THIS WEEK’S SHOW 6/6 - 6/7
NEW ARCHERY GEAR
A while ago I talked about a new bow that I am shooting from Rytera called the Alien X.
The first field trial was on Sunday (May 31) out at Country Woods Archery in St. Johns.
After having the sight mounted I headed out to the 20 yard range to set the new sight up and see how I did.
I have to admit, both bow and sight are awesome. The Alien X is amazing. As mentioned in there advertising, there is no shock or jump when shooting and that was before I added my stabilizer to it. It has a smooth draw and the release is equally as smooth. I have to remind you that I have only been shooting a bow for the past three years and am not an expert by any stretch of the imagination but I do know what I like.
The MSRP on this bow with the Dual Hybrix Cam is $699.00 for the single Trans Cam is $649.00 in either left or right handed bow.
MARTIN or RYTERA?
In case you are wondering, I have not left the good graces of Martin Archery. Rytera is Maritn’s high end line of bows marketed under a different name. To my knowledge these bows will be pro shop dealers only! Bass Pro, Gander Mountain etc. will not be carrying them. If your looking to get your hands on one, visit my friend Mike Lifford at Lifford Archery (517)646-0324 or the gang at Country Woods Archery in St. Johns at (989)224-9307.
BLACK GOLD SIGHTS
The other addition to this great bow is one heck of a great sight. The addition of the Black Gold Red Zone 5 pin was another wise investment. This site has many interesting features that grabbed my attention.
The first was the photo-chromatic cover. This cover will darken down to reduce the amount of light that is let in to your sight pins. With bright light it can be a little overwhelming to have your pins burning your retina’s when your trying to sight in or shoot outdoors in high sunlight. And of-course it lightens up as your light source fades giving you more light let in.
Other features that attracted my attention were the 1 inch wheels micro adjustment. I turn equals 1 inch up and down on your target. I literally took just 5 minutes to adjust this sight to perfect. Once I had 20 yards set, 25 and 30 yards were dead on. The last feature that I really liked were the two bottom pins that are anodized in a red color for those long shots.
I am probably not going to need them too much here, but they are a great option and will come in handy on spot and stalk trips out west.
With all of this technology comes a bit of a price as well. You can order them on line or at your favorite local pro-shop.
I am shooting the Red Zone 5 pin in camo. Retail $224.95 (Direct from Black Gold or a bit less from your local pro shop).
FINAL WORDS
Find what is right for you. I can only share the information on what I have and like. There are thousands of great products made right here in the USA and I encourage you to find them out.
WORLD RECORD - CORRECTION
On this weeks show, I mentioned the fine folks in St. Louis, Michigan will be going for a World Record for their event on June 13th. As luck would have it, the world record attempt has been scrubbed.
It seems that in their effort to make this happen, there were a few factors involved that could have made them change the date. Not for lack of involvement or will.
Now to a brighter note on the same subject. I would love to have this become the single largest fishing event in the state! Click on the following link to find out how to get involved: www.stlouismi.com. I will be on hanging out for the event and would love to have everyone participate. This is a fun, family event that brings awareness to our natural resources here in Michigan. See ya there!
-Duran
THIS WEEKS SHOW 5/30 - 5/31, 2009
THIS WEEKS SHOW
Join us this week as we talk to my good friend and mentor, Tom Nelson. Tom along with good friend and Martin Archery Factory Rep., Bob Miles are responsible for my passion for archery hunting.
Tom will speak on summertime bow tips, and getting ready for October.
We are half way to the opener on October 1st. Are you ready? Do you think it’s to early to scout? Is it too early to hang treestands? Those questions and more. www.wolfcreekinc.com
Dan Kimmel is a Michigan bass pro that offers a few tips on early season bass angling. Tips for big smallies and largemouth. www.greatlakesbass.com
We also take a step outside of Michigan and talk with Dave Gannaway from the Illinois High School Association.
Dave has just finished up a bass tournament that features high-school kids from almost 200 different schools in Illinois. Find out who participated and how they finished up. www.thefuturefisheshere.org
If you have a topic for the show or a guest you would like to hear, drop me a line. duran.martinez@citcomm.com
MEMORIAL WEEKEND 2009 - JUST BEING DAD
As the weekend draws to a close, I look back with some sense of both accomplishment and pride.
The first from the extensive amount of yard-work that I had accomplished after a morning of late season turkey hunting. The second, a sense of pride I get after sharing a day of fishing with my 10 year old daughter, Eryn.
