Everywhere you go people are asking the same thing. Is your shopping done? Mine hasn't started but thanks to my wife, most of it is covered.
This Sunday's column has to do with some suggestions as gifts for those that enjoy the outdoors. One thought about gifts is don't get too carried away with things like long guns, rods and reels or bows.
Most people have a definite idea as to what they are looking for in these areas. And if they don't know what they would like, it's a good bet that they would prefer to go and personally see what's available.
What is appealing to one person won't move the needle for another. It's like beauty, all in the eye of the beholder.
Stay safe with things like ice fishing jigs, hard or soft baits for soft water fishing, perhaps a fanny pack that can be used in conjunction with hunting, a good pair of gloves or mitts, and maybe a flannel or chamois shirt for cold weather use.
Now all you have to do is get out to a sporting goods store and see what's available. And if nothing else works, get a gift certificate. You can't go wrong. Happy shopping!
Friday, December 7, 2012
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
SAD affects many this time of year
If you feel yourself tired all the time, sitting in front of the TV with the remote in your hand, and nearly living in your bedroom, you may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, known as SAD. It's an appropriate description because sad describes your mood day in and day out.
I'm not a doctor so if you are having any of these symptoms, by all means, consult with your doctor. It could be something else entirely.
In my case, usually around the middle of December right through May, I get in that strange world where I don't feel like doing anything. As my dad used to say, "I could care less if school kept on not."
The solution for me, after many years, has been a combination of medicine, counselling and exercise.
In any event, staying active, whether you walk, use a treadmill, or ride a stationary bike, the important thing is to keep moving and stay active.
Another thing to consider is finding a hobby then practicing it. Go to the library not only to check a book out, but read a newspaper while you're there from another town or city. Grab a magazine, then find a quiet corner, a comfortable chair and read for awhile without distractions.
Sportsmen could tie flies, make baits or lures, build a rod, clean guns, organize equipment or build something like an ammo box. Don't know how to tie flies, take a class. Go to trout unlimited.org for a TU chapter nearby that offers instruction.
Recently, I joined Oakland County Cross Fit. Cross fit is a form of exercise done under the direction and observation of a qualified trainer, that exercises different muscles each day.
Each day the workout is posted. No matter what that program calls for, workouts can and are tailored to the individual.
In my case I've had both knees replaced and a not so successful shoulder operation that has left me weaker on one side.
Another thing to consider is the lack of sunshine providing vitamin D. On those days when there is sun, get outdoors for an hour or so to absorb some of those healthy rays. An alternative is to buy a lamp with a bulb that simulates being outdoors in the sun. They're available almost anywhere.
Some things I can't do without difficulty or pain so other excercises are substituted for me. For more information on cross fit visit oaklandcountycrossfit.com.
I'm not a doctor so if you are having any of these symptoms, by all means, consult with your doctor. It could be something else entirely.
In my case, usually around the middle of December right through May, I get in that strange world where I don't feel like doing anything. As my dad used to say, "I could care less if school kept on not."
The solution for me, after many years, has been a combination of medicine, counselling and exercise.
In any event, staying active, whether you walk, use a treadmill, or ride a stationary bike, the important thing is to keep moving and stay active.
Another thing to consider is finding a hobby then practicing it. Go to the library not only to check a book out, but read a newspaper while you're there from another town or city. Grab a magazine, then find a quiet corner, a comfortable chair and read for awhile without distractions.
Sportsmen could tie flies, make baits or lures, build a rod, clean guns, organize equipment or build something like an ammo box. Don't know how to tie flies, take a class. Go to trout unlimited.org for a TU chapter nearby that offers instruction.
Recently, I joined Oakland County Cross Fit. Cross fit is a form of exercise done under the direction and observation of a qualified trainer, that exercises different muscles each day.
Each day the workout is posted. No matter what that program calls for, workouts can and are tailored to the individual.
In my case I've had both knees replaced and a not so successful shoulder operation that has left me weaker on one side.
Another thing to consider is the lack of sunshine providing vitamin D. On those days when there is sun, get outdoors for an hour or so to absorb some of those healthy rays. An alternative is to buy a lamp with a bulb that simulates being outdoors in the sun. They're available almost anywhere.
Some things I can't do without difficulty or pain so other excercises are substituted for me. For more information on cross fit visit oaklandcountycrossfit.com.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Get outdoors-rthe weather is great!
Yes, in case you haven't noticed, we are in a period of unseasonably warm weather here in southeast Michigan.
The ski resorts don't care for it nor do the sporting goods stores that have bought and received new shipments of the latest in ice fishing equipment.
But for the rest of us, we've gotten a few days respite from the bitter cold and snow to allow for that final yard clean up, or to hang the outside Christmas decorations.
I even mowed my lawn a couple days ago and will rake it soon, so long as the weather holds up. At the same time, I'll get my ice fishing stuff where it will be handy. Same goes for the cross country skis and related equipment.
Just after the first of the year, it will be time to head to Lake Gogebic and the first of three stops on Mark Martin's Ice Fishing Vacation School schedule.
