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Woods-n-Water News
Michigan’s Premier Outdoor Publication
Micky
Vaughn
Corey Sara
Memering Colyer
MICHIGAN
Wyatt Waterman
TROPHIES
• Do Some Bucks Opt Out of the Rut? • After Dark 'Eyes on Ice
• Inland Lake Water Levels • 14-Year-Old Huntress Bags B&C Bear
• 'Busy Beavers' • Scouting Key for Late Goose Season Success
www.woods-n-waternews.com • Like us on facebook Follow us on
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WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 3
STORIES Cover Buck! John
Rose
CONTINUE
By Tom Campbell...
O
h my how the deer hunting
stories keep coming! we love
it and will keep sharing them
with you the readers. If you have a pho-
Stuck Trophy!
to and/or story you want to share email
it to us at wnw@pageone-inc.com.
Unfortunately, not all the deer
stories are enjoyable. Like the ones in-
Sara Opening day of gun season I was sitting
in my blind on the edge of a powerline when
volving CWD. According to the DNR,
two new counties likely will be added
Colyer out pops a deer about 80-90 yards heading
west. I proceeded to place him in my sights
to the list of Michigan counties where and then discovered that he was an 8-pt.
chronic wasting disease has been found. My husband is an avid hunter, and works really hard to prepare our Barry County buck. I pulled the trigger on him. He suddenly
went down, but then got up and ran back
CWD is a fatal neurological disease that property for deer season. I had not been out hunting in two years but one of onto the state land where he originally came
affects white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk out from onto the powerline. I waited for 30
my girlfriends from work had never been, and asked if she could go hunting
and moose.
with me. That got me back out in the woods. My husband got us both out in minutes then went tracking his blood trial.
A 4-year-old hunter-harvested I went about 100 feet up a ridge and saw
buck in Pine River Township (Gratiot separate spots, and I waited, and waited! I finally saw a doe come in, got my him somewhat standing and facing forward
County) and a 2-year-old hunter-har- shot, and couldn’t believe when she went down - it was my first deer, at 37! My like he was resting and going to take off. Not
vested buck in Carmel Township (Eaton husband had told me that once I shoot, reload. I reloaded and right away saw knowing that he was wedged in a nest of
County) are suspected positive for the this monster buck come over the ridge. He was cautiously looking to see what trees, I shot him again. I walked up to see
disease. The samples were sent to the was going on with the doe. I knew I had to try to get this buck or my husband the real story of what happened. Between
my brother and nephew, we were successful
National Veterinary Services Labora- would never believe what I saw! I took my shot and watched it run about 30 in untangling him from the trees that he was
tory in Ames, Iowa, for confirmation, feet, I couldn’t believe it when it went down! I had gotten my first two deer five embedded in. Another successful hunt with
which is expected next week.
Chronic wasting disease currently has
minutes apart! My husband says I have beginner’s luck. I fear I will always be the group at Sportsmen’s Club 31, Onaway.
been confirmed in Clinton, Dickin- chasing this high again. It was worth the wait. By Sara Colyer By John Rose
son, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kent and
‘EYES
opt out of the rut? An investment for your future!
John Ozoga page 24 Jake Dykstra page 70
Drought/Precipitation
and lake water levels Dear Fish Diary...
Bill Ziegler page 32 By quitting I will catch more fish
Ron St. Germain page 74
Making traditional snowshoes
Darryl Quidort page 38
Dog Training...Flagging
Len Jenkins page 55
Woods-n-Water News
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DEPARTMENTS...
Trophy Pages. . . 64-65 Classifieds . . . . . . . 92
Michigan’s Premier Outdoor Publication
1-810-724-0254
Vaughn
www.woods-n-waternews.com
Colyer Buck...page 4 MICHIGAN
Memering Buck...page 8 Wyatt Waterman
TROPHIES P.O. Box 278, Imlay City, MI 48444
Vaughn Buck...page 10 • Do Some Bucks Opt Out of the Rut? • After Dark 'Eyes on Ice
• Inland Lake Water Levels • 14-Year-Old Huntress Bags B&C Bear
www.facebook.com/woodsnwaternews
• 'Busy Beavers' • Scouting Key for Late Goose Season Success
Waterman Buck...page 14 www.woods-n-waternews.com • Like us on facebook Follow us on
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WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 7
COVER BUCK...
23 POINT!
Cory Memering’s
Buck; Top Five
All-Time Archery
Harvest...
L
et’s start this story out in dramatic
fashion. This buck will be top 5 all-
time archery harvest in the state of
Michigan’s rich deer hunting history. Corey Memering with his monster Washtenaw Co. 23-pt. that gross scored 227 2/8 inches.
The story of the hunter and the hunt The trophy buck may be in the top seven bucks taken in Michigan!
is also one of the best-ever if you are
a fan of pure bowhunting, family, faith, and hard wife put their three young children to bed and big deer, but it could be from anywhere.” As fate
work as well as a little good luck. We can sum could we chat the next day? I knew I was dealing would have it though four days later while their
it all up with one word that makes it all come with a good man. family was out trick-or-treating Corey’s wife saw
together and that word is fate. The story on this magnificent buck the buck walking across a bean field and could
Washtenaw County resident Corey starts over a year ago on October 27 of hardly wait to share the news with him.
Memering is exclusively a bowhunter. A 2017. A fellow hunter in the area sent “I couldn’t believe it. Not only was it real, but
high-voltage electrician by occupation, him a trail cam picture of the buck. it was close by. I had to find it!,” he shares.
when I first spoke to him via telephone Corey inquired further and as the con- So, the quest to harvest this buck began. He
inquiring about this buck I was very versation narrowed down to this being a initially had no access to any of the property in
impressed in the first minute or two Michigan deer his counterpart’s will- this buck’s home area, so he started door knock-
into our discussion as he said he would ingness to provide information quickly ing, a quality that is often lacking in some these
gladly share this great buck’s story with dried up. days. He said at first the lady he approached
our readers but couldn’t do it that Corey tells me “I didn’t think initially refused to allow him to hunt, but they
evening as he would like to help his
By Mark Sak much of it at the time. Sure, it was a had a good long chat about everything from
diesel trucks to dogs, even camping and kids. She
obviously also saw some very positive qualities
in this young man. She said she would discuss
access with her husband if he promised only he
alone would hunt. Shortly after he received per-
mission and by the time the 2018 archery season
opened, he had identified what he thought could
be some of the buck’s travel corridors and maybe
even his core area. The area had the usual mix of
small parcels of 5 to 20 acres owned by private
landowners. It also of course had some nice thick
areas Corey termed as ‘gnarly,’ as well as agricul-
tural fields. He aided his search by aerial photos
to find specific funnels and bedding areas then
did some more door-knocking, and he was able to
gain access to several key small pieces of land.
Corey was able to get trail cameras hung and
got his first picture of the buck on October 1,
2018. He also got pictures of the buck October
9, 15, 16, 18 and 19. On October 20, severe
thunderstorms would roll through Michigan
and Corey took advantage of the rain, wind and
thunder to go back in and hang another stand
in the core area. He mentioned how a few folks
thought he was crazy, but this hunter knew he had
to take every opportunity given to have a chance
to harvest this magnificent buck. It wasn’t until
Oct. 21 when Corey got the buck’s picture mak-
ing a scrape near that new stand and signaling, he
had found his best location to try and harvest the
animal.
Corey was able to get trail cameras hung and got his first picture of the buck on October On October 30, he had planned to sit in that
1, 2018. He also got pictures of the buck October 9, 15, 16, 18 and 19 and 21. stand all day. But as the morning began to slip
I
t’s a pure and simple fact! You can’t hard. had already hunted 43 of the 47 possible
shoot big bucks if you don’t pass on “I give the bucks names so I can chat hunting days.
little bucks! And it’s also a fact - you with my wife and children about the ani- The other key ingredient to big buck
can’t shoot big bucks from your trees- mals I have seen that day,” Micky went on success after passing on the little ones, is
tand if you’re not in it! to say. to be in your tree stand when the big guy
Of course, much easier said than done. His family is also interested in the out- walks past your stand. Micky understands
Micky Vaughn, 37, from just outside door lifestyle and they understand and share this well and has the discipline to do just
of Cedar Springs, Michigan knows this to Micky’s love of whitetails. that.
be true. During the gun season Micky shot “I passed on 12 bucks before I shot this At 9:30 a.m. the big buck showed him-
a monster buck on his 21 acres, in Kent one. A couple of them were real good bucks self at 150 yards, Micky watched him for
County. The buck, a 10-pointer, had an 18 too,” Micky said. over 30 minutes.
1/2 inch inside spread, 6 inches of mass, In late October, Micky saw the buck he “He just stood there, in the same spot
sported heavy main beams and impres- calls ‘Justice’ three times, but each time out the whole time,” Micky went on to say.
sive tall tines. The 4 1/2 year-old buck was of bow range. He was a tremendous buck, Micky decided to shoot. Pulling the trig-
unofficially green scored at 177 1/4 and and for Micky the hunt was on. This is what ger on his .450 Bushmaster the buck fell in
is expected to officially score in the upper he likes to do, hunt big bucks. There was the thick cattails.
160s. only one buck now as far as he cared and “I walked over to where I thought he
Micky grew up in a hunting family and that was the big ole’ 10-pointer. was and didn’t see him. After a while,
shot his first buck at 9 years old. He de- The gun season opener found Micky I saw a little movement in the cattails, I
veloped a passion to hunt at an early age, with a cold and cough. Yet for him missing shot him again to make sure he didn’t get
that passion has grown to a self-proclaimed opening day with a brute like ‘Justice’ in up and run off. And that’s when it hit me
obsession. the area, just wasn’t going to happen. on just how big he was!” Micky told me,
“I like to chase big bucks and I love In fact, after talking with Micky, I his voice quivering a little from recalling
to be in the whitetail woods, ” Micky told got the distinct feeling it would be easier the hunt.
me with conviction in his to drown a fish than keep him out of the “I was so excited to tell my wife I shot
voice. woods. this big buck and was thankful she under-
Making use of two trail Micky just doubled up on cough drops, stands my passion to be in the woods,”
cameras on his 21 acres, muffled his cough and hunted. He sat all Micky explains.
which is surrounded by a day in the tree with no sign of his targeted “I truly believe God put that buck in
few hundred acres more of buck. front of me that day because he knew I
swamp, Micky has a good November 16th represented the 47th day wasn’t going to give up until I got ‘Justice.’
idea of the bucks in his of whitetail hunting in Michigan, counting I am so blessed!” concludes Micky.
area. He hunts and scouts both bow and gun. Micky was prepared to This is one of Michigan’s outstanding
By Randy Jorgensen sit all day again, or longer if needed. He “Swamp Bucks.”n
AFTER
ous trail using GPS and search structure as we
motor across the frozen lake to a distant walleye
honey hole found 8 miles from shore. When we
hit the destination Steve set up exactly where he
found a huge school of walleyes the day before
and I moved about 50 yards away.
VandeMark has been fishing the Bay for over
DARK
30 years and has a keen sense of where and when
to find schools of active fish with ease. He pulls a
flip-up ice shanty with a snowmobile and prefers
to travel with other anglers for safety. You never
know what you encounter on frozen ice during
dark and it pays to have backup especially during
emergency situations.
I shut down my Honda quadrunner, grabbed
’EYES
the Jiffy 10-inch gas powered auger and punched
a hole through the thick ice at lightning speed.
After I drilled one hole for electronics and anoth-
er fishing hole I set up my Vexilar. There close to
bottom was a big bright band indicating a fish so
I rigged the glow Do-Jigger with a live minnow
and dropped it into the zone. When the jig hit
ON ICE
bottom I raised it about 12 inches and gave two
short 6-inch pumps of the rod tip. That’s when I
felt a solid slam and I jerked the rod skyward and
set the hook. It was hard for me to believe I was
already into a fish before clearing the other holes
of ice and soon a fat five pounder flopped onto
the ice.
I yelled to Steve, “Got one,” and he quickly
replied, “Me too,” as I frantically cleared ice
from other holes, rigged two rods and sent wig-
gling minnows dancing on spoons to bottom. But
I’m not saying a #3 Do-Jigger spoon is the greatest walleye my second rod was rigged with a 3/8 oz. new
super glow spoon from Moonshine Lures. It was
lure of all time, but I have one in my box that has caught tons a relatively heavy spoon with glow-in-the-dark
of fish from a variety of waters from Saginaw Bay to Erie’s 30 colors that were extremely bright when I placed
them in front of my head lamp. The first thing
foot depths, Lake Macatawa, Portage Lake and beyond. The one I noticed was the extra bright red on the spoon
characteristic is this lure glows. Not the new super glow color called Bloody Nose highlighted with a greenish
super glow body and large black dots.
but a chartreuse glow that somehow sends a message to hungry SLAM! I was into another walleye and soon
walleyes and turns them into jaw snapping tigers with menacing the super glow spoon outscored the Do-Jigger
three to one. That’s when I switched to another
teeth slamming down on the spoon with reckless abandon... Moonshine Lures spoon that had a perch pattern
Unique
Racked
Buck
E
leven year-old Wyatt Waterman of
Vassar, although young in age, is truly
an experienced deer hunter having
successfully hunted since the age of
six. That’s right; Wyatt has taken a
buck every season since he was six-
years-old! Wyatt’s dad, Troy, has been his mentor
and he’s quick to point out that they are not rich
and famous hunters. They have 80 acres near
Vassar that the two work on and manage to grow
more mature deer and they have fun doing it.
This year Wyatt took an awesome split-brow
12-point with a chocolate colored rack. The rack
still had velvet dried on antlers. The Watermans
had several trail cam pics of this buck for over
a month and always thought the velvet hanging
was grass or something from making a scrape.
Wyatt’s sixth career buck he took with his Killer
Instinct Crossbow is a very unique buck and they
even had it nicknamed, Chalky. Wyatt is so proud
of his buck he even insisted on writing his own
story…
This was one of my luckiest weeks I ever
had. It started off Thursday night, it was my
last football game against our arch rivals Cass Wyatt Waterman of Vassar with his sixth buck in six years of hunting. This one a monster!
City under the lights. We won the game 28-8 My dad was in a treestand behind me and we the stand something was coming our way.
and I had 13-tackles and two-sacks. Boy did my could watch both ways. I saw a couple of does at Then I heard something and saw this huge
body ached after that game. We had no school around 4:30, it was beautiful out. The does finally body and my feet started to shake. I could see the
on Friday, so I decided we’d go hunting in the left about 5:00 and I saw movement and I sat as rack and it was big. I thought it was the really
afternoon and little did I know I would shoot the still as possible. A button buck came out and then big eight-point that I had trail cam photos of. It
biggest buck of my life. laid down in the brush. The fawn buck decided was so huge, I stopped looking at the rack. My
When my dad and I left the truck the wind to get up with about 30 minutes of daylight but I dad always said make sure it’s a shooter then stop
was from the southeast, perfect for our stands. saw other movement and I text my dad to stay in looking at the rack and watch his body. Now I
could see it was Chalky and the fawn was dis-
tracting him so I could get a good shot and heard
the ‘smack.’
After waiting and watching the button buck
lay back down. I went to look for blood and
found it but lost it in the grassy field.
The buck went thru a switch grass field which
is hard to find blood at night in...The forecast was
rain starting at 2 am so we got out of there and
my dad called Mike at Michigan Deer Track’n
Hounds. He was helping another hunter find his
buck and couldn’t meet us until after midnight.
His dog June did a good job of following my
buck after three hours we marked the trail and
decided to come back in the morning.
The next morning I was pumped and we
starting trailing my buck and my dad told me I
should look in the creek so I split up and walked
the creek and could see something brown and it
was my deer and I started yelling for my dad. He
came running over and we celebrated for a while.
It was going to be a job getting that buck out of
the creek but Mike helped us and I couldn’t have
Wyatt’s buck had a very unique chocolate coloring to its antlers along with dried velvet. been happier!n
14 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
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Woods-n-Water News
Michigan’s Premier Outdoor Publication
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C
onnie Osentoski of Cass City
didn’t begin hunting deer until 18
years ago, but it has turned into a
passion she shares with her hus-
band Marty. The fact is with their
busy schedule of handling Osen-
toski Realty and Auctioneering which is nearly
a seven days a week job, Connie and Marty also
generously donate a lot of their time and energy
handling the auctioneering at numerous fundrais-
ing events such as Whitetails Unlimited, Pheas-
ants Forever, Ducks Unlimited and Friends of the
NRA, just to name a few. Despite all this, they
put a priority on hunting local whitetails together,
and treasure the time they share afield.
Connie’s first deer hunting experience was Connie Osentoski of Cass City and her dandy Thumb 13-point non-typical buck she shot at 100
quite memorable to say the least, because she yards on the evening of November 16, 2018, after several weeks of dedicated and hard hunting.
discovered the hard way that scrunching into the their wooded bottomland property along the Cass crossbow by simply using a crank on the butt-
scope of a borrowed 12 ga. shotgun to shoot at a River allows them such wonderful deer hunting stock.
buck can be an enlightening experience. In this opportunities. It was the evening before this year’s October
case, it actually broke her nose, but this didn’t To extend her time deer hunting, Connie 1 opener for “bow season” that Connie took a
dissuade her any, and Marty would present her recently began using a Ravin crossbow dur- camera to her favorite hunting blind to see and
at Christmas that year with a more manageable ing the archery season, and fully appreciates its photograph whatever deer might be in that neck
H&R Ultra-Slug 20 ga., which she would use in reliable accuracy, light weight and very compact of the woods. That is when she spotted the buck
taking her share of Thumb bucks (she likes the limbs (six inch axle to axle width) which make of her dreams, a 13-point non-typical which even
dependable performance of Lightfield slugs). it handy not only in a ladder stand, but also ideal seemed to pose for the picture she took of him.
Marty Osentoski has for some time now put a for shooting out the window of a hunting blind. Connie made her mind up right then and there she
focus on shooting only bucks that he is willing to
She always does plenty of preseason shooting would put her entire focus on hunting this buck.
pay to have made into full shoulder mounts, and practice, which she enjoys doing with Marty, and However, the huge 13-point buck never made
his wife Connie decided to follow his lead. As a is fully confident in performing a humane killing another appearance during the whole month of
result they have quite a display of dandy Thumb shot at a variety of ranges. She also likes how it October, and Connie wondered if he might have
bucks in their home, and they feel blessed that is so easy to cock and even de-cock her Ravin been taken by another hunter, but she continued
to hunt for the 13-point at every opportunity
anyway, and passed on a number of nice bucks.
Early in the evening of November 10 however, a
real dandy 10-point buck Connie had never seen
before showed up near her hunting blind and
she decided it might be best to “take the bird in
hand.”
Connie is always very careful about the shots
she takes on deer, and makes sure the shooting
angle is perfect for a quick and humane kill, and
she used her range-finder to assure an aiming
point with her crossbow, which was a range of 47
yards. When the arrow tipped with a Rage broad-
head struck the 10-point high in the shoulder, the
buck dropped on the spot and was down for the
count. It was later that evening when Connie got
the call from Randy’s Hunting Center in Bad Axe
to let her know that her new “deer rifle” was all
sighted in and ready to be picked up.
During one of the conservation fundraising
events Connie and Marty were assisting, Con-
Connie Osentoski took this photo of the Thumb non-typical 13-point buck on the evening before the
October 1 bow season opener. Despite hard hunting whenever possible, Connie would not see this
buck again for several weeks. The Lady Deerslayer page 18
16 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
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WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 19
Feel the Vibe
The Western Basin of Lake Erie is perhaps the “proving grounds” for unique lures like the blade bait. Iconic lures such as the Reef Run-
S
ner Cicada were developed because of this spring fishery that attracts anglers from all around the country. Mark Romanack photos
ometimes the best treble hooks similar to how crank- backbone is ideal for feeling the knot. The best way to learn how to
lures for catching baits are rigged. vibration and then setting the hook tie this knot is at a web page known
walleye are baits you Most commonly thought of as solidly when a fish strikes. as www.animatedknots.com.
can feel working. In a vertical jigging lure for targeting A 3000 class spinning reel with
the winter, early spring deep water fish, blade baits can also a wide spool is ideal for both casting REEF HOPPING
and late fall when be casted, allowed to sink to bot- and vertical jigging applications. Blade baits produce fish in riv-
water temperatures are cool to cold, tom and retrieved by scooting them Reels with wide spools help to keep ers, natural lakes, impoundments
one lure group stands out along bottom. Blade baits the line flowing smoothly off the and even the Great Lakes. Lake
for its ability to attract fish, are also useful for ice fish- spool without coiling or excessive Erie’s sprawling Western Basin is
trigger strikes and at the ing. The vibration gener- memory. When fishing shallow to perhaps the best known fishery that
same time let you feel that ated by a blade bait has the moderate depths either monofila- has become the “proving ground”
it is working correctly. power to lure in fish from a ment or fluorocarbon line ranging for blade baits. In March, April and
The time tested and considerable distance. from eight to 10 pound test makes early May the Western Basin is
routinely overlooked “blade Blade baits are a lure an excellent choice. literally covered up in walleye that
bait” may not be the first group that are best fished For deeper water applications, spawn on countless reefs and shoals
lure a walleye angler picks just the way they come out a super braid in the 10 to 15 pound dotted throughout the region.
up, but these are lures that of the package. Adding test range is a better option. When Walleye spawn throughout the
fishing blade baits on braided line
By Mark Romanack
should be in even a small Western Basin, but some of the
every fisher- chunk of live it’s a good idea to tie in a fluorocar- greatest concentrations of fish can
man’s tackle bait such as bon leader about four to five feet in be found around the Bass Islands
box. A blade bait is little more than a a minnow head or chunk of night- length. The fluorocarbon leader not region in both Ohio and Ontario wa-
stamped piece of metal that roughly crawler quickly destroys the buzz only provides an invisible connec- ters. Maumee Bay is another popu-
imitates the profile of a minnow. A these lures are famous for produc- tion between line and lure, there is lar place to find spawning walleye.
chunk of lead is molded onto the ing. just enough stretch in fluorocarbon Some of the fish that visit Maumee
blade, usually near the front of the Regardless if they are vertical to make this set up sensitive, but Bay stage in the Bay before running
lure, and the line tie attachment con- jigged in open water, casted or used very forgiving. the Maumee River and others spawn
sists of one or more holes punched through the ice, blade baits produce Also, because super braid lines on the sprawling gravel flats found
into the top of the blade. a different kind of vibration in the are soft and have near zero memory, in both Ohio and Michigan waters.
