Outdoor Traditions Magazine Spring 2015 by Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Journal

It’s the Pits!

The Cuyuna Connection to Put-and-Take Trout

Inside o

What’s New And Why You Need At Least One Of Each!

How To Find Delicious Morel Mushrooms

Discovering The Lost 40 o Camping - Just Beyond Your Backyard

Nisswa’s Parker Scout Camp – A Wilderness Adventure

Spring 2015

Introducing the ALL NEW Polaris Slingshot

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Issue 10 • Edition 1

Contents Features

Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phil Seibel Survival School.

New Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jim Kalkofen What’s new and why you need at least one of each!

10 Nisswa’s Parker Scout Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kenneth Toole A wildernesss adventure.

16 For The Birds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tim Bogenschutz A flash of color followed by a pretty song.

18 It’s the Pits! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dave Csanda The Cuyuna Connection to Put-and-Take Trout.

26 Camping - Just Beyond Your Backyard . . . . . . . . . . . . Kate Perkins In the lakes area, you don’t have to go far to experience the great outdoors.

30 How To Find Delicious Morel Mushrooms . . . . . . . . . Bill Marchel I consider myself a greenhorn morel mushroom hunter.

Departments 14 Nature’s Cuisine

32 Gear Review

22 Outdoor Almanac

34 Service Directory

Chelsey Perkins Fish Tacos Bethany Wesley Discovering the Lost 40

Phil Seibel The Biolite CampStove

25 Wild Stories

Excerpts From DNR

29 DNR Calendar

October-December outdoor events

Cover photo by Dave Csanda - Bob Bakkila of Brainerd hoists a nice rainbow trout from a mine pit near Crosby.

A quarterly publication of the Brainerd Dispatch

. Tim Bogenschutz Copy Editor . Matt Erickson Marketing . . . .Leo Miller Designer . . . . . Andy Goble Advertising . . . Nikki Lyter

Publisher

— For Advertising opportunities Nikki Lyter 218 • 855 • 5829 or 1 • 800 • 432 • 3703

— Email your comments,

suggestions or story ideas to Leo Miller leora.miller@brainerddispatch.com or mail to Outdoor Traditions Brainerd Dispatch P.O. Box 976 Brainerd, MN 56401

— Find us ONLINE at

brainerdoutdoors.com brainerddispatch.com and visit us on Facebook My son, Ezra, loves to cut wood with Dad. I was splitting wood and looked over and saw him attempting to cut a log with his toy chain saw. We love to spend time outdoors together as a family.

Outdoor Traditions is a trademarked magazine published by the Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 976, Brainerd, MN 56401. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

By PHIL SEIBEL

Survival School

Welcome

In this issue of Survival School we wanted to just touch on the basics of survival. The spring is always an enjoyable time, and seeing the snow depart sometimes causes us to be careless when it comes to planning for an emergency situation. Warm spring days can turn into freezing nights and ice melts and thaws creating swollen rivers that can cause hypothermia in a moments notice if you fall in.

In this episode we want to look at how to assess your initial situation and the steps you need to take to establish a plan for survival in an emergency. We will set the scene that a survival situation is an instance that by some circumstance you have found yourself in a situation where you are immobile, lost with no direction or have no way of extricating yourself from an area. You are also in a situation where you may have injuries or do not have the proper equipment to last in the elements. Start with understanding the importance of three. In emergency situations, the first thing you need to do is make sure that you are not in any immediate danger. If you are canoeing down a river and you overturn, the first thing you need to do is get out of the water and away from the threat of drowning. If you fall from a tree or down a rocky path, you need to make sure that you have tended to your wounds or injuries. Once you have removed yourself from any imminent danger you need to think in terms of three. Generally in an emergency you can survive three minutes

without air, three hours without shelter, three days without water and three weeks without food. This helps you establish what your priorities should be in a survival situation. There are multiple solutions for the sets of three that do not require you to bring much extra gear with you so you can be prepared for multiple scenarios. Shelters can often be made from materials that are immediately around you — leantos, raised beds, etc., can be crafted from branches and found objects. The importance of shelter is it keeps you protected from the elements — wind, rain, cold. Make sure your shelter is sturdy so it will not collapse on you. Water can also be found in multiple sources — but the big word of caution is that you must be sure it is not contaminated. If you drink impure water and it makes you ill, you will be far worse off than if you take the time to make sure your water is disinfected. If you do not own a commercially made filter, the next easiest option is often boiling your water. Keeping a fire kit with you can make this option a reality while also

giving you the opportunity to make a fire for heat, cooking and morale. Common fire kits include a lighter, a ferrocerium rod and steel striker and tinder. Some of the best fire kit tinder is simply a cotton ball rubbed with petroleum jelly. All of these items can be stored in a small watertight bag. Food is last on the list and is also something that you can easily put together a small kit for — snares, paracord and a small fishing kit are items that can be put into a small kit that will not take up much space. There are also forageable items like berries, roots and tubers that can be found,but unless you have training or knowledge on edible plants you may be better off leaving the vegetation alone. Survival starts with staying calm, assessing your situation, and planning for your rescue. ✦ PHIL SEIBEL He enjoys being outside with his family, whether its hiking, ﬁshing, boating, or just playing in the yard, enjoying a Minnesota summer is something Phil and his family all enjoy!

www.brainerdoutdoors.com

NEW PRO By JIM KALKOFEN

What’s new and why you ne

Every spring the fishing tackle industry wizards force anglers to rush to Fleet Farm to buy the newest and latest lures. These heavily advertised lures are sometimes radically different than anything on the market. Most times they are slight innovations or new color schemes to an already existing product line.

But, when it says “NEW,” we need at least one. If we think it will actually catch a fish, we buy two. Or, at least a couple different colors. Back when the original floating Rapalas were introduced we could select silver or gold. Now, the colors have better descriptors, such as Monkey Puke, Wonderbread, Tennessee Shad, etc. The most talked about new lure introduction has been the Rapala Shadow Rap. The folks at Rapala sent me my very first Shadow Rap. Walking past the display rack, a couple more will jump into my cart. My very fa-

vorite lure ever is the Rapala Husky Jerk. Once I use the Shadow, it may even overtake my affections for the Husky Jerk. Basically, the Shadow has flat sides, is about 4 1⁄2 inches long, has a short bill, and has been designed to sink slowly head-down. The press release also indicates after a sharp snap and considerable slack line, it will spin around and face backwards. If it kicks left to right 180-degrees, that means it can be twitched almost in place, really enticing fish. A company known primarily for their bass lures, Strike King,

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

has entered the walleye market with an Elite series. The Lucky Shad at 3-inches long runs fairly shallow; the Bonsai Shad is 4-inches long with a slender profile; the 5-inch Banana Shad rounds out the line. Good friend, walleye championship winner and angler of the year on the major tour, Tommy Kemos, is the new “face” of Strike King in the walleye world. He told me, “These are the ones.” Matzuo is a name not as familiar as others, although they

RODUCTS The most talked about new lure introduction has been the Rapala Shadow Rap.

