Monday, July 30, 2012
Archery Workshop for women set of this week
The Department of Natural Resources will present a Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) Introduction to Archery workshop Saturday, Aug. 11, from 9 a.m. to noon at Detroit Sportsmen’s Congress (www.D-S-C.org), located at 49800 Dequindre Road in Utica
This workshop will cover safety, dominant eye, proper shooting form/technique, various archery equipment, maintenance and selection.
The course will also provide hands-on practice shooting a bow with assistance by instructors. All equipment will be provided, and no skill level is required.
Girls age 10 and older are welcome to attend, but must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Cost for both adults and youngsters is $20 per person.
For registration forms and more information on this and other BOW events, visit www.michigan.gov/bow, email dnr-outdoors-woman@michigan.gov or call 517-241-2225.
Friday, July 27, 2012
Orion Oaks-Going to the Dogs
Orion Oaks County Park will host Yappy Day, Sunday, July 29, 11a.m.-3p.m. Dogs and owners may participate in dog training clinics, demonstrations, agility courses, costume contests, treats, and pet adoptions.
Orion Oaks County Park is located at 2301 W. Clarkston Road in Clarkston. Orion Oaks Dog Park entrance is located on Joslyn Road between Clarkston and Scripps roads.
The Yappy Day event is free. An Oakland County Parks and Recreation 2012 annual vehicle permit or daily park pass is required for entry.
For event details, call 248-424-7076. For more information on Oakland County Parks and Recreation programs, visit DestinationOakland.com or find Oakland County Parks and Recreation on Facebook.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tackle transportation in a kayak
You would think most kayak anglers have gone back in time when it comes to the way they carry tackle.
Instead of the traditional tackle boxes and bags that nearly everyone uses these days, yak anglers tend to be a different breed using things they have lying around the house or garage.
One item is a milk crate or similar receptacle available at some hardware stores or office supply stores.
Crates provide enough space for a couple of trickle trays-more if you are inclined-make attaching a hand-held radio simple, and allow for extra rods to be transported.
No matter what you use to transport equipment, remember that you are on the water in a kayak and therefore susceptible to the elements more so than say in a Ranger bass boat or deep V Lund.
That means that all of this equipment needs to be secured to the boat in the event you tip over. Deciding what to take is just one of the considerations.
Seeing to it that nothing goes overboard is another. Happy kayak angling.
Instead of the traditional tackle boxes and bags that nearly everyone uses these days, yak anglers tend to be a different breed using things they have lying around the house or garage.
One item is a milk crate or similar receptacle available at some hardware stores or office supply stores.
Crates provide enough space for a couple of trickle trays-more if you are inclined-make attaching a hand-held radio simple, and allow for extra rods to be transported.
No matter what you use to transport equipment, remember that you are on the water in a kayak and therefore susceptible to the elements more so than say in a Ranger bass boat or deep V Lund.
That means that all of this equipment needs to be secured to the boat in the event you tip over. Deciding what to take is just one of the considerations.
Seeing to it that nothing goes overboard is another. Happy kayak angling.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Thoughts of salmon slam
The annual Kayak Fish The Great Lakes annual Salmon Slam is set for September 6. Kayak anglers will muster in and near Glen Arbor in northern Michigan, there to fish the waters of Lake Michigan for coho and Chinook salmon.
Made up of kayak fishing enthusiasts, this event is strictly for paddle only power. Of course others not associated with this group will be inn very close proximity trolling for fish on the way to local streams to deposit eggs.
It's at this time of the year-the fall-when salmon gather to make the migration into these streams. While there are still in Lake Michigan, or the big lake as locals call it, they will hit trolled spoons and crankbaits.
Fishing from a kayak, anglers must pay careful attention to the weather. Not too much wind can kick up waves large enough to make kayak fishing dangerous.
The thrill of hooking into one of these large fish draws anglers from around the state and elsewhere.
Many are making the beginnings of preparations for the event, even this early.
Made up of kayak fishing enthusiasts, this event is strictly for paddle only power. Of course others not associated with this group will be inn very close proximity trolling for fish on the way to local streams to deposit eggs.
It's at this time of the year-the fall-when salmon gather to make the migration into these streams. While there are still in Lake Michigan, or the big lake as locals call it, they will hit trolled spoons and crankbaits.
Fishing from a kayak, anglers must pay careful attention to the weather. Not too much wind can kick up waves large enough to make kayak fishing dangerous.
The thrill of hooking into one of these large fish draws anglers from around the state and elsewhere.
Many are making the beginnings of preparations for the event, even this early.