When jigged, the blade gener- water than any other lure group. tying these lines directly to the Wind and waves stir up the
ates a distinctive vibration or buzz This unique vibration works won- blade bait often leads to line tangles. water in the Western Basin almost
anyone who fishes these lures can ders at triggering strikes from wall- When jigged aggressively the hooks daily, but the water here in the
feel. Some blade baits are flat and eye and also a host of other popular on the blade bait tend to catch on spring is routinely stained to dirty
others feature a concave or cupped species. the main line. One of the best ways thanks to run off from the Detroit,
profile. The shape and also the loca-
tion of the weight varies from bait Rods/Reels/Line to avoid this annoying problem is to
add a slightly heavier fluorocarbon
Raisin, Maumee, Sandusky and
Portage Rivers.
to bait, but the vibration or buzz Purists who fish blade baits are leader when fishing super braids.
created is universal. quick to point out that these lures The extra stiffness of the fluoro- sIGHT fEEDERS
Some blade baits are rigged fea- shine best when matched up with carbon leader nearly eliminates the Walleye are sight feeders that
turing a split treble or double hook a medium to medium/light action problem of the bait tangling with the normally bite best in clear to stained
that attaches to holes in the bottom spinning rod about six and a half to main line. The best knot for attach- water conditions. When forced to
of the blade. Other manufacturers seven feet in length. A fast action ing a fluorocarbon leader to super fish in dirty water, fishing success
use split rings to attach traditional rod that has a soft tip, but lots of braid main lines is the double uni for walleye is typically horrible.
20 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
This goes double when using clas- when fishing blade baits is to recog-
sic lures such as lead head jigs and nize the value of using scent prod-
crankbaits. ucts. In cold and often dirty water
Ironically, some of the most walleye are lethargic. Using natural
noteworthy experiences fishing with scent products such as Pro Cure
blade baits can take place in water Super Gel is one of the best ways
the color of chocolate milk. The to maximize the number of strikes
vibration of a blade bait works at these lures produce.
attracting fish and triggering strikes Super Gel is a sticky and easily
even in dirty water. Few other lure applied fishing scent made by grind-
groups produce as well as a blade ing up natural forage species like
bait when the water clarity drops to emerald shiners, gizzard shad, smelt
near zero. or alewives that walleye routinely
Because the Western Basin of feed on. The gel sticks nicely to
Lake Erie is so often plagued by blade baits producing a scent stream
dirty water in the spring time, local in the water for about 20-30 minutes
anglers have widely adopted the before it needs to be re-applied.
blade bait as the lure of choice for A stabilizing agent is added to
jigging up walleye. Super Gel to keep the product fresh
for up to five years without refrig-
color matters eration. To get the most from Super
Because the water clarity of the Gel or any scent product anglers are
Western Basin is rarely ideal for advised to first clean the lure using
walleye jigging in the spring, blade dish soap that contains no perfumes
bait manufacturers have taken to or bleach. Lemon Joy dish washing
painting their lures a host of bright soap cleans lures, but leaves behind
colors that do a good job of standing no residue odors.
The blade bait has been responsible for countless scenes like this
out even in heavily stained waters. Once a lure is cleaned, apply a on Lake Erie’s Western Basin and many other fisheries.
When fishing blade baits in clear small dab of Super Gel about the to prevent the amino acids in this don’t understand and many
to lightly stained waters more natu- size of a pencil eraser. Because natural scent product from dulling simply don’t have faith in.
ral finishes such as gold or silver Super Gel is greasy it stays put on paint finishes. Compared to jigs, crankbaits
plated routinely produce best. the lure and creates a lasting scent
Summing It Up and harnesses, the blade bait
ADDING SCENT stream in the water. At the end of
each fishing day the greasy film The blade bait is one of those
gets little media hype, but these
versatile lures have a time and
The final piece of the puzzle left behind should be washed off artificial lures that most anglers place in every tackle box.n
S
and sent off towards bottom will I
then get inside my shanty, zip up the
doors, open the vents, turn my on
everal cold snaps heater and get ready to fish.
encompassed the Mid-
west early this year. “Lifeless” Deadsticks
Overall, it’s usually Next I’ll set a deadstick rig up in
another month before one of my holes within my shanty.
the ice is at its thick- What is deadsticking, you ask?
est. Besides the solidifying ice, lay- It’s a “lifeless” tactic much like
ers of snow have been covering the tip-up fishing; but instead of pull-
frozen façades for quite some time. ing the line in hand over hand like
Oh, how cold and dark that water you do when bringing in a fish on
below must be… a tip-up, you use a rod and reel, the
These are the very conditions former with an extremely soft tip.
fish of all species have been liv- If you don’t have a rod with ultra-
ing in for quite some time now in limber rod tip, then slip bobbers are
the Ice Belt region; not only are a great way to keep minnows up off
these finned, cold-blooded creatures bottom when deadsticking. Either
below the solidified surface having a method allows a fish to grab your
difficult time moving about because offering and swim off without them
of stiff muscles from living in bone- feeling any tension in the line.
chilling (literally) temperatures, but Usually, once a line goes taut,
they are having a tough time breath- the fish will drop the bait; so when
ing, as well. you get a hit while deadsticking,
The latter is due to the majority it’s best to let the fish swim off with
of weeds that were once producing your bait. When using a bobber, let
life-giving oxygen have now died it disappear down the hole and un-
off in the darkened environment. der the ice completely before setting
Instead, the decaying vegetation is the hook.
now producing a noxious gas. While I’m deadsticking, I’m also
Mark Mar tin pulls a huge walleye through a hole in the ice; the fish hit a jigging a Rapala Jigging Rap, Jig-
But even though times are tough minnow suspended off the bottom while using a lifeless tip-up tactic.
for fish that live under ice, they ging Shad, Northland Live-Forage
still need to go about their business the moment I get to the spot. This quantity depending on the laws Fish-Fry Minnow Spoon or Macho
of foraging for food; just a little way I make all my commotion on governed by the state I’m in. And I Minnow from another hole.
slower, that’s all. And if you want the ice all at once, and allow the en- make sure to place them where I can In general, I feel the lure attracts
to catch these fish in dead of win- vironment of the lake to settle down see then through the windows of the the attention of passing fish, but
ter conditions, you must often use before I ever drop a line. shanty. then they go for the lively minnow
tactics which I like to call a “lifeless Boring holes is simple when I Tip-ups are a great tool of the hooked up to the “lifeless” deadstick
approach.” use my StrikeMaster Lithium 40v “lifeless” fishing trade, because of rig. It’s a winning combination that
works wonders. So much so that if
I’d Rather Bore Auger. It’s light in weight (the
8-inch model weighing in at only 24
the “set ’em and forget ’em” way
they are fished. But even though I there are two anglers in the shanty,
Than Be Bored pounds, and the 10-incher only 27) call them a lifeless technique, I still only one of them should be jigging
Overall, it’s not that fish are yet has a powerful 40-volt, 5-amp- want to use only the liveliest of live while the other one deadsticks.
unwilling to move much this time of hour lithium ion battery, which bait when using them. This is why There’s no doubt of this ploy that
year, but more they physically can’t. allows me to bore more holes than I I keep my minnows in a foam-lined we’ve discovered at the Ice-Fishing
Even if forage is nearby, the laws of need each and every day on the ice. minnow bucket, and keep them well Vacation/Schools over the years.
living over dying dictate they cannot
expend more energy to eat than they
Once all my holes have been oxygenated by using a battery-oper- Set It, Don’t Forget It
made, I’ll walk around and place the ated Rapala Floating Aerator. There’s a million-and-one tactics
will get out of whatever it is they are transducer of my sonar in each one The rig I use the majority of the
eating. for catching fish through the ice. But
and watch the screen. And when I time when using tip-ups is a tiny in the dead of winter it’s sometimes
And this is why I like to move spy fish on the screen, I’ll deploy Berkley Ball-Bearing Swivel tied to
best to use an approach that offers
around a lot until I find fish under the camera of my MarCum Under- the main line, with a two-foot sec-
me rather than wait for them to tion of Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon the fish the easiest meal.
water Viewing System so I can see As soon as you get to your spot,
swim by. firsthand what species they are. as a leader when fishing for panfish
drill your holes and then settle in.
My Lowrance HOOK-5 Ice Once I figure out if the fish are or walleye. To the tip of the leader, I
Machine, when coupled with an tie on a Daiichi Bleeding Bait (red) Deploy a tip-up or two and then
my target species, I’ll immediately
SD card filled with detailed maps set up my Clam X300 Pro Thermal treble hook - the size depending on deadstick from one within the
from Navionics, is one of my most shelter and drill all the other holes the species. This can range from size comfort of your shanty. You’ll be
important assets on ice. By utiliz- that will be within its walls. And I 10 to 8. surprised at the results when you try
ing the GPS portion of the product, usually drill three holes for myself: If pike are my target species, I’ll a lifeless approach.
I can drive my quad or snowmo- one to jig from, one for my sonar’s beef the fluorocarbon leader up to Mark Martin is a touring wall-
bile—Clam ice shanty full of gear in transducer and one for one of the 40-pound-test to ward off snipped eye tournament angler and instruc-
tow—directly to areas where I think lifeless tactics. lines by the toothy fish, and use a tor with the Ice-Fishing Vacation/
School. Check out his website at
“Lifeless” Tactics
the best bite will occur. And then I larger Daiichi hook up to size 2,
drill holes directly over breaklines depending on the dimensions of the markmartins.net for more informa-
and other structures Navionics map- with Tip-Ups baitfish I’m using. tion about Mark, the school and
ping has shown me is below. Before getting in my shanty to Not until all minnows have been links to all the products listed in this
I drill as many holes as I am able fish, I’ll set up a tip-up or two - the nipped just under their dorsal fins article.n
22 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 23
Do some big bucks
opt out of the rut?
W
e normally as- to very heavy cover.
sume that all At least one of the bucks Geist
sexually mature had studied was a middle-age
whitetail bucks animal that had behaved normally
compete ag- until the “old master buck” thor-
gressively to oughly trounced him in battle. The
breed as many does as possible. vanquished buck then did not rut for
But is there any evidence that some several years thereafter. Later, how-
“big” bucks, otherwise physically ever, after the population declined,
and physiologically normal, opt not and virtually all large bucks had
to compete for breeding died, this particular buck
privileges? became the alpha buck,
Until reading Valerius a status he held for three
Geist’s account (in the 1994 consecutive years.
Stackpole book, Deer) that In Geist’s view, “The
some big mule deer bucks opting-out strategy works
choose not to partake in the when there is a die-off,
frenzy of the rut, I admit- as can happen in a severe
tedly had never really pon- winter. When the large
dered the question. bucks, exhausted
Geist suggests
that such “nonpar- By John Ozoga by the rut, may die,
he is more likely
ticipants” are gener- to survive, having
ally very large bucks with huge spent the fall feeding and resting.
antlers. Also, they do not socialize Not only does opting out preserve
with other large bucks, therefore the buck’s fat reserves, which he
presumably are not part of the struc- may then draw on to survive lean Kenny Darwin photo
tured male society, and tend to stick times, but it also gives him a head
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WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 29
Most lipped crankbaits float at rest
and dive when retrieved. The Salmo
Hornet is available in both a floating
and sinking version making it a use-
ful for bait among walleye anglers
who are interested in getting their
lures deeper on a typical cast.
Crankbait Styles
Sinking crankbaits have tradi-
tionally been offered in two com-
mon styles including minnow and
lipless versions. In the minnow
category a number of popular brands
and sizes are available including the
Rapala Countdown, Salmo Sinking
and Yo-Zuri Emperor, Sinking Crys-
tal and SW Pins Minnows.
In the lipless crankbait category
the list of popular lures includes the
Rapala Rattlin’ Rap, Salmo Zip-
per, Cotton Cordell Super Spot, Bill
Lewis Rat-L-Trap, XCalibur XR50
and the Sebile Flats Shad. All of
these lures feature a tight action and
high frequency rattle. Because of
the lipless design and heavy weight
Countdown Cranks
that yields long casts, these lures
are great options for fishing on flats
with emerging weeds or for making
long casts from points, piers and
other shore fishing locations.
A third and little known sinking
style crankbait is offered by Salmo,
a Poland based manufacturer. Salmo
offers several of their most popular
diving lip style crankbaits in both
floating and sinking versions. The
N
depths than possible with floating/
diving plugs or traditional count-
ine out of 10 crank- Understanding depth zone less than 25% of the time down style lures.
baits float at rest
and dive when re-
Floating Crankbaits they are in the water, making them
inefficient at best.
This unique category of crank-
Most crankbaits float at rest and baits is in a class by itself. Using
trieved. It’s that one
dive when retrieved. Water resis- Sinking Crankbaits this unique lure group opens up a
crankbait out of 10
tance pushing against the lip causes A sinking style crankbait has a number of crankbait fishing options.
that does things a
Practical Fishing
the lure to dive. Meanwhile, the completely different dynamic. Be-
little differently that walleye fisher- cause the lure can be counted down
buoyancy of the lure and friction
men have unfortunately ignored.
from the line passing through the to specific depths before the retrieve Applications
Sinking or what are com- is started, a sinking or countdown Early in the season, casting out
water is working to restrict
monly called countdown lure can effectively be presented at a a rock strewn shoreline, flats littered
diving depth.
lures bring new options to desired depth along the entire cast. with boulders or the mouth of a
The fundamental design
the crankbait party.
of a floating plug allows Most countdown style crankbaits feeder creek represent some likely
Crankbaits that sink
these lures to be fished most sink at a rate of approximately one scenarios where using a countdown
aren’t rare, but among wall- bait makes sense. Counting down a
effectively with a constant foot per second, should it be neces-
eye fishermen these lures sary to target fish suspended in the sinking minnow like a Rapala CD11
retrieve and over the top
are rarely used to their water column. However, most sinking or Yo-Zuri Sinking Crystal Minnow
of rocks, emerging weeds
potential. It might come crankbaits function best when fished
or other fish holding cover. opens up new retrieve options com-
as a surprise to Woods-N- in contact with the bottom or cover. pared to the steady pull of a floating
Amazingly,
By Mark Romanack
Water News
even floating Another advantage of using crankbait. Make a long cast and wait
readers that for the bait to hit bottom. Start the
crankbaits with sinking crankbaits is they can be
sinking style
big diving lips only reach moderate used to effectively fish much deeper retrieve by skittering the bait across
body baits have a deep tradition in
depths on a cast. water than is practical with a float- structure in a stop and go retrieve.
walleye fishing and targeting trophy A floating crankbait resists div- ing style lure. Sinking lures can Pause the retrieve occasionally and
fish! ing and requires most of the total also be fished at ultra-slow speeds impart additional action by popping
A couple of the past Ohio wall- casting distance to overcome the to increase depth or buzzed at high the rod tip not unlike the way a jig is
eye state records were set with a forces of buoyancy and friction. On speeds to enhance lure action and worked along structure.
sinking crankbait, the legendary Bill a typical cast, a buoyant bait doesn’t rattling noises. Furthermore, sink- The huge advantage here is a
Lewis Rat-L-Trap. This bait was reach maximum depth until the lure ing crankbaits can be fished using countdown bait can be worked faster
designed for bass fishing, but it also is reaching the end of the retrieve. pauses, twitches and jerks that dra- than a jig. The crankbait is also a
triggers savage walleye strikes. Floating crankbaits fish the targeted matically increase strike responses. larger target, more easily spotted
30 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
in murky water and the increased
water displacement helps attract
active fish.
Baits that both sink and dive like
the No.6 Salmo Hornet Sinking are
useful at reaching less active wall-
eye that may be holding in deeper
water. Casting along the tapering
contour of a point that juts into deep
water is a good example of how a
sinking/diving crankbait can be used
to stay in contact with bottom.
Points can be effectively fished
from shore casting out over deep
water. Allow the bait to sink to
bottom, and then retrieve it back
to shallow water. As the lure is felt
contacting bottom, raise the rod tip
to force the lure to rise in the water
column and skim the bottom. A slow Crankbaits routinely produce monster walleye like this one caught by Jake Romanack of Fishing 411 TV.
steady retrieve often works best, Most anglers use floating/diving crankbaits, but countdown or sinking crankbaits fill an impor tant niche
but the retrieve can also easily be
modified to include some pauses
when it comes to catching Great Lakes walleye.
and twitches. deeper water. Lowering the rod tip
This same point scenario can helps keep the bait in contact with
also be fished by positioning a boat bottom.
in deep water and pitching a sink- Throughout the Great Lakes,
ing/diving crank up shallow. Start pitching lipless crankbaits like the
the retrieve with the rod tip high and Rattlin’ Rapala or Bill Lewis Rat-L-
lower the rod as the bait pulls into Trap parallel to the rocky edges of
piers, sea walls and other shoreline
Tools of
protection is a popular way to target
walleye. Walleye often herd shad
and other baitfish up against these
the Trade man-made structures. Lipless baits
are heavy compared to other crank-
A few tools of the trade are baits, making them ideal for mak-
ing long casts. Allowing the bait to
handy for getting the most from sink to bottom, followed by a steady
casting countdown style crank- retrieve, brings out the best in these
baits. Long casts are essential to rattling baits. If the bait rebounds off
success. To achieve the longest rocks, so much the better.
possible casts, longer than Piers are generally targeted at
normal rods are recommended. night, but countdown lures can be
An eight to nine foot steelhead used day or night to catch more
walleye.
style spinning rod is ideal for
achieving maximum casting 43E. Burdick St.,Oxford
Summing It Up
distance. The idea of using sinking crank- 1 Block East of M-24
Fishing lines also matter. baits isn’t completely foreign, but
www.burdickstreet.com
Thin lines help in achieving
long casts. For anglers who
it is surprising how walleye anglers
rarely get the most from these lures. 43E. Burdick St.,Oxford
248.969.2800
favor monofilament, six or eight
pound test is ideal. Anglers who
The next time the idea of fishing a
crankbait comes to mind, ask your- 43E. Burdick
1 Block EastSt.,Oxford
of M-24
self if a sinking model wouldn’t be a
want even more performance
should consider fused or super
better option. 1 Block East of M-24
www.burdickstreet.com
braid lines in the 8-10 pound Product Contacts
test range. Super lines represent www.rapala.com. www.salmo-
fishing.com. www.sebileusa.com.
www.burdickstreet.com
248.969.2800
the ultimate in long cast tech-
nology and help to detect even
the most subtle strikes.
www.cottoncordelllures.com. www.
yo-zuri.com. www.berkley-fishing. 248.969.2800
com.n
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 31
Drought/Precipitation
Golden Lake, a trout lake in the
Ottawa National Forest in west Iron
Co., water level also dropped dur-
ing the last drought. Golden Lake’s
water level has star ted to come
back. Author photos
M
a DNR biologist or conservation
officer is there can often be major
ichigan inland lakes politically connected person used to son County is also prone to rela- battles by lake owners over lake
have at least one of call the DNR and eventually their tively drastic water level changes levels. In lakes with an outlet this is
three sources of wa- State Senator when the water level during drought conditions. As the often the case. In a few cases water
ter to maintain their was low or high. When the lake most recent Central UP drought control structures which are expen-
water levels. The was low, they wanted the DNR to occurred, the lake level dropped so sive to build and maintain have been
sources are tributary inlets, ground provide water to increase the water low in Silver Lake that the DNR constructed. In those cases, if done
water table, and springs. Some lakes level and when high they wanted the boat access site could not be used to legally, a legal lake level has been
have more than one of those in ad- DNR to remove water to bring the launch a boat. The water was so low established through township and/
dition to runoff from their limited lake level back to “normal.” Al- a boater would have had to cross or county officials. In many cases
watersheds around the lake. though those requests could over a hundred yards of former in Northern Michigan there is not a
Lake property owners and not be practically honored, silty lake bottom to reach the water. formal water control structure, rath-
lake users often have a under political pressure Since the drought ended and annual er a manmade or a beaver dam. In
misunderstanding of what DNR officials would pe- precipitation increased the water some cases, lake owners have sur-
the major sources of “their” riodically have to explain level at Silver Lake has completely reptitiously maintained beaver dams
lake’s water are. why those measures could recovered. The boat landing is now at the lake outlet that were aban-
During my 35-year fish- not be carried out for that fully functional with the water level doned by the beaver. Often there are
eries management biologist lake’s water level. fairly high on the ramp. One narrow a significant number of lake owners
career I often heard how Another example of point on land that stuck out into the who want the water level relatively
the lake in question changing water level lake is now partially underwater. high, while all the lake owners who
was a spring fed lake.