✦

Kelly Humphrey/Brainerd Dispatch

need at least one of each! build “private label” lures for most of the Big Box stores. Their new Ikari rattle bait looks good

Matzuo’s new Ikari rattle bait.

to me. Ikari means “angry” in Japanese. It is a rattle bait with a distinct knock and ping, and will work in the southern bass lakes to Canada. Cast and retrieved at any speed, or even vertical jigged, the Ikari deserves a try. Marianne Huskey, Matzuo pro staff coordinator said, “Cast it or jig it; the unique design keeps the back treble from wrapping around the main line.” Our friends at Mister Twister have been revolutionizing plastics for decades, and their new

Magnum SinSation 5-inch oversized curly tail will be in my box this year. It says “Bass” all over, but rigged on a jig, it will be deadly for my favorite — big pike. The body is fatter than normal and the tail looks to be a real thumper. Fishing pike with plastic is one of the best ways to pluck them off the deep weedlines. PowerBait makes lures for catching fish. What began as an ordinary bait for them, the Ripple Shad is new this year in the sense it has a better segmented body which gives the lure more vibration and action. It is loaded with PowerBait scent and flavor, and has large red eyes, which Berkley says makes a difference. I rig these on jigs and swim them. Or, swim, drop and retrieve. These are great early season walleye lures, and for something that can be cast and cranked back with no special finesse, it will catch fish. Available in 2-, 3-, 3 1⁄2-, 4- and

5-inch models. If in doubt, buy the 3 1⁄2 inchers and use them on 1/8th ounce and 1/4th ounce jigs (wide gap hook, please). Northland Tackle added a new paddle tail design in great colors. Called the Impulse Paddle Shad,

Northland Tackle’s Impulse Paddle Shad.

the tail was designed to thump at super slow speeds, which is an effective early-season (or cold front) retrieve. It is impregnated with Impulse scent. These 3 and 3 1/2 inch bodies can be used on any jig, but of course, Northland suggests one of their own. Check

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Northland Tackle’s RZ jig Glo Watermelon.

out the new RZ jig this season. It’s amazing how many new and improved fish-catching products come from this Bemidji company. In the tiny town of Park Falls, Wis., the St. Croix rod company keeps cranking out winners. Their price range starts at about $100 and goes north from there. St. Croix has a new series called Triumph X, and it appears to be about the best rod for a hundred dollar bill I’ve seen in a long time. The 6-6 foot medium-light and medium spinning rods are perfect for about everything swimming in the Brainerd lakes area. T h e Triumph X is also available as a casting rod. In the field of electronics, features have gone way up and

prices have come way down. The new Helix from Humminbird looks real affordable. From about $250, the price is right for the basic color sonar/chartplotter, but for a few more dollars ($500), a full-blown “everything needed” in a 5-inch screen with 800 x 480 pixels and side and down imaging looks like an upgrade that will be on the area lakes this season.

to subscribers directly to their mobile devices. They can read the stories and information on their smartphones wherever and whenever they want. The emails arrive twice a week. Subscriptions are free; and sign-ups are easy at targetwalleye.com. The growth has been astonishing. Target Walleye has approximately 75 “Go-to-Guys” throughout the 40 walleye states and Canada. These hot local sticks, guides, captains, pro anglers and resorters share what’s happening, and keep Target Walleye filled with the most upto-date information possible. Have a great season! ✦

HELIX5 SI-GPS from Hummingbird.

The newest item on the market this season is something created locally. It’s called Target Walleye. It’s the latest and greatest walleye news, tips, secrets, best-bite lakes, tactics, photos, videos, and more from across North America. Ron and Al Lindner and I wanted to create a central hub for walleye news, and bring it

JIM KALKOFEN has been director of the largest walleye tournament circuits for two decades and was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Target Walleye, created locally by Ron and Al Lindner, is the latest and greatest walleye news, tips, secrets, best-bite lakes, tactics, photos, videos, and more from across North America straight to a subscribers mobile device. Subscribe for free at targetwalleye.com. www.brainerdoutdoors.com

Nisswa’s

p m a C t u o c S r Parke

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Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

E R U T N E V D A S S E N R E D IL AW

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Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls

By KENNETH TOOLE

The sun peeks over the trees at Camp Parker and daylight begins to fill the Miller Castle courtyard. Cub Scouts are filling into the dinning hall to enjoy their french toast, sausage and orange juice. They talk with each other and their parents predicting what the day has in store for them: games, science experiments, crafts, swimming, shooting, and so much more.

The Central Minnesota Council of the Boy Scouts of America conducts resident camps for Cub Scouts at Parker Scout Reservation near Nisswa over several weekends in June and July. “We have five programs that we conduct based on five separate themes for the boys,” said David Trehey, scout executive, Central Minnesota Council. “Wilderness Adventures, Native American Village, Flintlock Settlement,

Medieval Times are four of the themes each of which has its own program. New to camp this year is our S.T.E.M. program, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Our summer camp is more than just a camp though; it’s a full outdoor experience. Each of the five program areas can have up to 36 boys.” Summer camp for cub scouts is more than just a chance to go camping. It’s a chance to advance

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

in rank and more importantly a chance to make friends. “Camp is really fun every year and I always make new friends from the other packs that go to camp,” said Blake Collins, a webelos scout with Pack 43, Brainerd. For some of the boys this is their first time setting up a tent or even camping outside. “We have some parents and boys that this is their first time camping outside of a camper

with a bathroom and a shower,” said Trehey. “Its amazing watching some of these families and how they progress through the years, seeing them struggle a little to get the tent up the first time and then years later when their Cub Scout crosses over the bridge to become a Boy Scout.” The programs are all run simultaneously at camp and generally the scout takes one of the programs each summer. The scout can, however, take more than one of the programs in one summer by attending camp each weekend camp is offered. This would allow them to collect all five of the segments of the summer camp patch. The five themes at camp includes archery, the BB gun range and aquatics at the waterfront on North Long Lake, said Curtis Jendro, camp director. These programs are included in each program because these activities are difficult for families to provide on their own and that is what camp is all about, making sure the boys have a great time and learn something in process. Each of the theme areas give the scouts an opportunity to work on some requirements of the new Cub Scout Adventures advancement program introduced this year by the Boy Scouts of America. ✦ Brainerd Dispatch/Steve Kohls Each of the five themes is led by a theme castle and teaches the boys about medieval endirector and the staff really embrace their gineering, such as building and using catapults theme by dressing the part, such as dressing up and also includes medieval games and tournain a frontiersman outfit or as a nature explorer ments, like jousting. like Indiana Jones. The Native American Village theme teaches The Wilderness Adventures theme gives the scouts about the customs and traditions of nascouts a chance to interact with nature through several outdoor activities including nature hikes and teaching the boys how to identify various trees, animals and other vegetation. The theme will also focus on the scouting program of “Leave No Trace” camping. The Flintlock Settlement Custom masterpieces from the Great Outdoors. theme is based on an early gold rush settlement and will give the boys the opportunity to learn Handmade in Bemidji by Michael Kelsey, how to mine for gold using a pan and sluice box. CUSTOM MASTER JEWELER The Medieval Times theme 318 Beltrami Ave NW Bemidji, MN 56601 • (218) 444-4367 • www.kelseysjewelry.net allows the boys to sleep in the

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Theme director Alex Harr leads the Native American Village Theme at Parker Scout Camp near Nisswa. Native American Village is one of the ﬁve themes for Cub Scout summer camp conducted by Central Minnesota Council.

