MARCH HARE
MARCH HARE
Most of the dogs that I have owned have been of the non sporting variety. When I was a kid we had an Irish Setter, beautiful dog but not trained. We also had a couple of mutts that weren’t around long. My dad actually went and bought an English Pointer but alas, not a hunter either. The first day we brought him home he hunted out a soft place on the couch and that was it. I think our best dog was a Yellow Lab mix that was a great dog, but again, never trained for hunting.
My current dog [Bella] is a mix of half Springer Spaniel and half Coon Hound. I started out training her for birds but after a while realized that I was not very good at it. She has all of the ability and still gets going when she hears the word “bird” or “hunt” but I have yet to get her on any real birds to she how she will respond. I still think there is hope and will be taking he out in the next few weeks for some running.
BEAGLES AND BUNNIES
A couple of years ago my friend Ron Spencely introduced me to hunting rabbits with dogs. Beagles to be more specific. He had a couple that he hunted with and offered to take me out and show me how they worked. From then on, he need not ask twice. Oddly enough, today was twice.
His friend Greg had a piece of property to hunt and with the dogs we went. Ron, Greg, our friend Mark and myself all headed out to a piece of property that was about 150 acres of woods and field. Now the textbook on rabbit hunting says the dogs should have no problem and the rabbits will be enjoying themselves sticking to the sunny, warm portions of the fence row. No one told the rabbits or the dumb animals don’t know how to read. It seems they were not going to move unless they were stepped on. The first one jumped took a loop around and doubled back to Mark and me with itchy trigger fingers. All it took was a quick shot from my Remington 870 and one bunny was in the bag.
If you have never hunted with a good beagle, I encourage you to find someone who does and ask them to take you. Please remember there are a few things when hunting with these great dogs: Wait, wait, wait. Oh yeah, and listen. What I learned on my first hunt it that a good dog(s) will can manipulate a rabbits path back to you. The rabbit jumped from a spot that it probably knows and it will come back to a familiar hiding spot. Or, the will run like hell to the first hole or rock pile and never come out. Much like today. After all was said and done we jumped about five and took two. I was lucky enough to get three shots and take both. Even if we had not been successful, meeting a new friend and hunting with old ones was great! A beautiful day of sunshine howling dogs and fast game beats a day at the mall or watching television anytime.
GONE TO THE DOGS
Aside from the great time with friends, I really should thank the little ones that worked harder than everyone else. So to Ron’s dog Radar and Greg’s dogs, Lucy and Pepo, Thanks!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Looking back to my first real hunt with my dad, it was rabbit hunting. I remember jumping one and it ran for about 15 yards and stopped. Almost like it was waiting for me to shoot. Having not been fast enough to get the first shot on it, I looked down the barrel of my Remington .410 and shot. A quick flip and it was over. A flood of emotion raced through my body having shot my first animal. I can remember standing over it and wondering what next? Quickly I decided to keep hunting and for that I am thankful. Because my dad too the time to take me hunting, I now share the same love of the outdoors with my own daughter. She helps me clean what we kill and is happy to help cook and eat them with equal enthusiasm.
I know I have said it countless times, but please: “Take the kids out hunting and fishing and educate them.” Today’s children are bombarded with bad choices that were once intended to be good choices. Fast food and video games have taken the place of the family meal at home and outdoors time. I am just as guilty of letting myself go but with this final thought, I am going to make an improvement in my own health and hope that I can make an improvement also. Today was the first day of much needed exercise and I hope to have many more with my family and friends.
THE SEARCH IS ON
AMERICAN IDOL
Frankly, I never thought that American Idol would make me want to do much more than change the channel. But it seems tonight, the show that features 24 “wanna be’s” and produces one “maybe” at the end of it’s run at February sweeps has inspired me. Inspired you say? Yes, to write. It seems the FOX network staple has inspired me to lay down another version of my mindless ramblings.
THE NEXT SHOW
Every week a new problem on AM Outdoors rears it’s ugly head. What will the next show bring? Who will I talk to and why? Sometimes I never know. Then, something clicks in my head and away we go. To the phones and computer to make calls and write emails in hopes of a response of any kind. In the past three and a half years, I feel that we have comprised quite a contact list of the best and brightest in the outdoors world. The greatest thing about having a list like that is it keeps my amount of talking to a minimum!
THIS WEEKS SHOW 2/27 - 28, 2010
This week my good friend Steve Gruber joins me in studio as a “co-host” of sorts. Steve is the founder of Wolf Creek Productions which has brought us great television shows such as Outdoor America, The American Archer, American Bird Hunter and most recently Deer City USA. Steve is a great wealth of knowledge and has a bit of a sense of humor as you will hear.