Martin, who resides near Muskegon is a professional walleye fisherman. When not fishing tournaments or otherwise engaged in the work of spreading the word about walleye fishing and endorsing his sponsors at the many fishing shows over the winter, he's about educating people in the sport of fishing.
For more information on Martin's schools visit www.markmartins.com. Now get out and rake those leaves before the snow flies.
The ski resorts don't care for it nor do the sporting goods stores that have bought and received new shipments of the latest in ice fishing equipment.
But for the rest of us, we've gotten a few days respite from the bitter cold and snow to allow for that final yard clean up, or to hang the outside Christmas decorations.
I even mowed my lawn a couple days ago and will rake it soon, so long as the weather holds up. At the same time, I'll get my ice fishing stuff where it will be handy. Same goes for the cross country skis and related equipment.
Just after the first of the year, it will be time to head to Lake Gogebic and the first of three stops on Mark Martin's Ice Fishing Vacation School schedule.
Martin, who resides near Muskegon is a professional walleye fisherman. When not fishing tournaments or otherwise engaged in the work of spreading the word about walleye fishing and endorsing his sponsors at the many fishing shows over the winter, he's about educating people in the sport of fishing.
For more information on Martin's schools visit www.markmartins.com. Now get out and rake those leaves before the snow flies.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Dedication-the stuff DNR personnel are made of
It's been my experience all over the state that the DNR folk are some of the most dedicated people I've ever known.
They are out and about for talks, demonstrations, as a source of information from the public, and many have the ability to work in their respective facilities as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and garbage disposal.
While they do all of this they keep an eye on the budget, try to implement new programs, and as the modern saying goes, do more with less.
As I wrote previously, many in the outdoor sporting community find fault with fisheries biologists for not planting walleye in a particular lake. Why don't they plant Grayling in the AuSauble, or more salmon in the Great Lakes?
Wildlife biologists hear how deer herd numbers, when published, are always to be viewed as suspicious. And that the only reason the numbers are up is to produce more revenue for the department.
Youth mentoring is the newest program to get a thumbs down my many. Seems this too is just another way the department has of making money off us true sportsmen.
The truth is we all have someone to answer to. That fisheries biologist would no doubt like to stock those fish, and the wildlife people hope you'll see more deer.
But they work within the departments means. That's something all government should consider doing before taking on anything else. Come to think of it it's good for our households to stay in line with a budget.
If there had been no dedication, no purpose, no incentive to grab hold of an idea then the recent handicapped deer blind erected at Holly State Recreation Area wouldn't have happened.
This took the effort of several DNR folks representing a variety of divisions. They worked together to make something happen that will be rewarding and of benefit for a lot of folks now and in the future.
They are out and about for talks, demonstrations, as a source of information from the public, and many have the ability to work in their respective facilities as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, and garbage disposal.
While they do all of this they keep an eye on the budget, try to implement new programs, and as the modern saying goes, do more with less.
As I wrote previously, many in the outdoor sporting community find fault with fisheries biologists for not planting walleye in a particular lake. Why don't they plant Grayling in the AuSauble, or more salmon in the Great Lakes?
Wildlife biologists hear how deer herd numbers, when published, are always to be viewed as suspicious. And that the only reason the numbers are up is to produce more revenue for the department.
Youth mentoring is the newest program to get a thumbs down my many. Seems this too is just another way the department has of making money off us true sportsmen.
The truth is we all have someone to answer to. That fisheries biologist would no doubt like to stock those fish, and the wildlife people hope you'll see more deer.
But they work within the departments means. That's something all government should consider doing before taking on anything else. Come to think of it it's good for our households to stay in line with a budget.
If there had been no dedication, no purpose, no incentive to grab hold of an idea then the recent handicapped deer blind erected at Holly State Recreation Area wouldn't have happened.
This took the effort of several DNR folks representing a variety of divisions. They worked together to make something happen that will be rewarding and of benefit for a lot of folks now and in the future.
Monday, November 26, 2012
No Birds Left Behind
One of Cornell Lab of Ornithology's annual winter projects to help the bird population throughout the year. An added benefit for you is maybe giving you a new hobby, bird watching and identification, not to mention helping to pass those cold, gray winter days.How can we make life easier for birds in our neighborhoods? That's the question behind the latest seasonal challenge from Celebrate Urban Birds. This Cornell Lab of Ornithology citizen-scence project focuses specifically on birds in urban settings and how they benefit from green spaces created by humans.
Several times per year the project holds contests, or "challenges" to get participants thinking about birds in their neighborhoods. Challenge entries may be photographs, artwork, video, a story, or a poem showing or describing how birds are surviving and making use of their habitat.
"As part of this challenge, we want to see the creative or interesting ways in which people help wild birds," says project leader Karen Purcell. "Or it could be as simple as setting up feeders or nest boxes, providing water, or planting flowers that provide seeds."
Deadline for entries is December 15. Learn more about how you can take part.
Great prizes include feeders from challenge sponsor Kaytee, plus bird guides, sound recordings, posters, fun bird books for adults and children, and more.
