BAITING BAN PRESS RELEASE - MAY 2011
This came from a press release from the Michigan Department of natural Resources: This is NOT yet official, but will be voted on in the next NRC meeting.
-Duran
Please be advised that the Natural Resources Commission (NRC) yesterday proposed a regulation change to lift the deer baiting and feeding ban in the
- Hunters would be able to place two gallons of bait per hunting spot. No more than two gallons of bait could be on the ground at any given time. This is the same regulation currently in place in the Upper Peninsula, and was the regulation in the Lower Peninsula prior to the discovery of Chronic Wasting Disease at a deer breeding facility in
- Recreational feeding would return to the
- The proposal directs the DNR to spend $50,000 this year on planting wildlife food plots on state-owned hunting land in the bovine tuberculosis area.
- The proposal directs the DNR to work with the Legislature to stiffen penalties for baiting violations, including escalating fees, jail time and hunting license revocation. This would be similar to the penalties for violators who snag fish.
BAITING BAN UNDER REVIEW JUNE 9, 2011
On Thursday June 9, 2011, Michigan’s Natural Resources Commission will review the ban on baiting and feeding wild whitetail deer in the Lower Peninsula.
When the ban was first instated, a deer that was found to have Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) on a private facility in Kent County. Subsequent tests found no such CWD in any of the animals tested in that county or anywhere else in the state.
Now after the three year period, the NRC will review and render a decision regarding the baiting ban. Personal speculation is that they will lift the ban on baiting but with restrictions and the possibility of heavy fines for violators. The possibility of two gallons of bait to be spread out over a 10′ x 10′ area per hunting spot to be the rule is possible. This would also allow the use of mineral supplements and attractants to be used as well.
Having discussions with those for and against, the arguments for both sides are pretty drawn. Some believe that hunting over bait is unethical and should not be allowed. Others against also claim the mark of a true hunter is not gauged by using bait, but by taking time to survey your hunting spot and pattern the deer. But what if your schedule does not allow for such time? What if your only time to hunt is that one day in November when the rut is at it’s peak and the woods of public land are filled with hunters? Not all are bow hunters and have the luxury of such a generous season. Not all are able to hunt with or afford a muzzle-loader to expand their opportunities. Then there is the issue of the disabled or children. Baiting can increase the odds of allowing these groups a better opportunity to see more deer and have a better quality chance. It needs to apply to all. For those questioning the morality or ethical values being taught to children, again you have the choice.
Personally, I am a bow hunter and I also hunt with a muzzle-loader. By the grace of GOD, I am fortunate to be healthy and able bodied to hunt wherever I am allowed. So if you cannot tell, I am for lifting the ban 100%. It doesn’t mean that I will hunt over bait, I just have the option.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Whatever we believe, we may never agree fully. What I believe is a sportsman’s worst enemy is ourselves. Not taking time to learn the facts and educate ourselves as to what our Natural Resources Commission, DNR and even government are up to. To fight amongst ourselves over who wants to hunt or fish what types of species. Not sticking together to protect our rights is worse than any funding the mindless minions of the anti hunting organizations can muster. America was founded on basic principals of protecting our beliefs as a whole which in turn would protect the individual rights of her citizens.
If you chose to legally hunt or fish in a manner that I would not, I would still fight to protect that right. Because as a group our voice will be heard. As individuals we fall prey to well funded wolves that hide behind high priced attorneys looking for the smallest of loopholes to slither through. It was done with Porposal 3 and the dove ban. That should never be forgotten.
WILD MICHIGAN!
WELCOME TO WILD MICHIGAN!
With all of this new found energy since I have been dieting and excersing, I figured it was time to update the negelected blog.
I have mentioned before how I have never been much at writing and find it as much fun as moving or painting the bathroom. Nonetheless, I will attempt to get through this in one setting.
As you may or may not know, we have made some changes to our show and to our name. We will be known as Wild Michigan from now until some other event prompts us to make a change.
What’s In A Name?
