Don't believe spring has sprung? Just take a look at all the ads for summer flower to brighten the garden, seeds of every description, and solar lights to give your yard a softer look at night.
Daily, I receive information from manufactures about new camping gear, paddles, pfd's, kayaks, and fishing tackle, all designed to hit the spring market.
There are questionnaires describing the ten most important things to do when setting up camp, how to react when a bear comes into your campsite, first aid tips and so forth.
The DNR is in the mix too, warning of dry weather making the risk of wildfires highly possible. Another caution is to leave wildlife alone and in the wild.
Although most animals and birds haven't had their young quite yet, soon baby birds will be on the ground near nests, and those cute, irresistible fawns will be seen, hidden in a clump of weeds as if abandoned by their mothers.
Once wildlife is handled or touched by humans it become difficult if not impossible for the young o return to the family fold.
The best bet is to leave wildlife as you find it. There's a good chance mom or dad are close by watching. There's a reason wildlife is where you find it. Leave it be.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Monday, March 12, 2012
March winds cause dry conditions and high fire danger
Those dry conditions translate into wildfires, especially up north. Areas like Grayling, with their large pine forests and many wooden dwellings are areas of concern.
With dry conditions in areas where snow has melted, those March winds not only dry out the landscape, but in the event of fire, make it difficult to control.
Just recently, Oakland County had it's own version of a fire gone wild with the grass fire in the area of Great Lakes Crossing. Smoke from the fire made driving on I-75 dangerous.
A couple years back, fishing the trout opener near Grayling, a fire got out of hand just south of town and began working it's way north due to windy conditions. In no time, buildings and cabins in the area were threatened.
We were staying several miles north and west of the fire but could see and smell the smoke as if we were closer. After several hours, the fire was brought under control.
With dry, windy weather sure to be upon us it's important to be especially careful with fire both at home and around camps. With high wind conditions the best choice is to forego any outside burning. Stay safe and protect the environment!
With dry conditions in areas where snow has melted, those March winds not only dry out the landscape, but in the event of fire, make it difficult to control.
Just recently, Oakland County had it's own version of a fire gone wild with the grass fire in the area of Great Lakes Crossing. Smoke from the fire made driving on I-75 dangerous.
A couple years back, fishing the trout opener near Grayling, a fire got out of hand just south of town and began working it's way north due to windy conditions. In no time, buildings and cabins in the area were threatened.
We were staying several miles north and west of the fire but could see and smell the smoke as if we were closer. After several hours, the fire was brought under control.
With dry, windy weather sure to be upon us it's important to be especially careful with fire both at home and around camps. With high wind conditions the best choice is to forego any outside burning. Stay safe and protect the environment!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Ruffed Grouse Society to hold annual fund raising event
The Keith Davis Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) will host its 31st Annual Sportsmen’s Banquet on Friday, March 16, 2012 at Genesys Banquet Center, 805 Health Park Blvd., Grand Blanc, MI, beginning with a reception party at 5:30 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m.
As is the custom at this event, the evening will feature a live and silent auction, games, drawings and door prizes; highlighted with the finest selection of quality firearms, artwork and collectable’s.
According to Brad DePottey, individual membership and dinner tickets are $65. There is also an optional family membership package for $95 which includes two dinners. Additional family dinners are available at $30 each. Banquet, Conservation and Sustaining sponsorship packages are also available at $275, $500 and $1,000 respectively
As with all RGS fundraisers, proceeds from this event will be used to restore and protect grouse and woodcock habitat.
For more information and/or tickets contact DePottey at 810-744-6508 or by e-mail at: bradandpeggy.depottey@gmail.com<mailto:depottey@gmail.com> .
Information on the RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found on the web at:www.ruffedgrousesociety.org<http://www.ruffedgrousesociety.org/>.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Leave raking, general clean up, other spring signs
It's amazing how much junk is left behind after the winter months. You don't notice much until you go outside and start raking all the leaves that have spread across your lawn from last fall and winter.
Roadsides aren't the only places revealing debris. So are many yards. I wonder where all that stuff comes from.
Papers partially disintegrated, empty bottles and cans-not too many of those so far-and all of those leaves that have blown in from other yards and vacant lots.
This time of the year everything looks so gray, so lifeless. But as the saying goes, March winds give way to April showers that bring May flowers.
Some color outside can't come soon enough for me. Time to begin the annual spring clean-up.
Roadsides aren't the only places revealing debris. So are many yards. I wonder where all that stuff comes from.
Papers partially disintegrated, empty bottles and cans-not too many of those so far-and all of those leaves that have blown in from other yards and vacant lots.
This time of the year everything looks so gray, so lifeless. But as the saying goes, March winds give way to April showers that bring May flowers.
