Without ever having seen a survey or any official word, I'll bet the majority of deer hunters don't take advantage of shooting ranges prior to hitting the woods for the annual firearms deer opener, November 15.
No doubt most hunters come out of the woods after deer hunting, maybe wipe the exterior of the gun off, unload it and put it in it's case. Then it's put in a gun safe of other place personal firearms are stored until the season rolls around again.
If that describes your deer hunting program you've got time yet before this year's opener to get to a range, go over your firearm, and run a few rounds through it.
This helps you get familiar with you gun, and most importantly, allows you to shoot it in an area designed to be a safe place to shoot. Besides, you'll be able to find out soon if you can actually hit what you are shooting at.
A minor sight adjustment, perhaps the addition of a recoil pad on the stock or some other inexpensive fix will make all the difference in your shooting.
Besides, it will force you to run some patches down the barrel, inspect the interior and exterior for sings of rust and maybe determine if you really need the addition of a scope or not.
For more information on shooting contact the Oakland County Sportsmen's Club at (248) 623-0444 or read my column this Sunday in the Oakland Press.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Monday, October 29, 2012
Traditions abound in small German village
AFFALTERBACH, GERMANY-In this small farm community near Marbach and Stuttgart, church bells ring at noon and 6p.m., as a long-standing tradition to call farmers in from the fields.
During the day the narrow streets are the freeways for large farm trackers pulling trailers; some empty and some containing crops grown locally.
Sugar beets-feed for livestock-is being hauled, along with all varieties of apples, pumpkins and squash.
Fields have been tilled smooth or are growing a popular local crop, rapeseed. Now about four feet high with yellow flowers, it serves as ground cover, and later, livestock feed.
This time of year, grapes are being harvested from steep -sloped vineyards. most headed for a local winery to be turned into one of many different types of wines this area is known for.
Evidence of farming begins the moment one leaves the village. Plowed fields, rolling land and large stands of forest surround orchards and vineyards. Occasionally, a farm house and associated building can be seen off in the distance.
During a drive, you expect to see deer off in the distance or, like back home in southeast Michigan, crossing the road in front of you.
I've seen deer behave that way toward evening on a drive through thick woods several miles from here.
While we are inside on a cold, snowy day watching a one-day delayed Tiger World Series game, Sunday dinners are prepared and eaten as they are at home.
Life is quiet like the traffic on the street. Stores normally close at noon Saturday to re-open Monday. Bakeries are open a few hours Sunday mornings then close for the day.
Life is tranquil, peaceful and serene on a day like this. It seems to make lounging around preferable to being in the woods or field. There is always tomorrow.
During the day the narrow streets are the freeways for large farm trackers pulling trailers; some empty and some containing crops grown locally.
Sugar beets-feed for livestock-is being hauled, along with all varieties of apples, pumpkins and squash.
Fields have been tilled smooth or are growing a popular local crop, rapeseed. Now about four feet high with yellow flowers, it serves as ground cover, and later, livestock feed.
This time of year, grapes are being harvested from steep -sloped vineyards. most headed for a local winery to be turned into one of many different types of wines this area is known for.
Evidence of farming begins the moment one leaves the village. Plowed fields, rolling land and large stands of forest surround orchards and vineyards. Occasionally, a farm house and associated building can be seen off in the distance.
During a drive, you expect to see deer off in the distance or, like back home in southeast Michigan, crossing the road in front of you.
I've seen deer behave that way toward evening on a drive through thick woods several miles from here.
While we are inside on a cold, snowy day watching a one-day delayed Tiger World Series game, Sunday dinners are prepared and eaten as they are at home.
Life is quiet like the traffic on the street. Stores normally close at noon Saturday to re-open Monday. Bakeries are open a few hours Sunday mornings then close for the day.
Life is tranquil, peaceful and serene on a day like this. It seems to make lounging around preferable to being in the woods or field. There is always tomorrow.
Friday, October 26, 2012
EHD numbers on the rise
The DNR's recently report that 29 counties have had deer discovered with EHD, a virus that affects deer herds.
Carried by a tiny insect similar in size to the no-seeums, the insect is active until the first hard frost which kills it.
Signs of infected deer include being unafraid of humans, and being found dead either in or near water.
This disease is more prevalent in the southern and western states. Besides Michigan, the states of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin are reporting an increased number of dead deer due to EHD.
Officials feel the mild winter last year along with a warm summer have had an impact allowing the disease-carrying bugs to survive and become more prevalent this year.
Hunters in the field will probably encounter more deer with the disease so numbers could increase before stabilizing.
If you find a dead deer, notify the DNR at any of it's field officers. For more information read this Sunday's column in the Oakland Press sports section.
Carried by a tiny insect similar in size to the no-seeums, the insect is active until the first hard frost which kills it.