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tive people with a special focus on the tribes of Central Minnesota. The boys get a chance to do special craft and artwork while in this themed area. New to camp this year is the S.T.E.M theme. Many new requirements for the Cub Scout program have been added from this area. Several special awards have also been introduced to both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts program therefore the staff and Scout Executive sought out a new program to help the scouts advance and work on the awards. “The basement of Miller Castle is going to be turned into a science lab, complete with experiment stations and incorporating technology to give our youth a full STEM program,” said Trehey.

Kenneth Toole

The new program is planning to include some robotics with Ollie, the robotic ball, and will continue to grow as the science lab in the castle adds new equipment and new opportunities for the program. Each Saturday night concludes with a camp-wide campfire to wrap up the days activities and bring each of the five program areas together. “The campfire program brings a theatrical close to the day’s program and it also give the boys a chance to build their self confidence by being in front of a group of people doing some kind of acting or a speaking role,” said Trehey. “One of our missions if to help build our scouts’ self-confidence.”

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

Sunday is scheduled to include a new program this year as well. “We are planning to add 2-liter pop bottle rockets for our major Sunday wrap-up activity,” said Jendro. “In the past we played a camp-wide game, but this year we want the boys to build a rocket based on the theme they participated in and we want to incorporate more S.T.E.M. activities as well.” Camp is focused on the scouts and making sure they have a great time but parents also have a great time when they come to camp with their boys. “I have probably as much fun as him,” said DJ Collins, Blake’s dad. “It’s a great chance for us to do something together and scouting has done a great deal to teach Blake about new things and continues to help him mature and be a better kid, who really cares about who he his and how he interacts with other people.” “We welcome parents at camp and are excited to have them there to do things with their boys,” said Jendro. “This year we are even adding some adult programs specially for them at camp. We are looking to offer them an opportunity to participate in a pontoon cruise around the lake or fishing. They may choose to ride with a group on a mountain bike ride down some trails. We know when the parents have fun they will want to come back just as much as the boys.” We also

will offer some opportunities to participate in Cub Scout Leader Training. One of the most important things about camp is the boys have fun while they are learning. According to the BSA Website, the Cub Scouting program has 10 purposes related to the overall mission of the Boy Scouts of America – to build character, learn citizenship, and develop personal fitness. The specific purposes are: • Character development. • Spiritual growth. • Good citizenship. • Sportsmanship and fitness.

• Family understanding. • Respectful relationships. • Personal achievement. • Friendly service. • Fun and adventure. • Preparation for Boy Scouts. The summer camp programs at Parker help to achieve all of these purposes. For more information on Scouting in Central Minnesota you can visit www.BSACMC.org ✦ KENNETH TOOLE, District Executive, Pine Tree District of the Central Minnesota Council

The BB Gun range is one of the Cub Scouts favorite activities at Camp along with archery and aquatics. ✦

www.brainerdoutdoors.com

Kenneth Toole

Nature’s Cuisine

As a member of a family of anglers in northern Minnesota, the only ﬁsh I ever ate growing up were those caught in local lakes by my father or another relative.

On those glorious days when the catch was bountiful, I remember Dad, smelling strongly of fish, bringing fillets upstairs to the kitchen from where he cleaned the bucketful of crappies or walleyes in our basement. Sometimes, fish dinner would happen right then. Other times, my mother would freeze the fillets in water-filled freezer bags for us to enjoy another evening. She always prepared our fish the same way and I absolutely loved it: pan-fried with crushed saltine crackers for breading. My enthusiasm for our fish fry had to be tempered or I could practically devour the whole platter myself, doused heavily with lemon juice. I did not try eating fish any other way for a long, long time. I didn’t know it then, but it was my first experience with the local foods ethic I would later come to appreciate and advocate. My introduction to commercial fish sticks did not even come until late high school thankfully. As an adult, my own cooking style has evolved into quite an experimental one, and its the role I play in the Brainerd Dispatch’s regular food column, Puttin’ on The Mitts. My more traditional counterpart, DeLynn Howard, shares recipes from the perspective of a busy mom with picky eaters to satisfy. With this recipe, I’ve tried to bring together the best of both of those worlds:

something new and different but accessible to most everyone. Tacos are a great weeknight dinner option. They are incredibly flexible and can be tailored to any taste, meeting the needs of both the adventurous and finicky eaters of a household. These fish tacos take a decidedly tropical Asian turn with the addition of dried mango and curry-infused pickled cabbage. The

varied textures and tastes of the ingredients eaten together explode with savory and sweet flavors. The individual elements of the dish could also be used in many different ways. I used some of the leftover cabbage for spicy pulled pork sandwiches, for instance, and the healthier baked fish could be used in place of fried fish in any recipe - I could hardly tell the difference.

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Tropical Fish Tacos Fish Ingredients: • About 1 pound of mild white fish fillets of your choice (walleye or crappie are good options) • 1/2 to 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic • 1/2 teaspoon salt • 2 eggs, beaten • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs • Salt and pepper to taste Toppings Ingredients: • 1 ripe avocado, sliced thinly • Dried mango, about 1/2 cup thinly sliced • Pickled Napa cabbage (see recipe) • Cilantro • Sour cream sauce (see recipe) • Hot sauce to taste • Lime wedges from 1-2 limes to serve • Small white or yellow corn tortillas Prepare the pickled cabbage and sour cream sauce. Place sour cream sauce in refrigerator until ready to use. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pat the fish fillets dry with a paper towel and slice into bite-sized strips, about the size of fish sticks. Place the flour in a bowl and combine with cumin, garlic and salt. In another bowl, beat the eggs until evenly mixed. In a medium bowl, combine breadcrumbs and pinches of salt and pepper. Dip a fish strip in the flour, then the egg and then the breadcrumbs. Repeat until all the strips are coated. Place the strips on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping the strips once. Fish is done when firm to the touch and flaky when pulled apart. ✦

Chelsey Perkins

By CHELSEY PERKINS Place tortillas in oven to warm or microwave for a minute. To assemble tacos: Place two pieces of ﬁsh on a tortilla. Add two slices avocado and about ¼ cup drained pickled cabbage. Sprinkle with mango strips and top with sour cream sauce, cilantro and hot sauce to taste. Put two tacos on a plate along with two lime wedges. Makes enough for 10-14 small tacos.

Quick Pickled Napa Cabbage

Adapted from myrecipes.com/recipe/quick-pickled-cabbage • 3 cups chopped napa cabbage • 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tablespoons ﬁnely diced seeded jalapeño • 1/2 cup rice vinegar • 2 tablespoons soy sauce • 1 tablespoon sugar • 2 teaspoons green curry paste

Combine cabbage, garlic and jalapeño in a medium bowl. In a small saucepan, combine remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over medium heat. Pour vinegar mixture over cabbage mixture and stir to combine. Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes.

Sour Cream Sauce

• 1 cup sour cream • 1/3 cup half-and-half • 2 teaspoons ground cumin • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic • Dash of soy sauce • Pinch of sugar • Salt to taste

Add all ingredients to a medium bowl. Slowly whisk to combine. Taste for salt. CHELSEY PERKINS is a Brainerd Dispatch staff writer and is one of the columnists featured in the Dispatch’s regular food column, Puttin’ on The Mitts. Follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/DispatchChelsey and at www.twitter.com/ MittsDailyDash.

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E H T B I R R O F

Deep inside the bush the camera looked like momma warbler and the mouths went wide open.

