakes before they
By Terry McBurney
F
left that day.
Later, they moved to his nearby
rank Baron and his wife, workshop and continued talking
Pat, started driving on about Buds life, how he began carv-
the multilane Detroit ex- ing and the unique ways he painted
pressway system turning his lures. Bud started by picking up
north at Brighton, then a piece of rough sawed cedar and
working their way past commenced carving what ended up
Fenton, Flint, and then into rural being a Crippled Wiggler. Then he
northern Michigan. Their destina- carved a second example and later a
tion was some 240 miles north to third one, all the time continuing to
Alpena, Michigan where Bud and talk. What amazed Frank were two
Doris Stewart lived. Situated on the things - that Bud only looked down
northeast corner of Lake Hurons at what he was carving every couple
Thunder Bay, Alpena had become of minutes. The second was that
the Stewarts home in 1980, eight the carved Crippled Wigglers were
years before Frank and Pats visit. all basically the same bait but each
The couple lived on Long Rapids was uniquely different. Bud kept
Road six miles west of downtown talking to Frank as he sanded each
Alpena on a slow stretch of the bait until they were interrupted by
Thunder Bay River known as Four their wives to come in for coffee and
Mile Pond and located about a half sandwiches.
mile below the Lake Winyah dam. Buds story actually started in
Four Mile Pond was known for Vancouver, British Columbia where
good fishing for northern pike, bass, he was born on February 3, 1913.
as well as perch and bluegills and Elman Bud Stewarts father was
a great spot for Bud and Doris to Norman Garfield Stewart, a U.S.
finally retire. citizen originally from North Da-
The reason for the Barons visit kota, who had moved to Canada to
was two-fold: to visit their good work for an uncle at his successful
friends and for Frank to continue laundry business. It was in Vancou-
talking to Bud about his lifetime of ver that his father met and courted
fishing, hunting, and trapping and Bud Stewar t in his Alpena workshop sometime in 1986. David Kenyon photo Elsie Metcalf, a Canadian citizen,
especially about Buds remarkable was writing a book about Buds life a garter snake. He fished it on the and the two were married on July
creations that he had hand carved and Frank needed more background surface making the triple-jointed 24, 1911. Three sons were born to
and painted for over 60 years. Frank, information from him. Bud was out snake rush realistically across the the Scots-English couple in Vancou-
along with Ray Carver of Marshall, on his dock fishing when Frank and water, then pausing and making it ver with Bud the oldest, followed by
Pat Baron arrived. He had one of his
favorite casting outfits in hand and
was testing a variety of completed
lures to make sure they tracked cor-
rectly through the water. Bud talked
while he cast, switching from bait
to bait. Frank listened, made notes,
and every so often asked questions
steering the conversation to parts
of Buds history that needed more
details. Frank also watched Buds
skills not just his talent with a
casting rod and reel but how he
worked each of the different wood
lures he was testing. The baits came
alive with each of Buds casts they
dove, danced, popped, skipped, and
wiggled enticingly. Frank had fished
with some of Buds lures and knew
he was watching an incredible dem-
onstration of what Buds lures could
do. Bud worked the lures getting
the most action out of each of the
An early photo of a young Bud wood baits. At one point Bud tied on Left: Bud at one of the large Midwest spor t shows about 1953 demonstrating
Stewar t with a nice stringer of bass one of his surface/diving snakes, his lures. Family archives. Right: Bud on his dock demonstrating one of his
circa mid-1920s. Family archives his creation that colorfully mimics surface/diving snakes meant to mimic a gar ter snake. Frank Baron photo
96 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
George and then Donald or Babe. into the Flint River about a mile
The three Stewart brothers had dual north.
citizenship because of their parents The Flint River was a slow
citizenship with their father from the moving stream starting in Lapeer
United States and mother a Cana- County northeast of the city and
dian. then winding its way down through
Bud was four years old when the farmlands towards the growing
family moved to Detroit along with Flint metropolis. Fishing close to
thousands of others from across the the Stewart home included northern
U.S. and Canada. They were moving pike, smallmouth and largemouth
to the Detroit-Pontiac-Flint corridor bass, walleye, channel catfish,
to find good work in the burgeoning bluegills and black crappies, several
auto industry, whether working for species of suckers, and a good for-
one of the major automobile com- age population of gizzard shad. With
panies or for one of the many parts such a great place to grow up, Bud
suppliers. Within a year, the Stew- spent endless hours first exploring
art family again moved, this time Schwartz Creek and then north on Bud giving one of his mini-seminars at the Milwaukee spor t show in
to Flint, Michigan, about seventy the Flint River catching crayfish and 1955. Family archives
miles northwest of Detroit. At first, frogs, as well as watching fish in
they lived in a rooming house and the shallow, slowly moving waters. was forced to repaint the bait with
then moved to their home located at According to Bud Stewart lore, his some of his mothers red fingernail
1032 Ann Arbor St. in south-central first catch on hook and line was a polish layered over some borrowed
Flint. Their rental home was only sucker! white house paint. The white paint
150-yards from nearby Schwartz During his formative years, was still wet when he applied the
Creek, a small creek that emptied Bud made friends with neighbors fingernail polish, which produced a
who liked to fish, as well as fisher- wounded, bleeding effect a lesson
men that he met locally on the Flint that he filed away for the future.
River. He fished with many of them One of Buds great fish stories
all the while watching and learn- has him out fishing for bass and pike
ing from these more experienced on another local lake when he was
anglers. When he was twelve, a about fourteen. At one point dur-
neighbor invited him fishing on a ing the trip, a baby muskrat swam
local lake where he hooked his first nearby the boat he was fishing in.
bass on a rod and reel, most likely a The little critter was paddling along
borrowed solid steel casting rod and in a straight line when it swerved
a basic Shakespeare reel. The bass sharply to the side and a northern
jumped and threw his bait after too pike came up and nailed him. Later,
brief of a fight, but Bud was hooked he visited a bait shop and asked for
for life. Later that year, Bud con- a muskrat bait and was told Pike
dont eat muskrat. After leaving
vinced his parents to rent a cottage
empty handed, Bud went home and A Surface Crab sitting on one of
on nearby Lobdell Lake the fol- Buds notes written sometime
lowing summer, a little over twenty started carving one. during the late 1930s. Frank
miles southwest of their home. It When he was fifteen, Bud Baron collection
was the perfect spot for Bud, a lake would visit an elderly angler and
stretching over a mile in length with boat builder who lived two blocks coal shed. Painting the baits in the
deep coves, islands, sandy beaches from the Stewarts home. His friend kitchen proved to be more than un-
and hundreds of places for a thirteen entertained him with some amazing popular with his mother. He moved
year old teenager to explore. He fish stories. He also showed Bud the his fledgling business to the chicken
spent his waking hours out on the old lures in his tackle box, espe- coop behind Rubys Neighborhood
lake fishing with his one wood lure cially his favorite, Shakespeares Market where he worked carving
Bud Stewar t also made metal baits until his brother George announced Swimming Mouse. Bud was so and painting his lures. Working by
during the 1930s. Stewar ts Shiny it was time to come in by blowing a taken with the Shakespeare Swim- daylight during the day, he used a
Shiners or the S.S.S. Minnows. Tony bugle. Quickly wearing the paint off ming Mouse, he took some of his kerosene lantern after the sun went
Przybylo collection of the lure catching fish after fish, he hard earned money and bought one. down. Eventually, Bud talked Mr.