Friday, July 20, 2012
Asian Carp-still a nusiance
The nuisance fish, Asian carp are alive and seem to be making some headway into Great Lakes waters according to information just released from the DNR.
Evidence, eDNA, was discovered in Lake Erie waters. Following this discovery, electroshocking took place with no fish discovered.
In my opinion, that doesn't mean the fish aren't there or haven't been in these waters. There is some concern that with all of the food available to gamefish in both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, once those carps get into the Great Lakes system, they'll find pickings pretty good and wipe out fish populations by eating everything that isn't nailed down.
I'm not a scientist nor do I have any training or background in fisheries biology. But it stands to reason, at least to me, that if eDNA have been discovered, then the fish that created it can't be too far away.
Call it a gut feeling but many sportsmen, especially anglers, feel these carps are already here. Stay tuned. There's more to come on this subject.
Evidence, eDNA, was discovered in Lake Erie waters. Following this discovery, electroshocking took place with no fish discovered.
In my opinion, that doesn't mean the fish aren't there or haven't been in these waters. There is some concern that with all of the food available to gamefish in both Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair, once those carps get into the Great Lakes system, they'll find pickings pretty good and wipe out fish populations by eating everything that isn't nailed down.
I'm not a scientist nor do I have any training or background in fisheries biology. But it stands to reason, at least to me, that if eDNA have been discovered, then the fish that created it can't be too far away.
Call it a gut feeling but many sportsmen, especially anglers, feel these carps are already here. Stay tuned. There's more to come on this subject.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Hot weather-take it seriously
Longtime Oakland County resident, good fisherman and great friend Glenn Uhl wrote the following:
"Hey Roger, was just reading your blog on this summer heat. I can now relate to your story." He continues, "We were at the cabin over the the fourth and it was hotttt. Got a lot of work done. Got my winter wood supply in and lots of brush cleared."
"The only thing is, I drank very little liquids. Saturday morning I started getting a little dizzy and could not concentrate. Now, I consider myself fairly physically fit and can usually work with the best of anyone.
"However, I got dehydrated and the sickest I've ever been in my life. My son had to take me to East Tawas to the hospital. Got some liquid pumped into me and checked out and was able to come home that night. So that information you put out about heat was right on the money."
And that as they say is straight from the horses moth.
"Hey Roger, was just reading your blog on this summer heat. I can now relate to your story." He continues, "We were at the cabin over the the fourth and it was hotttt. Got a lot of work done. Got my winter wood supply in and lots of brush cleared."
"The only thing is, I drank very little liquids. Saturday morning I started getting a little dizzy and could not concentrate. Now, I consider myself fairly physically fit and can usually work with the best of anyone.
"However, I got dehydrated and the sickest I've ever been in my life. My son had to take me to East Tawas to the hospital. Got some liquid pumped into me and checked out and was able to come home that night. So that information you put out about heat was right on the money."
And that as they say is straight from the horses moth.
Monday, July 16, 2012
No let up with heat and sun
Saturday, I spent several hours watching a double header tournament games at Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc.
With several games going on from all over the state, the place was packed. Concessions, souvenirs of all descriptions and prices ranges met athletes, coaches, and spectators as they arrived and found the field their team would be playing on.
But it's the tents, umbrellas and other devices used to create shade that caught my eye. From large, pavilion type covers to individual roofs that hang on the back of a lawn chair, or just plain umbrella's, everyone was trying to get a bit of shade.
A couple of moms mentioned they were feeling dizzy and moved from the fierce sun to the shelter one of these sun roofs provided.
With no wind or other means of shade, the heat drove some back to parking lots and the comfort of their vehicles air conditioning.
The people that were feeling dizzy had consumed water prior to the event and during it but apparently not enough. The move to shade helped along with consuming additional fluids.
Caution outside is still the watchword during these very hot days. Even if you are in good physical, heat can affect you.
Use caution with activities outside, drink before during and after being outdoors, and dress in light colored clothing.
With several games going on from all over the state, the place was packed. Concessions, souvenirs of all descriptions and prices ranges met athletes, coaches, and spectators as they arrived and found the field their team would be playing on.
But it's the tents, umbrellas and other devices used to create shade that caught my eye. From large, pavilion type covers to individual roofs that hang on the back of a lawn chair, or just plain umbrella's, everyone was trying to get a bit of shade.
A couple of moms mentioned they were feeling dizzy and moved from the fierce sun to the shelter one of these sun roofs provided.
With no wind or other means of shade, the heat drove some back to parking lots and the comfort of their vehicles air conditioning.