The original name “AM Outdoors” was not really for the AM frequencies that we occupy. It was more for Around or About Michigan Outdoors. The problem was it sounded too much like Michigan Out of Doors owned by my friend Jimmy Gretzinger. Alas, the name AM Outdoors was born. And now, the reason for the change came from the possibility of new FM frequency affiliates that may wish to join us in the future.
The changes have been few overall. A complete list of time and affiliates is available on the front page of the website at www.wildmichiganradio.com
I hope that you will take the time out to join us on one of our 11 great affiliate stations as we move forward through Wild Michigan!
END OF THE ROAD
END OF THE ROAD
With the week that was being over, show season for AM Outdoors has come to an end. The Ultimate Sport Show in Grand Rapids, MI marks the end of a long season of travel and appearances for me for 2011.
The year usually is a bit more hectic, but because of some financial shortcomings, I had to eliminate some of my favorite shows. The year starts with the Archery Trade Show in Indianapolis in January and is usually followed by the quick succession of the Ultimate Fishing Show in Novi, SHOT in Las Vegas, Outdoorama in Novi and then the finale in Grand Rapids. Having scratched the SHOT show in Vegas, my annual trip to Outdoorama was eliminated by a fuel pump issue with my truck. Which brings us to the end in Grand Rapids.
This years show attendance seemed to be hampered by the warm weather, but the annual gathering of steelhead anglers in the Grand River was not to be missed. Boats scattered throughout the waters of the Grand below the 6th street dam and the bridges lined with anglers above the fast moving river in the hopes of landing Michigan chrome, were present in force. Sights such as these make being present at a booth, very difficult. Much like that of my boyhood, knowing friends were enjoying the summer fun when I was inside and grounded for some minor offense. Nothing worse than having the neighborhood kid pressing his nose against the screen door, shading the light from his eyes to see you there on the chair with arms folded in disgust because you couldn’t go out!
But I finally made my break from the show a little early due to my family being at home and not feeling well. My wife with a horrible cold and daughter with the flu. Maybe there is more to this Wilderness Athlete product regimen than I know? It couldn’t hurt having so many vitamins and minerals to boost my immune system.
THE TRAIL AHEAD
For now, I think the long list of shows like Outdoorama and the Ultimate Fishing show has ended for AM Outdoors. The cost of travel has skyrocketed past the point of being reasonable. The out of state shows will probably continue because that is where we meet all of our future guests and reconnect with our friends in the outdoors industry.
Rest assured, that we will continue to promote the local shows and feature the guests that will be appearing. We will also have the ticket giveaways that go along with the local shows, keeping costs down for our friends and your families. Should things change, which they surely will, we will keep you up to date.
Thanks for your support!
- Duran
SUPERLITE BOOT BLOG
This is a small history on a new pair of boots I was asked to try out. I received at the ATA show in Indianapolis. So to give an accurate analysis of this new product, I am keeping what’s called, “The Boot Blog.”
Back in January, I was asked to try a new pair of boots and write my thoughts about the product. After a few small tasks around the house and yard, I put the boots to a real test today.
My good friend Russ Bartel invited me to participate in a late season quail and pheasant hunt at the Bear Creek Hunt Club in Clayton, MI, located about 5 miles north of Hudson, MI.
Not having used the boots in a real test, I took my Irish Setters with me just in case. As for taking the Irish Setters, I was hoping I didn’t have to use them for this trip. It’s the second new pair and I have not been happy. The first pair leaked and were promptly returned. It took the second pair about a month before they started leaking too. Needless to say, I should’ve never left Rocky for this style of boots.
Having never owned a pair of boots like the new Superlite’s, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I have large calves and boots like this have usually been avoided. After some research and trying on, I felt comfortable enough to wear them with my pants tucked in.
We took to the field and started working our way through fields of switch grass and sorghum while the dogs worked the birds. Through all of the grass, mud and standing water, the boots wore quite well. They were comfortable enough to wear on a half day hunt and maintained a nice temperature despite 40 mph winds and cold temps. The rugged sole design and flexible boot, made travel easy.