The lure caught fish, but he was not Ruby into running an extension
satisfied with its action, so he began cord to the chicken coop so he could
whittling his own crippled mouse work with an electric light bulb
design. That lure highlighted a gash overhead.
on each side complete with flowing His first lures were all some kind
blood coming from the wounds. His of injured critter - his surface crip-
surface crippled mouse fished great pled mouse, the crippled crab and
and was his best creation so far. probably his most popular bait over
Soon, fishing friends started asking the years, the crippled wiggler. Each
for him to carve a crippled mouse hand carved bait was made from
for them to use. Word quickly either red or white cedar, which was
spread through the local angling readily available in Michigan. Every
community, and demand was so bait was a slightly different version
great that Bud started carving his of the model he was carving, as
unique wood baits part time at the he did not use templates or a copy
age of seventeen while he was still router to rough out his lure bodies.
in high school during the Great He whittled what he had in his mind
Left: Early Bud Stewar t lures from the 1930s and early 1940s a Crip- Depression.
pled Crab, a Bass Teaser and a Tadpole. Right: Three Crippled Wigglers. At first, Stewart carved his lures Bud Stewart next page
Tony Przybylo collection at home at a small bench in their
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 97
Bud Stewart:
from page 97
certainly a description of true American folk
art. This was the start of what collectors call his
Folk Art Period stretching from 1930 to 1940.
His first commercially produced baits were
painted with either solid colors, two-tone or
three-tone designs and were highlighted with his
popular swirl design or his spotted finishes. Bud
admitted that he discovered his spotted design
or what has also been called a starburst finish
by accident. To the author, it looks like a drop
Top: A 6 5/8-inch spearing decoy from the 1930s Folk Ar t Period featured it all his spotted
design and at least 7 colors. Gary Miller collection Bottom: This surface/diving Barber Pole sala-
mander was a special order bait from the 1940s or early 1950s. Tony Przybylo collection
of oil floating on water. Regardless, the effect is Period, most often painted with his spotted finish,
amazing and apparently never duplicated. The and rigged with a conventional line tie. Later
author has several Killer Spoons that have over spearing decoys from the Factory Period often
sixty spots! were rigged with both the standard line tie, as
He also used a lot of homemade hardware well as with a crippled line tie, which allowed
A 7-inch Muskrat fishing lure from the late 1940s during this period wire pork rind clips and met- fishermen to either swim them with the front line
featured muskrat fur, a rubber tail cut from a bi- al ears that were called splashers because they tie, or use the crippled line tie on the side and
cycle inner tube, weedless trebles and ears made created splashes or ripples when pulled through swim the decoy so it at first turned over and then
from a propeller blade. Tony Przybylo collection the water. He also made many of his own line righted itself simulating a crippled or dying fish
ties and hook hangers, as well as flashers, or critter.
which were made in different shapes and finishes. Bud also started making a metal bait during
Sometimes they were round, willow leaf, or Col- this period, which he called the Stewarts Shiny
orado spinners that reflected light as the lure was Shiner or the S.S.S. Minnow. Buds hang tags
retrieved. The eyes were often simply painted on never lacked for adjectives, and the S.S.S. Min-
the bait or painted flat tack eyes. Glass-eyed lures now hang tag was no exception when it claimed:
and decoys are very rare. Positively the Liveliest Wiggling, and we mean
Bud started carving fish decoys during WIGGLE Spoon ever inventedBallast plate
the 1930s with sizes ranging from 3-inches to makes the S.S.S., a living, non-revolving min-
7-inches in length with almost all of them suck- now. The two-piece spoons were shaped like
ers. His Michigan customers were primarily a minnow and made from a die-cut fish-shaped
using the decoys to spear northerns, and he knew spoon riveted to a second piece of metal some-
that a live sucker was the best attractor to bring in times cut into a round shape, sometimes a smaller
pike under the ice. The larger sizes proved to be fish-shape or a hammered willow leaf spinner or
the most effective and his best sellers. They were some other decorative silhouette. Many of them
made with metal fins and tails during the Folk Art were painted with eyes staring back at the angler.
Some later ones were decorated with reflective
tape, while others had glitter sprinkled into the
wet paint before it dried.
I would like to thank Frank Baron for his help
and patience in putting this article together and
for allowing me to photograph some extraordi-
nary Bud Stewart creations. Special thanks to
Ray Carver for his insights and information; Tony
Przybylo for allowing to me photograph parts of
his Stewart collection; Robbie Pavey for his help;
Steve and Lori Parker from Flint; and Gary Mill-
er for his photographs and help with fish decoys.
I would also like to acknowledge the excellent
article, Fine Fooler of Fish written by C. Kurt
Dewhurst and Marsha MacDowell with photos by
David Kenyon and published in the September-
October 1987 issue of Michigan Natural Resourc-
es Magazine; and finally the book, Hands Across
Michigan, written by Alan R. Kamuda.
Bud Stewar t sold two lures in printed card- Feel free to contact the author at antiquefish-
board boxes with photos. Top: The first was the ing@comcast.net with your questions. Photo-
Crippled Mouse circa late 1940s and (bottom) A spinning-size Pad Hopper plus two of his graphs are important, so please send them. They
the second was the Crippled Wiggler circa popular Pad Hoppers from the 1950s -60s with help me with identification and give me an idea of
1950s Robbie Pavey collection a generic blue box. Tony Przybylo collection the condition of the item. Next Month Part II n
98 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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able to find a kinship among locals tasting fish to take home. Once we and sturgeons.
by bringing up fishing. The sum- had enough, we turned and headed Five of us showed up for an
ne of the reasons I mer started out with a trip to Myrtle east towards deeper water. afternoon fishing trip and departed
love Michigan so Beach, South Carolina. When most The captain cut the motor and from Jefferson Marina. Within the
much is the extreme people think of Myrtle Beach, they we drifted in the blue, rolling waves. first half-hour, we had a fish on.
weather changes think of the 60 miles of golden, Suddenly a pole line lit up with a This was the first time I had ever
and seasonal cli- groomed beaches. Their intercostal load whizzing soundshark on! seen a live muskie and was in awe
mate. When people waterways are great for scuba div- The kids each took turns, as we of the size of the fishseeing one in
tell me they wish it was 80 degrees ing, surfing, parasailing and fishing. caught a bunch of North Atlantic person made the trip worth it. Over
every day, I tell them to move to Anglers looking for adventure have sharks ranging in size between three the next couple hours we were all
Florida. The weather cycle of Michi- plenty of inland, freshwater opportu- and four feet. The first mate cleaned able to land a muskie and I could
gan seems to change at the perfect nities and the nearby ocean abounds and packaged our catch and we check off one more activity from my
threw them in a cooler to stay cold outdoor bucket list.
on the long drive back to Michigan. Lake St. Clair was amazing and
Once we were back in the Mitten lived up to its reputation. All five
State, I took the shark filets to my fish were over 40-inches and pushed
mom and she battered and deep- almost 30-pounds. I enjoyed our
fried them. They were fantastic and conversation with both the captain
everyone enjoyed them. and first mate, their passion for the
Once again my next summer muskie population on Lake St. Clair
adventure started with, Hows the was contagious. We released each
Fishing? fish and watched as the monster
I have always wanted to catch a retreated to the deep waters with a
Michigan muskie and Lake St. Clair sense of pride. It felt good to know
was my next destination. I called that maybe that fish would make
friend Jimmy Gretzinger, host of someone elses fishing dreams come
Michigan Out-of-Doors, looking true like it did for us.
for recommendations on the best My wife has come to learn
charter on Lake St. Clair. He pointed when I ask the question, Hows
towards Kevin Backus, owner of the fishing? I am really saying,
Mr. Muskie Charters. Backus char- lets go fishing. Incorporating a love
ters fishing on Lake St. Clair and and passion for the outdoors can be
the Detroit River, fishing for a wide done anywhere, whether on the salty
Bill Harrington and his son Ethan of Kingston caught a huge muskie variety of species, but is most well- waters of Myrtle Beach or the fertile
on Lake St. Clair. The fish was pushing 30-pounds and was over 43 known for catching huge muskies muskie waters of Lake St. Clair.n
inches long.
