This week's story, Jan. 28, has to do with ice fishing and a close call that a couple seasoned anglers had recently.
Many of us who fish through the ice have stories or experienced falling through. Usually it's through ice that is suspicious to begin with like first or last ice.
But the principles in this story were on solid, 8-inch ice. They even spudded holes and saw the ice was thick enough not only to support the weight of a man but probably snow machines too.
And right near, in fact withink 15-feet of the think ice, for some reason, the ice thinned to just a little more of an inch.
This is the ice Gary Mobley fell through. As he tried to climb out, the ice around him kept breaking up.
Only with the help of his partner Pat Larsen and another angler was Mobley eventually able to gain solid enough ice to be dragged out and eventually off the ice.
The watchword is be careful on the ice. Take those precautions we all nervously laugh at. Consider wearing a PFD or a float suit if you can afford it. Throw in a sturdy rope to be used to toss if you need it, and think about buying or making a set of picks to wear around your neck.
They just might come in handy in the event you need to drive one into ice for a hand-hold.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
For those of you that have been following, I'm back home once again, safe and sound. I'm wondering what is going on with all the invasives, especailly the Asain Carp that threatens to take over wherever it is introduced.
While those of us in the Great Lakes and surrounding areas worry about such things, seems as though 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., in the nations capitol isn't overly concerned. At least not enough to slam the door, or in this case, water control gates shut so these critters already present in the river systems leading here, won't spoil fishing as we know it.
And from what experts say, spoiling fishing is an understatement. The fishing industry, -commoercial and recreational- in the Great Lakes is very valuable to say the least. Without it or if it's decimated or altered in any way, affects will be felt not only here in Michigan, but in many states borderig the Great Lakes, as well as Canada.
Stay tuned. I'll have more to say on carp, invsive weeds and the like. Cooments? Send them along. I'd love to hear them.
While those of us in the Great Lakes and surrounding areas worry about such things, seems as though 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., in the nations capitol isn't overly concerned. At least not enough to slam the door, or in this case, water control gates shut so these critters already present in the river systems leading here, won't spoil fishing as we know it.
And from what experts say, spoiling fishing is an understatement. The fishing industry, -commoercial and recreational- in the Great Lakes is very valuable to say the least. Without it or if it's decimated or altered in any way, affects will be felt not only here in Michigan, but in many states borderig the Great Lakes, as well as Canada.
Stay tuned. I'll have more to say on carp, invsive weeds and the like. Cooments? Send them along. I'd love to hear them.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Happy New Year
Funny how all sorts of diet and excercise regimes arrive about the time the New Year comes in. Seems as though promoters take advanatge of the consumer, knowing full well that resolutions will be made, many having to do with excercise and weight loss.
So why not jump on the band wagon and take advantage of us just when we are pretty much vulnerable and looking for that magic excerice or food that will have us back to high school weight in a couple of weeks.
Nothing even close to those claims exists. I've been there and done that. Usually with any of my doctors I'll ask if that magic diet pill has been invented yet.
The raw truth is you'll have to do it yourself. Eat less and better meals, and get some excercise. I know when I do these things, the weight comes off gradually, which is the best form of weight loss. It seems to last rather than the fad diets that see you losing pounds rapidly only to regain them.
What's all this have to do with the outdoors? Plenty, especially if you cross country or downhill ski, backpack, hike, hunt, fish, or any number of activites.
The likes of Kevin VanDam and others know that being in shape makes a difference when standing on a pitching deck of a bass boat for hours on end.
Hunters know they need to be physically in shape to hike in and possible drag a buck out. So do kayakers who propel themsleves largely with musccle power.
To better enjoy any of your outdoor pursuits this year, take the time and get in better shape. You'll be glad you did. Happy New Year!
So why not jump on the band wagon and take advantage of us just when we are pretty much vulnerable and looking for that magic excerice or food that will have us back to high school weight in a couple of weeks.
Nothing even close to those claims exists. I've been there and done that. Usually with any of my doctors I'll ask if that magic diet pill has been invented yet.
The raw truth is you'll have to do it yourself. Eat less and better meals, and get some excercise. I know when I do these things, the weight comes off gradually, which is the best form of weight loss. It seems to last rather than the fad diets that see you losing pounds rapidly only to regain them.
What's all this have to do with the outdoors? Plenty, especially if you cross country or downhill ski, backpack, hike, hunt, fish, or any number of activites.
The likes of Kevin VanDam and others know that being in shape makes a difference when standing on a pitching deck of a bass boat for hours on end.
Hunters know they need to be physically in shape to hike in and possible drag a buck out. So do kayakers who propel themsleves largely with musccle power.