By TIM BOGENSCHUTZ

✦ Tim

Bogenschutz

My bird story is probably similar to many others that love the outdoors. A flash of color followed by a pretty song and I started to become conditioned to watch. I wasn’t one that had a telescope or binoculars. I just listened and watched nature. My mom was my encyclopedia, she knew her birds. My camera was my telescope. So here we are some 40 years later and I have literally thousands of excellent bird shots that I need to be shared with the rest of the birders out there.

It is pretty amazing what people will spend on their flittering friends. I am one of them, with 17 bird feeders it can get expensive. One estimate I recently read was that at the turn of the century we

humans spent well over $30 billion a year on feeding, housing and watching birds. The crazy part is how long we’ve had this infatuation. People have been studying and even making money on

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these feathery creatures forever. One of the reasons the National Audubon Society was formed was to protect birds; its roots were set down in the 19th Century. I heard one of the oldest North American

bird books, “Bird Neighbors,” was written in 1897 by Neltje Blanchan. It was illustrated in black and white and sold over 250,000 copies. Crank up the presses! When did you start watching birds? Here are a couple of shots I hope you will enjoy. ✦

TIM BOGENSCHUTZ Publisher of the Brainerd Dispatch, and avid outdoorsman. He has a passion for Photography while spending time outdoors.

✦ Tim

Bogenschutz

My favorite springtime visitor is the the Redpole, I’ve actually had them land on my ﬁnger when I’ve put it close to the feeder. A Deutsch Drahthaar posses with two woodcock. Pointing dogs are popular among woodcock hunters because the birds hold so well for even a novice dog.

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It’s The Pits! By DAVE CSANDA

The Cuyuna Connection to Put-and-Take Trout

✦ Dave

Csanda

Opening Day of the fishing season is both a tradition and treasure for Minnesota anglers. The second Saturday in May, lakes and rivers around Brainerd come alive with fishermen in pursuit of walleyes and northern pike. Those who prefer simpler opportunities fish channels and bays for crappies and bluegills. With the bass and muskie seasons still closed for a few more weeks, walleye, pike and panfish get all the angling attention.

Or do they? What if we told you about another option that combines “opening day anticipation” with simple tactics anyone can use to put loads of fish in the boat. Or on shore — because you don’t necessarily need a boat to catch them! All across the country, stocked trout lakes provide superb angling opportunities for folks on a budget. In many cases, you can easily catch trout from shore, particularly in spring. In others, a small

boat, easily launchable at primitive boat accesses, may provide a better option. Particularly during summer, when trout move deeper to avoid warm surface water that stresses their metabolism. Strip pits, mine pits, borrow pits and other relatively small manmade waters are often top candidates for stocking with trout, particularly if they feature extremely deep water and steep shorelines. Such waters tend to remain cold and oxygen-rich

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throughout the year, making them ideal trout habitat. Rainbow trout generally predominate in stockings, although other species may be used as well. While trout seldom reproduce in these waters, they don’t have to. State fisheries agencies typically pull aerated tanker trucks up the shore during the cool spring or fall months and discharge large quantities of hatchery-raised fish. The first few days following their introduction, while trout are still

becoming accustomed to their surroundings, don’t be surprised to find a large cluster of trout within a short distance of the boat launch. That’s because — think about it — that’s where the tanker truck backed down the ramp, the fisheries folks opened the valve, and dumped hundreds or thousands of small trout through a hose down into the lake! If they did it just a day or two prior to the trout opener, which is common, the fish are still getting used to their new habitat, and likely haven’t moved very far at all. Hatchery-raised fish haven’t seen lures before and often find their first encounter with anglers to be their last. But that’s OK. Fisheries agencies often plan on and encourage the harvest of trout from these waters, since the fish aren’t going to reproduce anyway. Thus the term put-andtake. They put ‘em in. You take ‘em out.

The Cuyuna Connection Just east of Brainerd, near Crosby, lies the southern end of the Cuyuna Range, a rugged landform characterized by reddish soil that betrays the presence of iron ore. Formerly home to a thriving mining industry, the land was systematically dug to extract iron ore in the early 1900s. Once the mines ran out, the craterous network of deep, steep-sided pits was abandoned. Eventually, they began to fill with water, the result of natural seepage from the surrounding aquifer. The state of Minnesota opted to take advantage of what were essentially deep, cold, infertile manmade lakes by stocking them with trout and opening them to the public. The resulting fishery is

remarkably good, yet surprisingly little-known by the masses. A local Cuyuna-Crosby contingent of local anglers accounts for most of the fishing pressure, along with a smattering of Brainerd folks, particularly early in the season. The rest of the year, the fish receive comparatively little fishing activity, likely due to the vast number of better-known walleye-pikebass-panfish waters in the area. The upshot is, “the pits,” as they’re referred to locally, offer numerous fishing opportunities, and you don’t need a big, fancy boat to fish them. Chances are you can walk down to the boat access and scramble your way a bit up and down the shoreline, to find suitable casting positions. Just be careful with your footing — the pits are steep and deep, with shorelines plunging to remarkably deep water just offshore. Stick to flatter, sloping shoreline sections to avoid rockslides that might put a damper on your fishing. Perhaps even better would be using a small cartopper, canoe, kayak, inflatable or trailered boat —although admittedly, you can get a larger craft into most of the boat accesses. You just don’t need one. Because even on days when the wind is howling and whipping the waters of local lakes to a froth, the towering rock walls surrounding the pits deflect the wind to keep the water comparatively calm. Small boats are perfectly safe and extremely effective. In short, it’s the perfect place to take a spouse and a kid or two to fish for a couple of hours. The pits are close to home, wind-protected, and loaded with what you might term “dumb” fish that are likely to bite anything of edible size that comes nearby.

MOUNTAIN BIKING THE HIGH ROAD The rugged landform and clear water of the pits have long attracted a variety of outdoor recreation.They are a favorite destination of skin and scuba divers due to their extreme clarity. Eagles, hawks, deer, beavers and other wildlife abound. Hikers, hunters, anglers, swimmers, boaters, campers and outdoor enthusiasts of all types enjoy the natural setting.

✦ Minnesota

Department of Natural Resources

In recent years, mountain biking has risen to the forefront, in response to the creation of bike trails that have begun attracting visitors from around the globe. The Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area offers miles of IMBA-certiﬁed bike trails for folks of all skill levels, beginners to experts. www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_ trails/cuyuna_lakes/mtnbiking. html (Photos and area maps available on DNR web site)

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They put ‘em in. You take ‘em out. Everyone wins. Except the trout.

Here’s why. Because they’ve been raised in hatcheries, stocker trout are used to eating something akin to Purina trout chow. So as soon as they’re dumped into new waters, they’re ready, willing and unafraid to eat whatever comes their way. A smorgasbord of insects, larvae, minnows and small fish are suddenly on the menu. And after their short lifetime of dining on trout nuggets, it’s a pleasant change. So the fish basically chow down on anything that moves — including small lures that resemble any of the aforementioned food items.