time, just as I am getting tired of one with a variety of exciting species.
season, a new one arrives. Fall is During our stay, I booked a
great, but I get anxious for snow and shark fishing trip with a charter
winter. Just as I am getting sick of fishing company located near Little
all the snow and cold, spring arrives River and Georgetown, about thirty
bringing everything back to life. minutes north of Myrtle Beach. Our
Summer is wonderful and al- group had five total, including my
lows me the time to spend quality three daughters. They were excited
time with my family. While most and anxious to have a chance to reel
anguish over the end of summer, I in a predator of the deep. We started
welcome it. Fall is by far my favor- out and headed eight miles out into
ite season! the ocean. The first mate mentioned
The cold fall mornings are they knew a sunken sandbar that
welcome relief. I count down the was usually loaded with sharks that
days to football and hunting. With time of year. We caught a bunch of
fall in full swing, I reflected back on Spanish Mackerels that would serve Dave James and his son Tanner took advantage of the great fishing
a summer well spent. There are so as shark bait and give us some good oppor tunities near Myr tle Beach.
102 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
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WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 103
Northwest Michigans...
By Mike Gnatkowski
the lower headed to Lake
elevations. As Michigan.
the glaciers Many of the
receded, the earth rebounded from lakes see more activity when salmon
the repressive weigh. Fine, lighter school there during the pre-spawn in
particles fell out last from the gush- September before heading upstream
ing melt creating dunes of sand and theres a fair amount of ice fish-
along the lakeshore as the water ing pressure in the winter for pike,
neared the forming lakes. The dunes perch and steelhead. Anglers target
formed a blockade that caused the walleye in the spring off the break-
water to backup and form a drowned walls and in the channels. There
river mouth lake. are some bass tournaments that
The drowned river mouth lakes take place on Manistee and Portage
found in northwest Michigan are lakes, but for the quality and diver-
unique not only from a geological sity of the fishing, there are few an-
standpoint and to the region, but glers. Other big game includes lake
also from a fishery perspective. The sturgeon and Great Lakes muskies. Matt Gnatkowski with a walleye caught off the break wall that leads
drowned river mouth lakes typically The Michigan Fishing Guide from Pere Marquette Lake to Lake Michigan.
have a creek, stream or river that lists the following northwest Michi- Forage is one reason game fish anglers are targeting browns and
feeds them. Some have disappeared gan drowned river mouth lakes: do so well in the drowned river steelhead and again in August and
over time, but the lake still exists. If Benzie: Betsie Lake; Manistee: Ar- mouth lakes. Theres a ton of for- September when Chinook and Coho
the river or stream is a sizeable one, cadia Lake, Manistee Lake and Por- age in these lakes in the form of salmon are the quarry. The fisheries
marshy areas were created at the up- tage Lake; Mason: Pere Marquette gobies, alewives, gizzard shad and provide trolling, shore and pier fish-
stream end of the lake. The marshy Lake. An example of a lake that was salmon smolts not to mention native ing opportunities. Ice anglers target
area is critical spawning habitat once a drowned river mouth, but is minnows, like shiner and darters, steelhead, pike and yellow perch.
for many species of fish including no longer one is Hamlin Lake.
perch, crappie, bass and pike and All of the drowned river mouth
said Tonello.
Arcadia Lake
act like a giant filter of sediments. lakes have a diversity of species Betsie Lake 275-acre Arcadia Lake has a
The river themselves attract a host in them, claimed Central Lake Benzie Countys 289-acre Betsie maximum depth of 28 feet and aver-
of potamodromous species such as Michigan Management Unit Fisher- Lake is the northern-most drown ages less than 20 feet. Arcadia Lake
salmon, steelhead, lake-run brown ies Biologist Mark Tonello. Theres river mouth lake on Michigans west is fed primarily by Bowens Creek.
trout, walleye. lake sturgeon and good walleye, smallmouth, perch side. The Betsie River feeds Betsie The only boat launch on Arcadia
several sucker species that move and giant pike. The smallmouth bass Lake. The maximum depth of Betsie Lake is in the Village of Arcadia at
into the rivers from Lake Michigan fishing is exceptional and has gotten Lake is 34 feet with an average Veterans Memorial Park. The park
to spawn. better since gobies have arrived on depth of 10 feet. The last survey of includes a launch, marina facility,
Many of the drowned river the scene. Theres a fair amount of Betsie Lake found pike, walleye and and a universally accessible fish-
mouths lakes became homes to in- fishing pressure for bass. Some of largemouth and smallmouth bass. ing pier, and is operated by Arcadia
dustry beginning in the 1800s. With the shallower drowned river mouths, The walleyes captured in the survey Township.
easy access to Lake Michigan and like Portage, seem to be best for averaged from 19 to 26 inches. Wall- According to Tonello, Arcadia
its affordable shipping, the lumber bass. Theres a post-spawn run of eye have not been planted in Betsie Lake has long had a good reputa-
industry boomed. Schooners lined walleyes that a lot of people dont Lake in recent years so the fish are tion as a fishing lake. In addition to
the docks. White pine logs harvested know about in Pere Marquette and assumed to be naturally reproduced its spring brown trout fishery, it is
from Michigan forests were floated Arcadia lakes in May. The wall- fish or ones that have strayed from known for its good fishing for yel-
down the rivers and collected in the eyes move in to feed and you wont Herring, Platte or Portage lakes. low perch, northern pike (both sum-
drowned river mouths where mills find any fish much smaller than 20 Most of the fishing effort on Bet- mer and through the ice) and bass,
turned the timber into lumber, which inches. sie Lake occurs in the spring when both largemouth and smallmouth.
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BUILD ON WEST OF BIG rooms, full finished basement, 2
RAPIDS. Large red pines, ready bathrooms, 2 car attached garage,
REAL ESTATE for a harvest now, along with small- porch and deck, 40 x 64 pole build-
er pines, creek, mixed hardwoods, ing, good deer country. Call for
10 ACRES HILLMAN wetlands, make this a wildlife para- more details. $295,000. Koske
MICHIGAN. Rolling hills and dise! Paved main road frontage, Realty Co. 989-732-1012 Gaylord,
woods pond, pole barn electric at $109,500, call Mark Wentland, 231- MI john_koske@yahoo.com
pole. Driveway well septic there. 598-4871, Big Rapids Realty, Inc. RE-11-1
$34,900. 810-689-1256. RE-11-2 ..............................................
RE-11-1 .............................................. 200 ACRES, beautifully wooded
.............................................. 10 ACRES with lake access, with driveway and road throughout
nicely wooded parcel with large the property, excellent deer and
APPROXIMATELY 150 maple trees and a driveway fronting small game country. $375,000 New Subscription Renewal
ACRES IN BEAUTIFUL county maintained road. Good deer Land contract terms. Koske Realty (Please attach mailing label)
NORTHERN MICHIGAN country. $27,500 Land Contract Co. 989-732-1012 Gaylord, MI
terms. Koske Realty Co. 989-732- john_koske@yahoo.com RE-11-1
3/2/2 House with FP, and 50x10
Barn with 18ft doors. Property 1012 Gaylord, MI john_koske@ .............................................. One year $29 Two years $55
is complete with Hunting Blinds yahoo.com RE-11-1 CLARE COUNTY: Beautiful
and is heavily populated with .............................................. 145 wooded acres with food plots,
deer, bear, turkey, etc. Hunters very nice 2 br. cabin. Miles of
Paradise! Contact Angela Mia REDECORATED 4 BD, 3
groomed trails and about a dozen NAME
DiLorenzo for more details at blinds (some elevated). This is a
BATH RANCH on 5 acres
231-632-5105. RE-11-2 must see for the serious hunter. Call
with stocked pond and stream.
