Duran Martinez - AM Outdoors Radio Show

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                                                                                      

AUGUST AND EVERYTHING AFTER…

Normally, I would never, repeat, never quote, anything from Counting Crows. This time, I had to bend a little bit. July has passed as fast as usual and August is upon us. From here it will fly by all the way to October 1st. Hunters and anglers in Michigan will be hitting the woods in preparation for bow season and the waters getting ready for fall walleye and the salmon runs that grace the lakes and rivers like a beach head on D-Day.

To me, fall is the greatest time of the year. The crisp, cool air. The color of leaves you can almost taste with their cinnamon reds, lemon yellows and pumpkin orange. Fall always invokes memories of being with my dad hunting pheasant, squirrel and rabbit. It makes me feel like I am twelve years old again,  doing as he says; “stay ten feet behind me in case I fall, that way you can go for help.” It’s little gems of wisdom like that, that will never leave. I also have memories of my mom sitting on a stump with a 12 gauge, waiting for a buck or doe to cross her path.

All of these things that they both taught me, will be with me forever. And now the love of the outdoors is being shared with my daughter. Hopefully, for her to share with a family of her own someday.  

Even though I have had a lifetime of hunting and fishing under my belt, I don’t think I have ever learned as much as I have in  the last four years. I’m not saying what I have learned from my dad was wrong, I just don’t think that these were techniques that worked for me. But since the episode of AM Outdoors, I have learned from friend and professional hunter alike.

People like Tom Neslon and Steve Gruber of Wolf Creek productions that have taken the time to teach me how to bowhunt and how confidence in the gear you use means more than any advertising hype that these companies can throw  at you. People like Alex Rutledge, Seth McCullough and Al Stewart who have taught me about the science behind the wild turkey and how they interact with each other. I’m still waiting to harvest my first bird, but when it does happen, I’m sure it will be fantastic! And last but not least, folks like my friends Bill Hawk and Jeff Matzke. These two have introduced me to waterfowl hunting. Bill was the first person ever to take me out goose hunting. Hitting fields in layout blinds calling and waiting for the command to “take ‘em!” Jeff Matzke is responsible for getting me out on Saginaw Bay and literally pushing me into a layout boat to hunt diver ducks on big water. These folks and many more have become great friends and mentors to me. And I can only hope, that through their appearances and interviews on AM Outdoors, that they have helped you as well. To me, these people mentioned as well as those who listen to the show week after week, are true legends of the fall.

THORNY ACRES ARCHERY CLUB 1960 - 2010

Back in 1960, a group of Archers got together to create a place where like minded individuals could meet and shoot together. Since then, members have had a place to shoot, gather and enjoy the company and traditions that archery has created from the making of the first bow.

In that 50 years, archery has seen many innovations. From new and lighter materials to create traditional equipment like long bows and recurves to the invention and refinement of the new super-fast compound bows. Innovations in arrows from cedar to aluminum to carbon have all been introduced in that same 50 years, weeding out the weak and saving the strong for future improvements.

As archery equipment has improved for the better, the one thing that made this club strong has deteriorated. The family structure has suffered greatly in American society. Many single parents have been left to work two or more jobs leaving the children to entertain themselves through video games and television. Although I believe they have their place, it seems that their level of importance has been elevated beyond the need to get outside. With these circumstances, clubs all over America have seen a decline in memberships. Current members are getting older and not participating at the level they once were, and enlistment new members is at an all time low. Believe me when I say that “I know money is tight.” Investment in a club may not be affordable at this time, but it’s more than just an investment in the club, it’s an investment in Michigan’s future and the future of your children to become good sportsmen and to keep Michigan’s voice loud and clear from our hunter’s, angler’s and shooting sports enthusiasts.

2010 3-D EVENTS

Each year, Thorny Acres features three, 3-D events that welcome archers of all levels. From the beginner or youth (Cadet) archer, to the seasoned competitor in the sharpshooter division. ( for more info: http://www.amoutdoorsradio.com/events.html) A kitchen with food and snacks is open and the club welcomes all shooters to each event.