The bottom line is if
By Bill Ziegler is in Iron County’s
Indian Lake. Dur-
Other factors can affect water
levels in smaller inland lakes with
bought low lying lots want the water
level lower. This is a no-win situa-
a lake has significant ing the same drought limited water sources. Agricultural tion where one group or another will
water input from either springs or mentioned above the water level of water withdrawal is one example. always be unhappy. In these cases,
inlets it will have an outlet. Ad- this 196-acre lake dropped several Water pumped from the lake for it is best to leave the outlet naturally
ditionally many lakes with major feet. Alarmed lake frontage owners large scale irrigation can have an flowing or take the necessary legal
spring water input will have either eventually voted a Lake Assessment effect on water levels. Water can be steps and costs to establish a legal
poor ice or open water during ice District to tax themselves to pay for legally taken by riparian (lake shore) lake level.
conditions if they are located in water pumping into to the lake to land owners in Michigan. There One thing is most times when a
shallower water areas. bring the water level back up. An has been considerable concern by lake fluctuates by a few feet it is part
Many inland lakes in Michigan old township nearby water well, other land owners in the past when, of the natural cycle. If lake level
are primarily water table lakes. In that some in that group had for- for example, potato farmers were goes down, in any normal situa-
other words, their lake levels are merly blamed for drawing the lake obtaining their irrigation water out tion it will eventually recover on its
very subject to the underground level down, was used to eventually of nearby lakes. In the Western own.n
water table of their immediate lake pump water back into the lake at
watershed. The water table lakes the lake property owners’ expense.
are typically most prone to gradual The pumping took a long time to
water level changes over extended develop and during that time period
drought or high precipitation periods the long drought ended. Between the
for years. Some of these water level natural ground water recharge and
changes can amount to a significant water pumping the lakes water level
change of several feet of depth. In completely recovered. It is hard to
the most recent drought that oc- say how much affect the pumping
curred between about 2005 to 2012 had since the lake level was starting
(southwest UP) many of our water to come back up before the pumping
table lakes levels dropped dramati- process could have had much affect.
cally by several feet of water. Interestingly enough Chicagon
One local water table lake ex- Lake that is only a short distance
ample, Runkle Lake in Crystal Falls, (0.2 mile) from Indian Lake re-
can drop about five feet in depth mained at full water level during
during extended drought periods. this drought and period of years that
This same lake can regain all that Indian Lake’s water level was down.
depth and sometimes flood its banks Chicagon Lake has a small inlet and
during extended high precipitation likely springs that help maintain its This photo was taken during the summer of 2012 of Silver Lake
years. This lake has dropped to a water level along with a natural out- in Dickinson County showing the water level was down several feet
low level and recovered to a high let of Chicagon Creek that is larger after years of drought that ran from about 2005 to 2012. The DNR
level about three times during the 30 than the inlet. boat landing that was unusable due to the low water where the
years I have been observing it. One Silver Lake in adjacent Dickin- actual water is a long distance off the current boat landing.
32 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 33
Father/Son
Take P&Y
BUCKS!
C
alhoun County bow hunter, Mike
Seedorff, has been dreaming all of
his hunting life about shooting a
Pope & Young caliber buck. Mike
is passionate about deer hunting
and is a member of Michigan Bow
Hunters Association, the National Rifle Associa-
tion as well as an official Measurer for both Com-
memorative Bucks of Michigan (CBM) and Pope
and Young (P&Y).
On November 4, 2002, he had an opportunity
to shoot what he believes was a 140-class buck
but missed his shot. This hunt has haunted the
deer hunter and he naturally remembered this
event when he went out for a morning hunt on
November 4, 2018.
Shortly after first light, Mike heard deer
moving on the crisp leaves behind his treestand.
When Mike glanced over his shoulder, he saw a Son, Luke Seedorff’s 10-pt. (left) gross scored 131 ½ and netted at 126 inches and dad
hot doe being pushed by what he believes to be a Mike Seedorff’s (right) tall-thick 10-pt. would carry a gross score of 145 6/8 points and
two-and-a-half-year-old 8-point. The buck stood net at 140 inches.
broadside in a shooting lane just thirty yards
away but at this stage in Mike’s hunting career point the bow hunter decided to exit the woods A short time later, Seedorff heard a noise coming
he had no intention of shooting the buck. He was and give the buck some time. from the west and saw the biggest buck that he
waiting for one that was bigger; in fact, a legiti- Later in the evening, Mike took up the trail has ever seen while hunting running towards him,
mate Pope and Younger. but eventually lost blood. Feeling sick to his outright sprinting. The buck slowed down when
A half-hour later Seedorff’s heart’s desire stomach, he decided to once again back out and he smelled the doe estrus that Luke had placed
came walking down the same exact trail look for the trophy buck the following in front of his stand and the buck walked directly
as the two other deer had earlier tra- morning. After a very long and emotion- to the scented rag just twenty-two yards from
versed. Mike says, “I didn’t know what al roller coaster ride Seedorff found his the awaiting bow hunter. Luke took his shot and
he was but I instantly knew that he was buck lying on top of a hill. (Who says watched his arrow pass cleanly through the vitals.
a shooter. I just saw a big mass of white injured bucks won’t go up hill?) According to the twenty-seven-year-old hunter,
antler coming my way!” Mike tagged what turned out to be a “The buck mule kicked, ran about twenty yards,
When the big buck went behind a tall, thick-antlered 10-point that would stopped and stood in place for over a minute.
tree, Mike stood and turned to his left carry a gross score of 145 6/8 points and This concerned me, and I started to doubt my
anticipating that the beast would con- net at 140 inches. Pope and Young has a shot. Fortunately for me though, the buck then
tinue on the same path as the two other minimum entry score of 125 inches for tipped over and was down for the count.”
deer. He did, and Seedorff
drew his bow as soon as the By Jerry Lambert typical bucks so Seedorff’s
buck has made the book with
Luke called his father and the father son duo
walked up to the fallen trophy. Luke’s buck was
buck maneuvered through a room to spare! also a 10-pointer and scored 131 ½ gross inches
briar patch. This buck then stopped at the same One week later on Sunday, November 11, and netted 126 inches making the P&Y club by
thirty yard opening that the other buck stopped Mike’s son, Luke, went hunting in the same one inch. Mike and Luke, father and son, both
in and Mike let the arrow fly. The hit was a little Calhoun County woodlot that his father had the shot trophy bucks from the same family owned
farther back than what the archer had wanted so week prior. Luke arrived at his stand at 2:45 p.m. woodlot, in the same year that officially made
he was naturally concerned about his shot. At this and saw a doe less than an hour later at 3:25 p.m. Pope & Young. How cool is that?n
J
ust as Jacob Clark’s circle of friends
were starting to calm down from his
first trophy of the 2018 deer season in
Michigan, the guy goes and gets them
all stirred up again. Less than one
month after taking a spectacular 167-
inch buck on the family lease in Lenawee County, Jacob Clark with his second trophy buck (above) of
Jacob harvested a 6.5-year-old 140-class buck on the 2018 season, a 140 class buck. (Right) Jacob’s
the same property. Jacob is tagged out and folks first trophy buck of the season, a 167-inch. Both
bucks taken bowhunting Lenawee Co.
are buzzing.
The 24-year-old climbed into a different stand Michigan is quite an accomplishment. Just
on the same property just before 2 p.m. on No- having-two bucks that size running on the same
vember 16 only a few hundred yards from where farm is amazing. To top it off Jacob’s father, John
he harvested his 167-inch archery kill back on Clark, took a nice 10-pointer during bow season.
October 20 of this year. When one has that notch They are certainly hunting on hallowed ground. I
in the deer belt already, most hunters may try to asked him what he thought made this property so
catch up on some chores or finish up some yard special. Obviously as mentioned in the previous
work. Jacob still has a pile of leaves in his yard article, they don’t shoot small bucks. The area
as his passion is deer hunting. He changed stands has always produced big racks so antler growing
to get a favorable wind and had a stand set up on conditions are a perfect blend of the right miner-
a food plot. Jacob stated he thought the primary als, protein, carbs and cover. There is an area on
rut was done so he set up here because he knew this property that provides thick cover they never
the does will filter in to the food plot and bucks intrude upon. The property has a good number
would still be close and may do some scent- of oaks that provide acorns early, and they leave
checking on them. some crops up so there is a food source to get
At 3 p.m. something unexpected happened. them through the bitterly cold months. The deer acres, there were at least eight hunters and that
The big 140-class eight-pointer quartered down- never have to leave the property. There is always number could easily double on some days. I
wind towards Jacob, possibly after being bumped some hunting pressure but when they were able know of several spikes, fork horns and 6-pointers
softly by other hunters going out for the evening to lock up a larger chunk of land like 600-800 harvested. Quite a different equation and impos-
hunt. We hear quite often how bucks throw cau- acres there are just many less intrusions by other sible to hold giant bucks year after year.
tion to the wind during the rut and it was evident hunters. At some point Jacob is going to have to get
that for whatever reason, walking downwind When we look at most of the ground through- busy. He has some remodeling in his house to get
wasn’t the best move this giant could make. This out our state that we hunt upon, many hunters done as he gets ready to put these two amazing
buck didn’t reach 6.5 years old by making mis- might have 40 or 80 acres to hunt if they are bucks on his wall. Last I had heard from Jacob,
takes like this. Jacob took the trophy 8-point at 20 lucky. Michigan averages seven bowhunters per he and his dad had limited out on late season
yards with his .450 Bushmaster. The buck only square mile. That certainly lessons the odds of pheasants on the same property. Doesn’t sound
ran 25 yards. shooting a trophy buck especially when several like those leaves are going to get raked any time
Think about this season for a second. Tak- may be shooting 1.5-year-old deer. In my own soon. Congrats to Jacob and his family on a
ing over 300 inches of antler in two bucks in section this year, which has approximately 640 whitetail dream season.n
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WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 35
Land management produces
trophy buck for young hunter
M
att and Lori Jones Matt says, “The property has
bought a house in turned into a labor of love. My wife
the country with works from home and has an office
forty-eight acres so that overlooks the backyard. She
that they could live loves to see deer while she works.
their dream, which I have three sons, Jacob, Joe and
was to be able to have hunt- Gabe. My middle-son, Joe
ing opportunities for their really appreciates working
family in their very own the land and established the
backyard. The Lenawee mineral licks and set up a
County acreage had plenty lot of the stands. I’m really
of cover and plenty of po- disappointed that starting
tential. Unfortunately, when next year the Michigan
winter came the deer all DNR won’t allow us to
but left their property and have mineral licks any-
sought out food sources. more. I feel that they are
The Jones
family quickly By Jerry Lambert very beneficial to
the health of the
remedied this deer. One buck in
situation by planting a two-acre particular, showed up on a lot of our
food plot and establishing mineral trail camera photos using the min-
licks. In addition, they hinge-cut eral licks. We were really hopeful to
trees and established a sanctuary; get a crack at him during the season Gabe Jones, 13 took this monster 12-pt. on opening day of gun season
a section of woods that they did and had great expectations come scoring 166 5/8. The deer had a estimated 7-9” inches of broken tines
not enter so that the deer could live opening day of the firearm season. that were missing that would have pushed the deer over 170.
undisturbed. By the following year, We have had pictures of this buck probably in his prime.” Gabe’s trophy whitetail has
they had successfully accomplished for the last three years and found Matt sat with his wife Lori twelve points on a crown filled with
their mission. They had deer living one of his shed antlers last year. Joe and Matt’s brother, Frank, sat with character. He’s tall, thick and has
on their own little whitetail paradise passed him up when he was a two- thirteen-year-old Gabe. They didn’t long tines. The gross green score
throughout the year. year-old but now he was four and have to wait long before the target is 166 5/8 and the net score is 162
buck was seen on the property. Boone and Crockett points. Gabe
MAKE YOUR OWN WILD GAME Gabe saw the buck chasing a doe
around the woods and prepared for a
shot the four-year-old buck with a
gun that his Uncle Frank let him
SUMMER SAUSAGE AND SALAMI ! shot. Several times he got the buck
in his sites and was about to pull
use, a Ruger 44 rifle.
This is the third year in a row
We have everything you need to process your meat into the trigger when the rutting buck
would move and chase after the doe.
that Gabe has tagged a buck off
of the family property. His prior
delicious sausage right in your own home. Finally, the doe left the area and the two were both 8-points. Matt has
buck was acting like he was going already let his young son know that
to do the same. Gabe couldn’t get a he will now have to relinquish his
shot so Frank elected to shoot. blind to his mother for next year’s
Frank took a shot but missed. hunt.
The buck acted as if he didn’t know Matt says, “Improving the
where the shot had come from and habitat has made a huge difference.
took a couple of steps and stood There is a lot of hunting pressure
motionless seventy-yards away in around us but I believe that we have
a shooting lane. At this point, Gabe successfully created a place where
was able to get a good site-picture mature bucks will live year-round
and took a shot. His shot dropped because of the ample cover and
the big-antlered buck in his tracks. food.”n
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36 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
14-year-old bags B&C bear
By Richard P. Smith
F
ourteen-year-old Alli- could make an accurate shot.
son Kellner bagged her “When the bear first came in, I
first bear in Menominee couldn’t hold the gun steady be-
County on September cause I was shaking so bad,” Allison
21, 2018 while hunting confessed.
with her father, Keith It was about 7:00 p.m. when
from Daggett and its skull was large the big bear was in a good position
enough to qualify for national big for a shot and Allison was able to
game records maintained by the steady her aim. She made a great
Boone and Crockett Club. Keith shot. Keith said the bruin only made
said the bruin had a dressed weight it about 25 yards before dying. They
of 460 pounds and an estimated live heard the bear make a death moan as
weight of 530 to 550 pounds. it expired, so they knew it was dead.
“That bear was in my yard this “Then we both got emotional,”
spring,” Keith said, “so I knew he Keith said. “We hugged, cried and
was around. After I started putting fist pumped.”
bait out for Allison’s hunt, I had him Boone and Crockett scorer Dave
on camera at the bait, too. She had Wellman from Bark River officially
the second hunt that started Septem- measured the skull of Allison’s bear
ber 15.” on December 1. Bear skulls have
Keith said Allison applied for
a bear license in the Carney Bear
to air dry for at least 60 days after
they are cleaned before they can be ATTENTION 450 BUSHMASTER OWNERS
Management Unit for four years be- officially measured. The length and Freedom Machine Werks, LLC introduces
fore she was successful in the draw- width of skulls are added to deter- the “TAMR” Linear Compensator
ing. Once Allison’s hunt started, she mine the final score. Designed for 450 Bushmaster and 223/5.56 Caliber Rifles and Pistols
sat in a ground blind with her father Wellman said the skull scored BENEFITS . . . • Minimizes Concussion • Directs muzzleblast downrange
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about 40 yards from the bear bait, 21, which is the minimum for entry Our proprietary Patent Pend-
waiting for a bear to appear. They in Boone & Crockett’s alltime re- ing Gas Transfer Technology Made from el Great
e
put a lot of hours in over the first cords. Width of the skull was 7 3/16 pushes the muzzle blast away
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“The first weekend she hunted, Although Allison enjoyed her hunters a more comfortable 100% Mad
In Michiga e life!
she saw a small bear,” Keith com- first bear hunt last fall, she had shooting experience. n
mented. “She passed it up because taken deer previously. Keith said his Call Steve: 586-942-9378 or Mike: 810-441-7262
she knew the bigger bear was in the daughter had a pair of bucks and a Email: freedommachinewerks@gmail.com
area.” doe to her credit before taking the freedommachinewerks.com
As Allison said, “I’d rather shoot bear. Keith is having a full mount
a big one than a small one.” done of the bear for his daughter.n
Advice Allison got from her
father proved helpful, both in deter-
mining the size of the first bear she
saw and knowing it would be wise
to pass up the small one to wait for
the bigger one. Keith said he’s taken
four bears himself over the years.
The biggest of those weighed 260
pounds.
Keith also helped older daughter
Tiffany take her first bear a number
of years ago. Tiffany shot her bear,
a 160-pounder, with bow and arrow.
Allison was hunting with a rifle.
September 21 was Allison’s
third day of hunting. They saw a
deer before the bear.
“I remember seeing a doe come
in,” Allison said. “She was around
for a while and then left. Five min-
utes after the doe left, the bear came
in.”
Keith said the big bear arrived at
the bait about 6:40 p.m.
“Allison watched the bear for
about 20 minutes before she got
a clean shot with her .30-30,” the
proud father explained. “We were
both nervous while waiting for the
bear to give her a good shot.”
Besides waiting for the bear to
be in the best position possible for
a shot, Allison also spent some of
the time trying to calm down, so she
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 37
Break your own trail…
Making Traditional Snowshoes
S
nowshoes have been harder snow. Study the sidebar for
an important tool for the approximate size of snowshoes
winter travel in the needed for average snow condi-
Northern Regions tions. Snowshoe style is up to the
of North America individual as well. Consider where
for centuries. Some and how you will be using them and
sources say they were in use 4,000 choose a style that appeals to you.
to 6,000 years ago. I can’t verify Then, build your snowshoes to fit
that but it makes sense that to your own needs.
survive by hunting and gathering I chose to make Ojibwa style
Native Americans needed a method snowshoes because they have an
that allowed free movement during eye appealing, graceful shape, they
the deep snow months. Snowshoes were historically used in this area,
filled that need. In use, snowshoes and they require two shorter pieces
spread the body weight over a larger of wood for each frame instead of
area to increase floatation on top of one very long piece. My “shoes” are
soft snow. Traditionally, wooden 11 inches by 56 inches.
frames were bent to shape and laced A form will be needed to bend
with strips of rawhide. This open the wooden frames to the chosen
webbing allowed snow to fall back shape. The frame wood is pre-
through the lacing to avoid buildup pared for bending around a form
on the shoe. Early explorers, trap- by heating or steaming, and us-
pers, and traders learned snowshoe ing wet wood. After cooling and
use from the Native Americans. drying it will retain the shape of
Different shapes and sizes of the form. A solid, well-built form
snowshoes were developed to meet will last for bending many snow-
the needs of the user. In thickly shoe frames but, if only making
wooded terrain they needed to be one pair, a simpler form might be
shorter, to make turns, and wider, used. The simplest form might be a
to provide enough floatation. In 2-inch thick plank. For a turned up
more open terrain the snowshoe toe round off one end of the plank.
could be longer and narrower for Wooden blocks screwed onto the
easier walking. The use of locally plank will hold the snowshoe frame
available materials allowed the in position. Draw a center line on
snowshoes to be maintained and the form to keep your work straight.
repaired when needed. The most It’s helpful to have a snowshoe to
useful designs have a slightly turned trace around. The shape and size
up “toe”, to raise above the snow can be customized from there. A
as you step ahead, and a “tail” that folded paper pattern can be used to
drags behind to balance the snow- keep the form symmetrical.
shoe and help it to track in a straight Two crosspieces will need to
line. be inserted inside the frame for
Today, technology has cre- strength and stability. Position two
ated modern snowshoes made of wooden spacers on the form where
aluminum and plastic. But space the crosspieces will eventually fit.
age snowshoes have little historic, This also assures that both snow-
artistic, or sentimental value to shoes will be exactly the same.
The wood for the snowshoe
SIZE CHART
frames needs to be fresh and green,
not kiln dried. Any hardwood such
as ash, elm, or hickory will work.