Wildlife abundent. Owner
Don Decker today! 989-578-2029
Real Estate One - Gladwin
ADDRESS
motivated. 810-664-4235.
ENJOY NORTHERN $134,900. RE-11-1
F-11-1
MICHIGAN RIGHT HERE IN ..............................................
41 ACRES, Beautifully wooded
CITYSTATEZIP
THOMAS TWP. A 900 sq ft
asphalt driveway leads to this 38 WOODED ACRES with an with driveway and road through the
unique Log Home that sits on 9.50 immaculate 3 bdrm., 2 bath ranch. property with three deer plots. Ex-
acres with over 1000 ft of frontage Many amenities. Near Pine River cellent small game and deer coun-
try. $69,900 Land Contract terms.
Check/Money Order Visa/Mastercard
on the Swan Creek. Wildlife and and a short drive to a casino.
fishing abounds. Kitchen Cabinets Montcalm Co. Michigan. Dont miss Koske Realty Co. 989-732-1012
and wood floors made from Ash this for only $299,000. Call Diana at Gaylord, MI john_koske@yahoo.
com RE-11-1
Card #Exp. Date
harvested on the property. The Faust Real Estate, LLC 517-270-
Home features rain barrels, 12 3646. RE-11-1 ..............................................
English Walnut trees (anyone for LAND FOR SALE: 10 acres in Send to: Or Call
(810) 724-0254
..............................................
roasted walnuts?), outdoor barrel ONAWAY AREA: 160 acres Lake County, MI. Well, spetic, elec-
sauna, heated floors, and a Geo- hunting property, mostly cedar tric access. 25x40 pole barn - backs Woods-N-Water News
Therm heating and much more. $1000 per acre. Call Larry at 989- up to state land, near 10 cup motor-
989-971-0557. 733-4152. RE-11-1 head trails. $38,000. 231-342-8028. P.O. Box 278 FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
RE-10-2
Imlay City, MI 48444
RE-11-1 ..............................................
.............................................. .............................................. DateCk#$
58.38 Acres
Saginaw County, Michigan
Great combination cropland and hunting
land
Located at 1248 Meridian Road in Merrill,
Michigan
Easy access to the farm off paved East County
Line Road
Good productive soils
For property details please contact:
Steve Herr, Farm Manager/Agent
L-1700736
Business: (810) 569-5638 Lapeer, Michigan
SHerr@Farmersnational.com www.FarmersNational.com/SteveHerr
www.FarmersNational.com
PAGES 112 - 125 Real Estate Sales Auctions Farm and Ranch Management Appraisal Insurance Consultation
Oil and Gas Management Forest Resource Management National Hunting Leases
Lake Management FNC Ag Stock
experience.
prepped and permitted building site.
Sandy frontage, great fishing, easy access
to launch site. $140,000 #306093
800-444-3276
Antrim County, 52+/- Acres Arenac Co, 167+/- Acres, Calhoun County, 67+/- Acres
Rolling Hardwoods, Pole Barn 3,500+/- ft Lake Huron, Calhoun Co, 61 Acres 300 ft. All Sports Prairie Lake,
Alcona County, 240 Acres, Alpena County, 316+/- Acres, Good Trails 6 Bedroom Lodge, Guest Cabin,
House, Barns, Pond, Stream, Food Plots Lodge sleeps 10, Professionally Managed Forest with Living Quarters, Excellent Hunting 2,500 ft. St. Joseph River, Excellent Hunting 1/2 Tillable, 1/2 Wooded
Great Duck & Deer Hunting
$499,000 $439,000 $129,000 $599,000 $129,000 $275,000
L D L D I NG
SO SO END
P
Calhoun Co, 86+/- Acres Iosco County, 783+/- Acres, Jackson County, 105+/- Acres Jackson County, 120 Acres Midland County, 80 Acres
1 Mile Frontage Tawas Lake, Kunze WRP Program, Mature Hard- Newaygo County,
750 ft. Frontage on Prairie Lake, Mixed Hardwoods, Good Trail 12 Miles to Mount Pleasant, 5+/- Acres Frontage
Big Buck Hunting, Outbuildings River Crosses Property, 5 Bedroom Log woods, Great Deer, Turkey &
$349,000 Lodge, 3 Miles from East Tawas Waterfowl Hunting System, Big Buck Country Excellent Hunting on White River
$1,250,000 $211,000 $360,000 $176,000 $28,000
L D I NG
SO END
P
Newaygo County, 40 Acres Newaygo Co, 45+/- Acres Newaygo Co, 55+/- Acres
Newaygo Co, 25+/- Acres Newaygo County, 30 Acres, 2 Bedroom, 5 Ac Private Lake, Nice 25 Ac Private Lake, Excellent Newaygo County, 60 Acres
32x48 Pole Barn with Water &
7 Ac Private Lake, County 1 1/2 Bath Mobile Home, 24x28 Pole Electric, 20 Ac Old Apple Orchard, Pond, Trail System, Tillable Waterfowl & Deer Hunting, QDM, Trophy Bucks
Road Frontage, Pond Barn, Adjacent to National Forest 20 Ac Hardwoods, Great Hunting Land, Excellent Hunting Good Trails Harvested, Great Parcel
$75,000 $99,000 $199,000 $135,000 $165,000 $90,000
G
DIN LD
PE
N SO
www. WildLifeRealty.com
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 113
Recreation, Investment, Income!
Seller is relocating, these properties priced for quick sale!
$349,000
*Priced way under market value, must be seen to fully appreciate!
bedrooms, 3 baths, finished
basement, 2 fireplaces, wet
bar workout room.
MOVE
JB'S BEST CARDINAL CAR WASH IN
READY!
in Lewiston, Michigan CALL TODAY! 941-915-4141
$525,000
on Approx 1.5 Acres, High Demand Business,
Modern Touchless Automatic Wash,
with 3 Self Serve Bays, Complete Renovation
Just Finished, GREAT INCOME POTENTIAL!
CALL TODAY! 941-915-4141
$499,000
*Additional 4 acres adjoining also available - priced seperately that would be great for a mini-storage.
CALL 941-915-4141
114 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Recreational Property Leaders 10 Acres Wooded &
List and Buy with the Experts Rolling
Near Manistee National
www.TrophyClassRealEstate.com
Forest. Close to trails to hike &
snowmobile, short to Diamond
Lake and a county park with
616-437-7176
Concrete Overhead Door with
Brokered By:
Stoney Creek
Outdoor Properties, LLC WEICHERT, REALTORS
St. Johns, MI 48879
Property Mart Southgate Plaza
800 S. BR 127
Walkout. Sheridan Township.
Cell: (517) 819-6344 St. Johns, Michigan 48879-1649 Asking $289,000
1790 ACRES ALPENA & PRESQUE ISLE COUNTIES Piece of Heaven, 30 gorgeous acres, so pictur-
Available in two separate parcels.
estic and lovely, This ranch home has so many
features that brings the outdoors to you. Wrap
around deck sits atop a large stocked pond, Deer
enjoy this property as much as you will. The pic-
tures do not do this home justice! Call me today
for your personal showing. You wont be disap-
pointed! Keys at closing, Hunting property for
this year if you hurry!!!
123-17-0056
CLOSE TO M-32 & M-65 WELL STOCKED FOREST EXCELLENT WILDLIFE HABITAT
UPLAND BIRDS FOUND THROUGHOUT THIS WELL MANAGED HUNTING GROUND.