NOVELTY SHOOTING

Every year, I look forward to the novelty shoots that the club has set up. From the flying pig, where archers take aim at a large 3D hog that comes flying down a zip line, to the moving “backyard buck,” and “beat the skunk,” where archers shoot at suspended clay targets and try to avoid a hidden black can that drops when the target is broken. My favorite challenge though, is a game called “air ball.” a canister vac blows air through a tube and bounces a ping pong ball on a jet of air. The trick is to not only shoot the ball out of mid air, but to stick you arrow through the ball itself. An accomplishment I have only done once. I have knocked it off many times, just through it once.

   AIR BALL

As I mentioned, air ball is my favorite in the novelty shoot competition. This year, my daughter Eryn tried her hand at shooting the ball out of the air. Being he first full year of shooting, her confidence was not very high. With a little prodding from friends at the club and a nudge from her old man, she took a few shots. On about her 5th shot, SUCCESS! She buried her arrow right through the bouncing ping pong ball at 15 yards. A feat that club founder Jerry Barnum said he has still never accomplished.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

I guess part of the reason for that story was to share a proud dad moment. But it was also to get kids inspired to want to to learn about archery and shooting. Because of friends like Bob Miles of Martin Archery and Tom Nelson and Steve Gruber, I now shoot. I picked up a bow at the age of 39 and have not set it down since. My love of archery has inspired me to teach my daughter and reintroduce my own dad back into the sport. The time spent together teaching and learning with friends and family is priceless. Knowing that someday she might teach her own children gives, me comfort in knowing that my skills as a dad are not as bad as I sometimes think they are.

Please, whenever you can, get out into the woods and waters of Michigan. Go hunting, go fishing and take the kid’s with you. They are the future of our outdoor sports. 

Agoraphobia - The fear of public places. Dipsophobia- Fear of drinking. Caligynephobia- Fear of beautiful women. As you all well know, I do not suffer from any of these. What do I suffer from? Blogging! As odd as it may sound, I have a serious disdain for writing what I think may drive someone to take a long walk off of a short pier. 

Maybe if I were to own a laptop I could write when the mood struck me. But as much as I am on the road, another bad idea. And no, I’d rather not go the Stephen Hawking route either.  so type, I will. Hopefully you will like what I have forced myself to do.

WHO KNEW?

Earlier this year, I took AM Outdoors on the road to Detroit. Hoping to bring some interest to the masses of the Motor-City, I set up shop with a booth full of information and literature on the show. A couple of nice young ladies had stopped by to promote an event of their own. A triathlon for the somewhat athletic. A triathlon that was to consist of Trap Shooting, 3D Archery and Golf. Surely, this was an event that I could not only attend, but actually have a shot at (no pun intended…well maybe). After many phone calls, emails and facebook messages with coordinator, Vicky Warner, it was set. TEAM AMO would be heading to Naubinway and the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club for two days of fun and friendly competition. With all good intentions it seems that a wrench finds it’s way into the works. Difficult work schedules and last minute changes crumble the mighty TEAM AMO to just one member. ME. So when June 17th came, I packed the truck and headed for the UP.

 PRELUDE TO THE TRIATHLON

Making the four and a half hour drive to Naubinway, I made it to my destination the night before so I could rest and get the lay of the land before the event. Located in what is truly God’s Country, Naubinway has the unique distinction of being the largest fishing port on the Great Lakes and is also the northern most point of Lake Michigan. 
My location for the next three nights would be a two bedroom cabin with all the amenities of home. Stove, television, microwave and refrigerator. One of many available to rent. The view that welcomed my every morning and tucked me in at night, was a view of Lake Millecoquin. An average sized lake for Michigan, it features lot’s of pan fish and pike. Having fishing gear in tow, this lake was going to have to wait. Food was the first order and off to a little local place was in. I found a little place that had good sandwiches, but I wanted something with a bit more local flavor. I found it, but not until the next night.

 TRIATHLON - DAY ONE

The first day of the event had me shooting with a team of folks unknown to me. Vicky had put with Team Vallier. What that meant to me at the time, honestly, I was nervous. I was being added to a team of guys that have probably known each other since birth and have no need for some “troll” from Lansing. When I got to the trap range, an older gentleman named Dennis informed me that the team that I was to be shooting with had all four members and that I was misinformed. After a bit of talking, it was decided that I did actually belong and would compete the next day during the golf and 3D archery competitions. Thinking to myself “Great! Not only am I on a team with people I don’t know, I have to wait another day to participate.” “I can only imagine what they’re thinking.” At the end of the days events I headed back to the cabin to freshen up and off to the beer tent after dinner. Oh, did I mention the free concert? Sorry.