The author shows his finished Ojibwa style snowshoes. Author photos The four pieces needed for a pair of
This chart gives the approxi- Ojibwa style frames should each be
mate size of Ojibwa style snow- outdoorsmen. As proof, you don’t ern pioneers. Whether your snow- at least 64 inches long.
shoes needed for a given weight. see them hanging over the fireplace shoes will be enjoyed in actual use Begin by cutting a 6-inch diam-
Remember to include any extra in any lodge or cabin. or by hanging above the fireplace, eter log about 7 feet long and use
weight such as a backpack when Many people still prefer using making your own will allow you to wedges to split it lengthwise into
traditional snowshoes, therefore break your own trail in more ways four quarters. Sawing the quarters
sizing your snowshoes. the art of making wood framed than one. might cut through the grain of
Size Weight snowshoes lives on. Making and Snowshoes work best when they the wood but splitting follows the
9 x 36...............up to 110# using your own snowshoes is a very are somewhat individual. For best natural grain of the wood. This will
rewarding endeavor. Along with the results they need to fit the user and greatly help in bending because any
10 x 42...............up to 130# educational value of the experience, the weight they must carry over the cut grain area is prone to break-
10 x 48...............up to 140# comes the sentimental and artistic snow. A heavier weight requires age. Reduce each quarter split to a
12 x 48...............up to 175# value of a well-made, hand crafted more surface area of snowshoe to ¾ x ¾ inch square piece. Use only
item. It also leads to the feeling of “float” it on the snow. Also, softer the sapwood, which is the white
12 x 60...............up to 240# self-sufficiency valued by us mod- snow requires more floatation than wood closest to the bark. Remove
38 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
any dark, heartwood as it is too tightly in a ¼ inch deep mortise cut
brittle to bend. I start by cutting the into the inside edge of the frame.
split quarter to rough shape with a Fit the halves of the frame over
band saw. Then, square it up with a the crosspieces and glue everything
drawshave and finish sizing it with together. C-clamps will hold it
a joiner or planer. together while you drill the holes
Taper 12 inches on each end and rivet the toes and tails together.
of the pieces down to ½ inch thick I suggest using a couple of 1 ½-inch
where they will be bent when in rivets through the toes and three
the form. Look at the grain on the through the tails. Copper rivets are
end of the wood. Think of it like traditional but aluminum will work
the pages in a book. The wood will just as well. I suppose small bolts
bend easiest with the flat of the would also work.
grain so consider this when you The frames are now solid, one
taper the ends of the pieces for piece affairs that are actually start-
bending. ing to look like snowshoes.
To prepare the wood for bend- Traditionally, snowshoes were
ing it can be boiled in water or laced with rawhide which was cut
steamed. Hot, wet wood will bend into thin strips and applied damp
like a wet noodle for a few minutes so that it would shrink as it dried
until it starts to stiffen as it cools. to provide a tight lacing job. The
I use a steamer made from 4 inch problem with rawhide is that it
metal stovepipe to steam my wood. stretches again when it gets wet,
A pot of boiling water feeds steam causing the lacing to sag. Rawhide
into the pipe with the wooden frame can still be used, but is not the best
pieces inside. Tilt the pipe so that choice today. Synthetic materials
condensation will drain back into like nylon or neoprene make good
the pot. Also, leave the tinfoil end lacings and are superior to rawhide.
caps loose to keep it from pressur- I used flat, nylon lacing purchased
ing up. Let the wood steam for an from Country Ways Company (
hour and a half. www.snowshoe.com ). They will
Be prepared before removing also supply excellent instructions
the wood from the steamer because for lacing snowshoes. Top left; A seven foot long elm
you’ll have a limited amount of The process of lacing a snow- log which has been split into
time before the hot wood begins to shoe would make a complete article four quar ters by using wedges.
cool. Have all tools, blocks, wedg- in itself and I won’t try to explain Splitting in this way will fol-
es, etc. ready. I also have a paint it fully here. The lacing pattern low the natural grain of the
stripping heat gun handy to keep the is logical, but difficult to grasp at wood. Top right; Two ¾ x ¾
bending areas of wood hot while I first. In fact, it’s a mind bending inch pieces at least 64 inches
work on them. puzzle to me. I suggest getting good long are needed for each frame
Then, it’s just a matter of instructions, going slow, and back- for an Ojibwa style snowshoe.
removing the wood strips from the ing up to fix errors as soon as you A pair of snowshoes will need
steamer, bending them smoothly spot them. The lacing is a big, and
visible, part of the snowshoe. Strive
four pieces. Above; The author’s
into the form, screwing down
the holding blocks, putting in the to get it right. steamer is made from 4 inch
wedges, and lining everything up The finish on the snowshoes is metal stovepipe and a pot for
on the centerline. Sounds easy! Did important to seal and waterproof boiling the water. Steam flows up
I mention that I always steam an them. I used Min Wax Helmsman’s the pipe and heats and wets the
extra wood strip? Wood seems to Spar Urethane. Put the first coat wood inside. Condensation runs
have a mind of its own. Sometimes on heavily and let it soak into the back down into the boiling pot.
it resists bending and breaks. It pays lacing until it is saturated. Follow Right; The steamed wood pieces
to have a spare strip ready just in this with two or three lighter coats are bent into the snowshoe form
case. to cover all of the wood and lac- and held in place with wooden
After bending the wood in the ing. The nylon lacing soaks up the blocks. Below; Wedges are
form you can sit back, relax, and let finish and dries to a beautiful amber driven into place to force the
the snowshoe frames dry for a week color. frame into the proper shape.
or more until they are completely With use, your snowshoes will
dry. seem to take on a persona of their
Remove the wooden frame own and will soon become more
halves from the form when they are than just “equipment” to you.
dry and sand out any humps and The personal satisfaction of
bumps. Round off all corners to making and using them will
avoid any sharp edge where a splin- bring a lasting pride of accomplish-
ter could form which might eventu- ment. Wear them with pride in
ally crack the snowshoe frame. winter and hang them where you
The crosspieces, two on each can enjoy the sight of them during
shoe, can be mortised into the frame the summer.
at this time. Cut the crosspieces Anyone can buy a pair of snow-
from ¼-inch hardwood about 1 ½ shoes, but few will ever make their
inches wide and long enough to fit own. Break your own trail.n
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 39
Late season success...
t is late November; the has always been fulfilled because have been thrown through the late frozen over it is time to look for
temp is 29° with a few of these memories and my time in a season ringer a time or ten. There is rivers, small towns, even cities with
inches of snow on the blind. so much literature out there for late dams or reservoirs. These places
ground. This season the I try to expand my hunting season goose hunting tactics I just have water flowing and that means
weather has been nothing opportunities within a 50-60-mile can’t bare myself to write another birds in good numbers. It’s finding
short of perfect. We start- radius and, let me tell you, there one. But I can give you some confi- these places and finding the nearest
ed October slightly warm, yet that is plentiful numbers of ducks, but dence, which I have found myself in food source closest to them. Look
can be expected. After the first week mostly geese to be hunted. We are a the field over the years. over your maps on Google Earth or
and half into the changing goose state in Michigan We cannot predict the weather ONX Maps and pay attention.
season, we as outdoors- but our geese, as most any for the fast-approaching winter, but I once found what looked like
man have had nothing true honker hammering if it is to tell the future by what we a small ½ acre water hole in the
to complain about in the man or woman knows, have already endured this fall we middle of a piece of farm ground on
weather department. can be some of the most may be in for a good old-fashioned Google Earth. As we approached the
I took on guid- frustrating and cumber- Michigan winter season. Winter is field we saw the birds numbering
ing nearly fulltime this some wild animals to fine but another Polar Vortex is not. over 2,000 dumping down into this
season, working under pursue. Lakes can freeze and that is never watering hole and the shelled corn
Dave Patterson’s Sun- This isn’t your typical a bad thing, but don’t break out the fields that surrounded it. Permis-
rise Outfitters. As usual, how-to article on hunt- ice fishing gear just yet because sion was granted and the next day
September had its warm ing late season Michigan somewhere the water is open. we were dumping a six-man limit
spells, but quickly shaped geese. This is a confi- to the ground in an hour’s time.
up to some good dence boost Just Scout What led me to this field was a river
days afield. I’ve
put more hours in By Nathan Miller for your true
waterfowl self.
This is where the question
comes back: how bad do you want
five-miles to the north. This was the
roost and I was online scouting. Yes,
scouting and hunt- How bad do you it or how far are you willing to go? there is such a thing today.
ing then I ever have in my entire want it? How far are you willing I have found myself venturing over Without scouting we are either
life. I’ve been a waterfowl hunter to go? At what point, does it take that 50-60-mile radius come late going because we are misinformed
since I could catch my first memory for you to call it quits? I chuckle at season to try and get on some good or we are merely seeking the experi-
in the blind with my father. My soul the thought of these questions, as I goose feeds. When the lakes have ence. When it comes to late season
$
150
PER GUN
Scouting, logging weather data, and pattering the birds sounds like
a lot of work but it takes out so much of the guess work and brings
in more of what might be expected. Nathan Miller photos
spread. Scouting has given me the doing during the regular season
confidence I look for before step- but don’t. The birds have seen it all
ping into every hunt I take on. I’ve and having the confidence on your
found the more time I have rubber shoulder to bring them at 15 yards
on the road leading up to a hunt the cannot hurt you.
more confidence I can take into it. There is always a lesson to be
It is half the fun watching the birds learned, whether a good hunt or a
from the road doing what they do. bad one. Log those good and bad
Setting that spread and calling the lessons learned. Capitalize on
shot brings up the other half of the them the next time and create a
equation. Be different; try things success story to be heard.
you have always thought about Just scout!n
OV E R 1 0 0 FREE
My first 10-point...Thanks Pappy! Quality
Exhibits
Parking
Sonja Hamilton Warner of Algonac harvested her first 10-point buck
on November 16 at 4:45pm hunting in Cottrellville Township in St.
F R I DAY
Clair County. She was hunting with her favorite deer rifle...a TC
Impact Muzzleloader. The big buck weighed in at 150 pounds field
dressed and although she doesn’t have a green score some people said
it should score around 140 and the bruiser was at least a 5-year-old
deer.
Sonja said, “I have been deer hunting since 2005 when my pappy
3pm – 8pm
challenged me saying I couldn’t deer hunt! You see for many years I
would get that phone call from Pappy that he’s got a deer down, ask-
ing if I wanted to come out and help track it? And of course I jumped S AT U R DAY
10am – 7pm
at every opportunity!”
She added, “So many great memories tracking his deer and listen-
ing to 50 years of his deer stories in his shop after we brought his
deer home. Memories I will never forget! He is the reason I love to
deer hunt and has taught me so much over the years from hunter’s
safety, the hunt, tracking, the harvest, and how to clean and process. I S U N DAY
10am – 4pm
love this sport and I love my Pappy for introducing me to it. Feeling
Blessed that I have him in my life and that he is the reason I know
how to hunt these magnificent creatures. Life is Good”
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 41
Coyote Hunting Success
A
group of four hunt is part of the story, but so is the
serious Michigan equipment they use to make it pos-
coyote hunters sible to hunt the way they do.
who have a Face- Where they hunt isn’t that im-
book Page called portant a part of the puzzle because
Savage Dog they hunt all over the state and coy-
Outdoors are among the state’s most otes are well distributed throughout
successful coyote hunters. Between the state. The tactics they employ
them, they had called in and shot revolve around farm country, but the
over 200 of the predators between methods they use can be employed
January and October of 2018. They anywhere coyotes are found.
could easily surpass the 300-mark Most of their hunting is done in
by the end of the year. large fields after dark where they
Liberalization of coyote hunt- can set up 100 to 200 yards from
ing regulations during any woods. Coyotes seldom
recent years has made their venture into open fields
phenomenal success pos- like that during hours of
sible. The predators can be daylight, but the predators
hunted year round. The big- feel comfortable in those
gest benefit to their success, settings under the cover
however, was legalization of darkness. This group
of centerfire rifles for night of hunters uses electronic
hunting. Most of their hunt- Icotec callers that have a
ing revolves variety of 350
around hunt-
ing coyotes at
By Richard P. Smith different calls
to choose from,
night. to lure coyotes into view.
These four exceptional coyote “A fresh cut hayfield is a perfect Randy Budde and Dave Granger with five coyotes they got one night
hunters are Randy Budde from place to call coyotes after dark,” during February.
Walkerville, George Widmaier from Budde commented. “Cut cornfields
Elk Rapids, Mike Numerick from are also good places to call coyotes when coyotes are spotted. They George uses a much more expensive
Interlochen and Dave Granger from after dark.” don’t use any lights when scanning infrared thermal imaging scope,
Custer. George and Mike started the All of their rifles are on tripods for incoming coyotes. They all use which can cost up to $5,000.
group. Randy and Dave joined later. to assure accuracy when they get a thermal imaging monoculars to “Thermal scanners are great
I talked to Randy to find out what shot and they stand up in the open look for predators. Their rifles are for locating animals,” Randy said.
is behind their success. How they when calling to be ready for a shot equipped with night vision scopes. “They cost a minimum of $2,000,
but they are worth it for the type
for TX-44, TX-22 & Size #3 - 2.7 oz who use shotguns to hunt coyotes at
Optional E-Z Store devise easily
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Mike Numerick (left) and George – Shorter Cover NO Small Game License Required!
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WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 43
Seasonal
Memories
WINTER when the unusually large critter
turned around to face my daughter, I
A lesson learned is not
always remembered grabbed his tail and flung him from
Were you ready when winter the coop onto the snow. Fearless,
came way too early this year? My but disappointed, he shuffled off.
family and I were not. Naturally, it Back at the stove, I thumbed
was my fault for chasing grouse and through the FarmTek catalog for one
woodcock too much all through the of those henhouse doors that rely on
fall. So when eight inches of snow a timer to close and open automati-
fell shortly after Thanksgiving and cally. The author’s second close call occurred on the Thunder Bay River
as he was helping to pull a heavy canoe over a huge log that
temperatures slid into the teens,
there we were with no snowblade on
SPRING spanned the river. The half-submerged log was slick. He lost his
the tractor. A family travel balance, fell into the river, and immediately found himself underwa-
Our huge woodpile, which adventure close to home ter and pinned to the log.
should have been neatly stored in Marengo Cave in southern
Indiana is well worth the drive to fields fallow. Closer to home, mul- in his 70s deserves or can get in
the garage, lay smothered under berry trees in our back yard were this life. Sometimes I wonder if my
that white blanket too far away to see. Looking for a family vacation
spot during spring break in so saturated with water their heavy ticket is now fully punched.
carry. And I couldn’t find
FALL
April, our original plan was limbs drooped nearly to the lawn.
the garden hoses stretched On June 22 I decided to remove
to pull our travel trailer and
out somewhere on the lawn.
camp while visiting Mam- some of those limbs with loppers How did your garden grow?
No matter—the hoses were and a hand saw. The year 2018 was a tough
frozen anyway. moth Cave in Kentucky.
Marengo Cave is much One large limb required a ladder one for growing most things. Cold
And then Nature offered and chain saw. My wife held the temperatures and too much rain in
a three-day reprieve with closer and equally spec-
tacular. lightweight ladder while I climbed spring were followed by several
temperatures in a race to up five or six rungs with the saw weeks of intense heat and drought.
hit 50 degrees. The bird Formed more than
a mil- running and the bar brake engaged. Farmers moaned for lack of mois-
MICHIGAN MEANDERS
dogs, noses It was a simple, three-second cut to ture, and the 4-H kids, ours includ-
pressed lion years
ago, the the head-high limb. ed, had trouble finding decent alfalfa
By Tom Huggler
against I remember it cracking; the next
their five-mile- for their show livestock.
long cave thing I recall is several faces looking By fall the half-acre of sweet
chain-link down at me. Apparently the snapped corn I planted was knocked down
kennels, howled in distress while features two parallel underground
rivers and several dry upper cham- limb knocked me from the ladder and eaten by deer, which also de-
the family helped me winterize the and I crashed into my wife on the voured the pumpkins and squash I
mowers, clean up the garden and bers one of which can accommodate
300 people at one time. Discovered way down. sowed nearby. Rabbits somehow got
tend to those other long-ignored I landed on my back, uncon- into my fenced garden and ate all
tasks. only in 1883, Marengo Cave was
recognized as a National Natural scious with the chain saw across my the pea and bean shoots before they
You would think that a New belly. Although the motor was still could bloom. The potatoes refused
Year’s resolution is clearly in order, Landmark in 1984.
On the blustery cold day we vis- running, I must have applied the bar to grow big, and the cucumbers
right? But a lesson learned is not brake while falling, a pure act of struggled to grow at all. Dill and
always remembered. ited, the cave was actually warmer
than outside. In fact, we were too Providence. beets didn’t bother to germinate.
Song of the lazy farmer early for camping. Winter hung on My wife called 911, and about Any garden needs TLC, of
If you keep chickens, you will well into April and we fought heavy 15 minutes later an EMT team ar- course, and I plead guilty for being a
learn to lock them in the coop well snowfall on the drive home. With rived. Strapping me to a stretcher, lazy farmer with no dirt on his hand
before dark. One winter evening I temperatures expected to fall to 20 the paramedics slid me into the am- hoe. On a positive note, I got some
had dispatched our teen daughter to degrees that night, I had the trailer bulance aimed for a Grand Rapids of the nicest tomatoes this side of
manage that tardy chore while the winterized again. hospital. My wife, also injured when Lansing, and we used them to can
glorious heat from our woodstove Parts of Michigan saw record- she broke my fall, rode along and succulent chili sauce, pizza sauce,
had me drifting off. Suddenly the setting cold last spring. Lansing, also checked in for x-rays. salsa and garlic/basil spaghetti
back door burst open. “Dad, there’s for example, was hit with a major I suffered a nasty concussion, sauce.
a ’possum in the hen house!” snowstorm in late April. Wood- but luckily neither of us broke any Feathers and quills
“Grab a stick and drive him cock banders normally tag chicks bones. Resolved: My ladder-climb- As I reported here in the De-
off,” I suggested and closed my eyes in early May; this year it was early ing days are over. cember issue, grouse and woodcock
again. June. Other ground-nesting birds That was the first close call. The numbers were a bit above average,
“He’s hissing at me! The girls like pheasants, quail, grouse and second occurred on the Thunder but success depended mostly on
are squawking! Wake up! I need wild turkeys also struggled to hatch Bay River a couple months later where one hunted. Populations were
your help.” eggs on a first attempt. Poor initial when I was helping to pull a heavy localized with banner days followed
The best way to get rid of nesting success led to late hatches in canoe over a huge log that spanned by poor ones. The best day occurred
egg-eating skunks, opossums and summer and delayed recruitment of the river (see the October issue of when several friends and our dogs
raccoons is not to let them into the young birds into fall populations. Woods-N-Water News for photos flushed 55 woodcock in only three
chicken coop in the first place. This and details). The half-submerged hours. The worst day was when I
cut a hunt short with no shots fired
SUMMER
particular varmint was intractable, log was slick. I lost my balance,
even with vigorous prodding and fell into the river, and immediately because my setter, Ragan, tangled
poking from two-by-fours wielded A couple of close calls found myself underwater and pinned with a porcupine. His vet removed
by my daughter and me. Recalling The summer of 2018 is one I’ll to the log. Luckily the river bottom more than a hundred quills.
the time I was bitten as a kid by an surely remember. Mid-Michigan was firm. I pushed off with my feet That was his second encounter
opossum caught in a trap, I wore received so much rain from late while nephew Kevin, a strong young with a quill pig, proving—once
heavy asbestos gloves normally May through June that many farm- man, helped pull me free. again—that a lesson learned is not
reserved for stove use. Finally, ers planted late and some left their I don’t know much luck a guy always remembered.n
44 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
PAID ADVERTISMENT
TROPHY SPECIALISTS
with the trap.
In the meantime, the county road the late 1990s. He told me a male
commission came and removed the beaver might travel several miles
FISHING CHARTERS
dam. But it didn’t take long for our over dry land looking for new ter-
busy beaver to rebuild it. ritory. Which surprised me since
This went on for a few days. traveling that distance on dry land
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my friend’s surprise when he went you out, the first phone call I would
to check this morning there was a make is to the county road commis- many consider to be the Walleye Capital of the World.
very large beaver caught in his leg sion and if they can’t help you than
hold trap. to the wildlife division of the DNR. Saginaw Bay Walleye
After removing the beaver from You can find the number to your
the trap my friend noticed that the closest DNR office either online or All through spring and
beaver was missing one of his toes! in your fishing or hunting digest. summer our charters produce
So, apparently, he caught the right Author is Jeff Pendergraff, re- consistant, world class fish-
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Traditional Black Powder Hunting...By Dennis Neely
A hollow oak snag offered an oppor tunity to sit and take a break from the
Superior Game Ranch day’s still-hunt. The broken-up tree afforded an upwind view of two doe
trails, but with no activity, the Snapping Tur tle continued on in his quest
for fresh venison.