4497 S US-23, Greenbush 217 Acre Hunters Dream 1739 E Mill St, Harrisville
Waterfront Resort with 300 1400 sf 3 br 2 ba with Pine 1300 sf, 3 bed, 1 bath on just
feet on Lake Huron, 24 River flowing through the over 1.5 acres with partial
rental units and 2000+ sf, 4 property. Enjoy sitting on basement. Located close to
bed, 2 bath Owners - the deck watching all the town but retains that
Managers Home included. different wildlife REDUCED secluded feeling. Move in
$1,250,000 For More $298,000 - For More Ready $69,900
Information Text R408888 Information Text R155061 For More Information Text
to 52187 to 52187 R491186 to 52187
4665 Healy Rd, Glennie 4801 E Trask Lk Rd 6806 Pine Tree Dr, Glennie
1400 sf, 3 bedroom, 2 bath 2400 sf, 4 bed, 3 bath with 2 This one acre parcel located
Manufactured Home on 10 car attached garage on 10 in Sunny Lake Ranch
acres with pole building. acres. Come enjoy the Up Subdivision offers private
This ideal location is perfect North feeling while still association access to Sunny
for the upcoming hunting being close to it all. Newly Lake as well as bordering
season. $79,900 Listed $164,900 Huron National Forest.
For More Information Text For More Information Text Perfect for planning that
R519634 to 52187 R524703 to 5217 upcoming hunting trip. NEW
$7,000
5157 Lake Dr, Glennie 480 acres on Mitchell Trail Hunting Camp, Hillman
1400 sf, 3 bed, 2 bath Perfect investment for any 1700 sf, 4 bed, 2 bath with
manufactured home with sportsman/woman. 2 private several other structures
Vaughn Lake Access. This lakes, borders federal land perfect the entire family
move in ready home is in on all sides plus it has two hunting trips. Just over 9
quiet neighborhood perfect cottages on site with acres with Millers Creek
for spending a day on the electric. Hunting and fishing running through. Will need
water. $57,900 was never easier than here. some TLC, being sold AS-
For More Information Test $1,300,000 IS REDUCED $58,000
R155064 to 52187
HUNTING ACREAGE
GREAT HUNTING PARCEL!! 15 WOODED ACRES & 53 M/L ACRES!! SECLUDED HUNTING CABIN!! FANTASTIC HUNTING W/
10 wooded acres with trails, some lowlands, FRONTAGE ON STYLUS LAKE!! This heavily wooded property is a perfect Located on seasonal road, this 2 bedroom VIEW OF LOON LAKE!!
a variety of wildlife & lots of mature trees, Nice parcel of land for hunting with a great place to make your hunt camp w/ a variety home is neslted on 18 wooded acres w/ 45 heavily wooded acres w/ mature trees, a
including hardwoods & pines. On county variety of wildlife in the area! Beautiful rolling of mature trees & lots of wildlife in the area, State Land adjacent to property for great variety of wildlife in the area, trails thru-out,
maintained road for added convenience!! property and heavily wooded!! including deer & turkey. Survey on file. hunting!! driveway & 4 hunting blinds!!
$26,500 M791955R $32,000 1828108 $97,000 1804978 $64,900 1805656 $119,900 1818920
22.8 ACRES!! BEAUTIFUL ROLLING ACREAGE!! HUNTERS PARADISE!! 70+ ACRES!! 10 BEAUTIFUL ACRES with trails,
Beautiful wooded acreage on paved road. Poten- 36.89 wooded acres. Excellent spot for your 80 acres w/ great mix of mature trees, rolling Fantastic hunting, lots of wildlife in the area with lots of wildlife for hunting. 28 camper, 2 storage
tial site for building you new home or getaway w/ hunt camp w/ electric available, hunting terrain, variety of wildlife, hunting blinds, trails, 1200sf ranch-style home. There is a 30x40 pole barn/ sheds, including one large enough for bunk beds
electric at road or fantastic hunting acreage w/ blinds, trails, outhouse & a 29 ft. Wildwood blacktop road & artesian fed pond. All of this garage and a pond. Move-in ready for year round included in sale, generator, well, septic field, fire
lots of mature trees & wildlife in the area!! camper included in selling price!! BACKING UP TO STATE LAND!! or hunting camp w/most furnishings and LC terms!! pit and much more! Excellent spot for the hunter!!
$39,900 1824632 $115,000 1828040 $219,000 1829958 $249,900 1816928 $47,900 1833846
NICELY WOODED 10 ACRES!! YEAR ROUND HOME ON 30 ACRES!! ULTIMATE HUNT CAMP!! FANTASTIC HUNTING PROPERTY!! STATE LAND JUST ACROSS THE ROAD!!
Beautiful rooling property w/ lots of wildlife 4-bdrm, full walkout basement, a variety of wildlife 65.5 wooded acres w/ trails thru-out, electric, well, septic 80 beautiful acres for fantastic hunt camp w/ mature trees & lots of 3-bdrm home on full walkout basement on 13 BEAU-
in the area & Wilkens Creek running thru in the area, garage, deck, porch, beautiful views and lits of mature tress, including hardwoods. There is wildlife in the area, including deer, turkey & bear and LaPort Creek TIFUL AND WOODED ACRES, with lots of wildlife
rear of property. Nice mix of mature trees and a pond!! Well-maintained home can be your also a 2-story garage w/ electric, cement floor & finished running thru prop. Acreage has never been timbered! Hurry, hunting the area, garage and large 40x64 wired pole building
& great spot!! residence while you hunt the 30 wooded acres!! upstairs that you could use as your sleeping quarters!! season will be here soon! Great area, not far from town & secluded!! and great place to hunt or for the nature lover!!
$28,000 1834161 $174,900 1826749 $129,900 1834798 $149,900 1835747 $169,900 1837809
LAKEFRONT HOME ALL SPORTS FOREST LAKE!! A NICE OF VIEW OF RIFLE LAKE!! 80 FEET ON BEAUTIFUL RIFLE RIVER NORTH DEASE LAKE!!
BORDERS STATE LAND!! Nice 2-bdrm, full walkout bsmt, 178 sandy front- 3-bdrm, 2 full bath home, newer drywall, floor- and over an acre of property. 2 bdrm home, FP, lots Cozy home with frnt on all sports lake is mostly furnished
3-bdrm, built in 2007, open floor, basement, knotty age on private lake, open floor plan, rear deck, ing, counter tops and backsplash, updated bath- of windows with fantastic views, formal dining, and has laminatefloors, loft area, 2 sheds, full walkout
pine, cathedral ceilings, covered deck, AC & 64 feet appliances, a bath on each floor, AC, skylights, room, bonus room in garage w/FP, sunroom, some furnishings, attached garage w/wood stove unfinished basement, main floor laundry & more. Large
on tranquil Helmer Lake!! attached garage & much more!! possible 4th bedroom, fenced yard & more!! heat, screened porch, large deck & more!! deck overlooking lake has beautiful views of lake!!