As for turkey hunting, it has been a strange year for sure. I was able to get out the first time with my daughter for her fist ever turkey hunt. We headed out for the woods early one Sunday morning and had a few gobble back to my attempt at calling to no avail. I almost thought that the birds I had started to call in were taken by other nearby hunters. At least that’s what I wanted to believe. I am sure there was not an ounce of truth to that one though.
On Saturday, the 23rd, I had the opportunity to hunt some friends property with my buddy Phil just north of Wacousta. Phil did the calling when he got out there. We managed to see 1 hen and about 6 different Toms. No interest though. They gobbled back a little but seemed more interested in wallowing in the dirt and eating. Even the nearby hen had to feel some sort of neglect form these Toms that came out of the woods to our calling. We thought we had a chance when they started moving closer to our location, but someone on neighboring property driving a golf cart seemed to send the pack of Toms to an area of woods that were out of our reach. To make matters worse, they popped out even farther away not paying any attention to some soft calling. Oh well, still a week left.
Sunday was a day of old fashioned no plans driving. Get the family in the car and see where we go. About Mt. Pleasant it was decided that the Doherty Hotel in Clare would be the stopping place for lunch. A stop that was made by my wife’s family back in the day of family trips to their trailer up north.
With satisfied appetites we headed to who knows where again. But then again, we were five minutes from Jays and I figured it wouldn’t hurt to see what kind of puppies were up for sale in the parking lot, and I do need new boots. No puppies, no boots back on the road. This time, it was off to Beaverton to visit her family. I will bore you no further. But I will say this. Never trust a GPS that is built in to your phone. Use the phone and talk to a human. It’s better! The point I took three counties to get to is try a trip like we used to do when we were kids. No direction, no hurry. It’s a great way to see Michigan.
Memorial Day -
Refusing to do yard work, and having already been to the radio station for a couple hours of making sure the week was ready to go off without a hitch, I called home to check on the availability of my favorite fishing partner. After warning her of the potential for ravenous Michigan mosquitoes, tall weeds and a long walk with no fish, she agreed to accompany me on our next adventure.
This time, we would try the waters of Prairie Creek for some light tackle trout fishing . A little stretch of water that runs under M-21 and along through Ionia.
The reason for this particular stretch of water was for it’s ease of catching willing trout. With a ten year old in tow, it’s a good idea to know where the fish are and when the fun is over, it’s time to call it a day.
We hit the creek bank armed with a couple of 1/4 oz. Panther Martin spinners. One all gold and my favorite, yellow body with red dots and a hunter orange blade. A few casts in I landed my first small rainbow. A few casts later it was a small brook trout with the acrobatics of a high wire act. I passed the fishing pole off to the rookie for to land her first trout in the wild.
We proceeded up he banks looking for some fast water where they might hide waiting for unsuspecting food. But the farther we walked it all looked the same. Overhanging trees, deep holes and small fish. Too small to keep. But it was well worth it. Time spent being a dad and a friend.
By the time we were through, we had landed a mix of about five brookies and rainbows. All too small, but every one big enough to raise a huge smile and a memory to keep forever.
On the way home, my daughter had commented on the irony of a passing billboard that read “take time to be a dad today.” I could hear the pride in her voice and I could feel it in my heart, that that is exactly what I had done and hope to do again, and again.
-Duran
THERMACELL SWEEPSTAKES
Make sure you visit the Thermacell website for your chance at one of there great new lanterns.
Michigan is going to be a mosquito haven this year with all the rain we’ve had. This is a great product that actually works!
Happy hunitng and fishing!
APRIL ALREADY?
TURKEY TIME
It seems that April is about over and turkey season is already here. I have seen turkey’s in almost every field and open area along the highways and back roads of Michigan.
Tom’s are out strutting, trying to impress the hens and Michigan’s hunters are getting ready to bag their bird for their spring tag.
Although I haven’t had the chance to get out myself, I am looking forward to taking my daughter or for her very first hunt. She just got her first apprentice license and is looking forward to getting out with dad for the first time.
Now, my earliest memories of hunting with my dad weren’t nice spring weather and a ground blind. They are more like rabbit hunting in new snow and trying not to get lost in his footprints (Pops is only 5′5″ but seemed like a giant then).
Either way, getting out is great. Even better when you can share it with someone new or someone who took you the first time.
EARLY STEELIES
Earlier this month I had the good fortune to fish the Big Manistee with Captain Michael Tilmann of Tilmann outfitters (www.tilmannoutfitters.com).
