Weather and days-They're a changin'

   No need to consult the calendar. You can almost feel the subtle changes in the weather and more directly, the temperatures.
   What's all this mean? Fall and it's companion hunting seasons are closer than you think. I hesitate to say it, but some of those maple trees that have been dressed in green leaves recently are beginning to show some of their distinctive fall colors.
   All we need now is to see signs along the road advertising deer feed for sale. That is if there are any veggies left to be harvested for deer feed.
   This Sunday's column has to do with the availability of the kinds of food hunters rely on for baiting deer. This year could be a big shortage due to the lousy weather we've experienced.
   Not only will hunters possible gave to learn to hunt all over again but farmers that depend on the income these crops provide will feel the financial pinch.
 

Belle Isle-A gem

   For as long as I can remember, Belle Isle has been considered one of those places you go to for fun, relaxation and a chance for a brief getaway from the everyday happenings of life.
   As a little boy I remember the island being lush and green. Even the small carts ponies pulled around were painted a deep, dark, rich forest green.
   Everything was so clean and well kept. When our two oldest boys were just beyond toddler stage we took them for a day's outing to Belle Isle.
   The first thing we noticed was all the trash lying about on those lawns that were once lush and green. Meat bones of every description were just tossed here and there.
   Sand that was once sugary and clean was now nearly black and instead of being a place to walk barefoot or build sand castles, was to be avoided due to all he broken glass in it.
   Trash barrels were overflowing, bathrooms were locked, and the building known as the Casino looked as though it may topple over at any moment.
   Whether the state enters into an agreement to start caring for the park or the City of Detroit gives it a shot there is a lot to be done before it can come back and be referred to as a "Gem."

Branch and Ionia Counties hit by EHD

   Currently, the EHD problem is in Branch and Ionia Counties. The DNR says where the disease is more common, deer build up anti bodies but Michigan deer haven't had the benefit of developing that form of protection.
   Because of a lack of protection, loses could be more severe with population recovering occurring over a longer period of time.
   Property owners who discover dead deer they suspect died of EHD in the vicinity of Branch County should call the Crane Pond field office at 269-244-5928, and in Ionia County contact the Flat River field office at 616-794-2658. In other areas of the state, reports of suspected EHD outbreaks should be made to the nearest DNR office.
   It is acceptable to allow natural deterioration processes to dispose of deer that die from EHD. Natural deterioration will not spread the disease or cause other disease outbreaks.
   For more information on EHD, visit www.michigan.gov/wildlifedisease.

EHD-dry weather adds to this disease

  EHD outbreaks killing deer in Michigan have occurred in isolated areas almost every year since 2006. Prior to 2006, EHD outbreaks in Michigan occurred in 1955 and 1974. The estimated mortality has varied from 50 to 1,000 deer per year in the affected areas.
   “Due to the prolonged, dry, hot weather this year, we are not surprised to see EHD emerge again,” said Tom Cooley, DNR wildlife biologist and pathologist. “Mortality numbers will depend on how widespread the disease is -- die-offs usually occur within one watershed area. If multiple watersheds are involved, the total mortality is higher.”
   There is no known effective treatment for, or control of, EHD. The disease has been seen for decades in most areas of the United States, especially the southeast states and Texas. It has been less commonly observed in Great Lakes and New England states, although it has now been detected in Michigan in six of the last seven years.
   Any sign of EHD would be cause for alarm but especially now that it's been detected in past years.

Seen all exotics? Better hold the thought

   Just when you think you may have seen or heard of most of the exotics and that another will come along to affect outdoor pursuits; hunting in this case, along comes another.
   EHD or epizootic hemorrhagic disease, has been confirmed as the cause of death in deer found in

 in eastern Ionia and northern Branch counties, the Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Disease Lab and the Michigan State University Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health announced today.
   The often-fatal viral disease, found in wild ruminants, causes extensive internal bleeding within deer and is transmitted by a midge, or type of biting fly. A constant characteristic of the disease is its sudden onset.
   Deer lose their appetite and fear of humans, grow progressively weaker, salivate excessively, and finally become unconscious. Due to a high fever, infected deer often are found sick or dead along or in bodies of water. There is no evidence that humans can contract the EHD virus.
   Stay tuned to thus blog for more about EHD Wednesday.

New Product-Super Shears

   If you have trouble cutting braided line with those standard nippers, Berkley has just the tool for you. It's called the Superline Shears and can be used on all types of line.
   That's key. Instead of carrying several tools for cutting, now all you need is a pair of Superline Shears.
   They are light in weight, compact, have serrated blades for easier cutting, and are made from stainless steel to prevent corrosion. Handles are made for the comfort of thumb and finger.
   I've had plenty of experience on the water trying to cut through fluorocarbon, monofilament and braid with the same nippers I use for fly fishing.
   Instead of making a clean, single cut, I struggled, usually winding up cutting the line with a pocket knife or trying to pull it apart where the nippers had partial y cut it.
   Superline Shears are available at tackle and other retail outlets. Better add them to your tool zinger and leave the nippers for fly fishing.

Bear patch now available

   The Michigan Bear Hunters Association reminds hunters that the 2012 bear management cooperator patches are available from the Michigan Bear Hunters Association (MBHA).
   Cooperator patches were once given to successful hunters at bear registration stations, where DNR staff collect teeth and other research data from harvested bears. In 2008, faced with limited resources, the DNR partnered with the MBHA in order to continue to provide the bear patch.
   MBHA now designs and produces the patches and administers the patch program, making the patch available to all interested parties. The partnership continues with MBHA donating patch sale profits to the DNR for use in bear education and management efforts.
   In 2011, MBHA began a contest for youth to design the bear patch. The winner of the 2012 patch design contest is Trevor Simmonds from Davison. Information on how to participate in the patch design contest can be found on the DNR’s bear website (www.michigan.gov/bear) or the MBHA website (www.mibearhunters.org).
   Youth hunters (17 and under) can receive a free patch by sending in a copy of their current bear hunting license. Other hunters, collectors and enthusiasts can purchase patches for $5 each. It is not necessary to harvest a bear to purchase a patch.

Patches are available by sending a check (made out to “MBHA”), with a return address, to:

MBHA Patch Program
10510 Fairgrieve Rd.
Johannesburg, MI 49751