Trout Tackle While you can certainly bring your fly rod and pleasantly wile away the hours flicking teeny dry flies, streamers or nymphs for trout, you don’t have to. The fish are usually willing to strike almost anything that fits in their mouths. And sometimes it seems that the flashier the lures, the more fish you catch. In lake environments, small lures provide flashy, shiny morsels that these unwitting and enthusiastic trout can’t resist. Size No. 1 straight-shaft spinners, 1/4- to 3/5-ounce spoons and miniature crankbaits are ideal. So are the same 1/32- ounce jig and bobber combos that you fish for spring crappies. In fact, if you simply bring your crappie tackle, you’re in the game. Add a couple of 6 1/2-foot, mediumlight spinning rods spooled with 6- to 8-pound-test mono — typical crappie setups. You’ll be able to cast in any direction, anywhere you wish, and work the surface layer of water. Which is a good deal early in the year, because most of the fish are likely to remain near the surface given the

cool water temperatures. Casting bobber rigs is deadly — but it’s a slow technique that limits your ability to cover water. If you use artificial lures that allow you to fish faster, you’ll be far more efficient at locating areas of the pit filled with biters. Perhaps the easiest way to get started is to ease your boat 10 feet off the access, start the engine, and begin trolling at idle speed. Pick a direction up or down the shoreline. As you do, cast out a small spinner, a miniature spoon, or even better, a 2- to 3-inch mini crankbait. (Storm and Rapala offer many good options). Just get it out 75 feet behind the boat, close the bail on your spinning reel, and troll along just fast enough to get your lure seductively wiggling and wobbling a few feet beneath the surface. Given the fact that many of the newly-stocked fish are likely still close to the access, you might get bit in the first minute of fishing! If you do, slow down, gingerly fight the fish in and land it. At that point, either release it, or toss it in the livewell. Remember, there’s no pressure to release these guys; they’re stocked with the intention of being caught and eaten. If you don’t catch fish right away, just keep on trolling along the shoreline, over perhaps 15 to 25 feet of water. Even if the fish aren’t right near the surface, they should be able to see your lures coming from a long distance away, due to the remarkable water clarity in early spring. Experiment with a range of color patterns, from flashy silvers and golds, to bright chartreuse or clown or hot pink to darker, more muted shades. Sooner or later, you’re going to get nailed

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

✦ Dave

Csanda

and begin establishing the productive pattern for the day. You’ll probably be surprised how hard these little beauties fight despite their relatively small size. Best bet: Once you catch a fish or two, circle back and retroll the area a few times. You’ll probably catch more. The fish may be clustered in a corner of the pit; near a point; above some flooded tree tops; outside tall, rooted weedgrowth; near some suspended baitfish — you won’t know for sure unless you look for the common characteristics that draw and holds them in productive areas. Chances are that they won’t be just everywhere. While you don’t necessarily need a depth finder or GPS mapping unit, they’re certainly helpful. They reveal sunken trees, the presence and numbers of the trout themselves and the depth at which they’re suspended. If you have a GPS, start punching in waypoints whenever you hook a fish. It won’t take long until the screen is loaded with clusters of waypoints in limited areas. It’s no coincidence, either. Early in the year, shallow-running lures that run just 3 to 6 feet deep will likely be tops for trout. A few weeks later, as the water warms, you may need to switch to deeper divers as the trout begin dropping deeper. By summer, temperature-sensitive trout may have dropped considerably deeper to avoid the

DNR stocking trout.

✦ Dave

Csanda

warming surface waters. They can’t handle warm water but have no problem with the cooler depths. Deeper-running crankbaits may be more productive. In fall, it’s not unusual to catch trout in 40 to 50 feet of water, on or near bottom. Or suspended anywhere between the surface and bottom. They have no problem moving up and down in the water column, and establish depth preferences for the day based on sunlight penetration, weather and activity. Under these conditions, a heavy jigging lure like a No. 5 Jigging Rap is ideal, since you can jig it at any depth to zero in on the biters.

All the Same Size? Some folks may say that the knock against fishing for stocked trout is that they’re all small, which is a legitimate observation. Most of the time, the fish are raised to somewhere around 12 inches in length, and then stocked. That’s efficient management based on the available funding. Occasionally, however, the DNR may sneak in a few larger brood fish to keep you on your toes. Or perhaps a few big brown trout to surprise the heck out of you when they bite. And of course, any fish that don’t get caught and harvested the first year are likely to grow a bit larger by the next, so you never know what you might catch. But here’s the real wild card.

The pits are home to some of the biggest largemouth bass and northern pike in our area. They may not be plentiful in number, but 7-pound bass and 20-pound pike never are, anywhere. So, how and why do they grow so outlandishly large? Think about what they’re eating. Ah, you guessed it. Trout! A 12-inch, soft-finned trout slides down the gullet of a big bass or pike just like butter, and piles on the pounds in the process. So, the next time you go trout fishing you might want to toss in a little bass and pike tackle as well. Casting a 10-inch softbait in a rainbow trout pattern might be right up your alley. Those flooded or fallen trees you see just might be home to a leviathan or two. The fish may not be actively biting on bright, sunny days when they can see so well in the crystal clear water. But on cloudy days, look out! That’s when the monsters come out to play. Hopefully, all this talk of consistent action with a chance at catching lunkers has tempted you to explore the pit fishing opportunities available in our area. If you do, you’ll have to decide whether or not to share the secret, or keep it to yourself. In any case, the next time someone asks you what the fishing is like between Brainerd and Crosby, just put a silly smirk on your face, shrug your shoulders, and say, “It’s the pits.” They can figure the rest out for themselves. ✦ DAVE CSANDA is a veteran outdoor communicator/ TV co-host who works at Lindner‘s Angling Edge Television in Baxter. He has been inducted into both the Minnesota and National Fresh Water Fishing Halls of Fame, and volunteers with the Brainerd Lakes Area Chapter of Let’s Go Fishing.

UP, UP AND AWAY! So, what else do you do with a big hole in the ground, beside letting it fill with water and stocking it with fish? Back on Aug. 19, 1957, the Portsmouth Mine near Crosby was the launch site for Man High II, the second of three secret manned flights in a U. S. Air Force balloon project that preceded the space race between the U. S. and Russia.The goals were to see if a manned, helium-filled balloon could reach the outer edge of the stratosphere, and to study the effects of cosmic rays and zero gravity on humans.

The fragile balloon was filled at the bottom of the deep mine where it was protected by the wall-like surroundings from being buffeted by winds. Piloted by Dr. Simons inside a telephone-booth-sized gondola, the balloon rose to a record height of 20 miles above the Earth, with the flight lasting a total of 32 hours. Barely one month later, the Russians launched Sputnik, and the space race was on. Even though the Russians were first into space with a rocket-propelled manned spacecraft, the earlier balloon flights proved that pressurized suits worked in space, giving the fledgling NASA space program a leg up on their Russian competition. And it all began at the bottom of a pit, which today is 400-foot-deep Portsmouth Mine Pit Lake — the deepest lake in Minnesota, other than Lake Superior. Note:The Cuyuna Range Historical Society Museum in Crosby offers fascinating historical perspectives and artifacts relating to mining operations, Man High II and other area points of interest. Open June-August, 101 1st St NE, Crosby, MN

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Draper/Bemidji Pioneer

By BETHANY WESLEY

✦ Monte

Outdoor Almanac

DISCOVERING THE LOST 40 A walk through the Lost 40 is a walk back in time.