Other guests include Dr. Russ Mason, Director of Wildlife for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. Dr. Mason will give us information on the deer season that was 2009 and what the DNRE and NRC are working on for 2010.
Bill Parker, Editor of Michigan Outdoor News will fill us in on the next issue of MON and Dr. Gregory Peter of Chelsea offers information on what Michigan’s feral swine problem.
Add some bashing of yours truly and a few good stories from the news wire and you have this weeks edition of AM Outdoors.
WE NEED YOUR PICTURES
I have been asking our listeners for photos of your successful hunts and fishing trips. I am also looking for photos that you may have from years gone by. I would like to update the website with some new content. So pleeeaaasse, send photos. I would really like to show off our listeners proud moments caught in time. If it’s a trophy to you, it’s a trophy to us! Send us an email with your photos to outdoormailbag@gmail.com.
THE TRAIL AHEAD
In two weeks my producer will be taking some much needed time off. It’s bad enough he is a soccer fan, but I can’t have him going crazy and join a curling team! So this show is up to you. Let us know what past show you would like to hear again and we will search the archives for that segment and bring you the best of AM Outdoors.
Thanks again for listening!
-Duran Martinez
MY FIRST COYOTE HUNT
SOUTH RILEY, MICHIGAN. SA-LUTE!
NO APOLOGIES
Before I get too far into this entry, I must fairly warn the anti-hunters that I will not apologize for the photo of these fine coyotes taken at the annual Coyote Camp for 2010! I will not waiver in my efforts to promote and protect the rights of Michigan hunters and others alike. If this offends you, don’t look. If my written words offend you, don’t read them. If my radio show offends you, change the channel. If you take a stance to impede my legal right to hunt or to deprive me of my 2nd amendment rights, you better be ready for a legal battle that you cannot afford to win.
COYOTE CAMP
Earlier this week my good friend Kevin called me and told me of the annual Coyote Camp in South Riley, MI this year. A camp that brings folks from as far away as Traverse City and Indiana. Now South Riley is little more than a blip on the radar but is rich in character and personality. The only business in town (that I know of) is a little party store and bar. You literally have to walk through the party store to get to the bar. The food is great and all are treated the same.
Since the inception of AM Outdoors, I have been fascinated by predator hunting. I am intrigued by coyote hunting in particular. The stealth of these animals is unmatched by any other predator in the Michigan woods. The coyote’s keen sense of sight, smell and it’s ability to see the hidden changes in it’s territory make it a more than worthy adversary to even the most experienced hunter. So as an observer, I went. Watching the way coyote hunters worked with their dogs and each other was a true thing of beauty. With technology and fast running hounds, you wouldn’t think the coyote would stand a chance. Wrong! Speed and cunning can even outrun Motorola, believe it or not.
After meeting up with one of the hunters we heard chatter on the radio that they had one on the move and the dogs were in hot pursuit. Much like rabbit hunting with a good group of beagles, you could hear the dogs off in the distance and you knew that the coyote was coming in fast. Seconds later a shot rang out. Then another. Both shots had turned the predator our way and before Suzie (one of the hunters) could get set, it had crossed a different way and it was off to the races. We spotted it high tailing across a field like the wind itself. I knew they were fast but “boy, it was cruizin’.” Driving across foxtail and cut corn back to the road to catch up with the dogs, the rest of the convoy met up to regroup and get the dogs rested and to give others the chance to get on the scent.
When we got back onto the road, we followed some other local hunters around a similar perimeter we were hunting. One particular hunter had a directional antenna on the roof of his truck searching for his dogs. With one coyote on his dog box, I can only imagine that he was out for more. It was that time I had to part and say “Thank You!” My first taste of predator hunting has instilled a passion in me to learn more. I truly can’t wait to get back out and try this again. Thanks to all of the Myszak family and their friends for taking me out and giving me this first taste of coyote excitement.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Seeing how all of these folks from different areas worked together made me think of something. Why can’t we as hunters and anglers get together to protect what we love. There seems to be a constant fight within our own. The most recent argument was with the crossbow. Before that, the dove issue. Why can’t we equally respect the right to pursue legal hunting here in Michigan. For example: As a deer hunter, I will defend the right for you to hunt waterfowl or to trap fur bearing animals. As a compound bow shooter, I will protect the right for you to use a crossbow even though I might not ever own one.
