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
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
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
THIS WEEKS SHOW 10/24 - 10/25
Tom Nelson - “The Calm Before the Rut”
Have you noticed a drop in deer activity? Did they all just disappear? Or is it a case of too many bow hunters taking the field in the early weeks of October.
Tom Neslon, Host of The American Archer on the Outdoor Channel will bring his thoughts on “the calm before the rut.” Tips on hunting Michigan’s number one big game animal in the latter parts of October to the full rut month of November.
Dick Seehase - Your Local QDMA Chapter/Venison Donations
Dick Seehase will join AM Outdoors to offer information on getting involved with a local Quality Deer Management program and also offer information on starting your own program to help maintain a healthier deer population in any area that you hunt.
Brian “Bro” Brosdahl - Fall Pan fish Fishing / Pre-Ice Scouting
From the early days of AM Outdoors, “Bro” has been our number one go to guy for pan fish fishing on AM Outdoors. I met Bro coming out of the Lansing Gander Mountain and chased him down across two parking lots to a local Wal Mart to find out who he was!
He is truly one of the top ice fishing pros in the country. Bro will give some inside tips on finding the big bluegills, perch and crappie after the leaves have fallen and will also give tips on scouting pre ice conditions.
I hear you complaining! You know the ice and snow are coming, so why not be prepared.
Lonnie Buck (Yes, That’s His Name) - Scoring Your Trophy Deer or Turkey
Official scorer for Boone & Crockett, Pope & Young and Longhunters, Lonnie will talk about scoring your trophy deer. What “green scoring” means and how long you have to wait for an official score to be made. He’ll also have some info on scoring your turkey. Think you have a “Booner?” Check out the show for the official word on scoring.
Don’t forget to email your show ideas to: outdoormailbag@gmail.com
GET THE GEAR!
Finally! The new gear for AM Outdoors has been created. Everybody has a logo they can identify with. Michael Waddell and the “Bone Collector”, Nike and the “Swoosh” and so on.
I thought that we needed to come up with something that fit the style of radio we do here at AM Outdoors. One word came to mind…”Non-Typical!”
NON-TYPICAL
We talk about hunting, fishing, family, gun rights and occasionally…GOD! How dare we talk about any of those things on the radio, right? In today’s politically correct society, we must be out of our minds to talk about such things as the second amendment and freedom of speech. Not to mention that there is particular political agenda here. I have my thoughts, but that’s NOT what this show is about. Therefore, non-typical.
WHAT’S IN A NAME
Here’s the breakdown that will remove the mystery. Please don’t share this with anyone. Direct them to www.amoutdoorsradio.com to remove all doubt. Keep them guessing in the meantime..
Shirts are $12.95 and can be delivered to your door if you live outside the Lansing area. $10.00 if you get them in person. I would rather not have to charge for them, but since I have to buy anything like this for the show, I have to. This keeps future orders coming should anyone actually want them. Shoot me a call at (517)712-3529 if you’re interested.
Shoot Straight and Tight Lines,
-Duran
A MONTH OF FIRSTS
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
OUTDOORS TELEVISION UNDER ATTACK!
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THIS WEEKS SHOW 9/26 - 9/27
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
THIS WEEKS SHOW 9/19 - 9/20
David Olmstead
Talk about a great guy. David Olmsteasd will feature new products from Old Faithful Outdoor Products. Their new “Buckmister” is a programmable scent dispersal system that allows you to program your scent release ahead of time. Now you can put scent in the air when your ready. Check them out online and get registered to win your very own from Old Faithful Outdoor Products and AM Outdoors.
JERRY ALLEN
Jerry is the author of “Blood in Motion: A forensic guide to blood tracking.” Find out what different colors of blood mean. “Do bubbles on your arrow mean a lung shot?” Not always. Find out what else it could really be.
Jerry is also a distributor of “Blue Star.” This chemical helps you find the smallest bloodtrails, even in the rain. I have used this in the past and believe me, it works! Check Jerry out on our “lynx” page.
JOHN EBERHART
John is one of our favorite guests. Listen to learn how to hunt public land even when other hunters line the woods. John will give some insight on getting down and dirty where the big bucks live.
John has written several books and produced several DVDs on hunting pressured whitetails. Don’t miss John speak on finding deer where no one else looks. Visit his website through the link on our “lynx” page.
THIS WEEKS SHOW 9/12 -9/13
DAN ARMITAGE - THE BUCKEYE SPORTSMAN
Professional outdoor writer and outdoor radio show host, Dan Armitage is one of the few Buckeyes ever allowed on AM Outdoors.
Dan will cover fall kayak fishing and also talk about hunting Ohio bucks on private land. A unique opportunity for you to be matched up with a landowner and hunt for Ohio whitetails.