Overall, I think that these boots will serve me well in more trips to the field as well as for work in the woods moving tree stands and cutting shooting lanes for bow season. They are not insulated so any ice fishing or winter activities will have to wait for the insulated version.
Finally, a boot that is as tough as it is Superlite!
More to follow…
THE WEIGHTLOSS CONTIUES
Since the last post, my supply of Wilderness Athlete products has been replenished and my quest for 200 continues.
My original goal was set for a 40lbs. weight loss by October 1st, the start of Michigan’s bow season.
A couple of years ago, I lost thirty pounds over a summer of two mile walks and eating better. Only to have been put back on with a few extra because I just lost interest. The interest has returned with a vengeance. I have almost reached my initial goal and it is not even March! So, instead of being content with “mission accomplished,” the bar has been raised. I now look forward to being a minimum of 70lbs lighter by October 1st, 2011.
WILDERNESS ATHLETE PRODUCTS
Having had the bulk of the product, I can attest to how I feel. Mixing the Hydrate and Recover with the Energy and focus, it gives me a good feeling of being energized and ready for the day. I’m sure I have mentioned it before, but it really does help me get motivated. I have never been a coffee drinker so this is a great boost with the daily High Performance multi vitamin.
The new meal replacement shake is now of the chocolate flavor. I have to admit, I really liked the strawberry flavor a bit better. Even though I was always a fan of Nestle’s Quick in the chocolate flavor. I think the strawberry is more like a milkshake flavor thus making it almost like I’m getting away with something I shouldn’t be.
The new chocolate/almond performance bars, have a bit of an amaretto flavor to them. The peanut butter was also a good tasting bar. Funny thing is? I HATE anything peanut butter. So to work my way through the first box was a bit of a chore but was easier than I thought.
THE SECRET IS…
Staying true to your goal. Yes, I am hungry, yes I wanted to cave in and hit that first mega sized value meal I could swing the truck within 50 yards of. But I didn’t and I don’t. This is too important to me anymore. The results are visible and I am hoping that at least one person joins me in my quest to become healthier so I may continue to hunt and fish with my friends and family in the great Michigan Outdoors!
THE WEIGHT IS OVER
It’s been so long since I have written anything here, that I almost forgot my log in info. Well, it seems not even age can keep me from writing what events have been taking place with me.
If you’ve ever seen my picture, you know I’m not a tiny person. Heck, I’m not even lean. So let’s just call a spade a spade and say it. FAT! Yup, he went there. It’s not like it’s not obvious. I guess it wasn’t as obvious to me with all of the fast food value meals that I had crammed down my neck at breakfast, lunch and dinner. The late night snacks because I felt the need to nosh on a triple-decker from the drive through at 2:30 AM. It took a few photos of me to wake and say “STOP!”
So, like any good junkie would do, I went cold turkey. First dropping fast food, and energy drinks that were high in sugar. Next came cutting back on my beloved milk. The 4 - 6 glasses a day had to be cut back to maybe one. I know I don’t need the overdose of calcium, but I love ice cold milk with about everything. Especially the cookies or snacks that we would get at work. It seems because you work in radio, nice people always want to bake things and bring them in for you because they appreciate your station. Very appreciated to be sure, but bad for the waistline. Cutting out soda was not an issue since I did that almost four years ago.
Like the government did with General Motors, I restructured my eating habits. The word NO is probably the most powerful word in the English language yet it’s also the hardest to comprehend when you are used to saying ‘yes” to everything food related. But the change had to be made.
THE FIRST STEPS
Changing eating habits and types of food can be hard. Moving away from the instantly available to cooking better foods for yourself is not easy. You can weigh the benefits, but it comes down to time management. In a total of 15 minutes, you can feed a family of six at the local fast food chain. It might take up to an hour to prep one meal alone. But think of the savings: Family of four at the drive-thru: $25.00 (without extras). Crock pot full of chili that will feed 1o: about seven bucks.