Signs of infected deer include being unafraid of humans, and being found dead either in or near water.
This disease is more prevalent in the southern and western states. Besides Michigan, the states of Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin are reporting an increased number of dead deer due to EHD.
Officials feel the mild winter last year along with a warm summer have had an impact allowing the disease-carrying bugs to survive and become more prevalent this year.
Hunters in the field will probably encounter more deer with the disease so numbers could increase before stabilizing.
If you find a dead deer, notify the DNR at any of it's field officers. For more information read this Sunday's column in the Oakland Press sports section.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Vets to receive no-fee use of Rec sites Nov. 10-12
I like that organizations-local and federal-recognize veterans and their service. I always feel a bit shy about saying I'm a veteran even though I served nearly four years in the Navy.
The reason I think has to do with missing duty during times our country was in conflict. Discharged in September of 1963, I just missed the ramp up for the Viet Nam War.
However, the ship I was on, the U.S.S. Topeka (CLG-8) saw duty in the Viet Nam theater. In fact she played a role in what was to become known as the Bay of Tonkin incident.
According to personnel that were aboard, Topeka was steaming south in the Bay when a message was received to turn around, head north and begin shore bombardment to protect and give covering fire to U.S. Marines ashore.
This was accomplished according to those who told me the story. Topeka was one of the first guided missile cruisers having been converted for a WWII light cruiser.
I was interested about finding out it they had fired any of the surface-to-air missiles they carried to bring down any enemy aircraft. Apparently they didn't have an opportunity.
In recognition of veterans and their service, this veterans day weekend; Nov. 10-12, the U.S. Forest Service is waiving fees at most of its day-use recreation sites.
“This is our way of saying thanks to the brave men and women – past and present – who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe at home,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.
“We encourage veterans, their families and all visitors to take time out over the holiday weekend to enjoy the benefits that nature provides at forests and grasslands throughout the country.”
The Forest Service operates approximately 17,000 developed recreation sites nationwide. Of those, approximately 6,000 require recreation fees, which are used to provide visitor services, repairs and replacements, and facilities maintenance.
Way to go U.S. Forest Service.
The reason I think has to do with missing duty during times our country was in conflict. Discharged in September of 1963, I just missed the ramp up for the Viet Nam War.
However, the ship I was on, the U.S.S. Topeka (CLG-8) saw duty in the Viet Nam theater. In fact she played a role in what was to become known as the Bay of Tonkin incident.
According to personnel that were aboard, Topeka was steaming south in the Bay when a message was received to turn around, head north and begin shore bombardment to protect and give covering fire to U.S. Marines ashore.
This was accomplished according to those who told me the story. Topeka was one of the first guided missile cruisers having been converted for a WWII light cruiser.
I was interested about finding out it they had fired any of the surface-to-air missiles they carried to bring down any enemy aircraft. Apparently they didn't have an opportunity.
In recognition of veterans and their service, this veterans day weekend; Nov. 10-12, the U.S. Forest Service is waiving fees at most of its day-use recreation sites.
“This is our way of saying thanks to the brave men and women – past and present – who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe at home,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell.
“We encourage veterans, their families and all visitors to take time out over the holiday weekend to enjoy the benefits that nature provides at forests and grasslands throughout the country.”
The Forest Service operates approximately 17,000 developed recreation sites nationwide. Of those, approximately 6,000 require recreation fees, which are used to provide visitor services, repairs and replacements, and facilities maintenance.
Way to go U.S. Forest Service.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Free hunt-fish licenses for disabled vets, effective March, 2013
The DNR will issue free hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans beginning March, 2013. This law will allow a disabled veteran to obtain any resident hunting or fishing license for which a lottery is not required, free of charge. The veteran will be required to provide proof of eligibility and carry this proof when using any license obtained under this legislation.
The law defines “disabled veteran” as a resident who either:
has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100-percent rate, for a disability other than blindness; or is rated by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable.
The part about vets having to be 100% disabled to qualify for the free licenses prompted reader, Dennis Rahn to comment:
"It says they have to be 100% disabled or unemployable because of their disability. So if they only lost one leg out of four limbs that is only 25% of a loss and they get no free license.
If they can only lick stamps they are employable and they again get no free licenses. This is total BS......In my book if the Vet was wounded they should get the free licenses just because they served.
The parasites that walk around with pants dragging on the ground and tattoos on their faces never will serve their country and it is they that should pay double the price of the license if they buy a license at all....Most would rather poach since the DNR doesn't make anyone wear their license on a back tag anymore so anyone can tell if they are legal or not.
Rahn may have a point insofar as the 100% rule of disability goes. It would seem that if a vet is disabled-totally or not-they should be entitled to any and all benefits that come their way due to their sacrifices during service to the country.