FRIDAY NIGHT FISH FRY

After finding the local bar, I ventured in for dinner. For me, the atmosphere was perfect! Shuffleboard, rope lights and knotty pine covering every wall. I was in heaven. Right on down to the American flag with the image of John Wayne in the middle of it. Being Friday night, dinner was the “Friday Night Fish Fry.” The pool table was converted to a salad bar with the best deviled eggs I dare say I have had. Several different salads and soup graced the green felt of the Valley table at one end of the bar. The soup was also amazing. I overheard the tall gentlemen behind the bar telling someone that he had made the fish soup that was loaded with carrots and potatoes that would make the Soup Nazi green with envy.

The main course was deep fried whitefish and fries. French fries to go with the potato salad that I had previously devoured with my fish soup (also with potatoes). It’s hard to beat freshly caught and cooked whitefish and an ice cold Busch Light. During the course of the meal, it seems that everyone that was working that evening came to check on me. The bartender, cook, everyone. All concerned that I was taken care of. A service that seems to be lost everywhere else in the bigger cities.

To finish the meal, as if I needed more, was homemade dessert. My choice of several sweet temptations were available. Brownies with toasted walnuts or bread pudding with a rum type of glaze. All home made! Absolutely unbelievable to say the least.

After the feast, I lumbered down to the city marina to check out the band Twisted Finster. A pretty good rock band that included a radio personality from Traverse City on bass. 

TRIATHLON TIME

Finally, Saturday rolled around and I was off to the golf course for the weakest part of my abilities. I met up with the gang from Team Vallier, introduced myself and to the first tee we went. Two teams together to keep it honest, eight people per hole. For those of you who don’t golf, neither do I. At least it’s been three years since I picked up the clubs and when I did golf, I was terrible at best. Nervous and feeling sick, I teed off. SMACK! Right down the middle of the fairway. Only about 200 yards (pushing it) I felt pretty good. My new team consisting of Brent Vallier, Geoff Van Hise, Dennis Goerke and myself. A few holes later, the wheels came off as I expected. As much as tried, I’m just not a golfer. But the 9 hole course cut out of the 36,000 acre club was breath taking. Finishing somewhere around 4 over, we moved on to the 3D course. This was what I was waiting for. Or was it? Our shooting time was 2:00 PM so we all had lunch and made our way to the course.

The rules of the 3D course were simple. Split the teams up to two members from each team per target station. The opposite team keeps score. Paired with two members of the opposition, we walked through what could’ve easily been over a mile of pristine hills and tall Michigan pines. The lack of elevated stands was overshadowed by shots down and uphill alike. The funniest being the cougar target. Joking about the discovery of the predator in the UP and contemplating photos for the DNRE to review, made for some good jokes along the way. 25 stations later and a million laughs, we exited the course with a need for side stapler and tissues from the tears of laughter brought on at the expense of poor Carl. A member of team Goerke and a damn good sport. Needless to say, we didn’t win a trophy for our team efforts, but one member of the opposing team, Joel Piatek, won individual honors for his overall efforts. A new shotgun and trophy as a prize to the young man from Harsen’s Island, Michigan (a la Ernie Harwell).

THE BANQUET 

As with all good events, the event finished with a huge banquet with all of the teams together. Food and beverage were made available as a part of your entry fee. A mere $80.00 for all of it.  9 holes of golf, team trap shooting and 3D archery. Even in tough times, that is a steal!

One person deserves recognition for this event above all. If not for the chance meeting with Vicky Warner and her drive to make sure that we were all informed, I can’t see this being the success it was. It may have not been the success that some of the vendors were looking for, but I see a much bigger and brighter future for this event in years to come. So, for all who extended a hand in friendship, I say “thank you!” “It was the best time I have had in a long time.”