I have been putting this trip off for the past year. Either because of money issues or just wimping out thinking I had something better to do. Well not this time.
After a few hundred phone calls back and forth with the intense Captain Tilmann, we made a solid day and time. The trip was set and I was on my way to Manistee.
Having made the solo drive to Manistee, I reached the home base of Tilmann outfitters. An obvious landmark was the University of Michigann flag waving in the brisk wind on a pole in his front yard. Did I mention he is a former lineman for the Maize and Blue. So I guess you can imagine his passion for football. Take that times 10 when it comes to fishing.
The house overlooks the Big Manistee river and was a most beautiful scene first thing in the morning with a blanket of snow that had graced the area just a couple of days before. About a hundred steps down to the rustic boat slip and it was off to find the steelhead that were just coming into the river.
We started out by doing some float fishing with spawn bags he tied up the night before using floats he made himself. A couple of hits and misses we kept at that for a while in different areas of the river.
Switching back and forth between bottom bouncing and float fishing we decided to make a final move before calling it a day. Again, thinking that a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work I pondered on all that we had seen that day. A couple of mink playing on the shore and in the water. Sandhill cranes cruising the river like they were on a low flying bombing mission, and a couple of white sucker landed still beat the heck out of being behind a computer or microphone.
Then it happened. Just as I was telling the good Captain how much fun I had that day it hit. Like a shot out of nowhere it was “fish on” and Captain Tilmann was giving me the tips to land the first Michigan steelhead of the day. After about what seemed like 20 minutes (5 actually) she was in the boat. A shimmering silver steelhead that was fresh out of the big lake and ready to leave her mark on the river.
Measuring 34″ and weighing a solid 8lbs. 3oz., this was the fish that I waited all day for. Heck, anything other than a sucker was the fish I was waiting all day for, but this was great. A few minutes later we picked up a small male and then another monster was on but then got away just as fast.
All in all by the end of the day, I was beat up and physically bankrupt. And with a three plus hour drive I could hardly wait to get home. And when I did, CRASH! Out go the lights.
A great trip and a great guy to be sure. Next time, I plan on staying in his cabin on the site. And by next time, I mean May for big browns on the lake.
If you would like to contact Tilmann outfitters, I encourage you to do so. He is a solid guy with a passion for fishing. And yes, I paid for my trip. If you do, please let him know that you heard about him from AM Outdoors radio show.
Tight Lines!
-Duran
Contact Captain Tilmann:
Capt. Michael Tilmann
2626 Bialik Rd.
Manistee, Michigan 49660
231-723-6166
captmichael@tilmannoutfitters.com
NEW CROSSBOW REGULATIONS FROM THE DNR/NRC
NEW CROSSBOW REGULATIONS FOR MICHIGAN
This will outline the new regulations regarding the use of crossbows during hunting seasons in Michigan. The information provided comes directly from the Michigan DNR offices.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2009
Natural Resources Commission Votes to Expand Crossbow Hunting Opportunities
The Michigan Natural Resources Commission on Thursday approved a proposal to expand the use of crossbows for hunting in Michigan.
Under the new regulations, crossbows may be used:
● during any season in which a firearm may be used, for both big and small game;
● for any hunting season in Zone 3 of southern Michigan;
● by anyone 50 years of age or older during the Oct. 1-Nov. 14 deer season.
Included in the regulations are limits on the velocity of the crossbow.
Crossbows used for hunting are restricted to no more than 350 feet per second.
The regulations have a three-year sunset. Crossbow hunters will be surveyed over the next three years and regulations will then be re-evaluated by the Department of Natural Resources. Data will be collected that analyzes impact on the resource and the crossbow’s potential to recruit or retain hunters. The data also will be analyzed to determine if crossbow use should be expanded further in the future.
A crossbow stamp will be required in addition to hunting licenses for those using crossbows. Stamps will be available at all license retailers starting March 15.
For more information on hunting opportunities in Michigan, visit the DNR’s Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural resources for current and future generations.
###
THE TRAIL AHEAD 2/28 - 3/1 2009
Sorry about missing last weeks listing. As Mr. Waddell put it a couple of weeks ago, “I have been busier than the tooth fairy in West Virginia.”
To our West Virginia listeners, just kidding! Waddell said it first!
Show season continues this weekend in Novi for Outdoorama. Four days instead of the week long production it used to be. But I am sure it will be every bit as good.
THIS WEEKS GUESTS
NEW PRODUCT INFO
First up this week, we speak to George Trulock from Trulock choke tubes in Whigham, Georgia.