Route 3 Box 163 • Cornell, MI 49818 hunter of a given time and lineage. ter are uneventful and most often,
With each new discovery and acqui- awkward. Just as historical knowl-
Incredible U.P. of Michigan sition, the persona gains a unique edge adds flesh to a persona, so does
Hunting Opportunities personality and existence. A mental getting out into the wilderness and
attitude takes shape that eventually testing the clothing and accoutre-
Private farmland in south Marquette will guide this person over time’s ment choices. Then two dozen or
County Michigan, fully guided threshold and back to the chosen so outings later a pristine moment
bow and firearm hunts in time period. happens.
A key element of the mental re- For Mi-ki-naak, that revelation
hunting preserve for: Elk, training involves nurturing the mind began with a volley of musket fire.
Whitetail Deer, Buffalo, Wild Large Russian Boar to suspend belief. This suspension Without thinking, he dropped to his
of belief is no different than becom- knees, seized his fusil and reacted.
Boar, Red Stag & Fallow Deer. Hunts Available! ing involved with a character on “How can this be?” he whispered in
the big screen and feeling the same November of 1763…
emotions he or she feels in the midst Give traditional black powder
Trophy Elk, of the unfolding drama. The differ-
ence is the traditional hunter
hunting a try, be safe and may God
bless you.
is not a viewer, but rather a first-
Trophy Red Stag & hand participant in a real life forest
The author, Dennis Neely.
maintains a web site devoted to
drama traditional hunting at www.tradition-
Trophy Fallow Deer The first hunts of a new charac- alblackpowderhunting.com.n
A
dog which wags his tail when there’s a good breeze. When
stiffly while on point is you get him downwind of the bird,
flagging. While some dogs he’ll be certain a bird is really there.
lock up on hard points and Since flagging is usually caused
flags as part of their pointing man- by indecision and uncertainty, the
ner, most flag out of uncertainty or strong breeze will let him know in
because they see the bird and realize no uncertain terms that a hidden bird
that they can easily pounce on it. is located upwind.n
Some dogs will flag all their
lives and we won’t be able to stop
FOR BASS
wind pushed him around. Once it’s a three-pack of 1/4-ounce jigheads,
down there, his main approach was watermelon color, from Revenge
to let it hover and quiver. Occasion- Baits. These matched magnificently
ally he’d trigger bites from the fish with a Mud Minnow pattern Hula
he saw on his graph by giving the StickZ from Z-Man that I trimmed
Classic Rooster Tail w/HD reel handle a quick turn. to 3 inches. I’m already envisioning
Split Ring & Pre-Sharpened Two important things about pulling some big bass over the side
Black Nickel Hook the jighead. First, it should have a of the kayak from a couple of deep
90-degree hook eyelet—the eyelet clear lakes this spring.
Pulsating Hackle/Tinsel
should be sticking straight up from
Dressed Hook Attracts Fish
the top of the head. That helps keep Charlie’s Sliders
Genuine Silver, it hanging horizontal amongst your The late Charlie Brewer belongs
Brass and/or on the Mount Rushmore of finesse
Painted Blades target fish. Second, it ought to have
realistic eyeballs to look more like a anglers, coming up with the original
real minnow. Slider head and worm. I just got his
Enjoy
Upland Bird Hunting
August 15—April 30
This new Rooster Tail was designed with
input from professional angler Joe Thomas
and built specifically for bass and schooling
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Michigan Association of
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For information & listing of our preserves near you go to:
www.michiganhuntingpreserves.com
56 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
Fishing Tournament Information System
book Charlie Brewer on Slider Fish-
Jika Tubes
expands to include muskie, walleye
in,’ and it is going to be excellent Starting January 1, all
wintertime reading. First published The Jika Rig (properly pro-
nounced ZEE-ka rig) is a fairly bass and walleye fishing
in 1978, it extolls the “Do Nothing” tournaments, as well as
method of fishing with light line and recent Japanese import that has
a free-swinging weight below a competitive fishing events
the unique, flat jigheads that Brewer targeting muskellunge, must
developed to fish the lakes around hook, usually rigged weedless into
a plastic bait. Fortunately I already be registered in the DNR's
his home in Lawrenceburg, Ten- Michigan Fishing Tourna-
nessee. You can get your own copy had a good supply of tungsten drop-
shot weights from Motley Fishing ment Information System,
for a bargain price of $6.95. While available online. These events
you’re at it, you can do what I did (motleyfishing.com). They are the
least expensive tungsten weights I must report their results, too.
and get free shipping by ordering The inclusion of wall-
$43.05 worth of Slider Heads, Slider could find. I also have a bunch of
Mizmo and Cruncher tubes that I eye and muskie adds to the
Worms and Double Action Grubs statewide registration and
(which we now would call swim- bought last March at the Ultimate
Outdoors Show in Grand Rapids. reporting requirements for
baits. bass fishing tournaments that have been in place since 2016.
Slider fishing is as basic as bass Having the tubes was fortunate, be-
cause although the Jika can be used Tournament and event directors are required to register and report
casting gets. I watched an hour-long using the Fishing Tournament Information System. The DNR has worked
YouTube video, edited from the with about any soft plastic, I found
a YouTube video that showed how it the last 10 months to overhaul the system in order to accommodate the
original, which was made in 1988. It new requirements. That system now is operational and currently accept-
features Charlie and his buddy Foxy works with a plastic tube lure.
The excellent, short video on the ing 2019 registrations.
Griffin talking about all the main “This is an important step in gaining a better understanding of what
components of Slider fishing, with AnglingBuzz channel features Capt.
Ben Wolfe of Sport Fish Michigan, competitive walleye and muskellunge fishing means to angling, conserva-
extra stuff about how Charlie came tion and Michigan’s economy,” said Tom Goniea, a fisheries biologist and
up with the rig. which is a group of guides and
charter captains. Capt. Wolfe shows the DNR’s tournament fishing specialist. “To date, the Fishing Tourna-
Basically, back in 1988, you just ment Information System has been a tremendous success, receiving
rigged a 4-inch Slider Worm on one succinctly how to rig a cylindrical
drop-shot weight on a split ring that more than 2,000 bass tournament registrations and reports. We expect a
of the flat jigheads, cast it on 6- or smooth transition to include a couple hundred annual walleye and mus-
goes through the eyelet of an extra
4-pound test monofilament, counted kellunge events.”
wide-gap hook, with a tube Texas-
it down to the depth you wanted it to For more information, including definitions explaining the differ-
rigged on the hook. Man, the under-
travel, and then reeled very slowly. water footage of that tube bouncing ence between a fishing tournament and a competitive fishing event, visit
That’s about as “do nothing” as it just about the bottom made me want the system site at michigan.gov/fishingtournaments. Questions? Contact
gets. The video details the gear of to eat it. It just looked great. Plus, Tom Goniea at 517-284-5830.
the day which included short spin- Capt. Wolfe points out the Jika setup
ning rods and small spinning reels, lets the weight directly contact the
so chosen to be light weight bottom, giving the angler better feel
and comfortable to use. Charlie than a jighead rigged inside the plas-
recommends taping the reel to tic would. A bonus is the whole rig
the all-cork rod handle, (known is heavy enough to cast on a baitcast
as the Tennessee handle) to keep combo.
the combo lighter and more com- I didn’t have split-ring pliers
fortable in the hand. handy before I took the photos for
I don’t think I’ll change this story, and found it impossible to
from my 7-foot medium-light get the split ring in the 2/0 Mustad
Shimano Convergence rods with KVD Ultra Lock Light Wire Hook,
the inexpensive Sedona spinning which fit the tube well. So I used a
reels or go back to monofilament snap from Torpedo Tackle, which
instead of the braided Power adds a little bit of hardware, but was
Pro and 8-pound Seaguar simple to rig. I bet it will still catch
AbrazX fluorocarbon leader, but fish. Hello, this is Charlie Morse.
I can’t wait to start casting some If you’re like me, I bet you al- I don't have a lifetime to wait!
of those baits and doing nothing ready envision a big black bass, half Air pruned containerized
other than reeling to catch bass way out of the water, trying to shake plants, equals RESULTS SOONER!
with them. free of one of these rigs.n
L E RIVER MARKE
R IF 720 East Center T
Omer, Michigan 48749
Mini Barns • Storage Sheds • Deer Blinds
Rustic Outdoor Furniture • Produce • Deer Feed
Garden Supplies • Nursery • Spring Greenhouse • Flowers
Phone: (989) 653-2068
Cell: (989) 501-0782
Fax: (989) 653-2058
By John Bergsma
appreciated. wasn’t anything
Meta Lake had like the sales The author caught this dandy nor thern pike right in the middle of
long been on my pitch.
“short list” of Ontario Destinations. Meta Lake is every bit as good
the famed Albany watershed. Author photos
This lodge is situated right in as advertised. The owners were The fishing is why we all go to a literally as many walleyes as anyone
the middle of the famed Albany there for the guests, night and day. Canadian destination. Meta Lake is could ever want each day. The wall-
watershed. This area of Ontario is Service is a serious emphasis with an awesome fishery. Without exag-
known for its awesome northern John and Cheryl. geration, we, in both boats, caught Unforgettable page 60
n B e r g sm a
Jo h Now on...
CBSSN: Saturday’s at 7:30 a.m January-March
Fox Sports Detroit: Sunday’s at 7:00 a.m January-June
Online viewing at: www.fishermansdigest.com
Visit our website and find out about . . .
• Destinations • Fishing Reports •
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LAKE LODGE AND
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EXCELLENT
WALLEYE, PIKE &
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eye bit in several different depths, it will happen! It’s so crazy, one
which really made fishing easy. The second, you’re just catching the snot
go-to presentation for my boat was out of walleye and then, BOOM you
a two-fisted approach. I love to “feel are into a big northern.
the bite” so consequently, I opted A tip to increase the catch rate of
to back-troll a small jig and plastic those larger fish; I have been using
tipped with a fathead minnow. This an 18 inch hand tied leader, using 25
worked from six-foot out to 15-foot pound Seaguar Fluorocarbon. This
depths, anywhere we stopped. stuff is tough and the walleye don’t
The key was to watch the graph seem to mind it at all.
and throw a marker on some of the I always try to help with a few
better spots. We’d then just slow good lures for people to bring. For
down and vertical jig, it was stupid me it would be ¼ to 3/8 ounce jig
good on some of the spots. I had heads in bright colors with 2 to
many occasions, where we’d hold 3-inch brightly colored plastics.
on top of a school of 17 to 22-inch Crankbaits are great, and I would
walleye and catch 20 or more before suggest a splash of several colors
the bite would slow. Our second of ¼ Hot-N-Tots, Flicker shads
method of fishing was trolling and Strike King Bonzi Shads were
crankbaits. It was equally produc- the best baits by far. Fire Tiger,
tive, and results were very similar, Pink Lemonade, Purple see thru all
with stretches of shorelines produc- worked great!
ing 10 to 25 feisty walleye. The equipment and boats all
This is a very fun fact about worked very well. The wooden
Meta Lake, the “big pike” are mixed boats are dry and track very nicely
right in with the walleye! At Meta, when back-trolling. Boats are
there’s no need to go looking for equipped with graphs and it’s an
the big one, just keep catching and awesome feature when fishing a lake
Contact at 810-378-5632
are homey and inviting, and the If you are looking for a des-
grounds are very well maintained tination that will not disappoint,
and filled with flowers and tons of Meta Lake Lodge is one of “Those
DAILY 7 AM - 10 PM other small “Cheryl” touches. I’m Places” I will certainly be back. For
sure that John was a great guy, but more information 866-330-6382,
Cheryl really makes this lodge feel www.metalakelodgefishing.com.
like a home away from home! The For excellent video fishing
80 ACRES, MOSTLY other lodge staffers are equally
awesome. They were friendly and
reports check out www.fishermans-
digest.com or on Facebook@Great
WOODED-HEAVY COVER helpful. Lakes Fishermans Digest.n
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60 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
A do-it-yourself project...
By George Rowe
half-inch treated you do not get the portable, it can be pulled out of the
plywood uprights (and the ground (use some sort of lever) and
• Three eight- bolt holes) too carried off by two men, with the lad-
foot 2x6, treated wood close to the corner, making wrench der removed.
• Three twelve-foot treated 2x4 work difficult. The stand can be painted, after
for the ladder (two verticals and the The bottom brace triangle should it weathers for a few months, but
steps) or you can make the ladder be about two feet above ground or the natural color is fine. Each year,
and steps out of two-by-sixes ripped four feet from the bottom of the ver- before using the stand, check all nuts
in half. tical support. The platform triangle and screws and especially the ladder
• Eighteen 5/16ths carriage bolts, should be about two feet from the to make sure all is tight and secure.
four inches long, with flat washers. top and the top rail triangle goes Remember safety is the number one The author’s diagram of a tower
• Decking (coated) screws to right at the top of the vertical sup- priority.n stand for deer hunting.
fasten the deck and the corner braces ports. If you are very tall, you might
want the top rail a little higher off the
platform. The 24 inches used here is
about right for the average person.
Measure, mark and drill the verti-
cal supports for the bolts. Lay two
of them flat on your work surface
and insert the bolts in the holes. Set
Affordable, Fly-in Fishing on 6 Remote Lakes each triangle in place and fasten with
nuts but do not quite tighten. Add
the other vertical supports and insert
bolts and apply nuts with flat wash-
ers. The stand is now basically com-
plete. Mark (with numbers or letters)
every bolt hole so that you can easily
reassemble the stand in the woods.
You can now carry off the stand in predator hunnting doesn’t need to end once the sun
the form of the separate vertical sup- goes down. with our exclusive nightsnipe hunting
ports and the three triangles. You can lights you can safely and effectively target
actually get the whole thing (all the
pieces) on the back rack of an ATV.
coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, wild hogs and
Construct the ladder, using ripped other predators at night.
two-by six treated lumber or two-
by-fours. Fasten the steps securely
with two screws on each side. The
Expertise and sales in all Hunting
steps will work better if you slant
them slightly so that your foot hits Lighting, Thermal / Night Vision scopes
them squarely (see drawing). When
the stand is erected in the woods,
fasten the ladder to the stand with
and handheld scanning devices.
screws through the platform triangle
and horizontally, through a vertical
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Pick a spot for the stand care- www.predatorthermaloptics.com
fully, looking for natural deer trails
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scrapes or rubs have been spotted in
previous years and pay attention to Preadtor Hunter Outdoors
the prevailing winds.
Take a post-hole digger and a 166 S. Lake Pleasant Rd
705-534-1991 shovel into the woods and plant the
stand in a group of small trees, for Attica, MI 48412
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 61
Fall and winter
REFLECTIONS
T
his hunting season, why some of the dogs are called
it seems as though “Golden.” It really does not refer to
Mother Nature is just their color.
unable to decide what My wife and I look forward to
weather she wants to attending the show each year and we Scott Thrushman and Matthew Vazana show off their successful results of
cover Michigan with. believe it to be the largest outdoor, a European Hunt at the Ranch.
An early snowstorm in November family activity in the state. Sure
sure helped out with all those there are lots of shows, but into the second week of September, outdoors. My friend Gordy Miller is
hunters out there tracking. not too many with the length near the end of the fishing season another source for good eating during
In the past, cross coun- of years at 32 and still going and just in time to welcome in a new hunting season. He is fortunate to
try skiing was popular in strong. There are none that hunting one. have a field behind his house where
the state parks of the upper combine the selection of Pheasants in the wild, at least in the deer hang out and like Scott has
thumb; Port Crescent and products, activities and up the Thumb, are hard to come by. I shared some great, corn-fed venison
Sleeper. For select events, to the minute face to face was thrilled one day in early Novem- with us.
some of the County parks information that outdoor’s ber however when I spotted three I plan on spending the winter
may allow it also. Maybe persons want to know. The hens strolling along a ditch just out- right here in Michigan this year and
food vendors side of Port Austin. They were the really look forward to seeing what I
By Capt. Fred Davis
if this snow
continues, deliver some first ones I had seen in years. Used have missed for over 30 years loung-
snowmobiling great offerings to be, I could hop the fence behind ing around in Florida.
could even make a comeback. also, just ask Pat. my house at 8 a.m. and pheasant was Capt. Fred Davis is a retired char-
Weather was perfect I recall If you have not attended to judge cooking by 5 p.m. for dinner. We ter captain and nationally published
during the Woods-N-Water Outdoor for yourself, you should. We love never found any wild game tastier. author of boating articles. His Boat
Show in September as we sat in the to watch as Mom, Dad, kids and the My son-in-law Scott had an op- Smart articles have been published in
bleachers watching the Ultimate Air family dog, often dressed in their portunity this year to participate in a each edition of Woods-N-Water News
Dog Show and spent an hour or so at camo hunting gear stroll through the pheasant hunting outing at Rooster for 30 years and online at www.cap-
the puppy tent. I have to share with great hunting and fishing displays. Ranch in Ubly. He and longtime tainfredsboattips.com.n
my readers the fact that I discovered The show dates are ideal; three days hunting pal, Matthew Vazana learned
of an annual fundraiser; “K-9 Pet
Rescue” which helps fund adoptions
Open Mon thru Fri in Macomb County. It was a Euro-
9am-7pm • Sat 9am-6pm pean Hunt and the day they hunted
Sun 9am-4pm was great weather and included great
1380 N. Cedar food and successful results. Scott
was good enough to share his bounty
(517) 699-0597 from the hunt by preparing a big pot
(½ Mile South of Holt, 127 to of soup. He told me he had chatted
Cedar St. exit, North 2 Miles)
with another fella at the Ranch who
Over 2,000 Guns in Stock shared his soup recipe. If you have
INDOOR GUN RANGE never tried using pheasant for a deli-
Hand Guns, Long Guns, Muzzleloading, cious soup, you should try it.
Reloading Supplies, Ammo, Archery & Accessories I’ve learned the deer bow season
here in the Thumb was quite suc-
• CASH FOR USED GUNS • INDOOR GUN RANGE cessful and I’m not surprised. Every
• GUNS, NEW & USED • CCW COURSE • GUN SAFES (In Stock)
drive I took, deer were everywhere
Full Line of Gunsmithing • NRA Certified Instructors
and I’m sure happy my deer chasers
Full Line Archery & Fishing Tackle • Live Bait & Tackle Available worked well when they darted out
of the woods. The early snow lent
2018 GUN & KNIFE SHOWS itself to the urge for hunters to get Gordy Miller with his nice buck!
For information call (517) 676-4160
Dec. 15-16 . . . . . . . 275 Tables . . . . . . . . . . Kalamazoo Jan. 26-27 . . . . . . . 250 Tables . . . . . . . . . . Manistee Hot Shot Outfitters
Dec. 22-23 . . . . . . . 900 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Novi Feb. 2-3 . . . . . . . . . 400 Tables . . . . . . . . . . Port Huron Ray Hoody
Dec. 28-29-30 . . . . 440 Tables . . . . . . Lansing/Mason Feb. 8-10 . . . . . . . . 440 Tables . . . . . . Lansing/Mason
Jan. 5-6 . . . . . . . . . 350 Tables . . . Detroit/Brownstown Feb. 16-17 . . . . . . . 400 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . Monroe Licensed Shooting
Jan. 12-13 . . . . . . . 450 Tables . . . . . . Grand Rapids Feb. 23-24 . . . . . . . 900 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Novi Preserve
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Jan. 19-20 . . . . . . . 700 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . Birch Run Mar. 2-3 . . . . . . . . . 450 Tables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Flint (989) 843-6576 Goose Hunts
Youth Deer Hunts
Sport Shows Promotions, INC. • Dogs with Guides Available • Clubhouse Turkey Hunts • Coyote Hunts
www.migunshows.com • sportshows@gmail.com • Open 7 Days A Week • Bird Cleaning
P.O. Box 404 • Mason, MI 48854 Whitetail Hunts
• Fields With Excellent Cover & • Morning And Afternoon
Ph: (517) 676-4160 • Fax: (517) 676-6824
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Credit Union Manistee Little River Casino Port Huron Lansing/Mason Ingham
Event Center Intersection 500 Thomas Edison Pkwy County Fairgrounds Brownstown Sport Center
21902 Telegraph Rd.
• Birds Released After You Arrive • Extra Birds Shot are Free Port Hope, MI 48468
I-75 @ Exit 136 700 E. Ash
• No Gun Or Membership Fees • Gift Certificates Available
US.31 & M-22 Blue Water Convention Center
Brownstown Charter Twp, MI 48183
Dort Federal Event Cntr. Novi
Cheboygan Ice Arena
3501 Lapeer Rd. Suburban Collection Showplace Cadillac: Wexford Arena Mon - Fri: 989-428-5071
480 Cleveland 46100 Grand River Located 17 Miles North of Lapeer
Flint, MI 48503
Monroe County Alpena (New Location) Kalamazoo County
131 & 13th St. Weekends: 989-670-4336
Grand Rapids
Fairgrounds
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751 Woodward Ave.