To better enjoy any of your outdoor pursuits this year, take the time and get in better shape. You'll be glad you did. Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
The weather in the UK has been cold with lots of snow. It's something the Brits aren't used to. So far they have five inches on the ground. To hear them talk, that's all the snow in the world.
They haven't been around Michigan, obviously. They talk of a day with black ice and how a car slid through an intersection running through a stone wall. That seemed to be big news around York.
Despite the cold weather there hasn't been any talk of hunting or fishing. The laws here for outdoor pursuits are similar to those of Germany, very regulated. And we think we have it tough when the DNR proposes changes to our game laws.
Speaking of the DNR, if you are interested in giving input for future wildlife management, call Kerry Fitzpatrick, 517-373-1263 or fitzpatrickk@michigan.gov to be on the agenda Jan. 14, 6:30-8p.m. at the Comfort Inn, Mt. Pleasant.
Remarks will be taken for a management plan for whitetail deer and habitat needs for other species including birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mamals.
They haven't been around Michigan, obviously. They talk of a day with black ice and how a car slid through an intersection running through a stone wall. That seemed to be big news around York.
Despite the cold weather there hasn't been any talk of hunting or fishing. The laws here for outdoor pursuits are similar to those of Germany, very regulated. And we think we have it tough when the DNR proposes changes to our game laws.
Speaking of the DNR, if you are interested in giving input for future wildlife management, call Kerry Fitzpatrick, 517-373-1263 or fitzpatrickk@michigan.gov to be on the agenda Jan. 14, 6:30-8p.m. at the Comfort Inn, Mt. Pleasant.
Remarks will be taken for a management plan for whitetail deer and habitat needs for other species including birds, insects, reptiles, amphibians, and mamals.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Merry Christmas from Germany
It's been a cold couple of weeks; ever since we arrived. There has been on and off snow but nothing lasting.
A minor covering causes alarm over here. Roads aren't de-iced here as quickly as they get done at home. Yes, even though we complain about them, Oakland County Road Commission does get the job done and usually in a timely manner.
I've not talked with any fishermen over here, but did meet a local hunter recently. He had hunted during the day for fox and rabbits.
His gun was a 12-gauge shotgun, hunting over dogs. Jack Russell terriers are used and a German breed as well. \
I'll try and get more information on hunting here. I know they deer hunt for red deer, a smaller version of our whitetail.
There is some pheasant duck hunting along with squirrel and other wild game.
In the meantime, remember the season, be good to yourself and family and stay safe and healthy. Merry Christmas or as they say here, frohe Weihnachten.
A minor covering causes alarm over here. Roads aren't de-iced here as quickly as they get done at home. Yes, even though we complain about them, Oakland County Road Commission does get the job done and usually in a timely manner.
I've not talked with any fishermen over here, but did meet a local hunter recently. He had hunted during the day for fox and rabbits.
His gun was a 12-gauge shotgun, hunting over dogs. Jack Russell terriers are used and a German breed as well. \
I'll try and get more information on hunting here. I know they deer hunt for red deer, a smaller version of our whitetail.
There is some pheasant duck hunting along with squirrel and other wild game.
In the meantime, remember the season, be good to yourself and family and stay safe and healthy. Merry Christmas or as they say here, frohe Weihnachten.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Customs and weather in Germany
We are spending the Christmas season with our son and his wife in the small farm village of Affalterbach, Germany. That's not too far from Stuttgart.
It's very cold here with little snow in this part of Germany. In Austria, they have been skiing now for some time.
A country know for the famous Octoberfest that seems to start in August and continue almost to Christmas, this time of the year it's known for the many Christmas markets that pop up all over the country.
We have visited several already since arriving. They consists of many different booths, each decorated with a variety of seasonal decorations to set that booth apart from it's neighbors.
Here you can find all sorts of handmade gifts; ornaments, nutcrackers, chimes, wood toys, leather goods, knit hats, scarves, mittens, walking staffs, and candles along with many others.
Figuring you can't shop on an empty stomach there is food to satisfy every taste; from vegetarian to the meat and potatoes crowd.
Of course there is bratwurst but how about a rotewurst, sauerkraut and potatoes, french fries, crepes filled with different fruit and covered in chocolate, pizza slices, pretzels, hot chocolate, and no doubt the crowd favorite, gluwein (pronounced gluview), a hot spiced wine served in a mug.
Return the mug or cup to the vendor for a refund or keep it as a souvenior of that market.
But there isn't a market or a village you might choose to visit that doens't have at least one Lebkuchen-Schmidt store nearby.
Lebkuchen, German for gingerbread, is sold all over the country and exported around the world. Buy it in plastic packages or in beautifully colored tins, with scenes of the season, or Old Germany. Use the empty container for a cookie jar.