Some color outside can't come soon enough for me. Time to begin the annual spring clean-up.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Red Winged blackbirds and maple syrup-signs of spring
More signs of spring. For the past week I've noticed several red-winged blackbirds at our feeders. For many, this sight of these birds is a better indication that spring is here than the annual sighting of robins.
Auburn hills resident and avid bird watcher Larry Baum told me last fall that many robins hang around throughout the winter.
Next time you get outside and are near swampy area with lots of reeds and cattails, listen for the calling of the red-winged blackbird.
March is also the month that begins tapping of maple trees for sap that is turned into maple syrup. You can see maple syrup demonstrations at both Indian Springs Metropark (248) 625-7280 and Kensington Metropark, (800) 477-3178.
If you happen to be up north around Grayling, Hartwick Pines will offer demonstrations and a history of maple sugaring March 24, 10a.m.-4p.m. For information call (989) 348-2537.
Auburn hills resident and avid bird watcher Larry Baum told me last fall that many robins hang around throughout the winter.
Next time you get outside and are near swampy area with lots of reeds and cattails, listen for the calling of the red-winged blackbird.
March is also the month that begins tapping of maple trees for sap that is turned into maple syrup. You can see maple syrup demonstrations at both Indian Springs Metropark (248) 625-7280 and Kensington Metropark, (800) 477-3178.
If you happen to be up north around Grayling, Hartwick Pines will offer demonstrations and a history of maple sugaring March 24, 10a.m.-4p.m. For information call (989) 348-2537.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Mentored Hunting-chance for cheating?
A mentor is hunting with a 10-year-old. The mentor is charged with teaching not only hunting skills, but ethics in the woods and field.
It goes back to "what do you do in the woods when no one is around," that helps to account for the reputation you get as a conscientious outdoors person.
Bend the rules by taking game out of season, having too many limits in possession, or using illegal methods to take game gives one the name of poacher.
Friends, hunting and fishing companions and others who enjoy the outdoors and follow it's traditions in an ethical way wouldn't be caught hunting or sharing a boat with you.
But back to the hunting scenario. Now a deer wanders into the shooting area. Will you take the shot to fill your tag, or use your companions tag to take a deer that should have been the youngsters shot?
Charlie Mann from Hunters Creek Club hit the nail on the head when he said they hunt should be about the kids and not the mentor.
"They have to leave their chance to hunt at home and be sure this is a day and time for the person they are mentoring," he said.
Teaching a youngster how to hunt safely and intelligently are important. But so is being ethical and doing this right. Big lessons and huge responsibility for those that take it seriously.
It goes back to "what do you do in the woods when no one is around," that helps to account for the reputation you get as a conscientious outdoors person.
Bend the rules by taking game out of season, having too many limits in possession, or using illegal methods to take game gives one the name of poacher.
Friends, hunting and fishing companions and others who enjoy the outdoors and follow it's traditions in an ethical way wouldn't be caught hunting or sharing a boat with you.
But back to the hunting scenario. Now a deer wanders into the shooting area. Will you take the shot to fill your tag, or use your companions tag to take a deer that should have been the youngsters shot?
Charlie Mann from Hunters Creek Club hit the nail on the head when he said they hunt should be about the kids and not the mentor.
"They have to leave their chance to hunt at home and be sure this is a day and time for the person they are mentoring," he said.
Teaching a youngster how to hunt safely and intelligently are important. But so is being ethical and doing this right. Big lessons and huge responsibility for those that take it seriously.
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Election history-so are unwanted phone calls
Finally a little piece and quiet here in Northern Oakland County. For the past several weeks our phone has been ringing off the hook with calls from this or that candidate.
Like any unwanted call, these are such a pain when one is taken away from this task or that just to answer a recording.
Use your caller id you might say. We do. The problem is these political calls resemble two we get from our children overseas.
That is the caller id shows up exactly the same. While it doesn't identify the called, the term "out of area" usually means one of our kids is calling.
If we let it ring, instead of cutting off after a certain number, it actually goes to voice mail. Later, when you see the lights flashing indicating new messages it's more time going through them to delete those not important while listening for messages you care to hear.
The "do not call" initiative is great. Too bad it doesn't take in these robo calls.
Like any unwanted call, these are such a pain when one is taken away from this task or that just to answer a recording.
Use your caller id you might say. We do. The problem is these political calls resemble two we get from our children overseas.
That is the caller id shows up exactly the same. While it doesn't identify the called, the term "out of area" usually means one of our kids is calling.
If we let it ring, instead of cutting off after a certain number, it actually goes to voice mail. Later, when you see the lights flashing indicating new messages it's more time going through them to delete those not important while listening for messages you care to hear.
The "do not call" initiative is great. Too bad it doesn't take in these robo calls.
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