The other part is getting yourself to eat healthier and less. Smaller portions have been a huge part of this change. Also, water has been key. Drinking water with everything. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Even when I go out, I order water. Not trying to be cheap, it’s just what I have made myself accustomed to. I still have the occasional beer or glass of wine, but more so as a reward. And don’t think that I have given up my beloved Crown Royal Reserve on the rocks. That has been saved for extremely special occasions. Again, it’s all about moderation for me.
In the first couple of months, I got down from my starting point of 305 to 285. Without exercise, of starving. Hungry? Sure. The caloric intake was reduced dramatically and I think my body had to make up for it by go after the fat reserves in my body.
WITH THIS, NEW HELP ARRIVES
A friend and outdoor writer Tracy Breen, suggested that I get in touch with the folks at Wilderness Athlete. A company that has developed a line of products designed for the outdoors minded. From there I was in contact with founder Mark Paulsen, a gentlemen that played only one year in the NFL. His career ended by a knee injury, his focus changed. He is now the strength and conditioning coach for the University of New Mexico. Mark went on to talk about how the products worked and why they were developed.
Good-bye to 2010
In many ways, I am glad to see the end of 2010. Although there were some firsts for me, there were also some patterns that I would like to see leave me forever. One of which was the absence of fresh venison in my freezer for the rather long and liberal deer seasons.
Adding together all of the time spent in the woods chasing the Michigan whitetail, you would think that I would have a stockpile that could feed an army. WRONG! Management hunting in July, the early doe season, bow season, firearm season and even the late doe and muzzleloader seasons have proved to be fruitless, or deerless as the case may be. For the first time in 4 years, I have gone without a whitetail kill. Looking back to the previous 25 seasons in which I have gone deerless, painful memories of frustration come rushing back. Dancing in my head like the dreams of the “buckless yooper”, Reuben Soady. But there we some good and interesting firsts that I will always remember.
A YEAR OF FIRSTS
When looking back at some of the fun firsts that I was able to experience, I have to thank my friends at EP Adventures. Mike Mix and Doug Vandewater of EP Hunting (Reign Broadhead, Red Eye Peepsight) asked if I wanted to participate in a quail hunt, I was ready to go. Gun cleaned and ready to go. Then, the rest of the story. No guns, bows only! What? Bird hunting with a bow? I know it can be done, I even know guys who have done it. It just hasn’t been done by me, that’s all. So I load up a couple of my recurve bows and head for the ranch. The weather is 90 degrees plus humidity. So hot that we had to change dogs part of the way through. The ranch manager had to carry one dog to the field so it didn’t exhaust itself just heading to the field.
After some practice with a frisbee and safety instruction, we were off to the field. Needless to say, I didn’t hit anything, but I did get very close a couple of times. The big shooter of the day was Russ Strong from ScenTote. He and his brother Scott were with us during this adventure. I’m not sure if the episode ever aired, but the guys did manage to knock down about 5 or 6 birds that day.
WILD HOG’S AND SPEED GOATS
The other big firsts came again with the guys from EP Adventures as well. While filming a hog hunt at Montague’s Creekside Ranch in Hesperia, MI, I was fortunate to take a boar that weighed in about 200lbs. with my bow. About four hours of tree sitting turned up nothing, but a little spot and stalk proved to be the winner with a 30 yeard shot that proved to be fatal for the razorback.
The end of August and the beginning of September found us all together again for a long drive out to Wyoming. At the time, it seemed like a great idea. In retrospect, it was the biggest learning experience of my hunting career. The planning could have been a little more organized to be sure but it was the friends that I made that trip that eclipsed all of the problems we encountered.
When you have everything go wrong, that could possibly go wrong, and guys you hardly know or have never met have your back, that is what makes the experience worth it. I had a new blind get stolen, fletchings on new arrows were falling off and the only thing I shot was a prairie dog. That of-course was after a gruelling 24 hour drive in a mini van towing an older pop up camper. Even as I write this, all I can do is smile. I learned a great deal on this trip to be sure.