How to participate:
1. Email your entry to urbanbirds@cornell.edu
2. Write your FirstName_LastName_City_State_NOBIRD in the subject line
3. Include your postal address in the body of the email
4. Please explain where the photo was taken and the name of the bird if you know it
5. Read and agree to the terms and conditions of the Challenge
Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round citizen-science project focused on birds in neighborhood settings.
Mail entries to the address below or send them to www.birds.cornell.edu.
Our mailing address is:
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
159 Sapsucker Woods Rd
Ithaca, NY
Friday, November 23, 2012
Youth hunt-Misconceptions according to this hunter
There's a fair amount of controversy these days about deer seasons and the mentored youth hunt. One side feels these hunts have been put in place for the DNR to make more money. The same groups insists mentored hunts affect deer herd numbers probably because the numbers of hunters in the field is increased making the likelihood for deer kills all that more possible.
Those on the other side argue it's a good thing to get kids out hunting even at an early age. They feel that all of the gadgets children are exposed to these days takes away from the outdoor sports and spending one-on-one time with a parent.
They don't agree these programs are in place to increase the coffers of the DNR arguing instead that those hunters that claim this or are concerned about the deer herd being decimated are themselves, selfish.
I come down on the side of the youth hunts. It used to be when I went out hunting with my dad and his bothers, I brought along a gun. It was my Daisy, Red Ryder B-B gun. I felt I was one of the big guys, a part of the hunt.
On these trips I began to learn and see how things were done in a safe manner. Critics will fire back (no pun intended) that a B-B gun is a far cry from a shotgun. True. But like other things in this world hunting has moved up a little.
The one part left out has been any form of hunter safety program now required of hunters. Somehow this needs to be integrated in the mentored program.
Not taking away anything that dads can teach children, a fresh set of instructions, preferably from someone who isn't a family member, seems to resonate better than if dad or mom are doing the instructing.
The program is in place. Now lets work to smooth it out. Fine tune it and move on.
Those on the other side argue it's a good thing to get kids out hunting even at an early age. They feel that all of the gadgets children are exposed to these days takes away from the outdoor sports and spending one-on-one time with a parent.
They don't agree these programs are in place to increase the coffers of the DNR arguing instead that those hunters that claim this or are concerned about the deer herd being decimated are themselves, selfish.
I come down on the side of the youth hunts. It used to be when I went out hunting with my dad and his bothers, I brought along a gun. It was my Daisy, Red Ryder B-B gun. I felt I was one of the big guys, a part of the hunt.
On these trips I began to learn and see how things were done in a safe manner. Critics will fire back (no pun intended) that a B-B gun is a far cry from a shotgun. True. But like other things in this world hunting has moved up a little.
The one part left out has been any form of hunter safety program now required of hunters. Somehow this needs to be integrated in the mentored program.
Not taking away anything that dads can teach children, a fresh set of instructions, preferably from someone who isn't a family member, seems to resonate better than if dad or mom are doing the instructing.
The program is in place. Now lets work to smooth it out. Fine tune it and move on.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Parades, football, families, hunting-all part of Thanksgiving
I don't mean to minimize the importance or meaning of Thanksgiving. For our family it's always been one of the days during the year our family was together.
With three of our four children scattered around the world just our oldest spends holidays with us. Once in awhile one or more of the others will come home but not too often. The cost is too much for a short trip back to the states.
Our daughter Jennifer maintains the Thanksgiving tradition in her home near Huddersfield, U.K. (She does the same for Halloween, decorating the outside of their home. Kids ask her husband Jeff where is the house the lady from the states lives. He directs them to his home as Jennifer has become known as the Halloween lady!)
In our home, we take time to be thankful for what we have, that our children are well and happy. That they came from a good home, one where we all are close. Our children had a good upbringing and we are proud and thankful for the way they have all turned out.
Some will spend the day taking a stand in the woods trying to get that whitetail. Others will watch the annual parade from Detroit. Still others will tune in the annual Thanksgiving Day game the Detroit Lions play each year.
Of course there is the traditional big meal most of us don't need to consume. We'll all overeat, sit around, then eat some more.
Somewhere in between eating, watching the game, or going in the woods, take a moment to think about why we have this day and all that goes with it. It's a good time to be thankful.
With three of our four children scattered around the world just our oldest spends holidays with us. Once in awhile one or more of the others will come home but not too often. The cost is too much for a short trip back to the states.
Our daughter Jennifer maintains the Thanksgiving tradition in her home near Huddersfield, U.K. (She does the same for Halloween, decorating the outside of their home. Kids ask her husband Jeff where is the house the lady from the states lives. He directs them to his home as Jennifer has become known as the Halloween lady!)
In our home, we take time to be thankful for what we have, that our children are well and happy. That they came from a good home, one where we all are close. Our children had a good upbringing and we are proud and thankful for the way they have all turned out.
Some will spend the day taking a stand in the woods trying to get that whitetail. Others will watch the annual parade from Detroit. Still others will tune in the annual Thanksgiving Day game the Detroit Lions play each year.
Of course there is the traditional big meal most of us don't need to consume. We'll all overeat, sit around, then eat some more.
Somewhere in between eating, watching the game, or going in the woods, take a moment to think about why we have this day and all that goes with it. It's a good time to be thankful.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)