Located in the Chippewa National Forest near Blackduck, the Lost 40 consists of 144 acres of old-growth pine trees that, due to a surveying error in the 1800s, was left untouched by logging crews. It was 1882 when Josiah A. King and his three-man survey crew incorrectly plotted Coddington Lake about a half-mile farther northwest than it truly was, marking what is now known as theFriday-Sunday Lost 40 as being under waWESTGATE MALL Noon-5pm ter, thus sparing the pine forest from loggers, according to the Chippewa National Forest. That virgin forest is considered to be the most significant oldgrowth white pine-red pine stand outside of the Boundary Waters and Itasca State Park, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Less than 2 percent of Minnesota’s forested land is considered old growth. Now, with 300- to 400-year-

old trees boasting trunks as large as 48-inches in diameter, the Lost 40 is unique and is managed to maintain its old-growth character. Minnesota’s state red pine “Big Tree Champion” is found in this site and is 120 feet tall with a circumference of 115 inches. It is

a Scientific and Natural Area administered by the DNR, while the Chippewa National Forest maintains the one-mile self-guided trail on site. SNA sites differ from more recreation-minded DNR sites, like state parks.

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OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

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“The point of SNAs is to protect and perpetuate,” said AmberBeth VanNingen, forest and natural areas ecologist with the DNR. “Not only to protect it, but to make sure it stays viable, especially its rare features. In this case, it’s the old-growth forest. It could be rare species, a habitat for a rare species, maybe a rare, interesting ecological feature. … and also to educate people, to provide places for education and research.”

The Lost 40 is a DNR Scientiﬁc and Natural Area. SNA sites differ from state parks in that they are open for nature observation but not meant for intensive recreation activities as to goal is to protect and perpetuate its unique features.

Other Area SNA Updates The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has decided to allow dogs on leashes at Minnesota Point Pine Forest Scientific and Natural Area (SNA) in Duluth and expanded deer hunting at Lake Alexander Woods SNA near Cushing in Morrison County. “The DNR carefully considered extensive public input and is pleased to announce these modest changes,” said Barb Naramore, DNR assistant commissioner. “We are confident that the changes will both protect the important resources for which these two SNAs were established and simplify policies for the public.” The changes will go into effect when the revised designation orders for each site are published in the State Register, scheduled for Feb. 9. Rationale for allowing dogs on leash at Minnesota Point Pine Forest is based on several factors: Prior to becoming an SNA, the property was open to and used by many people hiking with their dogs. Allowing dogs on leashes was intended when the site was first established. Limiting dogs on leashes is impractical as the adjoining and embedded city of Duluth property is open to dogs on leashes.

✦ Monte

Due to poison ivy in the woods, the vast majority of people restrict their dogs to the wellworn trail through the site. Allowing dogs on leashes is not expected to have a negative impact on the SNA, while having consistent rules on the city and state lands will improve transparency and communication with the public. For Lake Alexander Woods, all generally allowed deer hunting will be permitted in two units of the SNA, archery deer hunting will be permitted in one unit, and no hunting will be permitted in its smallest units. See map online for details: www.mndnr.gov/alexwoods. Factors in recommending changes to deer hunting at Lake Alexander Woods included: Expanded deer hunting will

Draper/Bemidji Pioneer

reduce long-term ecological damage caused by deer browsing on young trees. Deer hunting will take place on the larger units within the SNA. Smaller, scattered units that are part of the SNA will be closed to hunting for reasons of public safety. Prior to the change, portions of Lake Alexander Woods SNA were open to deer hunting by special permit. But the approximately 40 permits issued each year have proven inadequate to minimize deer damage to the oak forest plant community. With deer hunting restricted to special permits, the SNA has served as a de facto refuge where the animals can escape hunting pressure on surrounding lands. By making the SNA hunting rules the same as on surrounding lands, deer are less

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There is a one-mile self-guided trail on site, which weaves its way not only through the old-growth pine forest but also through rolling hills with pines that originated after a ﬁre at the turn of the century. ✦ Monte

likely to congregate on the SNA. Periodic observations at the SNA, as well as more formal research at a nearby preserve managed by the Nature Conservancy, indicate that forest regeneration is being hurt by browsing deer.

Draper/Bemidji Pioneer

The deer browse on oak seedlings and saplings, eliminating the next generation of oak trees. This creates a serious concern for the long-term health of the mesic oak forest community of the SNA. There are no management or

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

ecological reasons to have different rules for deer hunters on the larger units of the SNA than on surrounding lands. There are management and ecological reasons for reducing deer pressure on the SNA by making the rules there consistent with deer hunting on other lands in the area. In addition to being less effective in achieving deer management objectives, the special permit system was costly to administer and less transparent to the public. The DNR initially held public hearings and solicited comments in April and May 2014 regarding proposed changes in recreational uses at 10 SNAs, including Minnesota Point Pine Forest and Lake Alexander Woods. In August, the DNR announced its decision to not change any recreational uses at eight of these sites and invited additional public comment for the proposed changes at Minnesota Point Pine Forest and Lake Alexander Woods. A majority of comments opposed any use changes, and no entirely new perspectives were offered during the extended comment period. “We appreciate the public’s engagement as we considered proposed changes at all 10 SNAs, in keeping the process established in state statute and rule,” Naramore said. The changes in recreational use for the two areas are consistent with the purposes and goals of SNAs. More information about the decisions for all 10 natural areas is online. ✦ BETHANY WESLEY, bwesley@bemidjipioneer.com, is a reporter with the Bemidji Pioneer.

Wild Stories

EXCERPTS FROM DNR CONSERVATION OFFICERS’ WEEKLY REPORTS (EDITOR’S NOTE: Reports appear as they were written by conservation ofﬁcers.)

Oct. 6

CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) checked duck and grouse hunters and worked areas of deer shining activity. One duck hunter was in a small kayak with two large dogs, decoys, a gun, shells, a dead goose and a few ducks. He was very nervous when the Officer pulled up to him as he was afraid the dogs would react and swamp him. There were only a couple of inches of freeboard above the water. The one thing left out was a life jacket. He also said his 12-year-old son was on the river somewhere in a kayak without a life jacket as well. He was given paperwork to help him remember to bring them along next time to avoid a potential tragedy.

Oct. 13 CO Chris Tetrault (Isle) had an interesting week. The officer encountered a party transporting a loaded firearm on an ATV while grouse hunting. The party indicated that he spoke with two friends who were cited a week prior for the same

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violation, in the same spot, by Officer Tetrault, prior to hunting. In another instance the officer was traveling home late at night and observed a large fire with prohibited materials in it. Nearby, was a mobile home being dismantled. When the officer asked the party what he was burning, the party replied, “just some wood, that’s it… and some paper… and insulation… and shingles…. the mobile home pretty much.” Enforcement action was taken.

Oct. 20 CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) dealt with a group of four youth duck hunters who were having a rough day. They first got talked to by the city police department as they were hunting in a closed area within the city limits. While they were talking with the officer and CO Kuske their duck boat floated away. They were able to retrieve the boat and CO Kuske found that they had lost one of their dad’s life jackets that morning and one youth did not have the re-

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quired federal duck stamp. Their sense of humor was still intact through it all though. Hunt A of the Camp Ripley Archery Hunts ended with a total of 75 deer taken. The two largest bucks taken both weighed in at 207 pounds each.