Finally - Final Thoughts

As I hope you have endured this blog, please know that it was to share with you an incredible event with some new friends that I truly hope I get to see again.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is an incredibly beautiful wilderness that goes beyond Mackinac Island and the tourist shops (troll traps) of St. Ignace and Sault Saint Marie. Fine cities in their own right, but not what I consider the heart of the UP. The people of Naubinway and the Hiawatha Sportsman’s Club were amazing. I was met with a friendly wave by every passing vehicle. What some would consider going out of their way to make sure you’re comfortable, was a part of the personality of all in the service industry. If there truly is a time machine that can take you back to 1959 and the true spirit of Michigan sportmen, it’s US 2 heading West through God’s Country. Also known as Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 

-Duran

 For more info: www.hiawathaclub.com

 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

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

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!

www.tednugent.com

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.

www.bellingarpacking.com

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!

www.talus.com

Don’t forget to email your show ideas to: outdoormailbag@gmail.com

FROM PROUD SON TO PROUD DAD 

For the past who knows how long, I have closed my air shifts on the FM stations I have worked at (WJXQ/Q106 and Classic Rock 94.9 WMMQ), with the following statement: “Make sure you get out into the Michigan woods and water and go hunting, go fishing, and take the kids with you. Educate them! They are the future of our outdoor sports.” A statement that I live by and am proud to have repeated to me every now and again by someone who has heard it themselves.

Last Sunday I took my daughter Eryn, on her first ever squirrel hunt. She is working on the apprentice program so she learns safety and sportsmanship from me, when I can teach her. A program that I am happy to say, has been made available to folks who can’t always find or make the time for hunter safety classes. If I can actually work one in around her gymnastics and my work, I would love to attend a class with her.

We made it out to the woods in the early afternoon and set up under one of my treestands that has produced many more squirrel than deer. After about a half an hour sit of explaining safety and why we are just sitting still, and there it was. Gnawing on a walnut was our target.  She raised her gun and “POOF!” Like Houdini, it was gone! Disappeared. No more than a minute later, he was peering down from his upside down position on the tree. She raised her gun and shot. Her single shot Remington had hit her target and it was down. Right behind it was another one and so I shot. It too went down and the chase was on. As luck would have it, it seems I might have hit underneath it. My Remington 20 gauge seemed to be a little off. The sight may need some readjustment…yeah, that’s it!

After spending another couple of hours looking for more for the crock-pot, we had to call it a day. The true success was time spent with her. Teaching her that hunting is a game of patience and skill. Much like that of everything else in life. Lessons that many of us over 40 were taught by parents that had more time than those of today. I hope you can find the time to share with anyone the joy of Michigan’s outdoors. And the rewards of that you will feel will be immeasurable.

-Duran

ERIC SHERWOOD/FALL FOOD PLOTS

So, you think it’s too late for food plots? WRONG! Unless your reading this in December…then it’s too late.

Eric Sherwood, of Whitetail Select will give you the tips you need to get that last minute food plot in and effective just in time for the mid November push on big whitetails.

Dean Hall - Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger

Sportsmen and women all over Michigan are the most generous folks I know. They give not only money and time to countless worthwhile organizations, but they also share their harvest of venison.

Dean Hall will offer insight to how you can make donations to provide food for those in need this year.

LANCE VALENTINE - WALLEYE 101/FALL WALLEYE

Fish On!It’s time for the walleye to put the feedbag on and get fattened up for the long Michigan winter.

Lance Valentine will offer hot tips on finding fall walleye in the Saginaw Bay, Lake Erie, Houghton Lake and even Lake Michigan.

MARK ESCH/WILDLIFE REFLECTIONS TAXIDERMY

Award winning taxidermist, Mark Esch, offers tips on preserving your catch or kill to prepare for transport to the taxidermist. Small tricks of the trade for fish, ducks, turkeys and of-course…deer!

Make sure to listen to the show or check out our podcasts here: http://amoutdoors.podbean.com/

FINAL THOUGHTS

This weekend we have the opportunity to bring our children and future hunters into the woods for the annual youth hunt. An opportunity to teach them stewardship and respect for not only deer and other wildlife, but the importance of what it means to be sportsmen and women.

Michigan’s licensed hunters and anglers have been on a rapid decline over the past two decades. Single parent homes and the fast pace of making ends meet have left the family unit divided and time for the outdoors a mere memory of our days gone by.

I feel that we must take every opportunity to take our kids out to hunt and fish. To teach them that hard work and practice is the only way to achieve not only the success of the harvest, but to provide for future generations the same enjoyment and satisfaction that we feel when they themselves are successful.  

With my own daughter, I talk about patience. About knowing the feeling that you get when you hear that turkey gobble in the distance on a frosty spring morning. Or the sound of wood ducks as they look for a place to land in flooded timber. To remember those feelings because there is no substitute that can give you that same feeling, no matter how hard you look.

-Duran

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