The Department of Natural Resources has lowered many fees at state forest campgrounds. Most state forest campgrounds will have a $13 per site, per night fee rate (a reduction of $2).
   Campgrounds identified as equestrian state forest campgrounds, those associated with ORV trails, and the semi-modern Houghton Lake state forest campground will charge a $17 per site, per night rate (a reduction of $3).
   Approximately 270 campsites at a variety of state forest campgrounds spread over 11 counties can be reserved through the state’s on-line reservation system. For more information, visit www.midnrreservations.com.

   Probably the largest producer of soft plastic baits has to be Berkley. Coming to you in tiny sizes for ice fishing, right on to the new 12-inch worm, a variation of these products in sizes and colors is no doubt in a lot of anglers tackle boxes and bags.
   So is their line. The amount of different lines for different uses and conditions is overwhelming to me, personally.
   Coming out a background of fishing with the old cotton braid line, we thought we were in heaven when nylon or "catgut" as we called it made the fishing scene.
   Never mind that. Now you have a choice between low and high stretch, line that saws off weeds and is strong enough to tow a truck on it's own, to line that is invisible to fish.
   That same scent found in Gulp, Havoc, and Berkley PowerBait is also present in Flicker Shads and Frenzy crank baits.
   PowerBait and Gulp  have been widely known and used on the Bassmaster Trail. They are becoming a go to bait these days for professional walleye anglers.
   Hey, if it's good enough for them, it certainly is for me. That's why I tie on a soft plastic every time I go fishing.

   Oakland County Parks and Recreation will host a Free Fishing event at Upper Bushman Lake on Saturday, June 9 in conjunction with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Free Fishing Weekend.
 “Oakland County Parks and Recreation celebrates the heritage and unique ecology of Upper Bushman Lake by teaching youths about fishing techniques, the stewardship of our lakes and streams and the fisheries those waterways support,” Natural Resources Planner Brittany Bird said.
   Hooked on Fishing participants will learn about catch-and-release fishing techniques and enjoy fish-related children’s crafts and activities. Poles and bait are provided or participants may bring their own.
   The event runs from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required, call 248-863-7020 or e-mail wascherc@oakgov.com.
   Located at 10089 Sashabaw Road in Clarkston, Upper Bushman Lake in Independence Oaks-North County Park is designated by the MDNR as the only public access catch-and-release lake in Southeast Michigan.
   The event is co-sponsored by DMF Bait Company, Great Lakes Worm Watch, MDNR and the Clinton River Watershed Council.

   Golfers have a chance to get out with friends, play a round in a scramble format and help raise money for a great cause.  
   There's still time to sign up for the Military Family Relief Golf Outing at Oakhurst Country Club in Clarkston.
   Sponsored by Mygolfdeals.com, the event takes place June 4 with a 11a.m. shotgun start. Format is a four-man scramble.
   The $380 fee per team includes golf, range, lunch, and a cocktail party. A portion of the proceeds goes to benefit the Team Selfridge Family Relief Fund and families of veterans.
   Mygolfdeals.com is a web site for discount golf around Michigan and other states. For more information and to register for the golf tournament, visit mygolfdeals.com

   When the group that calls itself the MVM (Michigan, Virginia Mafia) gets together for their annual week of fishing just prior to the Memorial Day weekend, thoughts of those that have paid the ultimate price in defense of the country are remembered.
   Carlos Hathcock III, a 22-year Marine Corps Veteran and retired gunnery sergeant most likely has his dad Carlos II on his mind.
   Hathcock II, also a retired Marine "gunny sergeant" served during a couple of tours during the Viet Nam war.
   He's largely known for having the most confirmed kills as a sniper. Outside of his solitary duties and missions as a sniper-accompanied only by his spotter- behind enemy lines, Hathcock II was a perfect shot.
   However, little is known about his life-saving heroics. "A tank was hit and caught fire," Carlos III said.
   "Dad climbed on the tank and rescued the tankers despite receiving severe burns," he said. It's memories such as these that remind us of what Memorial Day is about.

   Attention all you Senko anglers out there. Scott Hammer from northern Virginia told me he knows of 70 different ways to fish the popular soft plastic Senko.
   The conversation took place Saturday in Bill McElroy's garage. Present was McElroy, Hammer, Carlos Hathcock, Ken Neeley, and me.
   Hammer related how he had been asked to provide information on 20 different ways to fish the popular bait.
   This same group gets together each year the week before Memorial Day to rekindle friendships that have lasted over 10 years.
   Sunday, they will all head out for Harsen's Island and a week of fishing and camaraderie with headquarters being the house they rent right on the water.
   Stay tuned for next week's column in The Oakland Press about this group that calls itself the MVM, and  perhaps a couple ways to fish that Senko.

   Kensington Metropark will celebrate the beginning of summer with fireworks, June 16. The show begins at 10 pm; plan to arrive at least two hours early due to crowd conditions.
   There is a $10 special event daily vehicle permit required after 5 pm; admission is free with an annual permit.
    For additional information, please call Kensington Metropark at 810-227-8910.  Kensington Metropark does not host fireworks around the Fourth of July holiday.
    If you've not been to Kensington you may want to make a day of it. There's plenty to do including boating, fishing, hiking, biking, roller blading, taking in nature, or just relaxing.
   The farm is popular due to the various animals that make their home there. Plan on taking your kids for a good look-see at what a working farm looks like.