“Providing free licenses for disabled veterans is just a small token of our deep gratitude for their sacrifice for all of us,” said Denise Gruben, manager of licensing and reservations for the DNR.
“We want veterans to be full participants in outdoor sports. We’re pleased to make these licenses available to qualifying veterans beginning next March under this new law.”
For more information about Michigan hunting and fishing licenses, visit www.mdnr-elicense.com.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Belle Isle-More than improvements needed readers say
Today's blog is about improvements and the management of the island park by the sate DNR parks division.
I still feel it's one of those no brainer decisions that the city should take advantage of, get behind and support any way it can.
But as long time professional walleye angler Andy Kuffer points out there is more to improving the image of Detroit than a clean Belle Isle.
He argues that the crime and murder rate are high. "Roger; in one recent 15 day period there were 32 murders and 120 shootings in Detroit. They need to clean up the violence 1st. Nothing will make me want to visit Belle Isle."
That sentiment is true of a lot of folks. The cleaning up, care and upkeep of Belle Isle is just one part of a image problem the city must overcome if it wants to impress outsiders and make them feel comfortable about participating in what the city has to offer.
I hear more and more people say they feel comfortable at sporting events and usually make an evening out of a game by enjoying dinner at one of Detroit's eateries.
But there are still those that don't care to venture into the city preferring to stay put in the suburbs. "This is not just a problem for Detroit either," Kuffer concluded.
I still feel it's one of those no brainer decisions that the city should take advantage of, get behind and support any way it can.
But as long time professional walleye angler Andy Kuffer points out there is more to improving the image of Detroit than a clean Belle Isle.
He argues that the crime and murder rate are high. "Roger; in one recent 15 day period there were 32 murders and 120 shootings in Detroit. They need to clean up the violence 1st. Nothing will make me want to visit Belle Isle."
That sentiment is true of a lot of folks. The cleaning up, care and upkeep of Belle Isle is just one part of a image problem the city must overcome if it wants to impress outsiders and make them feel comfortable about participating in what the city has to offer.
I hear more and more people say they feel comfortable at sporting events and usually make an evening out of a game by enjoying dinner at one of Detroit's eateries.
But there are still those that don't care to venture into the city preferring to stay put in the suburbs. "This is not just a problem for Detroit either," Kuffer concluded.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
State Parks will improve a suffering Belle Isle
There's no doubt about it. Belle Isle is in dire straights and definitely can use the help of the State DNR Parks Division for several reasons.
First on the list would be to get the place cleaned up. Right now you don' want your kids playing in playgrounds where the sand is dirt and includes broken glass, chicken bones and other assorted debris people have thought fit to throw there instead of properly disposing of it.
While I'm on that subject, often the answer to proper trash disposal centers around overflowing trash bins. I that's the case then take your trash out with you to be disposed of when you arrive home.
Next, is the water around the island. It too is loaded with broken shards of glass, tin cans, beer bottles and all the rest. It too needs a good going over before any tiny toes are immersed in the water.
Park equipment; picnic tables, and play equipment will require a closer inspection to be sure they are absolutely safe before the public uses them.
The buildings are another problem. Many are in a sad shape of disrepair. Restrooms seem to be non-existent. Ones that were operational have been trashed and vandalized.
The benefits to having a viable, clean park are not only for the safe use of the public but the message it sends to others that things are improving downtown.
Then there is the financial advantages to having a nice, clean Belle Isle. People from other parts of southeast Michigan will include it on their list of places to recreate.
That means more people downtown spending dollars on gas, food, lodging and other commodities. This is definitely a win for Detroit and a great opportunity to improve the cities image.
First on the list would be to get the place cleaned up. Right now you don' want your kids playing in playgrounds where the sand is dirt and includes broken glass, chicken bones and other assorted debris people have thought fit to throw there instead of properly disposing of it.
While I'm on that subject, often the answer to proper trash disposal centers around overflowing trash bins. I that's the case then take your trash out with you to be disposed of when you arrive home.
Next, is the water around the island. It too is loaded with broken shards of glass, tin cans, beer bottles and all the rest. It too needs a good going over before any tiny toes are immersed in the water.
Park equipment; picnic tables, and play equipment will require a closer inspection to be sure they are absolutely safe before the public uses them.
The buildings are another problem. Many are in a sad shape of disrepair. Restrooms seem to be non-existent. Ones that were operational have been trashed and vandalized.
The benefits to having a viable, clean park are not only for the safe use of the public but the message it sends to others that things are improving downtown.
Then there is the financial advantages to having a nice, clean Belle Isle. People from other parts of southeast Michigan will include it on their list of places to recreate.
That means more people downtown spending dollars on gas, food, lodging and other commodities. This is definitely a win for Detroit and a great opportunity to improve the cities image.
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