I also lay the “smack” down on Dan and put a challenge to him and his Buckeye football team. Hopefully my Wolverines will come though and will keep me safe from donning the crimson and silver in a shameful photo for the world to see.
Dan Kimmel will share some tips for fall smallmouth and largemouth tactics. Listen for the hot-spots in Michigan that will produce big smallmouth bass and the huge largemouth bass. Find out where they live and how to pull them right out of there underwater living room.
ALEX RUTLEDGE - HUNTER’S SPECIALTIES PRO STAFF
Alex is an amazing outdoorsman. A world class turkey caller and deer hunter, Alex will share tips on hunting the elusive fall turkey. Alex can vocalize exact turkey calls without the use of a diaphragm or box call.
Get tips on the right type of calls to make as well as great whitetail vocalizations. Alex will also share some tips that can help you find the big bucks in your area. We don’t mind sharing, but you have to listen to the show!
WIN MY GEAR - THIS WEEKS PRIZES
This week we will offer up for grabs a package of “The Reign” broadheads as well as a ScenTote boot bag to keep your boots scent free this hunting season.
FINAL THOUGHTS - THANKS TIM NESTER!
This week, Operations Manager and good friend Tim Nester, has moved on from his duties with the Michigan Talk Network.
Tim was tireless when it came to furthering the reach of AM Outdoors. Originally AM Outdoors aired on The Game 730 AM WVFN in Lansing. Shortly before our second birthday Tim put the little outdoors show on four stations as the newest addition to the Michigan Talk Network. Starting with WTRX in Flint, WNEM in Saginaw, and WMMI in Mt. Pleasant. Later, Tim would go on to add eight more stations to the AM Outdoors family.
Although the future for AM Outdoors is not certain, we will continue to do the best we can to make this the best outdoors radio show on the air. We will also continue to reach out to other markets in the state and beyond.
For all of the hard work and listening to a host who is as paranoid as they come about his product, I have to say “thanks!” You have been there as a friend, coworker and psychologist. We will miss you here at AM Outdoors.
-Duran Martinez
This Weeks Show 9/5 - 9/6
RICHARD P. SMITH
One of my favorite recurring guests, Michigan author, photographer, columnist and expert hunter Richard P. Smith joins us to talk about his newest book in the Great Michigan Deer Tales series.
The fifth installment in the ongoing series covers monster bucks from all of the Great State of Michigan. From Luce county in the Upper Peninsula to the full rut trophies that keep coming from Jackson, Lenawee and Hillsdale counties, relive the stories that will live within the hearts an memories of hunters everywhere.
John Devney - Delta Waterfowl
Senior Vice President of Delta Waterfowl, John Devney, will talk about the 63rd annual Point Mouilee (Moo-Yay) waterfowl event taking place Sept. 12th and 13th. John will also give insight as to what Delta Waterfowl is doing to protect the future of waterfowl and waterfowl hunting.
Excalibur Crossbows
With Michigan off to our first chance for crossbow use during all seasons that a bow or firearm may be used, there is still a lot of questions about crossbows and the myths that come with them.
Hear first hand from Catherine Troubridge and Rob Dykeman what they recommend for future crossbow hunters as they clear the air about what crossbows “can and cannot” do.
TOM NELSON
Good friend and recurring guest, Tom Nelson joins us with more tales from his hunts while out filming the Wolf Creek Productions shows, The American Archer” and “Deer City USA.”
Here about big bucks in the city and get his thoughts on crossbow hunting in Michigan.
FINAL THOUGHTS
As Michigan finds itself fastly approaching it’s first archery deer season that crossbows are legal for [most] everyone to use, we find controversy looming around us.
Some Michigan bow hunters find themselves caught up in the fears of hunters armed with crossbows lurking in the woods waiting to take that miracle 100 yard shot to knock down “The Booner.” Other stick and stringers who already have come to grips with the invasion of the compound bow, loathe the thought of the crossbow and all it stands for.
Whatever the case we as outdoorsmen and women need to unite and educate each other instead of dividing into our own special interests. Gun hunters and bow hunters, waterfowlers and bear hunters, anglers and trappers all have to join together.
It was easy enough to let the wolves in sheep’s clothing known as the Humane Society of the United States come into to our state and throw millions around to protect the morning dove. The most abundant game bird in North America was protected from hunters in Michigan only to be hunted in Indiana and Ohio. We as hunters and anglers fought amongst ourselves allowing the HSUS and it’s lies convince voters that morning doves should not and would not be hunted in Michigan.
On a personal note, I was originally not for crossbow hunting in Michigan. Although I am still skeptical, I plan on learning for myself the capabilities of the crossbow and welcome new opportunities to rebuild our future for Michigan’s hunter.
-Duran Martinez