Trulock has developed a new choketube for the Federal ammunition, Black Cloud. Personally, I am a huge fan of the tungsten and steel mix ammo, but had a hard time finding a choke tube that would work with this particular shot load.
After a bit of research (it fell in my lap) I found Trulock chokes and an interview was born.
We talk about the introduction of the choke tube and the good ol’ polychoke. Be sure to check this one out. You can never know enough about new products. www.trulockchokes.com
Talkin’ Turkey Vol. 1 with Al Stewart
This week, it’s time to talk turkey. Then we talk to our good friend, Al Stewart, from the Michigan DNR. Al is an upland game bird specialist and has been very active in the management of the wild turkey and watching their numbers flourish to numbers never before seen.
Al has also been very instrumental in the wild turkey cooperators patch program that the DNR offers and allows hunters to obtain their own one of three ways.
The first is as a successful hunter. Second, cooperator patches may be purchased directly from the DNR and last, youth may obtain a patch just for purchasing a wild turkey permit regardless of success. Find all of the information at the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnr.
Just a side note. Al will never tell you, but he was the recipient of the prestigious Henry S. Mosby Award at the NWTF’s national convention in Nashville, Tennessee this year. The award was presented to Al for his 30 plus years of dedication to conservation and helping others realize the enjoyment of the outdoors. I am proud to call him a friend and happy to have him on this weeks show.
OTHER TURKEY TALK
Nationally and even world renowned turkey hunter, Dick Kirby joins us on the show. Dick has recorded 26 consecutive wild turkey “Grand Slams” and a total of 55 to his credit.
Join us as he talks of his first time out turkey hunting and how it has changed his life forever to become one of the most successful turkey hunters ever.
This is a must hear for any hunter as we approach spring and the turkey seasons here in Michigan.
WALLEYE 101
Lance Valentine previews next weeks upcoming seminars for the free classes from Walleye 101.
This week: GPS and Sonar, plainly put; ”electronics.” Lance will cover electronics and the importance of learning your gear now rather than the first time out in the spring. Visit Lance out on the road along with Mark Van Kampen and a host of others ready to teach the techniques of finding more catchable fish. Check out our website at www.amoutdoorsradio.com for a link to Walleye 101.
Please feel free to revisit the show through our pod-casts on the Michigan talk network site at http://www.michigantalknetwork.com/podcasts.html
Thanks for listening to the show and we look forward to seeing you soon!
THE TRAIL AHEAD - GUEST LINE UP FOR 2/14 - 15
MICHIGAN HUNTING & FISHING COLLECTORS CLUB
Greg Woodland - Greg talks about finding and collecting part of Michigan’s hunting heritage. Collecting outdoors related advertising, old hunting licenses and deer cooperator patches. Find out more @ www.mhflcc.com
LEE SMITH - COYOTE HUNTING (INTRODUCTION)
We’ll cover a good amount of beginner information to hunt predators here in Michigan. Tips on calls and technique will be covered. www.yellerdogcalls.com
LANCE VALENTINE - WALLEYE 101
Lance pulls a little extra duty to talk about safety during this weekly segment. Lance will also cover upcoming seminars around Michigan. You can find a location near you by going to our lynx page or head to www.walleye101.com.
MICHAEL WADDELL - BONE COLLECTORS
Michael joins us from Georgia where talks about growing up in the outdoors and what it’s like to be a proud American with a passion for family and the outdoors.
This will be an interview you do not want to miss. Truly in my opinoin in the top 5 of our short, but fun run of the show so far. www.michaelwaddell.com
FROM DURAN
As we go forward through 2009, I have to say it has been a less than fun year. Many events have changed the lives of dear friends and family that we could not have foreseen.
Please know that we will continue to bring this show and more like to come for what we hope to be many years to come. I will do my best to push forward and protect the beautiful state that we live in and educate as many as will listen on the heritage of our outdoors community.
Our numbers are on rapid decline and there are many that would love to see it all go away. I personally will do all I can to defend what I love.
I have decided to bring more of the nationally known guests on the shows for this year for two reasons. The first is because as the popularity of outdoor television grows at an alarming rate, I feel that those who we allow into our living rooms can provide a more personal touch to the listener that cannot always afford :30 minutes of idle time.
The second is to allow the human side of these fine men and women be heard through fun question and answer interviews that you can’t always get from television.
I will always feature quality, Michigan guests and topics for this show. I was born here and I will probably die here. I can’t imagine a better place to be.
Thanks for listening!