Alpena, MI 49207
Expo Center
2900 Lake St.
4 Mile Rd Showplace
1025 Four Mile Rd. N.W. Grand Rapids
Harrison
Clare County Fairgrounds
418 Fairlane
www.jankspheasantfarm.com www.hotshotoutfitters.com
62 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
Gun Chat...By Lee Arten
much penetration can be as bad as SFI Trained Loggers and Forest Consultants
too little,” and the benefits of using Wildlife andandTimberland Improvements
“Just a Click Away!”
Wildlife Timberland Improvements
hollowpoint defensive rounds.
Chapter 5 “Testing Your Pistol Select Cutting;
Select Clear
cutting; Clear cutting
cutting
For Reliability” makes good points Mechanized logging and handcutting
Mechanized logging and handcutting
about changing main and magazine • Subscriptions
springs on used handguns. I haven’t Contact
always done this. Cunningham may • Email the Editor Contact one
one of our buyers
of our buyerstoday
today
brad@billsbylumber.com or jim@billsbylumber.com
have convinced me to start. • Classifieds - Buy, Sell, Trade brad@billsbylumber.com or (989)
jim@billsbylumber.com
Chapter 6 “Realities Of Defen- (616) 634-1522 or 544-9342
sive Shooting The Ambush Attack” • Send Photos or Story Tips 2725 Larch Rd. • Harrison, MI 48625
(616) 634-1522 or (989) 544-9342
and Chapter 7 “Your Body’s Natural • Advertising Information 2725 Larch Rd.
www.billsbylumber.com
FIREWOOD BY T H E
Reactions” may have changed my Harrison, MI 48625
mind the most. Cunningham favor
the Isosceles Stance, where the body www.woods-n-waternews.com www.billsbylumber.com
SEMI-LOAD
is facing the threat, and the arms
are straight out and form a triangle.
It’s Easy . . .
Cunningham says security cam vid-
eos of ambush attacks show people
VISIT TODAY!
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 63
TROPHY PAGE
Aaron
Passarell
took this
8-pt. on
Autumn Oct. 12. He
Stawecki came out
took of his food
this nice plot with a
8-pt. at 9 10-pt. and
a smaller
am Nov. 8. Dressed
16 in St. out at 195
Clair Co. lbs. and
he green
scored
125 inches Norman Foster of Clio took this
taken in beautiful 10-pt. in Genesee Co.
Sanilac Co. Nov. 16 with a muzzleloader.
TJ
Matthews Richard
with a Perry took
nice buck this nice
taken in looking
Traverse buck on
City public
land near
Lowell.
Parker Tommy
Smith Trudell,
11, took 15 of At- Ed
this 6-pt. tica took Parker
dur- his first took
ing the buck, this
youth a 6-pt. 8-pt.
hunt in with his hunt-
Clare com- ing
Co. It pound near
was his bow at
Pat Meehleder took this first hunt Byron.
Bay Co. 8-pt. as he was 15 yards
and first hunting
fighting with a smaller Phil Perkowski,
8-pt. on Nov. 3. shot with his
ever. took this 6-pt.
mother. Nov. 16 hunting
near Atlanta.
Zach
Eberling
with Easton
his first Pleyte
deer! bagged
Taken his first
while buck on
hunting open-
with his ing day
Uncle in 2018!
Arenac Archer McGraw, 7, of Gladstone
Co. Aaron Woodruff of Brighton took this 4-pt. buck on opening
with his big Nebraska 9-pt. day, hunting with his dad.
64 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
TROPHY PAGE
Christopher
Beaman 12
of Cottrell-
ville took
his first
deer a 4-pt. Brothers Success: An-
thony D’Alessio, Dan
hunting Hinman took their bucks
Montmo- on public land and AJ
rency Co. Stevens (top) hunted the
Nov. 17. Lucas Reygaert, 9 took Logan Anthony took special handicap hunt
Mason Sierpien, 10 of Es- his first deer hunting this Bay Co. 9-pt. on in Shiawassee National
canaba took this 10-pt. Nov. 4 in Lapeer Co. on Refuge and all took nice
hunting in Art Texas. his second hunt. Nov. 28 at 4:25 pm. bucks!
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 65
Ever wanted to be on the cover of the
Woods-N-Water News?
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outdoor photo on a
mock cover of the
Woods-n-Water News
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...captured for the entire family to enjoy!
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WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 67
COYOTE SCAT:
It’s In the Details!
W
ho would years ago but came to fruition last
have thought June when my favorite, and rather
that a magnif- handsome, Easter Coyote that treks
icent mound along the shoreline of South Mani-
of moist coy- tou near the island’s 1871 lighthouse
ote scat bak- left a fresh deposit of scat within
ing in the sunlight of South Manitou eyeshot of the lighthouse. To set the
Island, a gem of Sleeping Bear scene for the rest of this tale, the
Dunes National Lakeshore, 8.3 square miles of South
would bring me untold Manitou Island is home to
fame and fortune includ- perhaps a dozen coyotes,
ing publication in the next maybe less, more likely
issue of Ranger, the glossy more, but after spending
magazine of the Association three seasons on the island
of National Park Rangers. as the volunteer Lighthouse
It’s about to happen, a fact I Keeper for our National
discovered last month while Park Service, I’m happy
attending a with that
gathering
of national By Jonathan Schechter number.
I’m also
park service pretty darn
personal in Bowling Green, Ken- certain that the coyote in question
tucky, home to Mammoth Cave whose image appears in this cel-
National Park. ebratory ramble had come to know
This strange but true tale of my ways and my wanderings in far
coyote poop actually started three more detail than I knew his. The author’s award winning photo.
Coyotes are both curious and
wary, and our paths would cross
frequently, usually near dawn or
dusk as I trekked to or from my
lighthouse post. Tracks in the sand
confirmed that assumption. I also
believe he saw me far more often
than I noticed him, but on occasion
we would give each other a passing
glance from a 100 or 200 feet away
and he would continue on his shore
patrol in the foredunes in a behav-
“James Ferrari and Sons, Inc. strives for customer satisfaction and the ioral pattern that seemed to say,
ideal customer experience. We are hunters and processors ourselves and “Oh, it’s just you.”
we know what supplies you need so you can process your own game.” My official position with the
National Park Service was to
• Casings & Accessories • Meat Saws and Blades interpret and share historical and
• Cutlery (knives) • Meat Tenderizers human history information about the
• Cutting Boards • Netting & Twine lighthouse and the Manitou Passage
with the backpackers and day trip-
Even the
• Food Preparation • Paper & Paper Cutters
pers that came over almost daily on best turkey
• Gloves, & Aprons • Sausage Making Kits
• High Temp Cheese • Sausage Seasonings
the famed ferry of Manitou Island
Transit; the Mishe Mokwa. But with
hunters appreciate
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• Jerky Supplies • Scales in Oakland County I perhaps spent
muzzle jump!
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way and the wildlife of the island,
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SUCCESSFUL HUNTERS
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Commemorative Bucks of Michigan is a non-profit organization that measures and maintains records on trophy class Whitetail Deer,
Black Bear, Elk and Turkeys, taken by fair chase in the state of Michigan. We use the Boone and Crockett method to score all three
big game species. Visit our web site to learn more and get connected to the latest in Michigan hunting. www.Buckfax.com
O
ver the past few hunters are beginning to make that
months, we’ve same dream their reality as well.
seen that deer camp What if, by chance, the chasm
traditions come that these hunters are able to hurdle
in vastly differ- really isn’t impassable for you
ent ways. Many either?
hunters have traveled hundreds When acquired at the right price,
of miles for decades to real estate should be seen as
Michigan’s Upper Penin- an investment. Historically
sula to hunt both public or speaking, property values
private land. Others simply have always maintained
walk out their back porch their present worth. In most
to hunt homestead acreage. regions of our great state,
Many hunters have been property values have con-
blessed with the opportu- tinued to rise. There simply
nity to fulfill their dreams isn’t any more land being
in making the made. As the de- Another successful Timber Stand Improvement plan managed by a
seemingly large
leap of acquiring By Jake Dykstra mand increases,
so does required
registered forester. Author photos
acres of Michigan U.P. ground at ground to local farmers or actively
property of their
own, specifically of Wildlife Realty capital to acquire
it. If you recall
$50 per acre. Now, forty years later,
the neighboring property to his hunt-
managing your forest for both
habitat improvement and financial
for the purpose in a previous ing camp recently sold for $800 per success (and in some cases both)!
of recreational land use. As time article, one deer camper in particular acre. If you intend on purchasing a I would argue that the majority
continues to progress, many more had the opportunity to obtain forty piece of property and holding onto it of Michigan deer are harvested in or
for some time, rest assured that long around agricultural farmland. There
Je n k
term appreciation trends are in your is certainly nothing wrong with
e n i ns
favor when you make the decision that! Deer have a natural tendency
to eat five times a day; what would
L
to sell. But it is here where hunters
and land stewards have the advan- be more obvious than to hunt within
tage of recognizing opportunity, not close proximity of a large food
just from a hunter’s perspective, but source such as a corn field or stand-
HUNT CLUB
also a financial gain. ing bean field?
Aside from appreciation, hunters Not to mention the fact that
have a real opportunity to use their harvesting deer off of these food
love of the sport for their personal sources also adds significant benefit
financial success as well. That’s to the local farmers. These “food
quite a statement! How many people sources” can also be used in the
can say they have the opportunity to decision-making process of land ac-
enjoy doing what you are most pas- quisition. Michigan State University
Custom Gun Dog Training English Setters sionate about and successfully reap
the benefits in the realm of tens of
recently published a study stating
that the average lease agreement be-
thousands of dollars, or even more? tween a local farmer and a landown-
4989 Abbot Road • Reading, MI 49274 This can usually be done in one er is at $123 per acre. Let’s say, for
of two ways: leasing agricultural instance, that you were interested in
Hunts Conducted On a sixty-acre parcel of land, twenty
Y
ellow perch, like adjacent to the first drop offs in 15
bluegills, tend to in- to 20 feet of water, according to
habit just about every Dave Rose. Prime first-ice hotspots
lake in Michigan. But are near the narrows in 5 to 25
it takes a certain kind feet of water and in the northeast
of lake or body of corner of the lake. Later as winter
water to produce reliable numbers of deepens and the ice becomes safe,
jumbo yellow bellies. Usually, larger perch schools roam the 35 to 50-foot
inland lakes in the northern Lower depths. The best tactic is to punch
Peninsula, U.P. and Great Lakes lots of holes and keep moving until
bays produce the most consistent you locate the schools. Walleye-
catches of perch during the winter. sized shiner minnows are the ticket
These larger, more expansive bodies for jumbos that will occasionally top
of water provide the habitat, preda- 15 inches.
tor/prey relationship and abundant Access to both lakes can be
food sources that are needed to grow gained at the public access located
numbers of big perch. near the narrows on the east shore of
Following is a sampling of Little Glen Lake. Anglers can also
winter destinations that are sure to access the lakes via numerous road
produce the main ingredients of a ends. For more information on bait
great perch fry this winter. shops, lodging and amenities in the
area contact the Leelanau County
Little & Big Glen Lakes Chamber of Commerce at (231)
Even though Little Glen and Big 271-9895 or online at www.leela-
Glen lakes are connected they’re nauchamber.com.
like night and day. Big Glen Lake
(4,865 acres) is nearly four times Crystal Lake
as big as Little Glen Lake (1,400 “The winter perch fishing on
acres). Little Glen Lake has a maxi- Crystal Lake is always good,” stated
mum depth of 13 feet; Big Glen Dave Bovee of the Backcast Fly
Lake has water as deep as 130 feet. Shop in Benzonia. “It’s just a ques-
But what they do have in common tion of how much sorting you want Yellow perch, like bluegills, tend to inhabit just about every lake in Michigan.
is that they are both excellent winter to do. There’s no shortage of perch shore. Anglers take some real jum- River and out to Elk Lake. Most
perch lakes. in the lake, but you need to do some bos there in water as deep as 70 feet. years it’s late January before anglers
“Usually Little Glen freezes up searching to find the good ones.” Again, big minnows seem to catch can venture safely on to the ice.
right about deer season,” said avid “Goods ones” in this case are perch the biggest perch. A good place to prospect for
ice angler and guide Dave Rose. that will routinely measure in the For live bait, tackle and lake perch is right off the south shore
“It’s usually Christmas before Big 12- to 14-inch range. maps contact Backcast Fly Shop at access off Baggs Rd. Anglers can
Glen has good ice on it. Both are hot “I’ll tell you one of the secrets (231) 882-5222. For information on turn north and find some of the
for jumbo perch on first ice.” Rose to catching big perch in Crys- lodging and other amenities in the lake’s deepest water or go west to a
said to expect frantic action in 8 to 9 tal Lake is to use big minnows,” area contact the Benzie County Visi- 15-foot flat that harbors schools of
feet of water on Little Glen as soon claimed Bovee. “The bigger wall- tors Bureau at (800) 882-5801 or winter perch. A teardrop and wiggler
as you can get on the ice. A hotspot eye-sized minnow seem to catch the online at www.visitbenzie.com. is the best medicine for numbers of
is where Little Glen Lake narrows bigger perch. You can use wigglers perch on Skegemog, but to target the
where it connects to Big Glen Lake. and you’ll catch a lot of perch, but Skegemog Lake real jumbos go armed with some big
Use caution when fishing near this you won’t catch many big ones.” Kalkaska County’s Skegemog shiner minnows.
area early in the season. Rose said Benzie County’s Crystal Lake Lake is famous for its big Great For information on lodging and
that jumbo yellow bellies in the 10- is big (9,711 acres) and deep, with Lakes muskies, but it’s also home accommodation in the area contact
to 15-inch range are not uncommon spots in excess of 175 feet and slow to some outsized perch. Some of the the Kalkaska Chamber of Com-
then. Rose claims that a lot of the to freeze. Some of the best winter biggest specimens are taken through merce at (231) 258-9103 or online at
jumbo perch that reside in Big Glen perch action takes place on the east the ice. Perch in the 10- to 11-inch www.kalkaskami.com.
Lake migrate into Little Glen Lake end of the lake off the town of Beu- range are fairly common and perch
in late fall and early winter. First ice lah. This is the first area of the lake up to 15 inches aren’t unheard of on Hamlin Lake
usually produces a hot bite. to freeze and anglers do well there Skegemog. Mason County’s Hamlin Lake
Because Big Glen Lake is so in 15 to 25 feet of water on first ice. Even though 1,460-acre Skege- has a reputation as being one of
deep, it’s slow to freeze. The lake As ice conditions improve, anglers mog Lake is relatively shallow with the best winter bluegill lakes in the
also doesn’t have a lot of structure. venture farther out on to the lake. A only one spot approaching 30 feet, state and deservedly so, but because
Key to finding good numbers of mid-winter perch hotspot then is off the lake is slow to freeze because of of that its productive winter perch
perch on first ice is to locate weeds Railroad Point on the lake’s south currents running in from the Torch fishery goes nearly unnoticed.
72 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
You’ve got to move around until
you find the schools and even then
you’ve got to do some sorting, but if
you work at it you can usually come
up with a pretty good mess. A lot
of the perch are going to be 8 to 10
inches, but you can get into a school
of perch that will be 12 inches, too.
Most of the best winter perchin’
on 5,000-acre Hamlin Lake occurs
on the lower lake. While the upper
lake is shallower with lots of weeds,
the lower lake reaches depths of up
to 80 feet. The lower lake features
steep contours in many locations.
Key to finding perch is to locate flats
in 25 to 45 feet of water. Hamlin has
a rich food supply. Often the perch
are regurgitating wigglers when you
bring them up, but like most places
big perch in Hamlin like meat- big
walleye-sized shiner minnows. The
best tactic is to use a ½-ounce bell
sinker on the bottom to get down
quickly, two small treble connected
to the mainline with Bear Paw Con-
nectors and a slip bobber. Jigging
spoons, lures and teardrops will
work too.
Anglers can enjoy hot perch ac-
tion right into March on Hamlin, but
the perch often move much shallow-
er then in a pre-spawn migration.
On last ice the biggest yellow bellies
can often be found in as little as five The author, Mike Gnatkowski with a pair of Michigan yellow bellies.
or six feet of water.
For live bait, tackle and infor- plenty of room to roam and moving and North bays. Early and late in the area contact the Curtis Area Cham-
mation on guides contact Captain and cutting holes is key to finding season ice anglers congregate out ber of Commerce and Tourism
Chuck’s II Inc 231-843-4458 https:// them and staying on top of them. from Churchill Point and off Har- Bureau at (800) 652-8784 or online
capt-chuck.com/ Prime winter locations include the wood Point too. at www.manistiquelakesarea.com.
mouth of Maple Bay, off Kingsley Public access to Hubbard Lake
Burt Lake Beach, off Resort Road, and on the can be gained at Backus Beach, on Lake Gogebic
I was daydreaming, enjoying the flats west of Greenman Point. East Bay and at North Bay. For in- If you want to get a jump on
local rock station and savoring one Like most places, Burt Lake’s formation on accommodations, bait the perch ice fishing season head to
of my favorite Nicaraguan cigars biggest perch have an affinity for shops and guides in the area contact Gogebic County’s Lake Gogebic.
when I notice my slip bobber jiggle big minnows. The big shiners also the Alpena Convention & Visitors You can probably head out for some
and then slowly start sinking. appeal to the Burt’s walleyes. For Bureau at (989) 354-4181 or online ice fishing now! Winter comes early
“Walleye,” I said to myself live bait, tackle and lake maps con- at www.alpenacvb.com. to this part of Michigan.
as I reeled up the slack and set the tact Young’s Bait at (231) 548-5286. Some of the best perch action of
hook. The hook set was met with North Manistique Lake the year on Lake Gogebic is on first
solid resistance. I gently pumped the Hubbard Lake Luce County’s North Manistique ice. The fish are relatively shallow
fish up from the depths as it tugged Alcona County’s Hubbard Lake Lake (also called Round Lake) is then and actively feeding. Good
against the drag and when it was is famous for its perch. “Hubbard one of the U.P.’s premier winter places to prospect are on either
about 10 feet below the hole I could Lake produces some jumbo perch perch lakes. The 1,722-acre lake end of the lake in 10 to 20 feet of
make out the olive bars on the fish, up to 15 inches,” said Northern produces consistent perch catches water and around the abundant
its orange fins and yellow belly. As Lake Huron fisheries biologist Tim for winter anglers with some of fish shelters that have been placed
the fish neared the hole I excitedly Cwalinski. “The perch numbers the biggest specimens pushing 14 around the lake. As winter deepens,
knelt down and scooped 14 inches tend to be cyclic, but there’s a fair inches. the perch schools concentrate in the
of yellow perch onto the ice. Simul- number of medium-sized perch in Located near the town of Curtis, deeper water in the center of the
taneously, I noticed that my second the lake, too.” Cwalinski added that North Manistique Lake has depths lake. Wigglers are a favorite food
bobber was gone. I scrambled for Hubbard Lake had a good popula- of up to 50 feet, which is where of Lake Gogebic perch and they
the rod and a few minutes later a tion of shiners, minnows and other you’re likely to find the perch once have been known to follow forag-
twin to the first perch was flopping invertebrates that provide excellent winter sets in. On first ice, probing ing schools of suckers that stir up
on the ice. The action was not fast perch forage. Most perch caught around the artificial reefs found on the bottom and expose the wigglers.
and furious, but a few hours later through the ice on Hubbard average the west and north shores can pay Don’t forget to try a good-sized
I had 14 nice perch on the ice and a solid 10 inches. big dividends. The lake’s bottom is minnow though when wigglers
only one of them was less than 10 Finding the perch schools on ex- mostly sand with some gravel and aren’t producing. Expect to catch
inches. pansive 8,850 acre Hubbard Lake is with sparse weed growth any type of plenty of yellowbellies up to a foot
There are a lot of really nice the difficult part. A shantytown de- structure is likely to attract schools long plus some bonus walleyes.
perch in Burt Lake and winter is one velops each winter on the north and of perch. A good starting point is For more information on perch
of the best times to catch them. Burt south ends of the lake in 30 to 50 right off the Luce County Park ice fishing opportunities on Lake
Lake has a bounty of forage even feet of water. Perch schools take up located on the lake’s south shore. Gogebic contact Bear’s Nine Pines
though the lake has few weed beds. residence there during mid-winter Most of the perch you’ll encounter Resort at (906) 842-3361 http://
The pristine water produces plenty and offer consistent action. Try the will be 8 to 10-inch “eaters,” but the www.ninepinesresort.com.
of mayfly larva and other aquatic usual assortment of baits including lake also gives up some footlong I can’t think of anything bet-
insects and minnows that perch and wax worms, wigglers and minnows. jumbos with regularity. ter than a heaping platter of golden
walleyes can grow fat on. At 17, Hotspots on first ice include the For more information on bait perch fillets. Make sure to get out
260-acres, perch in Burt Lake have areas around the weed beds in East shops and accommodations in the and get some this winter.n
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 73
By quitting I will catch more fish
Quitting is like trying to land a 20-pound salmon on two-pound test line
in a raging stream filled with downfall trees, stumps and rocks…
I
Dear Fish Diary: since writing my initial column
as I began my battle to give those
ing anxious, difficulty concentrat-
ing, restlessness, decreased heart
want to kill myself? Yes, I can really
see the benefit to taking a hallucino-
n my daily… no wait, cigarettes up and for that I thank rate, increased appetite or weight genic medication to curb my urge to
hourly… no wait, minute you. One thing I’ve tried to do is gain. Some people have had new or smoke. Is it any wonder that these
to minute… no wait – get away from thoughts of smoking. worse mental health problems, such pharmaceutical companies are so
second to second, yes, This hasn’t been easy because all as changes in behavior or think- rich?
that’s more accurate… they’re talking about on television ing, aggression, hostility, agita- I do have the memory lapses… I
battle to quit smoking, is legalizing smoking pot. Come tion, depressed mood, or suicidal do have the memory lapses. Mainly
some of you have shown you care. to think about it, that’s all they talk thoughts or actions while taking or because while trying to quit I can’t
In which case, I’m going to remove about on the radio. Come after stopping this medica- even tell a story without the con-
you from my hit list. You will not be to think about it, that’s all tion. Some people have had stant thought of smoking. My brain
subjected or singled out during one anyone is talking about, or, seizures during treatment. works like this…The other day
of my common nicotine withdrawal that’s all I hear. That figures, Get emergency medical (cigarette) A friend of mine and I
rages or rants. I’m finally trying to quit help right away if you have were (cigarette) going to go fish-
If you’ve never tried to quit smoking and all anyone is symptoms of a heart attack ing (cigarette) and we decided we’d
smoking, you should. If you’ve nev- talking about is smoking. or stroke. Sleepwalking can (cigarette) go to lake (cigarette)
er smoked, I think you should start, I’m not using any drugs happen with this medication Mitigwaki (cigarette). By the time
just so you can quit and have a clue to quit. No patch, no pills, and can sometimes lead to we got there (cigarette) which was
Tom Carney
skin, or blisters in your mouth. Use more fish. That down time wait-
caution when driving or operating ing for a bite just makes me want
machinery until you know how this to smoke. After this many months
medication affects you. Decrease the I would have thought it would be
amount of alcohol you drink while easier, but it’s not. Oh, there are
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KPC Media Group PROOF
HuntinIt_70824 Hunting Guide 6/29/17 dr/dr/dr Corrections must be made by 2:00 may be shown.