LOOKING FORWARD
As I do every year, I look forward to the unknown of the months ahead. Ice fishing, rabbit hunting and the annual run at Michigan steel in the spring always on the books for me. Travelling to the trade shows like the ATA (Archery Trade Association) show in Indianapolis will kick off the January road trips, followed by Novi and the Ultimate Fishing Show. February finds me at Outdoorama and the Michigan Deer and Turkey Spectacular in Lansing. All of these designed to extend the good word of the show and recruit new guests for the year.
I am hoping to maybe hunt bear in Canada this year and spend more time in the woods and water with my daughter. 2010 was lacking in that department, but I am hoping to remedy that soon with some quality time on the ice, fishing.
Now that I have gone on with my rants, I will leave any who care to read this with the following:
Please know that I am thankful for each and everyone of you have ever so much as crossed my path in this life. The experiences have shaped me into who I am now. To friends I have lost, you are forever in my thoughts and prayers. As for those friends we have yet to meet, I will see you on the trail ahead.
Happy 2011!
BOW-VEMBER AND THE RUT: A STUDY IN PATIENCE
BOW-VEMBER
Well, I guess it is November. Time for the bucks of Michigan to be running wildly through the woods, nose down and following hot doe’s in heated anticipation of breeding. It’s also the time of my greatest frustration. Just days away from the firearm opener on the 15th and nothing to show for the bow season.
I think it’s just cruelty to my emotions to start a season in October, when it’s warm and the only thing moving some days are the mosquitoes during their last attempt to suck the life out of some unsuspecting outdoors enthusiast. Knowing full well that the rut will not begin until the end of the month or beginning of the next. But there is always that chance. The chance that the “tirdy point buck” will pass unknowingly under your stand and then, surprise! Your arrow has met it’s mark, and you are the hero of all of your hunting buddies from here to Poughkeepsie!
Truth of the matter, I don’t see that happening to me. Not because I do not practice or because I hunt over-trodden property. Because I keep thinking that it will happen and I hunt the heck outta the first two weeks of October. Knowing full well that I should be in a duck blind or chasing salmon. Or even taking a trip with my family for one last look at the UP in it’s fall blanket of color. But, no. I feel the need to hunt from a treestand. Sitting there for hours on end like Linus waiting for the return of the Great Pumpkin.” (Sigh)
There is some good that comes from this sad story. It is now the second week of November and the inevitable is about to be, or is happening. THE RUT! That magical time of mass confusion and peaking testosterone levels. Bucks gone wild with anticipation and caution thrown to the wind. Scraping and snorting, rubbing and running. If you can lure them in with whatever magic elixir you prefer, a good chance of success is on your side. Timing and practice again will be the factors that gauge what that percentage will be.
For my personal success, I have found that the best tool in my arsenal is luck. I use what I consider the best tools for my money. (Shameless plug) Martin/Rytera bows, Border Crossing Scents, Black Gold Sights, Tight Spot Quivers and The Reign Broadhead….and God. Not to get preachy, but I usually ask for a little help to keep myself coming home in one piece before and after the hunt. Luck is the one thing that no one can argue with. You can pattern deer, but it is up to them to follow said pattern. Scent control is also paramount in the success to failure ratio. Keeping your hunting garments scent free is your best defense in fooling the nose of the most wary of old does. Because they will be the one’s that bust your every move.
The subject of camouflage is an argument worse than politics. Although they do break up the human outline, I feel they are marketed more for the human eye than for that of our intended target. I do like a particular brand and stick to it. But as I said, worse than politics. An argument not worth starting. I guess you could also argue that the red plaid of old broke up the human outline as well.
Whether you believe success is measured by a lure/scent, bow or broadhead, I feel luck is the ultimate factor in hunting. Don’t get me wrong, you increase your odds by controlling your scent, wearing camo, shooting a bow that is more comfortable than fast, and having a good amount of practice under your belt. Getting your muscle memory in tune. And maybe even shooting with the cold gear you might wear during a chilly morning in November. All of those increase your odds of success ONLY if your lucky enough to have a deer within earshot or wind of what your putting out.