Surrounding many of these small villlages or running through them is the Neckar River. Fishing here is open to those with licenses granted following serious study and demonstration of an understanding of fish habitat, equipment and on and on.
Shooting a recurve at one market, I asked the proprietor if they used compound bows to hunt with in Germany. An emphatic "No," was the response.
Besides, even if you could use a compound, a license to hunt is similar to getting a fishing license and takes months of study and exams before one is granted permission to hunt.
We may find fault with the DNR but we still have a better system despite a few bumps. Acrtually they seem more like blips once you put them alongside rules and regulations in some of these other countries.
It's very cold here with little snow in this part of Germany. In Austria, they have been skiing now for some time.
A country know for the famous Octoberfest that seems to start in August and continue almost to Christmas, this time of the year it's known for the many Christmas markets that pop up all over the country.
We have visited several already since arriving. They consists of many different booths, each decorated with a variety of seasonal decorations to set that booth apart from it's neighbors.
Here you can find all sorts of handmade gifts; ornaments, nutcrackers, chimes, wood toys, leather goods, knit hats, scarves, mittens, walking staffs, and candles along with many others.
Figuring you can't shop on an empty stomach there is food to satisfy every taste; from vegetarian to the meat and potatoes crowd.
Of course there is bratwurst but how about a rotewurst, sauerkraut and potatoes, french fries, crepes filled with different fruit and covered in chocolate, pizza slices, pretzels, hot chocolate, and no doubt the crowd favorite, gluwein (pronounced gluview), a hot spiced wine served in a mug.
Return the mug or cup to the vendor for a refund or keep it as a souvenior of that market.
But there isn't a market or a village you might choose to visit that doens't have at least one Lebkuchen-Schmidt store nearby.
Lebkuchen, German for gingerbread, is sold all over the country and exported around the world. Buy it in plastic packages or in beautifully colored tins, with scenes of the season, or Old Germany. Use the empty container for a cookie jar.
Surrounding many of these small villlages or running through them is the Neckar River. Fishing here is open to those with licenses granted following serious study and demonstration of an understanding of fish habitat, equipment and on and on.
Shooting a recurve at one market, I asked the proprietor if they used compound bows to hunt with in Germany. An emphatic "No," was the response.
Besides, even if you could use a compound, a license to hunt is similar to getting a fishing license and takes months of study and exams before one is granted permission to hunt.
We may find fault with the DNR but we still have a better system despite a few bumps. Acrtually they seem more like blips once you put them alongside rules and regulations in some of these other countries.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Deer Hunting
Too many years ago when I began deer hunting, the choice was simple. One license purchased for the firearms season allowed you to take one buck. A license during bow season allowed a deer of either sex.
I don't recall any "extra" permits being around. There may have been some farmers got for crop damage. And I don't recall anyone complaining that deer were pests, eating their way through ornamental landscapes, backyard gardens and the like.
These days the number of deer you can legally take seems to be an awful lot, to put it mildly. And much is done in the name of overpopulation, car-deer accidents, and damage to property.
Lately there has been comment about controlled hunting in Independence County Park. One side says the deer population has gotten too large for the amount of available food. Another segment says there arn't many deer there, and since the hunt, there seem to be even lexx.
A similar situation occurred at Kensington Metropark some years ago. Visitors to the park used to see a lot of deer. These days, since the controlled hunt, they seem to be few and far betweed.
Personally, I enjoy seeing them. I also enjoy bringing kids to the parks as well as other people who may not get the chance to see deer.
It's a specail moment when human and deer meet on the same ground, eye to eye. I've seen it in my own family and with elderly friends.
It's too bad we can;t strike a balance and come up with a happy medium.
I don't recall any "extra" permits being around. There may have been some farmers got for crop damage. And I don't recall anyone complaining that deer were pests, eating their way through ornamental landscapes, backyard gardens and the like.
These days the number of deer you can legally take seems to be an awful lot, to put it mildly. And much is done in the name of overpopulation, car-deer accidents, and damage to property.
Lately there has been comment about controlled hunting in Independence County Park. One side says the deer population has gotten too large for the amount of available food. Another segment says there arn't many deer there, and since the hunt, there seem to be even lexx.
A similar situation occurred at Kensington Metropark some years ago. Visitors to the park used to see a lot of deer. These days, since the controlled hunt, they seem to be few and far betweed.
Personally, I enjoy seeing them. I also enjoy bringing kids to the parks as well as other people who may not get the chance to see deer.
It's a specail moment when human and deer meet on the same ground, eye to eye. I've seen it in my own family and with elderly friends.
It's too bad we can;t strike a balance and come up with a happy medium.
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