$149,000 1833744 $160,000 1811285 $119,000 1838970 $139,900 1831481 $166,000 1837086
1.5 PARTLY WOODED ACRES SPECTACULAR VIEWS!! THIS GETAWAYCOTTAGE IS NEAR IT ALL!! 2 BEDROOM COTTAGE with access BEAUTIFUL VIEWS GALORE!!
with trails leading to Silver Creek running thru back 3-bdrm on 2 lots & 100 feet of sandy frnt OVER AN ACRE & cozy 2-br, FP, knotty to all sports 186 acre GEORGE LAKE! Sun- 153 of waterfront on all sports LAKE OGEMAW w/
of property!! Nice 2 bedroom home and 24x30 at- on all sports Loon Lake. Covered deck, pine, newer turn & well pump, storage shed, room, loft area for your guests to sleep and ga- lake views from front & rear! 3 bdrm, AC, open floor
tached garage with 14x20 lean to for storage. Great fantastic views, garage w/elec and more!! deck & pond. Near State lands, popular all rage & shed for storage. Needs some TLC and plan, full walkout bsmt, 4 car garage w/elec, roadside
year round or perfect getaway. Motivated Seller!! sports Clear Lk & you can walk to Elni Lake!! fixing up but would make an excellent getaway!! carport, deck, lakeside patio, lakeside porch & more!!
$39,900 1833833 $179,900 1818975 $49,900 1827648 $38,000 1833419 $269,900 1834261
ACROSS FROM LAKE!! LAKE OGEMAW!! VIEWS OF WEST LONDO LAKE!! PRIVATE LAKE ACCESS ON 21.9 ACRES!! SOOTHING MULESHOE LAKE!!
Cute 2-bdrm across from no wake Frost Lake w/garage & 4-bdrm, 3 ba home with 86 of frontage on all sports 420 acre Cozy one bedroom home with deeded access to all Beautiful custom built 4-bdrm, 2.5 baths, FP, Quaint 2 bedroom home on no motor 8.8 acre
shed. Mostly furnished & excellent views. Subd amenities lake. Move-in ready with wood floors, appliances, central air, sports 190 acre lake. Sunroom, wood floors, newer newer windows, AC, master suite, knotty pine, lake. Some appliances & furnishings are included
include nice common areas and a community boat dock! family room, living area with fireplace, open dining and kitchen well, newer roof, newer siding on heated garage, loft, family room and full basement. Outside there in selling price and the home has been freshly
Cozy year residence or excellent getaway or weekend home! combo, paved driveway, covered porch & fantastic views!! two nice lots, and back deck & boat dock!! is a nice garage, a deck and fantastic views!! painted. Shed for storage & nice deck with views!!
$79,000 1820195 $279,900 1833767 $65,000 1818008 $299,000 1833576 $60,000 1798881
Houghton
Marquette
Newberry
Curtis
Iron Mountain Manistique
Gladstone
Escanaba Onaway
Powers Hawks
Menominee Hillman
Alpena
Marinette
Atlanta
Mio Harrisville
Skidway Lake
Almont
Linden
Howell
FALL CLEARANCE! DISCOUNTED PRICES! FALL CLEARANCE! DISCOUNTED PRICES! FALL CLEARANCE!
email: alpswre@speednetllc.com email: sw@statewiderealestate.org 160 ACRES: Tower road property. Well
989-356-2142 Fax: 989-356-2144 989-742-4523 800-228-7856 906-228-9312 Fax: 906-228-8069 CANADIAN WATERFRONT AND Treed, hunting and recreation property.
Fax: 989-742-3931 RECREATIONAL PROPERTY. Rolling Hills w/$30K in timber, beaver pond
MENOMINEE CLOSE TO SAULT STE. MARIE, surrounded by Government land. Two miles
ALMONT MICHIGAN BORDER off year-round maintained road. 25 mins
3631 10th Street, 49858
844 Van Dyke Road HOUGHTON *LAND CONTRACTS East of Sault, Ontario. $74,900 US.
lafrancesharon@yahoo.com email: statewideone@newbc.rr.com
500 Shelden Ave., 49931 906-863-9905 AVAILABLE O.A.C.* MACDONALD PROPERTY: 759 acres with
810-798-8591 Fax: 810-798-8079 email: dick@statewideofhoughton.com
Fax: 906-863-7935 hunting camp, 25 miles east of Sault St.
906-482-6955 800-676-6323 BEAR DUCK Marie Ontario, property is gated, isolated and
Fax: 906-482-7699 GOOSE & SMALL GAME
CURTIS/NEWBERRY MIO
wooded, with a four bedroom, two-story pole
Main Street, P.O. Box 305, 49820 102 West 8th St., P.O. Box 395, 48647
NOW OPEN barn. 20-acre lake and 2 streams. Great
email: swcurtis@sbcglobal.net email: info@statewidemio.com MOOSE & WHITETAIL
Bear Hunting! Two Deer plots! Five deeds, no
906-586-9606 Fax: 906-586-9607 HOWELL/LINDEN 989-826-3292
guide required, underpriced at $259,900 US.
1285 S. Michigan Ave., Howell, MI 48843 SEASON NOW OPEN Terms available, excellent buy!
email: statewid@earthlink.net Fax: 989-826-2108 OTHER PROPERTIES AVAILABLE! One-10 ACRE SAND BEACH LOT (this lot
ESCANABA 517-546-9060 800-531-4449 TROPHY DEER & BEAR AREA has it all): 60 miles east of Sault Ste. Marie.
2209 Ludington Street, 49829 Fax: 517-546-9148 ONAWAY WITH GREAT FISHING!!! 300 frontage on Bright Lake near Hwy 17
email: escanaba@statewiderealestate.net M-33 & M-68, NO GUIDE OR East (lake area approx.. 24 sq. miles), year-
906-786-1308 800-900-0777 P.O. Box 478, 49765 OUTFITTER REQUIRED! round access with power to property. Inland
Fax: 906-786-1388 IRON MOUNTAIN lake has Perch, Bass, Walleye and Northern
231 East A. St. email: bigdan@frontier.com Don't Be Shy, Make An Offer.
Pike. Priced to sell at $119,900 US.
Iron Mountain, MI 49807 989-733-6522 LOOKING FOR OFFERS!!!
GLADSTONE 906-828-2525 Fax: 989-733-2427 160 ACRES HARDWOOD & SOFTWOOD: EXCLUSIVE LAKE HURON WATERFRONT &
1401 Delta Ave., Fax: 906-828-2727 Large beaver pond. Only 2 miles off year- WATER-VIEW ESTATE LOTS LOCATED IN
Gladstone, MI 49837 email: steve@multistatewide.com round maintained road. 35 minutes East of THESSALON, ONTARIO 50 MILES EAST OF
906-825-9000 POWERS Sault, Ontario. $54,900 US. SAULT STE. MARIE, ONTARIO ON HIGHWAY
email: judy@statewiderealestate.net W3776 US2 & 41, 49874 400 ACRES OF ROLLING HARD-AND 17 EAST: Lighthouse Point serviced with
MANISTIQUE 906-497-4190 SOFTWOOD HILLS: Large beaver pond and hydro, telephone, sewer, water, gas, cable on
10 N. State Highway M-149 Fax: 906-497-5328 creek runs thru property, next to above property paved street. Airport, marina and hospital in
HARRISVILLE area. No time limit for building. Waterfront lots
430 S. US-23, 48740 Cooks, MI 49817 holly@statewiderealestate.net if more acreage is required. Property is great for
bear hunting, white tail and grouse. Four miles 100 478 frontage, waterview lots 80 front-
email: sold@anjstatewide.com 906-644-2304 off year-round maintained road. $134,900 US. age. Prices from $11,900.00 US and up.
989-724-5711 800-655-5735 email: dekeysermary@yahoo.com
Fax: 989-724-6833 SKIDWAY LAKE
2228 Greenwood Rd., LAJAMBE OFFICE: (705) 248-9663 CELL: (705) 941-8355
FAX: (705) 248-1110
ENTERPRISESINC.