The people that were feeling dizzy had consumed water prior to the event and during it but apparently not enough. The move to shade helped along with consuming additional fluids.
Caution outside is still the watchword during these very hot days. Even if you are in good physical, heat can affect you.
Use caution with activities outside, drink before during and after being outdoors, and dress in light colored clothing.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Get in the woods for deer sign
Now is not too early to be in the woods looking for deer activity. Depending on who you talk to, there is either a scarcity of whitetails or they are over running Oakland County.
The best way to find out is to verify by doing your own looking. While you're at it, because there isn't the pressure of opening day staring you in the the face, how about checking out new real-estate while you are out and about?
A change of scenery just might put venison on the table. However, if you hunt an area where you see deer frequently count yourself as lucky and take a page from a tournament fisherman/s book. Never leave fish to find fish.
In this case, don't leave whitetails to find whitetails. Take this time to check areas you hunt yearly along with new territory. You might be surprised at what you might find.
The best way to find out is to verify by doing your own looking. While you're at it, because there isn't the pressure of opening day staring you in the the face, how about checking out new real-estate while you are out and about?
A change of scenery just might put venison on the table. However, if you hunt an area where you see deer frequently count yourself as lucky and take a page from a tournament fisherman/s book. Never leave fish to find fish.
In this case, don't leave whitetails to find whitetails. Take this time to check areas you hunt yearly along with new territory. You might be surprised at what you might find.
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
James Bastion-The complete outdoorsman
I first met James Bastion when he was 14 or 15. Even at that young age, he was a dedicated long bow hunter and target shooter. I don't think I ever heard of him hunting with a gun of any caliber.
Then as now, he hunts rabbits, pheasant and deer with his long bow. This time of the year finds him picking blueberries.
"I like them in pancakes," he recently told me. But my oma makes blueberry kuchen that is very good," he added his eyes lighting up at the very thought of this German desert.
Oma is German for grandmother, and kuchen is German for cake. German kuchen isn't as sweet as our cakes. In fact these sort of fall between a tort and cake. Anyway you cut a kuchen, they are absolutely delicious.
Stay tuned while I hit the field with James and see what techniques he uses for deer scouting. Even though it may seem early, July is a good time to begin looking around for deer sign.
We'll talk more on what to look for in upcoming blogs.
Then as now, he hunts rabbits, pheasant and deer with his long bow. This time of the year finds him picking blueberries.
"I like them in pancakes," he recently told me. But my oma makes blueberry kuchen that is very good," he added his eyes lighting up at the very thought of this German desert.
Oma is German for grandmother, and kuchen is German for cake. German kuchen isn't as sweet as our cakes. In fact these sort of fall between a tort and cake. Anyway you cut a kuchen, they are absolutely delicious.
Stay tuned while I hit the field with James and see what techniques he uses for deer scouting. Even though it may seem early, July is a good time to begin looking around for deer sign.
We'll talk more on what to look for in upcoming blogs.
Monday, July 9, 2012
What a difference ten degrees makes
It's actually more like 20 degrees in addition to the high humidity and heat index that as been out of sight. I like it warm-like 70-degrees or so warm-but not 100-+.
Now, I feel like doing something outside like weeding a neglected garden, making a huge effort to get the garage clean, and ready a kayak for the upcoming Salmon Slam coming up in September.
As I write this, it's 66-degrees and cool with no wind. Great topwater time. With lakes flat in the morning or afternoon, that's one of the first baits I have tied on and go to. I'll follow that up with a spinnerbait then on to soft plastics.
You can see how tackle can rapidly take over the limited storage in a fishing kayak. That's why I try to be effective in the baits I choose, constantly refining them, and sorting ones out I don't think will work.
Of course it never fails. Once on the water, the plus and colors I have don' produce. But the angler next to me is having a lot of success.
"Don't you have a size 32, juggerwatzit in blue and white," he'll say. Either I don't even own one or the one I have is at home in that cluttered garage.
No matter what you do, it seems you can' win. But it sure is fun trying.
Now, I feel like doing something outside like weeding a neglected garden, making a huge effort to get the garage clean, and ready a kayak for the upcoming Salmon Slam coming up in September.
As I write this, it's 66-degrees and cool with no wind. Great topwater time. With lakes flat in the morning or afternoon, that's one of the first baits I have tied on and go to. I'll follow that up with a spinnerbait then on to soft plastics.
You can see how tackle can rapidly take over the limited storage in a fishing kayak. That's why I try to be effective in the baits I choose, constantly refining them, and sorting ones out I don't think will work.