Whatever the factors, advantages or disadvantages. I hope everyone has a safe and successful 2010 bow season. Before you shoot, aim. And when your aimed, shoot. That instant might mean the difference between fresh venison and take out.
-Duran
BOAR HUNTING IN MICHIGAN
Before you start thinking “feral pigs in Michigan,” stop! This is not that kind of hunt. This was actually a preserve hunt in Hesperia. Michigan. The fine folks at Montague’s Creekside Ranch allowed my self and a few friends to come in and film for an upcoming episode of EP Adventures.
Hot off the heels of an intense interview with ranch owners, Doug Miller (Thunder Hills Ranch) and Ted Nugent (Sunrize Acres) along with Paul Wilson, Hunt Master for Sunrize Acres I went to see for myself what all the hype was about. Actually, it was a coincidence that my hunt was scheduled just after the interviews.
We arrived at the middle of nowhere location just before light and met with the property owner and guide to prep for the hunt. The inside of the lodge was covered with mounts of all kinds. Full body turkey, Michigan whitetails and ofcourse, boar! We were told that some of the bigger pigs would go about 225. Not as big as some of the 400 pounders you might see, but I guess they have been a little tough to get.
After the meeting, we head out to the field. Camera men Scott Wiseman and Stacy Skaggs and myself were off to a tree stand. Camera man Nate Hawley and new member Shannon Vandawater, headed off to a ground blind.
After just a few minutes, the action started. One smaller boar had made his way towards a couple of the scent sticks that we had lit to bring them in, but we decided to pass. About a half an hour later, Shannon had a sow come in and let an arrow fly, hitting the mark. Unfortunately, the sow was not going to go down easily, so the chase was on.
After a couple hours in the stand, I decided to hit the ground and take a chance at a spot and stalk hunt. This proved to be a pretty good idea as we jumped a large boar. He was surrounded by a group of small pigs and I decided not to shoot. As we walked up the two track, we heard a loud growling noise. Out jumped a large boar and he ran about 30 yards and stopped! He turned to look back at me as I drew my bow. I released the arrow and heard a loud “THUD!” A nice pass through shot, just behind the shoulder. As we went to track the boar, we found him piled up about 20 yards away. I can’t describe the amount of emotion that I felt at that minute. My first boar and most of all, a good shot. Frankly, I thought I was going to miss.
After all was said and done, Shannon was able to collect her pig, a nice sow and also her first large animal bow kill. We loaded mine on the mule and away we went. Hunting preserve or in the wild, boar hunting is now at the top of my list for good times in the outdoors.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Even though I have no doubt that there a feral pigs in Michigan, I don’t believe that we have come to the epic proportions that the DNRE and NRC would lead us to believe we have. I don’t believe that high fence hunting is necessarily bad either. Like the single case of CWD found on a private facility in Kent County, I don’t think we will see an actual “natural” case from our resident herd. There are folks in this industry that make bad decisions that affect all of the law abiding ranch owners in the state. Fine those that do the wrong, do not punish those who are working hard to do the right thing. Costing them more money to do so.
If this state is in such dire straits financially, why close down the facilities that provide income for hard working people and the communities around them. With every hunt comes money to help our failing economy. Beyond the ranch comes money for gas stations, local restaurants, party stores, butcher shops, taxidermists, grain elevators and others.
I sometimes feel that we are being held by a personal agenda to end preserve style hunting here in the state, thus ending the income of thousands in Michigan.
High fence hunting will never replace free range hunting. But it does give us the opportunity to hunt different species that we cannot find here in Michigan. It is a cost effective way to hunt and remain home with out the high cost of travel. It also keeps people employed and brings an income to families. And finally, it puts many back into an economy that we know is in terrible condition. So why take away much needed dollars from this state? This is not a well publicized move and should be made known as much as possible. Hunters and anglers of all kinds need to come together and protect our right to hunt no matter if it’s in the wild or on a preserve. The choice is yours and should never be looked down upon by anyone!
Montague’s Creekside Ranch EP Adventures www.epadventures.com