HAWKS MARINETTE, WISCONSIN Prescott, 48756
8383 Hwy. 451, 49743 1460 Marinette Ave., 54143 email: atlas@m33access.com Frank Lajambe
email: rita8383@yahoo.com email: statewidemarinette@yahoo.com 989-873-3601 flajambe@lajambe.com
989-734-4846 715-735-9964 Fax: 715-732-1107 Fax: 989-873-6914 715 Finns Bay Road www.lajambe.com
Echo Bay, Ontario CAN POS 1C0 *Prices subject to change.
FALL CLEARANCE! DISCOUNTED PRICES! FALL CLEARANCE!
118 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
SANILAC COUNTY RANDY MINTO OSCODA COUNTY
N EW Always Working Hard for You!
REDUCED $3
REALTOR
Direct:
0,000
40 ACRES 810.449.1286 20 ACRES
Gorgeous 3270 Sq Ft Ranch with loft. - OR - Amazing 3,900 Sq Ft, 1/2 Log Interior, Custom-Built.
Built 2011. 2 Pole Barns. Office:
Abuts 500+ Acres Federal Land. 5 Outbuildings & Pond.
*DV 810.653.4500
$419,000 $249,500 *DV
SPECIALIZING IN UNIQUE, LUXURY AND LARGE RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES
DEER & NATURE LOVERS DREAM PROPERTIES
* * LAPEER COUNTY *
D
V
257 ACRES ST. CLAIR COUNTY D 86 ACRES D
V
400 ACRES
V
LICENSED
PHEASANT
200 TILLABLE ACRES PRESERVE
Great farming, income producing. 1/2 mile on Fantastic Development Opportunity. CLARE COUNTY. Great Hunting Lodge,
Belle River, multiple Outbuildings, 2 Ponds. 30 2-Acre Lots. 14 Blinds, 6 Food Plots.
$1,250,000 $550,000 $598,000
* LICENSED DEER RANCH
D
V
*
D
V
AMAZING APPLEGATE HUNTING DV* E W COMMERCIAL
PRESERVE! $1,250,000 N PROPERTIES
34 ACRES 80-100 DEER
20-25 TROPHY BUCKS
GENESEE COUNTY
Woodland Deer Ranch in Davison. 6-car garage, pond, 5 blinds,
5 Parcels, $85,000-$395,000,
3 lg feeders, Lg polebarn. 4BD, 3BA, walkout & up basement. 1 Acre-18.75 Acres, Davison Twp.
$849,900 APPROX. 200 DEER APPROX. 100 ELK Prime Location! Commerce Park of Davison
* *
D 128 ACRES GENESEE COUNTY D SANILAC COUNTY 80 ACRES
V 25 ACRES V
*
D CHIPPEWA COUNTY * 3 ACRES
D 10 ACRES *
D 50 ACRES *
D
V
E D UCE D V V NEW V
R
210 ACRES PR ICE GENESEE COUNTY
COMMERCIAL
OAKLAND
COUNTY
SOLD Commercial
Cozy Log Cabin, Outbuildings, 1/4 mile on GENESEE COUNTY $350,000
St. Marys River, Beach Front, Secluded. Great Building Site Great Building Site * Shiawassee River
D Davison Twp
$199,999 $249,000 $115,000 V $395,000 10 Acres
* 7+ ACRES *
D * 79 ACRES
D D 72 ACRES GREAT D
V SOL V
N EW V
BUILDING SITES
COMMERCIAL LAPEER COUNTY
LAPEER COUNTY GENESEE COUNTY
5 Parcels, $145,000 - $595,000 Amazing Home Over 5,200 sq ft of Living
Gorgeous Home on Excellent Visibility Space & Outdoor Entertainment. Gorgeous
72 Acres. from I-69 Commercial, 1 Acre - 2.6 Acres property, 8 ponds. Very Private and Secluded.
$895,000 $195,000 In the Davison Athletic & Country Club Complex $1,265,000
DRONE
*DV VIDEO GO TO: MIDREAMPROPERTIES.com
OR CALL 810-449-1286
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 119
2303 South Nine Mile Road
40 acres 2 bedroom/2-bath older mobile
home in Gladwin County
Great hunting camp or make it your private
get a way.
Breckenridge, MI 3 bedrooms, 2 baths Hunting Blind, Pond, Trails, well & septic
1,625 Square Feet MLS #1809999 and is only 2.5 miles from the city of Gladwin.
Gladwin County $91,900
145 acres of wooded bliss, many miles of
groomed trails, food plots, low lands, about
a dozen blinds. Rich in game and has
produced multiple bucks each year
Cabin built in the 1800s as a lumber
camp and remodeled with the perfect UP
NORTH feeling
2 bedrooms, nice living room with a wood
stove plus a very functional kitchen
Odorless outhouse complete with electric
light and exhaust fan. Even kids wont mind using this one! There is a 16x12
shed, great fire pit, covered patio and loading ramp ATVs
Most furnishings included, Move-in ready! Must See! Call today.
Clare County $349,000
40 Wooded acres with 700+ ft on the
Cedar River
1400 sq.ft. home w/attached 2 car garage
188.5 Acre Christmas Tree Farm 3,200 Sq Ft Barn 12x16 & 24x24 pole barns, 12x20 horse barn
Prime Whitetail Hunting More than 50,000 Trees 12x24 Guest cabin w/6 screened porch
Fruit trees, large stand of Cedars, deer, bear,
Updated Appliances, Roof and Windows! turkeys, you name it.
Species Clare County $134,900
Scotch Pine Southeastern White Pine Michigan White Spruce
Norway Spruce Black Hills Spruce Colorado Spruce
Real Estate One Gladwin
Canaan Fir Douglas Fir ConColor Fir Fraser Fir 1005 N. State St.
Gladwin, MI 48624
Call Jim or Auric at 989-773-5972 989-426-6561
Coldwell Banker Mt. Pleasant Realty MT. PLEASANT
REALTY & ASSOC.
relgladwin@gmail.com
WOODED 2 ACRES 10 ACRES ADJOINS STATE 1+ ACRES W/2 SHEDS 5+ ACRES 18 ACRES ADJOINS FEDERAL
3 BD, 1 BA Mobile 3 BD, 1 BA Cabin 2 BD, 1 BA 3 BD, 1 BA Home 2 BD, 1 BA Mobile
MLS 17021101 $39,900 MLS 17048702 $51,900 MLS 17025829 $49,900 MLS 17038673 $59,900 MLS 17047384 $44,900
1.4 WOODED ACRES 10 ACRES M/L 18 ACRES OFF US 10 40 ACRES 2+ WOODED ACRES
Federal Land Across Road Wooded Mixture Rails to Trails 3 Sides Federal Land Adjoins Federal Land
MLS 17047388 $14,900 MLS 17039069 $23,900 MLS 17045808 $26,900 MLS 16053411 $35,000 MLS 17037563 $13,900
BRANDON CROPSEY CHUCK KEEFER EDMUND NOGASKI JAKE EHLINGER JUSTIN OLK
Broker, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist
Michigan Central Michigan Northern Michigan Southeast Michigan West Central Michigan
(269) 816-3010 (989) 600-4112 (231) 330-4107 (517) 937-2118 (616) 648-6156
MICHAEL TURNER SHAD WOODRUFF SHAWN KELLEY TONY HANSEN
Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist Agent, Land Specialist
Eastern Michigan North Central Michigan Southeast Michigan Central Michigan
(248) 770-4898 (989) 330-4032 (586) 292-1812 (269) 420-9510
CONTACT AN AGENT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BUYING AND
SELLING HUNTING, FARMLAND AND TIMBERLAND
$985,500.00
500 of Sugar Sand Lake Michigan Frontage in Naubinway
on 20 acres with a Beautiful, Professionally Designed Log
Home. Full Guest Quarters above a Two Car + Garage. A
Membership to the 58 Square Mile Hiawatha Hunt and Gun
Club with a buildable lot Included.