We must protect each others right to fish, hunt and bear arms. Even if it is not within my interests to participate in the exact same sports as you. Anti hunting and gun groups are well funded. They have those who are ignorant to how much sportsmen and women put into our nations economy and protection of our natural resources. “Together we stand, divided we fall.” Let’s work together to protect what we hold sacred.
Good Hunting!
-Duran
IS IT 2010 ALREADY? SOMEONE SHOULD’VE TOLD ME!
So I realized that the blog has been horribly neglected and that it’s been over a month since I have posted anything. A million apologies enter my mind, but I will spare you the Steve Martin impression.
ON THE ROAD
In the past month I have been out shaking babies and kissing hands trying to let the world know that AM Outdoors exists and that we are serious about what we do. Four days in Novi at the Ultimate Fishing show brought us into the Detroit market where we featured USA Custom Rods“Camo Stix for the first time as well as giveaways from our new friends at Northland Tackle. Then it was off to Columbus for the Archery Trade Association (ATA) Show.
ATA was not what I had hoped. There were a few interesting items, but not much on the wow factor. It seems that everyone has got themselves in the business of manufacturing bows. The quality seems to be there but how many times can you reinvent the single cam, compound bow. I will say that the Hoyt Carbon Matrix did catch my eye. Then again, the price tag is a bit out of my league. Not to mention, I’m a Martin shooter!
VIVA LAS VEGAS
With a whole 30 hours at home with the family, it was off to Detroit to fly out to Las Vegas and the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade (SHOT) show.
For most guys, booking the wrong date in Vegas for a trade show and being there a day and a half early would be a great mistake…not so much. I’m from Michigan. The whole state is on a budget and and I have been selling plasma for a month to get this trip financed. Well, not exactly plasma but I did find out that ebay fees can be a little pricey.
For anyone that has never been to SHOT, it’s the ultimate toy store for anyone that likes guns. Not just shotguns and rifles, but tactical firearms of all types. .50 cals and AR’s, small arms and those high end Italian side by sides whose name I can’t pronounce let alone get my thoughts around the price tag. Every type of gear that you can imagine. Even TASER! That’s right. The folks that brought you the most feared ”less lethal” form of defense. Now even they feature a bright yellow shotgun that looks like a kids toy, but instead fires a projectile that can be reactivated multiple times. Not that’s an episode of COPS I can’t wait to see!
SHOT also offers it’s attendees the opportunity for swag. Samples and information on all of the new products that will hit the shelves in your local sporting goods store this fall or even the following year. Samples that they hope will get written or talked about by the media members in attendance. Who would’ve thought that the most impressive sample received this trip would be a pair of socks.
THE EMPEROR’S NEW SOCKS
S-O-C-K-S! No. I am not pushing a new way to help you speak and learn Spanish (Esso si. Que es?) I am giving you the skinny on a new pair of socks that I had the opportunity to field test. Darn Tough Vermont is a producer of quality socks for many applications but it was the Boot Sock from the hunting and fishing line that I was set to try. It wasn’t really my intention to test them that day, but I was flying back home to Michigan where the cold weather was coming back for a while.
The initial feel of the socks were much like that of any new sock. The initial fit was comfortable, especially for someone like myself, sporting thick calves from hauling all the extra lbs. on my frame. Not thinking much about new socks, I headed off to the airport. Little did I know what I would be in for. Without going in to detail about airport shut downs and missed flights, let’s just say that I spent over 36 straight hours in the same pair of socks. The Merino wool blend had a nice cool feel and really kept a good consistent temperature. My feet also felt nice and dry, unlike the feel I get from a typical cotton sock. The bands never cut into my legs like some of the taller socks do and let’s just say that “you couldn’t tell I took my shoes off when I got home.” Keep in mind that this is just the preliminary test, but a good one to be sure. I will keep you all informed on future use.
THIS WEEK’S SHOW
In the past I have always listed the upcoming show guests here on the blog spot. I have found it easier to put a new link on the front of the website with a link to a separate page. If this does not appeal to you, make sure to let me know. Your input drives this show and I hope that you all enjoy the product of our labor.
Happy New Year!
Duran
PODCASTS ARE BACK!!!
After a brief battle with a down server, AM Outdoors podcasts are back! And with a vengeance, I might add.
Judging by the numbers on our podcast website you have made AM Outdoors the most listened to weekend podcast on the Michigan Talk Network. I am very grateful to all who have taken the time to download them and listen to the show.
Keep in mind also that we will be giving away a brand new 2010 Martin Pantera bow. Listen to hear the codeword to get registered. You can also see a photo of the bow here at http://www.amoutdoorsradio.com/pantera.htm.