Full Page #43 Machele 4-COLOR p.m. Thursday, June 22 or ad will be
assumed correct and run as is.
Spearing and tip-ups for pike...
A perfect one/two punch
M
ichigan is blessed
with a thriving
population of north-
ern pike from one
end of the state to
the other. Northerns
are hard-fighting, aggressive biting
sportfish and they taste very good
too, providing the bones are re-
moved properly during the filleting
process. With the current trend in
high water levels across much of the
state, pike numbers are increasing.
The high waters opens up critical
pike habitat and also increases for-
age fish numbers making pike grow
numerous, big and nasty.
During the winter, pike are a
near perfect ice fishing target as they
are predictable in their locations, are
fairly easy to target and are a blast
to catch or spear.
I grew up spearing pike and
chasing them with tip-ups all
through winter. In fact, pike were
our main, under ice quarry. As kids
back in the 60s and 70s, we had
shanties on multiple lakes in Man-
istee County and we hit the ice at
every opportunity all through winter.
Things have changed a lot though
over the years with quality, portable
ice shelters, power augers and a long This big pike was caught by Al Christensen on Saginaw Bay while fishing with the author.
list of other ice fishing refinements;
first day we tried for walleye and orocarbon when I’m targeting pike. plished using a 10-inch gas powered
however the old saying, “the more
perch in the inner Bay, but danger- When I’m after walleyes, I change auger where we drilled six holes in
things change, the more they stay
ous pressure cracks limited our op- to an eight-pound fluorocarbon rectangular type pattern (three holes
the same” really applies to winter
tions so we only had scant success. leader. The leader is attached to the wide, two deep). We then used a
pike pursuits. I’m still addicted to
The next day though we planned mainline with a snap swivel for easy spud to chip off the edges. Some
spearing pike and setting tip-ups to
catch them too. Even though equip-
to set up in a good pike area close changing and to avoid line twisting spear anglers like larger holes,
to shore in shallow water. We had when the bait swims in circles. For which is as simple as just drilling
ment has evolved some over the
18” of ice and we probably could northerns, I like a #6 treble hook more holes to make it bigger. A
years, a lot of things related to this
activity are still the same as when
have driven our trucks right to the with one of the hooks put through small, mesh landing net was used
spot, but we instead just walked out the top of the back of the sucker to remove most of the ice from the
my father and grandfathers perused
the 1/3 mile to the fishing grounds mid-body so the bait hangs horizon- holes and a ladle finished off the
those toothsome fish. It’s still my
which were in six to seven feet of tal in the water. You have to be care- task. It only took us a half hour to
favorite winter time activity.
water. On the way out we started ful not to hit the spine of the sucker, set all the tip-ups and set up the
After a couple mild winters,
we finally got some good ice on
setting a string of tip-ups baited but also ensure that the hook is deep flip-over ice shelters over spearing
with suckers. My friends, Phil Toc- enough to secure it so it can’t wiggle holes. We positioned the shelters
Saginaw Bay last year. I moved to
zynski and Al Christensen had their off. I like to set the suckers just a so they faced towards the tip-ups
Au Gres a few years ago, but the
own tip-ups rigged up, but after couple feet off bottom in the shal- so we could keep an eye on them
first two winters living there had
I inspected them, I suggested that low waters where spearing is ideal. and the wind was on the back of
virtually no safe ice on the Bay to
we use the six I had brought along I put a small split shot or rubber the shanties as planned. We stayed
recreate on. Because my taxidermy
instead of theirs. They had them core sinker about six inches above close enough so we could talk to
work load kept me going seven days
rigged up with heavy, black Dacron the hook to maintain depth. one another, yet far enough away to
a week last winter, I didn’t get to hit
tip-up line, thick steel leaders and Phil is kind of set in his ways cover some water along a gradual
the ice much until later in the winter.
large treble hooks. And while those though, so he insisted on using a drop off.
During mid-February, a couple
heavy rigs work great in the stained couple of his tip-ups just to prove We were using artificial decoys
friends that I grew up ice fishing
waters of Manistee Lake and similar me wrong. We set six tip-ups total to lure in the pike although my
with who still
other waters where they do most of so we each could go after perch, friends often like to use live, sucker
live in and
their pike fishing, the gin clear water walleye or what ever else came decoys too. I use a regular, ice fish-
around Man-
of Saginaw Bay necessitates a more though our spearing holes that we ing spinning setup for the decoy and
istee joined me
stealthy approach. couldn’t legally take a stab at with have a homemade rod holder for it
for a couple
I prefer a 20 pound, clear, mono- the spears. that allows me to jig it up and down
days on Sagi-
filament main line with a five-foot Once all the tip-up were set in while still in the holder. I keep the
naw Bay. The
leader made from 20 pound test flu- a long string that went from down decoy a few feet off bottom and
By Michael Veine wind to up wind, we drilled out our
spearing holes. This was accom-
swim it in a circular motion stop-
ping it briefly on a regular basis.
76 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
For a live decoy, a pin setup is used
to hold the sucker on the line, but it
too must be jigged now and then to
keep it swimming.
Right after getting situated I
remembered that a local friend of
mine wanted me to call him when
we got out on the ice to let him
know how the wind was. I was
chatting with him on the cell phone
when I noticed a nice pike cruising
in from the south. I had the phone
on speaker, so I just set it down on
the seat next to me so I could pick
up the spear. My friend Ken Glup-
ker got to listen to the action on the
phone. The big pike circled once
and when I slowly jigged the decoy,
he burst in biting it savagely. That’s
when I smoothly tossed the spear
the short distance into the back of
his neck ending his attack. The pike
went nuts though thrashing around
and I had to carefully retrieve the
rope so it wouldn’t pull out of the
spear. I used a gaff to finally pull
For a spearing hole, the author just augers out six, 10-inch holes and then uses a spud to trim it out
the fish from the hole, which turned some. It doesn’t have to look perfect to function well. Author photos
out to be a chunky 35 incher. with a semi-hard, short, yank and before tiring enough so I could steer in that gin clear water during the
About the time we were settled then I began pulling in line hand him through the hole and onto the day. They will often come up to a
back down into spearing mode again over hand placing the line down ice. With another thick 30-inch pike lure and look it over close up, but
I noticed that a tip-up flag was wind. When the wind is blowing, in my possession, I was limited out never want to bite. If you want to
flying high. Phil and Al had each keeping the line out of the hole is on northern, so when I noticed a catch walleye in those shallows
just seen a pike cruise through their important. couple other flags flying in the wind along with pike, then you need to
holes, so they didn’t want to leave When the fish neared the hole I I had to yell for my partners to get fish the night shift or set up in wa-
guard. I ventured out to check out saw the flash of a nice pike streak by on them. While they were pulling ters that are more stained. I prefer
the tip-up alone. After I removed as it blasted off on a lightning quick in those fish, an eagle swooped in to spear in waters that are five to
the hole cover, I could see the spool run. I just let the line slip through and tried to steal one of my pike, eight feet deep, but sometimes I go
slowly revolving so I carefully lifted my fingers while applying gentle but thankfully it was too big for him as far as 10 feet.
the tip-up paying off the extra line pressure preventing slack forming. to lift off with, so he dropped it and Incidentally, Phil’s heavy duty,
while I set it to the side of the hole. Once he stopped his run, I began flew off a short distance where he tip-up setups never got a bite all
I was positioned on the down wind retrieving him again and the spunky watched for his next opening. Had morning despite the abundance of
side of the hole when I set the hook pike made several more dashes he stolen it I’m not sure if I would pike in the area.
have been legal to catch another The spears we use are rather
pike that day. I guess that’s one for large models with nine, long prongs
me to ask a CO the next time I run and an overall length of about five
into one. feet; however some avid back stab-
For the next hour or two we had bers prefer even larger models. I
non-stop pike action with spears fly- have about 15 feet of ¼” nylon rope
ing and tip-ups popping. My local attached to my spear which I tie
friend Ken joined us to get in on the off on one of the metal tubes of my
action too. The last flag was taken shelter. About any shelter with a big
by Al and when he set the hook enough hole opening will work for
and announced that: “It feels like a spearing. I really like the flip-over
good one,” I got the gaff ready for models though due to their large
action knowing that Al doesn’t joke opening, comfy seats, and quick
about fish size. When that big pike setup. Just need to make sure the
cruised by the hole we all crowded roof height is tall enough for the
around to get a peek and a collec- spear. My old Fish Trap is barely
tive gasp was let out by all when tall enough for my five foot spear,
it swam by. It was humongous. A but it still works well.
few days earlier I had a similar sized One last note on pike: They are
one on and it broke off when I was excellent table fare rivaling walleye
trying to get it through the hole solo. when cared for properly. The key
I was hoping that this giant would is to learn to fillet out all the bones
not get away. Al fought the bruiser properly. There are dozens of vid-
expertly and when the nose came eos on You Tube that demonstrate
into the hole I gaffed the monster the filleting techniques. It takes me
and slid over 20 pounds of northern a bit longer to clean a pike com-
pike onto the ice. What a way to pared to a walleye, but the reward is
cap off our day. well worth it.
Besides pike, we also caught The author offers fishing char-
some perch and saw some wall- ters specializing in Saginaw Bay
eyes cruise through the spearing walleyes. Contact Mike Veine at
Phil Toczynski is a happy angler with a fine catch of nor thern pike holes too. It’s hard to fool walleyes www.trophyspecialists.com or 734-
taken with spears and tip-ups. though with lures or even minnows 475-9146.n
WNW NEWS JANUARY 2019 77
Digging into severed mineral rights
A
couple of winters ago,
when a copper mining
company announced
plans for exploratory
drilling under a sec-
tion of Porcupine
Mountains Wilderness State Park,
the topic of severed mineral rights
– and the question of what exactly
they are, and what powers they
convey – was raised by many people
concerned about potential mining
activity at this beloved Michigan
state park.
Similar questions have been
raised more recently with a mining
company application to lease state-
owned minerals on properties in
Marquette County.
In the 1940s, when lands were
being acquired in the western Upper
Peninsula to develop the state park
amid the storied northern hardwood
and hemlock forests of the Porcu-
pine Mountains, some properties
were sold, with the mineral rights
retained by the previous owner.
Under this scenario, though the
state of Michigan owns the surface A drilling crew conducts exploratory drilling on private land in the western Upper Peninsula. MDNR photos
property rights, the state must allow
the mining company “reasonable ac- The rights to develop minerals in real property and can be owned estate,” said Julie Manson, property
cess” to the minerals situated below Michigan are based on common law in conjunction with, or separately manager with the Lease Manage-
ground. doctrines. These doctrines, which from, the surface rights,” said Mark ment Unit of the DNR’s Office of
As a property owner, if some- have evolved through courts’ inter- Sweatman, director of the Michigan Minerals Management.
one told you he or she had the right pretations of rights, have roots in the Department of Natural Resources’ In the case of the mining com-
to use the surface of your land to old English laws that we inherited. Office of Minerals Management. pany test drilling at Porcupine
extract the minerals underneath, you What Are Mineral Rights? An owner can separate the Mountains Wilderness State Park,
would likely think he or she was Real property ownership in- mineral rights from his or her land the DNR allowed access to drill
mistaken. cludes a bundle of ownership rights, by conveying (selling or otherwise core samples, but required various
How could that be true? including the right to possess, use, transferring) the land but retain- safeguards to protect the surface
Unless you also own the miner- enjoy, encumber, will, sell or do ing the mineral rights; conveying features at the park.
als under your land, that someone nothing at all. the mineral rights and retaining the Some of these provisions includ-
might be right. “Mineral rights are a type of land; or conveying the land to one ed drilling only when the ground
person and the mineral rights to was frozen, using tracked vehicles
another. to lessen any potential impacts to
“Landowners are sometimes vegetation and using old logging
surprised to find out someone else roads to access core sites, rather
owns the rights to the minerals than building new roads.
beneath the surface of their land, The test drilling was completed
and that a mineral owner typically over a span of two winters without
has the right to reasonable use of any adverse impacts to DNR-man-
the surface as necessary to extract aged lands at the state park.
minerals,” Sweatman said. “Mineral At some point, if the mining
rights owned by someone other than company does decide to mine the
the surface owner are rights said to minerals lying beneath the park, it
be ‘severed.’” would do so from outside the park
Once mineral rights are sev- boundary.
ered from the surface estate, the Permission to mine would re-
mineral estate becomes the “domi- quire the mining company to work
nant estate” and the surface estate through a separate permitting pro-
becomes the “servient estate.” This cess via the Michigan Department of
legal principle recognizes that some Environmental Quality. That process
degree of surface access is necessary would allow for public comment
to develop the mineral estate. on plans prior to the DEQ’s final
“Because of its dominance, permitting decisions.
the mineral estate holds an implied Mineral Rights
Revenue from oil, gas and mineral leases in Michigan is returned to the easement to use as much of the Managed by the State
state in grants that fund recreation projects, like this walkway at Bond surface as is reasonably necessary The DNR manages over 6.4
Falls in Ontonagon County. for the development of the mineral million acres of mineral rights,
78 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
including almost 2.3 million acres of actually valuable mineral resources
mineral rights where someone other in that location, nor does it give per-
than the State of Michigan owns the mission to drill a well or mine for
surface rights. minerals,” Sweatman said. “A lease
“Most of these rights were simply gives the lessee the exclusive
acquired by the state between 1920 right to pursue development of the
and 1940 due to non-payment of mineral rights, should they choose
property taxes,” Sweatman said. to. If the lessee chooses to develop
“When tax-reverted properties were the mineral rights, all necessary per-
subsequently sold, it was common missions must still be obtained, and
practice for mineral rights to be all regulations must be followed.”
retained.” In the mining industry, compa-
The DNR is the only state nies often secure leases to prevent
agency authorized to lease State of competitors from exploring mineral
Michigan-owned mineral rights. development in those areas.
Mineral leasing activities, as well
as the verification of mineral lease Legal Issues
revenues are administered by DNR’s Michigan has laws in place that
Office of Minerals Management. require owners of a severed mineral From state-managed parks to private vacation proper ties, proper ty own-
Mineral rights leased by the interest to take steps at least once ers may be separate par ties when it comes to mineral and surface rights.
DNR include, oil, natural gas, me- every 20 years to keep their inter-
tallic minerals – such as copper and est alive. If the severed mineral pleted to determine its value. If the surface rights issues may want to
nickel – and non-metallic minerals owner does not take those steps, the State of Michigan owns the mineral consult an attorney.”
such as sand, gravel, limestone and severed oil and gas rights will revert rights a program exists whereby a Property owners – whether sur-
salt. to the surface owner and the other purchase can be pursued.” face or mineral rights owners – can
“Revenue generated from the severed mineral rights will revert to Mineral ownership can have a benefit greatly from an understand-
leasing and sale of state-owned min- the last owner of those rights in the big impact on the ability to use and ing of severed mineral rights, what
eral rights translates into funding for chain of title. enjoy the land as desired, even when they mean and how they work.
the acquisition, development, and For more information, please the land is a Michigan state park. Clearing aside the mystery can
maintenance of local and state parks refer to the Dormant Mineral Act The DNR seeks to purchase surface reveal what truly lies beneath the
and other recreational areas, result- (MCL 554.291 et seq) and the and mineral rights jointly whenever surface of the lands we love.
ing in a wide range of recreational Marketable Record Title Act (MCL possible. Get more information on miner-
opportunities and access to Michi- 565.101 et seq). Neither of these “The issue of mineral rights can als management in Michigan.n
be complicated,” Sweatman said.
gan’s forests, trails, waterways, and
beaches,” said John Pepin, DNR
laws apply to governmental entities.
While only the mineral owner “Those involved in mineral and Submitted By Michigan DNR
deputy public information officer. is typically entitled to royalties
“Mineral revenue generated since when the minerals are developed, a ED'S NEW DVD
the 1980s for Michigan has ex- surface owner may negotiate with
ceeded $1 billion. Many important the developer to receive payment for ULTIMATE
recreation projects funded in Michi- the use of his or her surface in the
gan through the Natural Resources development of the minerals. CORN-BASED
Trust Fund have been financed with Surface property owners can DEER KILL PLOTS
revenue produced by oil, gas and pursue the purchase of the min- Takes you to a new concept of deer attraction.
minerals leasing revenue.” eral rights beneath their land with Deer will freely enter your kill plot during daylight due
In Marquette County, a min- whomever owns the mineral rights. to the security and endless variety of forage deer prefer
ing company recently applied for The mineral right owner is not Send Check or Money Order
permission to lease mineral rights required to sell them, but such sales ORDER Made Out to:
owned by the state of Michigan. The do occur. YOUR Edward Spinazzola
state will consider the application “Determining who owns the COPY 4986 Winewood Lane
TODAY! Commerce, MI 48382
and then decide whether to grant the minerals beneath your property can
leases, based on recommendations be an arduous task, but assistance New DVD ~ $25 includes shipping
from foresters, biologists and other can be acquired through an attorney
natural resource professionals. or title company,” Manson said. Name
Address
“A mineral lease from the State “Once an owner is established, a
City State Zip
of Michigan does not mean there are mineral appraisal is typically com- Phone #
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Thank you
wilt fungus with them. Once this The Arboriculture Society of
fatal fungus enters the vascular sys- Michigan (ASM) and the Michigan
tem of the oak, it rapidly kills that Oak Wilt Coalition encourage you
for your
tree. Once infected, red oaks can to be a responsible land owner and
die within a few weeks regardless outdoors person. More information spread this is or how easily you can
of its size! The fungus then trav- on oak wilt and the risk periods start an infection.