MLS # 451575
$1,495,000.00
985of Sugar Sand Beach located in Engadine on 22 acres. Well maintained,
Large 5,400 sq ft Lodge, in a very private setting. Property includes a Large
Pole Building that is multi- functional for equipment, vehicle, fuel storage
and large generator. Home will accommodate 12 plus, comfortably.
Abundant Black Bear, White Tail Deer and Turkey hunting throughout the
22 acres and property is adjacent to 100s of acres of State Land. Brook
Trout Stream runs through property. Very private location with fuel and
food storage capacity for three months and more.
MLS # 452811
$267,500.00
40 Acres of Quality Hunting Land just north of Petoskey. Property
features quality built 1,300 sq ft home along with a 32 x 60 Pole
Barn with concrete floor, water, heat and phone. A second Pole
Barn has gravel floor. Both Barns have metal roofs. Property fea-
tures three ponds and elevated Tree Blinds. Abundant White Tail
Deer and Turkey Hunting on Property as well as some Game Birds.
MLS # 452787
Hunting/Farm/Ranch/Waterfront
Kathleen M. Emig
231-330-2028
www.LandLeader/brokerage/cedarcreekrealty.com
WNW NEWS NOVEMBER 2017 123
17 Acres of Terrific Camp on 80 acres
Hunting property in that has two blinds
the UP. Land con- already in place
nects with 80 acres and a nice camp.
of state Land in the 350 gallon holding
Northeast corner. tank for cold and hot water, a full kitchen,
Cose to connection for phone, electricity. Many outhouse has a flushing toilet and heat,
different tree types and both high and low 10x10 shed cement floor for toys, a Buck
ground. This is perfect spot to set up camp or pole in place for the lucky hunter. $99,900
build your new home. $28,900
99 acres of land
Natures Paradise! with a camp, in
High quality newer Perkins. about
maintenance free half the acreage is
camp on 280 acres of beautiful northern
mostly high ground, hardwoods stand that is dominated by
11 food plots, camp sugar maple. This is enrolled in the quali-
is a two bedroom fied forest program. $124,900
one bath with a loft, catherdral ceilings, all
tongue and groove, exterior is vinyl, steel roof, Great Place to
generator is included, propane space heater, build your dream
also a 24x32 pole building, the cabin features home, 376 feet on
an open concept, the property has two miles Stoner Lake and
of trails and two sections border state land. 3 sits on 4.40 acres. It
elevated blinds and one ground blind. All furni- has been cleard and a septic and electric-
ture and appliances included. $299,900 ity is on the property. It also has a shed.
This is a recreational lake, it is about 25
Great hunting feet deep with bass, perch, pike, fishing.
camp on 100 acres, A piece of Heaven. $79,900
lots of wildlife, deer,
grouse, turkey, bear,
bobcat, weasel, Country Living 3
Bucks are taken bed 2 bath home
every year, Heavily wooded with spruce, and siting on 30 acres,
cedar, Boudreu creek running through it, older Nice open concept
trailer in good condition, 1,000 gallon septic, kitchen area, bed-
newer windows , roof and furnace, property rooms are all good size, main floor laun-
borders state land. $130,000 dry, nice yard, garage. $134,500
1 Bdrm, 1 bth cabin. 40 Acres off the grid. 3 Bdrm, 1 bth camp. 78 Acres adjoins State land. 1 Bdrm, 0 Bths, Camp. 125 Escanaba River. 42
Food plots, apple trees, and pond. Rapid River. Power on site. Two power ponds. Shed. Stonington. Plus Acres for hunting and recreation. Cornell.
$164,900 1103217 $95,000 1101570 $99,900 1101607
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
$72,000 1103001 $57,000 1102479 $41,000 1099277
124 NOVEMBER 2017 WNW NEWS
Good hunting and fishing! 14.3 acres near Pigeon River State Forest, sinkholes and inland lakes. Centrally
located for ATV riding, hunting and viewing deer and elk. Land contract available.
Sunny Cove $33,231 #257296
100 Hunting
Preserve
* Subdivision
East of canal Affordable 40 acres camp near Alpena. Trails throughout and camp has well,
septic and electric Terms $69,900 #309026
Acres,
Saginaw Bay
40 acres in Ocqueoc. Wooded with mature trees and small openings for building/
* camping or greenfields. Terms available. $70,000 #309034
Dyked & 59 acres with camp in quality deer management area in Cheboygan county. Ready to
Farm
hunt parcel with ground & raised blinds, fool plots and tree stands. $110,000 #303829
Isolated *
Dredge 54 acres near Hawks with established trails, green fields and wildlife pond.
Building/camping site by road, property sets back for privacy. Terms available.
$113,900 #309930
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
STATE WIDE REAL Check out our web site for
additional properties of all types.
within 4 miles. Camp sites with power. Perfect for hunt clubs! References needed. ESTATE OF HAWKS www.statewideofhawks.com
EMAIL DJRMVP@GMAIL.COM BY APPOINTMENT ONLY OF HAWKS FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ONE OF OUR AGENTS: 989.734.4840
www.kiddleavy.com
Mini
Rocker -
Recliners
Cabins
From
$
19999
Log starting at
1999
Futons
$ 99
Rustic End Tables
from 14999
$ $
39999
DA N
Mattress
DA N
Not Included
2018 Polar Kraft Sportsman 2072 XSE Gator Trax 3 Man Hide 2018 Polarkraft 2010 Tiller
$
25,995* $
20,995* $
28,995*
Suzuki 115ELPT CT, Mud buddy 37EFI, Mercury 115 HP,
Side Console Aluminum Trailer Trailer
*plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight
2017 Excel 1651 SWV4 2016 Alweld 2060 Mud 2017 Bankes 21ft Goliath
$
16,995* $
19,990* $
42,900*
Mud Buddy 37 EFI New Mud Buddy Suzuki 140 HP,
Sport HD 4400, Trailer Trailer
*plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight
2016 Gator Trax 14' Marsh 2018 War Eagle Gladiator 2016 War Eagle 548LDV
$
10,995 * $
16,995 $
9,995**
Used Gator Tail 31 HP, Gator Tail 37 EFI Suzuki
Fast Grass Blind GTR, Trailer DF25AQHEL
*plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight *plus tax, title & freight
Holding Power
Retrievability Durability The Chene Anchor
201 Industrial Way, Fenton, MI 517-202-2949
or available at...
THE KNOWLEDGEABLE BOATERS A BETTER
SPORTS
CENTER
BEST CHOICE MOUSE TRAP
Visit us at www.freeway-sports.com for a complete listing of boats!
FULL SERVICE PARTS & ACCESSORIES
Service Department Indoor & Outdoor Storage
(810) 629-2291 Hours: FLINT FREEWAY
SPORTS CENTER
SPORTS
3241 Thompson Rd. Mon.-Fri. 9am - 6pm EXIT 84
59
FENTON
CENTER
Sat. 9am - 5pm
PONTIAC
Fenton, MI 48430
23
w w w. f r e e w a y - s p o r t s . c o m
Closed Sunday's
96
Exit 84 on US-23 ANN ARBOR DETROIT sales@freeway-sports.com
Traditions Outfitter G2 Rifle
Fall Hunting
Special:
31516 Harper Avenue
$
379.99 *
*Scope Not Included
Michi-GUN
Available at: Layaways Welcome
St. Clair Shores, MI 48082
Phone (586) 296-2360
Fax (586) 264-8307
STORE HOURS:
Mon. - Fri: 10am-7pm;
Sat: 10am-4pm; Closed Sunday www.michigunandtackle.com