Thanks again for helping make AM Outdoors Michigan’s fastest growing outdoors radio program!
-Duran
PODCAST PROBLEMS
12/3/2009
Well, we are having some problems with our podcast server. They said it would be up and running today. Please be sure to check back. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Duran
THIS WEEKS SHOW - 11/21 - 11/22
So everyone knows, my computer is STILL DOWN! I am going nuts without it.
Here is the lineup for this weeks show:
JIMMY GRETZINGER - MICHIGAN OUT-OF-DOORS TELEVISION
Long time friend, Jimmy Gretzinger jams out on the air guitar in studio and gives us the latest on his television show “Michigan Out-Of-Doors.”
Host and Executive Producer of this weekly show, Jimmy will offer some great insight on how the show works and what to expect in the weeks to come. Make sure to check him and Jenny Olson on their website at www.michiganoutdoorstv.com. This is a great website connected to what outdoors television should be. Fair, honest and to the point.
It’s Thursday night, time for Michigan Out-of-Doors!
WALLEYE 101 - Mark VanKampen
The walleye action is heating up and Mark VanKampen will give us the hot info for where they are and what to throw at Michigan’s Monster Walleyes.
The Saginaw Bay and River, Houghton Lake (at the Cut River), The Muskegon River and a few other bodies of water are producing some big ones as they put on “the feed bag” for the cold Michigan months ahead. www.walleye101.com.
Karen Butler - Shoot Like a Girl
It used to be said if you shoot like a girl that was a bad thing. Today, it’s quite the contrary. Karen Butler is the founder of the Shoot Like a Girl program that helps women get the proper information and gear in front of them to get them in the outdoors hunting and shooting. www.shootlikeagirl.com
(Dan Brown - MI Butternut Sales Rep)
BUTTERNUT LURES - KRIS ROBINSON
As always, I try and get in on the ground floor of what we think will be the hottest new products in the industry, so far I feel like the streak is in tact at .1000.
This year alone we have brought to you with the help of friends (tip from Mike Love of Midwest Productions) EP Hunting and “The Reign” broadhead. I tried to get the guys from USA Custom Rods (Camo Stix) before they went to the ICAST Show. As luck would have it, my instincts were right. They came to AM Outdoors right after winning best new product of show 2009! Now, with the help of TEAM AMO member Dan Brown, Butternut Lures.
With the imposed ban on baiting in the Lower Peninsula many are looking for legal ways to attract deer. Using products like the Buck Mister (w/ Buck Bomb) and other estrous type scents, we are limited to appealing to the sex drive of the rutting buck. But what about before and after the rut?
Deer have very basic instincts. Eat, sleep, runaway and reproduce. Eating is their biggest to be sure. That’s where Butternut comes in handy. This is an oil based product that appeals to the nose of ever hungry deer. When we come into the late archery and muzzle-loader season here in Michigan, we may actually see snow! That is when food will become a premium for hungry deer.
We have field tested this in the early season to some amazing results. This is not a paid endorsement, just honest fact! It’s inexpensive for the amount of usage and the shelf life is amazing. Make sure to check out this and other interviews on your local stations or via podcasts at www.amoutdoorsradio.com.
To purchase: Dan Brown (989)834-2055.
THE TRAIL AHEAD
Because of the inability to post guns for sale on places such as Craigs list, we are working on have our own form of classified ads here on amoutdoorsradio.com. They will be free to private individuals. A very inexpensive rate will be offered to those store owners who wish to advertise as well.
KIDS PIX CONTEST EXTENDED
Due to my computer having crashed and leaving unable to add new photos to the “Kidz Pix” page. I am extending the contest to end on Tuesday December 1, 2009. Please get the photos to me ASAP at outdoormailbag@gmail.com.
ADVERTISERS NEEDED
With a new year on the horizon, new concerns come with it. For the past three years AM Outdoors has been operated completely out of pocket. I don’t want to beat a dead horse but with a couple of good sponsors the show could go the way of the dinosaur.
If you would like to buy air time, website space or live mentions, please contact me ASAP. We have built Michigan’s most diverse and fastest growing outdoors radio show. With podcasts you can be anywhere at anytime. Help keep the dream alive and keep America’s outdoorsmen and women informed. Email me at outdoormailbag@gmail.com or call direct at (517)712-3529.
FINAL THOUGHTS
For one reason or another it seems that Michigan’s hunters are on the decline. Reports that I have heard are that there is much anger over the $15.00 antlerless tag price. Other reports have the amount of hunter’s down in all parts of the state due to the economy. I wish I had some encouraging news but I don’t. All I can offer is the same advice that I preach time and time again. “Make time to get outdoors, it’s good for the soul.”