Of course it never fails. Once on the water, the plus and colors I have don' produce. But the angler next to me is having a lot of success.
"Don't you have a size 32, juggerwatzit in blue and white," he'll say. Either I don't even own one or the one I have is at home in that cluttered garage.
No matter what you do, it seems you can' win. But it sure is fun trying.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Keeping cool-difficult in 100 degree temps
We're cautioned to take it easy and not to exert much energy during these days of extreme heat. Just standing around seems to be enough exertion of energy to brings out the sweat on most of us.
Your best bet is to stay indoors if you have air conditioning. Absent A/C, I like to go into the basement which always remains cool.
Keep the fluid intake up. Water is still considered the best form of hydration. If you have access to a lake or pool by all means take advantage of the cooling effects of water.
Spending time outdoors around water bring with it another worry. Sunburn. Be sure and lather up with a good sunscreen, the higher the protectant number the better, and re-apply it so long as you remain outside.
This definitely isn't the correct temperature to be bailing hay, putting a roof on or doing anything else outdoor that is physically taxing.
Instead, relax and try to stay cool.
Your best bet is to stay indoors if you have air conditioning. Absent A/C, I like to go into the basement which always remains cool.
Keep the fluid intake up. Water is still considered the best form of hydration. If you have access to a lake or pool by all means take advantage of the cooling effects of water.
Spending time outdoors around water bring with it another worry. Sunburn. Be sure and lather up with a good sunscreen, the higher the protectant number the better, and re-apply it so long as you remain outside.
This definitely isn't the correct temperature to be bailing hay, putting a roof on or doing anything else outdoor that is physically taxing.
Instead, relax and try to stay cool.
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Kids flyfishing-part two
Kip Lowrie is fired up about his clinic for 17 year olds and under to be held on the grounds-make that ponds-of Ranch Rudolph near Traverse City.
All equipment, including flies will be provided. Mark July 14 on your calendar. That's the date for this event.
You can call Lowrie at (800) WET-A-NET or email at klowire@woodlandrivers.com for more information.
Kids will learn about fly fishing and casting along with bug identification. Then they will hit the Ranch's ponds and eventually move on to some river fishing.
Class size is limited to 10 and requires an adult for each student. This is a good opportunity for kids wanting to learn to fly fish.
Lowrie has a vast background and tons of experience in the world of fly fishing.
All equipment, including flies will be provided. Mark July 14 on your calendar. That's the date for this event.
You can call Lowrie at (800) WET-A-NET or email at klowire@woodlandrivers.com for more information.
Kids will learn about fly fishing and casting along with bug identification. Then they will hit the Ranch's ponds and eventually move on to some river fishing.
Class size is limited to 10 and requires an adult for each student. This is a good opportunity for kids wanting to learn to fly fish.
Lowrie has a vast background and tons of experience in the world of fly fishing.
Monday, July 2, 2012
Take a kid fly fishing-with some help
Kip Lowrie from Rochester Hills Woodland Rivers guide service, is hosting an event in Traverse City July 14 for youngsters under 17.
Calling it, "Take a kid fly fishing," Lowrie says each child needs to be accompanied by an adult. Teaching a family member to fly fish can be similar to teaching a relative how to drive a stick shift car. It's one of those things that might well be better left to a friendly, knowledgable instructor like Lowrie.
For more information call (800) WET-A-NET or email Lowrie, Klowire@woodlandrivers.com. Part of the funds from the event-25%-will be given to Trout Unlimited for their conservation programs.
"I plan on having them fish the ponds at Ranch Rudolph for panfish," Lowrie said. Besides learning how to throw a fly, youngsters will have a course about bugs and the importance of them for fly fishing.
They will also learn about the equipment they use and by fishing those ponds, get some on-the-water experience casting and hopefully catching.
Calling it, "Take a kid fly fishing," Lowrie says each child needs to be accompanied by an adult. Teaching a family member to fly fish can be similar to teaching a relative how to drive a stick shift car. It's one of those things that might well be better left to a friendly, knowledgable instructor like Lowrie.
For more information call (800) WET-A-NET or email Lowrie, Klowire@woodlandrivers.com. Part of the funds from the event-25%-will be given to Trout Unlimited for their conservation programs.
"I plan on having them fish the ponds at Ranch Rudolph for panfish," Lowrie said. Besides learning how to throw a fly, youngsters will have a course about bugs and the importance of them for fly fishing.
They will also learn about the equipment they use and by fishing those ponds, get some on-the-water experience casting and hopefully catching.
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