Oct. 27 CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) and a Conservation Officer Candidate (COC) checked anglers and waterfowl hunters on area lakes. A handful of anglers did well finding late season crappies. Assistance was provided to one angler that accidentally backed his boat, trailer and tow vehicle a little too far down a boat ramp. Thankfully nobody was injured as the entire truck and trailer ended up fully submerged and needing a tow.

Continued on page 33

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By KATE PERKINS

CAMPING

Just Beyond Your Backyard

In the lakes area, you don’t have to go far to experience the great outdoors. Want to camp in a yurt or on an island? Want to set up a tent on the banks of the mighty Mississippi or enjoy camping that’s accessible to the handicap? The area’s renowned woods and water are home to scenic campgrounds that are less than an hour from Brainerd, but offer a whole new window into the wilderness. The Whitefish Chain of Lakes has more than a dozen lakes and at least two great campgrounds. Camp under ancient trees at the Rollie Johnson Natural and Recreational Area, a campground and natural area encompassing three public islands between Up-

per and Lower Whitefish lakes. Many see these islands as special because they were never logged. Many of the maple and basswood trees on the islands are 100-150 years old. There’s no charge to use one of the 11 campsites, though a donation is requested at locked donation boxes on the island. Wood is provided on the islands, free but again with a requested donation. The joint powers board that maintains the islands (a group effort of Ideal Township, the DNR and Crow Wing County) ask that campers do not bring their own wood but use what’s provided to prevent the spread of pests. Privies are also maintained on the islands,

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

Photo

but campers need to bring their own toilet paper. The sites are first-come, firstserve and fill up quickly in the summertime. Big Island has nine sites, while Steamboat Island and Little Island have just one site each, giving campers a chance to experience the chain with some solitude. That said, the recreational area is cared for by a friendly group of volunteers who visit the islands regularly during the camping season. The volunteers keep a running tally of how many people are using the sites and visit with campers. Also on the Whitefish Chain, and located in the heart of the city of Crosslake, is the Cross Lake Recreation Area and Camp-

Three islands make up the Rollie Johnson Islands Natural and Recreational Area, a public campground on the Whiteﬁsh Chain. Pictured from the water in early spring, the islands are volunteer-run and offer a unique place to camp.

ground, run by the Army Corps of Engineers. The campground is full of amenities. Playgrounds, swimming beaches and volleyball nets are located in the campground, as are boat landings, fishing docks, fish cleaning houses and picnic areas. Campers also have access to showers and flush toilets. The campground is well-equipped for families with special needs or the elderly, as many of the amenities, including swimming, fishing docks and picnic areas, are handicap accessible. Fishing docks extend out onto Cross Lake as well as on the other side of the Pine River Dam, on the river itself.

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Even with 119 campsites, the campground fills up nearly every weekend in the summer. Reservations can be made online. RVs and campers are welcome with 74 sites equipped with electrical hookups. A dump station is also on-site. Drive beyond the Whitefish Chain to reach the Clint Converse Campground and Day Use Area, also known as the Lake Washburn Campground. Located about 50 minutes from Brainerd, the campground has 31 primitive sites. Water and vault toilets are available but the campground does not have showers or flush toilets. What the campground lacks in amenities, however, it makes up

for in scenic beauty. The campground offers a boat landing onto Washburn Lake, has places to swim and also serves as a jumping-off point for biking or hiking. For relaxed camping where it’s generally easy to get a campsite, the Aitkin County Park campground near the city of Aitkin is a good choice. The campground has just seven sites and every single one is seated alongside the banks of the Mississippi, surrounded by expanses of green, grassy areas. A short distance from town, the campground has a generally laid-back feel with the option of walking to town for a meal or some shopping. Every

Kelly Humphrey, Brainerd Dispatch

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The Aitkin County Campground near the City of Aitkin has seven campsites; each on the banks of the Mississippi River. With lots of open; grassy areas; the campground is just a short walk from town. It’s one of many campgrounds within an hour of Brainerd that offer easy access to an outdoor getaway.

single site has electrical hookups, and there’s also a boat access at the campground. According to the Aitkin County Land Department, the campground does fill up on some weekends in the summer (especially for festivals or holidays), but in general sites are available, especially during the week. The county also plans to upgrade the campground in the summer of 2015, adding showers, flush toilets (the campground currently has only vault toilets) and perhaps another site or two. The campground is planned to remain open during construction. Another rustic campground is about 30 minutes west of Brainerd, in Pillsbury State Forest. The Rock Lake Campground has 48 sites, with 13 of them lakeside. Like the Lake Washburn Campground, the campground is considered “primitive,” with just vault toilets, drinking water and

trash cans furnished. There’s also a nature trail next to the campground. Don’t want to rough it quite so much? The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is constructing three yurts in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area that will be available summer 2015. Yurts are round tents on a wood platform with a wood frame. They’ll sleep six, furnished with bunk beds, a wood stove, tables and chairs. They’re being built on the west side of the Yawkey Mine (a former pit mine, now filled with water), east of Highway 6. If the three yurts are unavailable, there’s also a 25-site campground in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area on the other side of Highway 6 next to the Portsmouth Mine. The sites are first-come, first-serve and the campground has a group camp, showers and flush toilets. The campground is a great place to stay and check out the extensive mountain bike trails that criss-cross the overburden of the former mining area. Now grown with trees and vegetation, the rugged landscape has been turned into a high-quality mountain biking area. It’s a short drive to unique campgrounds in the lakes area, making it easy to make the most of the great outdoors. Toss the tent in the trunk, hop in the car and experience the woods and water from a new perspective. ✦

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

KATE PERKINS, a former Echo Publishing staff writer, is a freelance writer from northern Minnesota.

AREA CAMPGROUND RESERVATIONS AND INFORMATION: Cross Lake Recreation Area: Reservations and information available at www.recreation.gov, or by calling 877444-6777. Many amenities on site; prices range from $10-$36. Rollie Johnson Islands Natural and Recreational Area: Reservations not accepted, but more information is at crowwing.us/292/County-Parks. Camping is primitive and free, but donations are requested. Clint Converse Campground/ Washburn Lake Campground: Reservations not accepted, but more information is at http://dnr.state.mn.us/ state_forests/facilities/cmp00033/index. html. Camping is primitive and costs $14. Aitkin County Park near the City of Aitkin: Reservations can be made at https://parks.co.aitkin.mn.us/. Camping is primitive, with showers and ﬂush toilets being installed summer 2015. Cost is $15. Rock Lake Campground: Reservations not accepted. More information is at http://dnr.state.mn.us/ state_forests/facilities/cmp00038/index. html. Camping is primitive and costs $14. Yurts at Yawkey Mine at Cuyuna Country: Yurts will open for use and reservation summer of 2015. Check http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/ cuyuna_country/index.html for updates. Portsmouth Campground at Cuyuna Country: Reservations accepted at https://reservations1. usedirect.com/MinnesotaWebHome/. Prices range from $15-$23, and higher for group campsites.