-Duran
HARD DRIVE CRASH!!!!
How else can I put it. My 3 year old computer has crashed. No back up, no nothin’!
Please note that the sight will remain, just not updated for a short time. I will be getting it updated as soon as I can get it fixed.
In the meantime, please be patient. We will have the new contest and the updated info soon.
Please email me at outdoormailbag@gmail.com with any concerns. I will be checking email from the library as often as they let me.
Thanks,
Duran
SORRY…I’VE BEEN HUNTING.
THOUGHTS AND CONCERNS FOR AM OUTDOORS
Okay, to apologize for hunting is like apologizing for winning the lottery. To have a little time to enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors is like a rebirth of sorts. The industry I have worked in and loved for the past 16 years has changed dramatically. And now I wonder if my love for AM Outdoors will be enough to sustain it.
I don’t fear the quality of the show nor is content a concern. But because of the trend that radio has produced, my fear for longevity comes from the amount of advertisers and paying sponsors. The voice in field of dreams told Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) to “build it, and he will come.” I feel that I have built this show to the best of my ability and still, I wait. Until I get the nerve to retype what I have just deleted, I will wait some more.
HUNTING NEWS
Since last we spoke (I typed, you read), it seems that “the rut” is in full swing. Despite the warm weather the bucks are making their play for hot does like swinger at a singles bar. Just today I watched a crazy acting doe do a couple of laps in a cut bean field and then take off into the woods. Ten minutes later a year and a half old buck, took off on a sprint across the field into the woods after her. All of the grunting and screaming n the world didn’t stop him, he was on his way.
I called up friend and past guest “John” to get his take on the warm weather and the effect it might have on the rut. In plain terms he said this. Better yet, I will paraphrase because it was a conversation between a couple of friends. His take was, “if the situation was right and you were both on the same page, there would be no question of time or temperature, you would just do it, right?” With a huge chuckle, I said “Yes!” Case closed. The time is definitely right for the deer, the temps just have them moving at a bit slower pace during the day. That’s not to say that the night time is not the right time so to speak. Cooler temps will have deer activity at a higher rate than will the warmer temps. Deer tend to be a little less active when you have days like we have had this week.
THIS WEEKS SHOW (so far)
This week my new friend Russ Mason will join us from the field. Russ is the new Chief of the Wildlife Division of the Michigan DNR. We will discuss the current state of Michigan’s deer herd and find out what might be on the horizon for the hunters of the Great Lakes State.
We will also have Mike Kujawski from the “Buck Bag.” Another new Michigan company trying to make it in the outdoors industry. Make sure to check these guys out on the Internet at www.buckbag.net. We’ll also have a chance for you to win one for yourself!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whatever the cards have in store for this show, time will ultimately tell. Until then, I thank you for all that you have done. I hope that we will be able to continue and keep a voice for Michigan’s outdoors men and women alive and growing.
-Duran
THIS WEEKS SHOW 11-7 /11-8
TED NUGENT - TOOTH, FANG and CLAW TELEVISION
The Motor City Man takes time out in the second of the show to talk with us about his new show, “Tooth, Fang and Claw.”
The show which bares the same name as his 1974 solo release, will air on the Pursuit Channel in 2010!
SAGINAW BAY HUNT REVIEWED
I had the chance to hunt with good friend Al Stewart and a couple of other friends earlier this week. The theme of the day was layout boat hunting for ducks.
To be honest, I was a horrible shot! It was bad enough I was eye level with the decoys, but to miss as much as I did…well, I almost tossed my gun overboard after the day was over.
Thanks to Jeff and some other friends for a great time!
MIKE BELLINGAR - PREPARING YOUR DEER FOR THE PROCESSOR
Mike Bellingar, owner of Bellingar Packing in Ashley, Michigan will give us a few good tips for preparing your the deer processor or to just do it yourself. They are the best I have worked with. Vacuum packed and guaranteed to be my deer and my deer only. And yes, I pay full price.
JOHN SULLIVAN III - TALUS “COLD AVENGER”
Since the start of our three year run, I have always thought it would be a good idea to present new products on occasion.
This week we will cove the “Cold Avenger” from Talus.
Designed to keep the breath you take in, warm on freezing cold days, the Cold Avenger is a unique item that could make your hunts more enjoyable and your snowmobile trips longe with out freezing your face off!
Don’t forget to email your show ideas to: outdoormailbag@gmail.com