“concern”
els from the infected tree through for wounding oaks can be found at The author, William Drews is an
roots to nearby oaks leading to their www.MichiganOakWilt.org or by I.S.A. Certified Arborist # MI-
death. We have now established an calling ASM at 517-337-4999. 0309A, ISA Qualified Tree Risk As-
Dear Woods-N-Water News: epicenter, which can allow rapid Note from author: My personal sessor, Michigan Oak Wilt Qualified
I would like to take a moment movement of the fungus, killing contact with so many new epicenters Professional # MIOWQ-007, Mem-
to recognize our local DNR staff adjacent oaks. Oak wilt stays active of this disease are solid evidence of ber Michigan Oak Wilt Coalition
for their outstanding concern about in connected root systems until there the seriousness of this oak wilt is- and an avid Michigan bow hunter
CWD. I live in Barry County and are no more oaks left alive. We do sue. Please do not dismiss how wide and outdoorsman.n
F
or decades in the late on the breeding season. bucks. However, this is unfortu- similar age structures. Unfortunate-
1900s states such as Research also suggests that older nate because it is advantageous for ly, most modern-day hunted herds
Alabama, Michigan, bucks produce “controlling” or yearling bucks to spend less time have this age structure for does but
Pennsylvania and others “priming” pheromones that yearling chasing and/or breeding does and few do for bucks, a result of har-
managed deer herds in bucks are not physically mature additional time feeding and storing vests made up largely of yearling
such a manner that the enough to produce. Some stud- fat for the upcoming winter. Year- bucks. However, according to Dr.
majority of bucks harvested were ies even suggest a buck reaching ling bucks that enter winter in better Dave Guynn from Clemson Univer-
1½ years old and very few bucks dominant status produce greater physical condition have higher sity, when a balanced age structure
ever reached maturity. In Pennsylva- amounts of pheromones than less winter survival rates and are able is achieved it ensures the behavioral
nia, less than one-percent of bucks dominant bucks of the same age, to contribute more spring forage to and biological mechanisms that
reached maturity prior to imple- and increased stimulation of does by body growth and less to recover- shape deer populations are allowed
mentation of antler restrictions in mature bucks through signposts may ing the additional body weight lost to function. Dave continues that the
2002. Even in the absence of mature cause earlier and more synchronized during winter. Young bucks can density, sex ratio and age structure
bucks, does will still breed and most breeding. While there isn’t defini- handle the breeding requirements of of a deer herd should mimic a popu-
northern does will even breed during tive proof that priming pheromones a herd but they do so at their own lation regulated by natural predators
their first estrous cycle. Does this exist in whitetails, retired researcher nutritional expense. Therefore, the and hunting by Native Americans.
mean there is no biological benefit Louis Verme and his colleagues presence of mature bucks suppresses This natural condition provides for
to having mature bucks in a herd? found that does penned with bucks the breeding activities of young a nutritionally and socially healthy
Does it mean there is no biological experienced estrous earlier than bucks. This is good for the future herd, and it is only achieved when
harm in not having them? those that were not. health and growth of these young mature bucks are present.
The importance of mature bucks As most hunters know, rubs and bucks and the health of the entire In addition to the biological
extends far beyond being the most scrapes play central roles in deer so- deer population. benefits, mature bucks also provide
sought-after targets during hunting cial life immediately before and dur- Abundant research shows additional recreational opportunities
season. To understand why, let’s ing the rut. The relative abundance skewed adult sex ratios combined for hunters. Sightings or trail-cam-
first define maturity and then look at of rubs and scrapes on a given area with young buck age structures era photos of a mature buck can help
the role mature bucks play in a deer is directly related to the density of often result in does not being bred motivate more hunters and keep
herd. mature bucks, and areas with mature until their second or third estrous them afield longer. When you are
Whitetail bucks generally reach bucks can have 10 times as many cycles. Second and third-cycle trying to achieve doe harvest goals,
skeletal maturity from 4½ to 6½ rubs as areas without them. Noted fawns are born one to two months recruit help for habitat management
years and grow their largest set of researchers John Ozoga and Louis later than fawns from does bred on efforts, or simply gather attentive
antlers from 5½ to 7½ years. Most Verme found yearling bucks lacked time, and these fawns begin life at a club members for an educational
biologists refer to bucks 1½ to 2½ the scent-marking behaviors char- distinct disadvantage. Habitat qual- program on QDM topics, increased
as young or immature, 3½ to 4½ acteristic of mature bucks. In their ity is reduced by the time they’re interest works in your favor.
as middle-aged, and 5½ or older as study, mature bucks began making born, they have less time to grow Finally, the enjoyment level of
mature. For this article, let’s com- scrapes two months before any doe before the onset of winter, and pre- hunting is often directly proportion-
bine middle-aged and mature bucks bred, whereas yearling bucks made dation rates are often higher because al to mature buck numbers. More
and consider 3½ years old or older only 15 percent as many scrapes and you lose the “saturation effect” of mature bucks equals more rubs and
as mature. none until one week before the first having abundant prey on the ground scrapes for hunters to find. Hunt-
Mature bucks are awesome crea- doe bred. They also noted yearling at the same time. ers witness behaviors like sparring
tures. Even dyed-in-the-wool meat bucks made only 50 percent as In northern populations, young and chasing more often, and hunters
hunters relish the opportunity to many rubs as mature bucks during bucks breed the majority of does are more likely to hear vocaliza-
shoot a mature whitetail. And why the breeding season. during their first cycle, but southern tions like grunting. Success rates
not? Mature bucks are rare in many Signpost behaviors are important populations aren’t as fortunate. Hav- with rattling and calling are higher.
areas and it’s difficult to make them to the whitetail’s breeding ecology, ing mature bucks in the population Even hunting for shed antlers in the
available to hunters. Producing them and therefore the “priming” effect helps ensure the vast majority of off-season is more productive. All
requires knowledge, skill and time, that mature bucks may have on the southern does are bred during their of these factors increase enthusiasm
and harvesting them is usually more length and/or timing of the rut is re- first estrous cycle, bringing about for hunting and year-round QDM
difficult. Just as big fish and big duced or absent when mature bucks the benefits of an earlier, shorter efforts.
trees indicate successful fishery and are scarce. fawning period. So, can deer herds exist without
forestry programs, the presence of The priming effect from sign- Mature bucks are part of a mature bucks? Sure they can, but
mature bucks is a positive sign for a posts likely has a stronger effect “natural” deer herd. Archaeologists remember: Whitetail populations
deer management program. in southern latitudes as northern determined historic deer popula- evolved with mature bucks. Their
Whitetails are social animals, studies show the majority of does tions had an advanced age structure. social order works best with mature
and scent is their primary commu- are bred during their first cycle even We assume that Native American bucks. Young bucks’ fitness can be
nication method. During the breed- in the absence of mature bucks. hunter-gatherers harvested the first enhanced by the presence of mature
ing season signposts such as rubs However, this doesn’t discount the deer available, regardless of its age bucks. Hunting interest increases
and scrapes provide the location benefit of mature bucks to northern or sex, and thus their harvest was when mature bucks are present.
for scent marking and information herds. Research shows young bucks a relatively random sample of the All of these points are good for
sharing. A growing body of research engage in breeding and may sire population. Examinations of deer the deer herd, for deer management
suggests pheromones (chemicals nearly a third (30 percent) of fawns remains in Native American mid- and for the future of hunting. The
secreted from an animal’s body that even in populations where mature dens (trash piles) suggests many next time you pass a young buck,
affect other animals) are deposited bucks comprise over 50 percent of deer survived to older ages (20 to 26 know that you did your part to im-
at these signposts by mature bucks, the bucks. Of course young bucks percent of populations were 5 years prove the health of the deer herd as
and these pheromones may have a sire a higher percentage of fawns or older). Interestingly, data from well as increase your chance of tak-
“bio-stimulating” or trigger effect in populations with fewer mature modern-day unhunted herds show ing a mature buck in the future.”n
82 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
Hot Topic...My Thoughts...My Views...My Opinions -- Continued
15
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84 JANUARY 2019 WNW NEWS
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way between Atlanta and Lewiston. If you want it 700 feet on the beautiful Thunder Bay River in
all... this is probably it. $259,900 downtown Atlanta features 4,000 square feet, two
80056 - full living areas, zoned heating, fireplace, formal
Log sided 3 dining room, family room, elevated sitting room,
bedroom, 3 laundry room, attached garage, covered porches,
bath chalet and patio area. Six of the seven bedrooms do not
on 40 acres, have closets, which was typical of the era. Some
bordering remodeling and updating has been done. A unique
State Land with several deer blinds, trails, a 2 car piece of Atlanta’s history! $139,900
garage, barn, and more outbuildings. Garage has
80033 -
nice attached room with separate outside door which
Immaculate
could be an office, man cave, hobby or work room. A
custom built
creek runs through which is a tributary of the Thunder
home on 40
Bay River. Property has apple, pear, plum trees, and
beautiful
blueberry bushes. Much, much more $259,900
wooded acres
80054 - with your own private pond/small lake right out
Two bedroom the back door. Custom kitchen with beautiful cabi-
home on 25 netry, open concept, formal dining room, central
acres designed vacuum, Anderson Windows and life time shingles.
for “off grid” 3 nice sized bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths on the main
recreation, floor, attached garage, partially finished basement
garden area, propane lights, solar panels, private with a walkout to the water and the beautiful yard.
drive, lots of wildlife, morel mushrooms, wild berries, There is a work shop, 3 car garage, and much more
fruit trees, indoor inverter for power. $79,900 $374,900
Near W
N
3,960 ft
Marlette S
6+ Acres, Mis-
ING
ND
saukee County,
Secluded 34’x16’
Pole Barn - Deer P E
Camp! This is a
MUST SEE with
an incredible
track record of
harvesting
Lake County, 7 Acres, Little Manistee 40+/- Acres Mecosta, Fenced Midland County, 80 Acres MATURE Missaukee County, 80 Acres, Custom Newaygo County 4+/- Acres
River Frontage, Cozy Cabin, in pastureland and pond. Perfect for 12 Miles to Mount Pleasant, Whitetails! Built Home, Wrap-Around-Porch, Muskegon Riverfront, New cabin,
Great Hunting and Fishing equestrians and cattle owners! Excellent Hunting Price Right!! 4 Beds & 3.5 Baths. Beautiful landscaping, Secluded woods.
$125,000 $97,900 $176,000 $55,000 $350,000 $220,000
38 Acres, Newaygo County, 80 Acres, Newaygo County, Newaygo County, 88 Acres, 2100 ft. Oceana County, 67 Acres, Great Deer
White Cloud Cabin/Home, Five Newaygo County, 50.5 Acres, Custom Food Plots, Mature Timber Value, Pristine Muskegon River frontage. Newaygo County, 125 Acres, Three and Turkey Hunting, Tillable,
Mile Creek Frontage, Deer, Built Home, Secluded, Wildlife Galore, Loaded With Deer And Turkey, Excellent hunting. spring fed lakes, Excellent Deer, Thick Forest Floor, Food Plots, Pond,
Bear, Turkey, and Seclusion! 4 Beds & 2.5 Baths. Economically Price! Fully furnished living quarters. Turkey and Waterfowl hunting Hunting Shack and Pole Barn.
$169,000 $550,000 $160,000 $575,000 $362,000 $164,900
Osceola County, Evart, 278 Acres, Presque Isle County, 1,500 Acres, Roscommon County, 480+/- Acres,
Osceola County, 120 Acres, Trail Sys- Osceola County, LeRoy Twp, Osceola County, 163+/- Acres, Great Major Deer Sign, Multiple Food Plots, High Fence Deer Ranch, 50,000+ sq. ft. High Fence Deer Rach, First Class
tem, Near Reed City, Tons of 141 +/- Acres, Easy access Trail System, Awesome Hunting, Rolling Terrain,. Thick Bedding Cover, lodge, rolling hills, caretakers Lodge and House, 120’x60’ Pole Barn,
Deer and Turkey Sign, Food plot areas to US-131, Large Pond Rolling Hills, Must See! Near State Land, Great Deer History. house, and pole barn. Quality Deer Herd.
$269,500 $211,500 $245,000 $517,000 $6,400,000 $2,900,000
$649,999
Complete with floor to ceiling pine lodge and full scale bar.
This ranch can accommodate 10 people on its main floor and
4 on the upper level suite. 2 full bathrooms and kitchen to complete
the ranches accommodations for your hunters. The front barns
include processing facilities and a gun siting range.
Approx 60 deer remaining after this year’s hunts. Deer herd
has been managed for 15-20 trophy whitetail hunts per year.
Full Rut Ranch also offers event spaces for weddings, reunions, and more!
LITTLE CLEAR LAKE!! SPACIOUS 4-BEDROOM!! OVER 3000 SQUARE FEET!! NEAR FEDERAL LANDS!! DEEDED LAKE ACCESS!!
Lovely 3-bdrm, 2 bath home that is move-in ready w/little This home has over 2000 square feet, beautiful wood This spacious 4-bdrm, 2.7 bath home is beautiful & well- Well-maintained 2-bdrm mobile home with 2-story barn- 3 Nice 2-bdrm home just down the road from private boat
updates needed and 90 feet of canal frontage leading to ceilings, bedrooms on both floors, bamboo wood floors, maintained. So many fantastic amenities, full walkout style garage on 2 partly wooded lots. Upper level of access & near sandy beach at STYLUS LAKE! Wood
30 acre private lake! Open floor plan, newer appliances, laminate floors, knotty pine interior, heated breezeway, bsmt, 2.5 ACRES, finished garage, large deck, privacy 30x20 pole barn could be used for your guests & has liv- floors, nice kitchen w/lots of cabinets & snack bar, balco-
master suite, 31x15 deck with fantastic lake views!! garage w/elec, encl porch, deck & much more!! fence, tasteful landscaping & above ground pool!! ing area, bdrm, kitchen & bath! Also near AuSable River!! ny, 2-story gambrel-style garage, rear deck & much more!!
$59,900 1853977 $100,000 1849751 $199,900 1837404 $44,500 1838111 $114,900 1849895
CONVENIENTLY CLOSE TO TOWN!! WELL-MAINTAINED!! NEAR ALL SPORTS LAKES!! SAGE LAKE WATERFRONT!! ALMOST 3/4 OF AN ACRE!!
2-bdrm home sits on 2 City lots. Has a Move-in ready 4-bdrm ranch-style home on 30 ACRES, 3-bdrm, one bath home needs some TLC but is locat- 2-bdrm home, knotty pine interior, hardwood floors, Cute 2-bdrm home on 5 wooded lots for plenty of el-
great yard or elbow room to build a garage. w/garage, full walkout bsmt, 9x11 bonus room or office, ed in fantastic recreational area and near both Rifle main floor master, full walkout bsmt, move-in ready bow room and a garage for storage. Near State lands
Needs some updates but has great poten- family room, master suite, deck, porch and beautiful and George Lakes for fishing, boating and swimming. & mostly furnished! Lakeside deck & boat dock w/ and many lakes for fishing, boating and swimming. A
tial for nice place!! wooded views of property and your very own pond!! Also close to many trails for the outdoor enthusiast!! speed boat, hoist and trailer included in selling price!! great place to call your getaway or cozy year round!!
$24,900 1855325 $167,900 1853504 $35,900 1852749 $164,900 1849059 $34,900 1851463
FANTASTIC LOCATION!! COZY GETAWAY!! OVER 6 WOODED ACRES!! AN ACRE OF PROPERTY!! BUSH LAKE ACCESS!!
This 2-bdrm home with attached garage sits on AN ACRE 2-bdrm home on two lots w/garage that has 2-bdrm, 2 bath stick built home w/garage & almost Updated 3-bdrm on full bsmt w/laminate floors, newer Neat and clean 2-bdrm year round home or affordable
of property and is just a short distance to all sports Lake finished heated upstairs! Located in great 1700 square feet of living space! Newer roofing and stainless steel appliances, family room, maintenance- getaway just across road from lake access. Move-in
George. Has wood flooring, large front deck, full base- recreational area and has vinyl windows, newer furnace. Property is nicely landscaped and free lighted Trex decking, newer windows, newer doors & ready with partly knotty pine interior, FP and is mostly
ment, paved driveway and a second 24x28 garage!! covered & enclosed porches & more!! has a picnic area and a one acre pond with dock!! newer siding and a 30x24 garage plus shed for storage!! furnished. Located just 100 feet from DNR boat access!!
$69,000 1844224 $27,900 1855290 $129,900 1841975 $134,900 1850717 $49,900 1837134
ACROSS FROM LAKE!! ACROSS FROM NAT’L FOREST!! 2.36 ACRES!! LOTS OF POTENTIAL!! 20 ACRES!!
Well-maintained 2-bdrm home with a beautiful view of This 3-bdrm home sits on a deep lot with some shade Spacious brick and vinyl 2-bdrm home with 1674 square 4-bdrm home on large lot in need of some TLC and updat- 3-bdrm home on full basement with garage!! Some
all sports RIFLE LAKE and just across the road from 20 trees and has been freshly painted. On almost an acre feet of living space, formal dining, some appliances, family ing. Open floor plan w/lots of charm and is a fixer-upper recent updates include updates to kitchen and
foot access spot! Spacious living area, hickory cabinets, of land and located in great recreational area and not room w/its own entrance, huge 72x39 heated 5-car garage with good bones. Located in very desirable area and near bath. Outside there is a large covered deck w/
knotty pine interior, carport, deck, covered porch & more!! far from lakes. Exterior of home does need some TLC!! plus 24x32 pole bldg, both wired for electric & much more! all sports Lake George for fishing, swimming & boating!! beautiful views and trails for walking or the hunter!!
$79,500 1847245 $45,900 1848661 $134,900 1848848 $49,900 1851324 $154,900 1840412
BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT!! WELL-INSULATED!! SPACIOUS CHALET!! WEST BRANCH OF RIFLE RIVER!! ON CHANNEL TO ALL SPORTS LAKE!!
3-bdrm, 2 bath home with frontage on BIG WILLIAMS Nice 3-bdrm home located in great recreational area near Over 2300 square feet of living space, 3-bdrm, 2 full bath Beautiful 4-bdrm, 3 bath home on 10 ACRES!! Over Nice 3-bdrm ranch-style home w/garage, formal
LAKE. Ranch-style home w/addition, partial walkout many lakes and state land! Would make the perfect year and 4-car garage. Home has beautiful views from multiple 500’ of frontage on the gorgeous Rifle River for excel- dining, bright kitchen w/island & breakfast nook,
bsmt, master suite, FP, sunroom, wrap-around deck w/ round home or an excellent weekend or vacation getaway! decks & is located in great subd w/access to 2 all sports lent fishing and kayaking. So many great amenities, spacious walk-in closet, master suite, wrap-around
gorgeous views, garage & 60’ of sandy lake frontage!! Large fenced yard for your pets & deck for relaxing!! lakes, golf course, tennis courts, trails, camping & more!! including 2 garages! A must see home and property!! deck w/beautiful views, a pond & boat dock!!
$92,000 1842289 $59,900 1851030 $143,900 1846541 $339,500 1852070 $149,900 1810533
38.84 ACRES!! 1.25 ACRES!! BEAUTIFUL LAKEFRONT!! AMISH REMODELED!! LOTS OF UPDATES!!
Immaculate ranch-style manufactured home w/3-bdrms, 2 Affordable 2-bdrm, 2 bath home w/large rooms, appliances, SPACIOUS CUSTOM BUILT 3-bdrm, 3 bath Gorgeous 3-bdrm w/custom cabinets, mobile Nice 3, possible 4, bdrm home on OVER 1/2 ACRE, w/ga-
full bath, open floor plan, formal dining, mudroom, master lots of kitchen cabinets, generator, 16x14 sunroom, paved home, large lot, full walkout bsmt, garage, kitchen island, Amish built furnishings, FP, 2 rage, newer metal roof, remodeled bath, newer windows,
suite, 30x40 garage and more. This property would also circular drive, breezeway from home to 24x24 garge, newer open floor plan, wood floors, AC, gorgeous covered porches, oversized garage and all NES- newer well, laminate floors, gas log FP, appliances, snack
make a great place for a hunting club or church retreat!! windows & newer roof & you can walk to State land!! kitchen, master suite & so much more!! TLED ON 20 ACRES w/groomed trails & 4 blinds!! bar area, large yard w/fire pit & 3 miles from town!!
$176,000 1851925 $49,900 1849274 $232,500 1854973 $249,900 1855393 $89,995 1853056
Child Recliners 99
249
$ Unique Log Beds
- Queens start at
$ Solid Wood
USA Chest
$
199
www.DANDANTHEMATTRESSMAN.com
802 Ashman St. • Midland
989-832-1866
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
MACOMB CO. MICHIGAN BICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE RIFLE
200 ANNIVERSARY TH
Created in Honor of
Macomb Co. Michigan
and built on a Collector’s Grade Henry .22,
this special edition is richly engraved in artwork inspired
by Macomb Co. Michigan history - a fitting tribute to the
people and places that make this County great.
Engravings Include:
• Logo w Old Courthouse 1880 – • Grand Trunk Station 1859
Bicentennial Dates • William Upton House 1867
• Map of County w/Towns and Cities • Halfway Schoolhouse 1872
• General Alexander Macomb • Whitetail Deer
1782-1841 • Walleye
• Washington Octagon House 1860 • Individual Rifle Number
Michi-GUN
Phone (586) 296-2360
Fax (586) 264-8307
STORE HOURS:
Mon. - Fri: 10am-7pm;
Sat: 10am-4pm; Closed Sunday www.michigunandtackle.com