DNR Calendar March 25-29 — Northwest Sportshow is at the Minneapolis Convention Center with DNR Information Center, License Center, Fisheries, Enforcement, Ecological and Water Resources and Parks & Trails staff at the show. Premier outdoor sports show includes world champion Lumberjills, the newest gear, boats and enough adventure to get you hooked on the outdoors. Fun for young and old. March 28 — Whitewater State Park - Maple syrup making for the whole family is an event for those that want to make their own syrup. Learn how from 10 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Whitewater State Park. This activity will introduce the long history of maple syrup and sugar making, as well as the equipment and procedures used. Participants will tap trees, gather and boil sap and best of all taste pure maple syrup! Schools, Scouts, 4-H and other groups of 10 people or more can schedule an activity specifically for their group. Registration is required. To sign up, email sara. grover@state.mn.us or call 507-932-3007 ext 226. To check on winter program cancellations in the event of poor weather or dangerous road conditions, contact the park. March 28 & April 12 — Lake Bemidji State Park - Early spring is generally the peak of the maple sap flow, however sap flow is affected by weather conditions. The naturalist will demonstrate how a family can start their own tradition of making maple syrup. Ongoing demonstrations will be the weekend of 3/28-29 and possibly 4/11-12. Organized groups and schools may make special arrangements for weekday demonstrations by calling the park naturalist at 218308-2328. March 28 — Jay Cooke State Park - Come out for a day filled with special kid’s programs that help celebrate 100 years of resources, history and recreation at the park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn about why the park is so special through fun games, crafts and activities. Meet at the River Inn Interpretive Center. For more information, call 218-384-4610. April 15 – May 28 — Spring turkey season April 18 – Sept. 14 — Fishing opens for stream trout in streams SE – and through Sept. 30 for areas except SE.

April 25 — Glendalough State Park - Hike around Glendalough at the annual spring fundraising event from 9 a.m. To noon. Enjoy refreshments and food for a free will offering. April 25 — Bowfishing season opens April 25 — Rough fish spearing opens April 25 — Introduction to geocaching at Gooseberry Falls State Park. Introduction to Geocaching 11 - 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. - noon Learn how to use a GPS unit. Geocache Dash! Noon - 2 p.m. Stop by anytime to check out a GPS unit and see how fast you can find the cache! May 1 — Bear hunt lottery deadline May 2 — Archery intro at Maplewood State Park Want to learn how to shoot a bow in a safe, supervised setting? The Archery in the Parks program is designed for families and people of all ages and skill levels. Get hands on instruction from a certified instructor along with experience with target practice. Learn a lifelong skill. Must be 8 years and older. Adult must accompany younger participants. (All equipment provided). May 9 — Walleye, sauger, northern pike season opens. May 9 — Lake trout summer season opens May 16 — Mille Lacs Kathio State Park - Join in the wildflower walk — a two-part program. Begin indoors with a slide presentation showing many flowers that can bee seen at Mille Lacs Kathio, then go on a 1/2-mile trail walk to see what’s in bloom. The slide talk will be 30 minutes long and the hike will take about an hour. You are welcome to attend either or both parts of the program. Meet at the interpretive center. May 23 — Smallmouth bass season opens south and west of U.S. Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls except Pelican and Ash lakes in St. Louis County. May 23 — Largemouth Bass - 2015 season -South and West of US Hwy 53 from Duluth to International Falls except Pelican and Ash Lakes in St. Louis County. May 24 — Pancake breakfast served from 8 to 10 a.m. To support local park projects. Sponsored by the Friends of Lake Bemidji.

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By BILL MARCHEL

HOW TO FIND

DELICIOUS Bill Marchel

MOREL MUSHROOMS

â&#x153;Ś

I consider myself a greenhorn morel mushroom hunter even though my first search for the tasty mushrooms took place about 15 years ago. On that sunny and warm day in early May a friend took me to his land south of Brainerd and introduced me to the art of finding morels. We managed to locate enough of tasty mushrooms so each of us could enjoy a side dish for supper that evening.

Two morel mushrooms sprout from a typical lowland location. The tasty mushroom can be easier to spot while kneeling down.

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

I was hooked. For veteran mushroom hunters a perennial morel hotspot is a guarded secret. They seem to get as much satisfaction from bragging about their mushrooming skills as they do from eating the tasty morels. But novices can find morels and the search is half the fun. Morel mushrooms sprout during spring. They can be found throughout Minnesota beginning about mid-April, depending upon the weather. The delicious mushrooms rely on sufficient spring rain and warm temperatures to grow. Once the ground has thawed, a good time to find morels is a day or two after a rainfall when the temperature is in the 70s. Since my original morel hunt many years ago, each spring I search extensively for my own mushroom mother

Bill Marchel ✦

lode. I have located a few hot spots, but quite frankly I’ve never found morels like my friend and I did on that initial mushroom hunt. Actually, I’ve had just about as good of luck at finding morels while out in the springtime woods for other reasons. Once I found a small patch of the morels while searching for shed deer antlers. I’ve also found morels while hunting wild turkeys. I’ve even spotted the mushrooms as I’ve slowly driven along country roads. The springtime woods are also full of surprises apparent only to those who walk with eyes glued to the forest floor, looking for the well-camouflaged morels. One day I found a newborn white-tailed deer fawn, its spotted coat near perfect camouflage in the sunlight dappled leaves. During other mushroom hunting ventures I’ve discovered the nests of woodcock and ruffed grouse, both cryptic birds that blend exceptionally well with the forest floor while they are incubating a clutch of eggs. In central Minnesota look for morels to grow in aspen and ash lowlands, particularly near cleared areas. Sometimes, the shy mushrooms will even grow in shallow water, especially during a dry spring. I’ve had the best luck finding morels where ferns and jack-in-the-pulpit grow. I’ve never hunted morels in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota, but that portion of state is known for abundant crops of large, flavorsome morels. According to the local experts, morels seem to “pop” beneath dead elm trees.

How does one prepare morel mushrooms?

Upon arriving home with my rewards, I rinse the morels in cold water and slice them in half the long way. There are many delicious recipes, but I prefer to simply sauté them in butter. I add just a touch of seasoning; I don’t want to hide the natural taste of morels. If you are lucky enough to collect more morels than you can eat, they can be dried in a food dehydrator and stored in an airtight container for later use. Or you can give your extra morels to me. ✦

BILL MARCHEL is a wildlife and outdoors photographer and writer whose work appears in many regional and national publications as well as the Brainerd Dispatch. He may be reached at bill@billmarchel.com.

HOW TO IDENTIFY AND FIND MORELS:

• The web has a wealth of information about how to identify and find morels. • As with all mushrooms, it is advisable to taste a small portion first, then wait a day or so to see if you experience an allergic reaction. • Look for morels when the lilacs and trilliums are in bloom, when oak leaves are the size of a squirrel’s ear, or when the fiddleheads are on the ferns. • Morels can be easier to spot while kneeling. Look towards the sun since the stems seem to glow when backlit and the dark caps stand out against the light brown hues of the forest floor. • Do not pull morels out of the ground, but instead cut or pinch the stem just above ground level. Leave some morels behind to allow perpetuation of the species. Deer, and other animals feed on morels too.

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By PHIL SEIBEL

Gear Review

THE BIOLITE CAMPSTOVE

In this issue of the Outdoor Traditions gear review we get to take a look at a product that is impressive on multiple fronts, the Biolite CampStove and its accessories. Check out their website for the whole story at www.biolitestove.com. In a nutshell the Biolite is a biomass gasifier that functions both as a stove and also a charging device for USB electronics. Typical camp stoves run off of liquefied fuel like LP; can use gels like Sterno; or can use biomass like wood, pinecones or other combustible materials. Where the Biolite sets itself apart is in the efficiency of the burn, and its charging capabilities. Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s break this down. The CampStove consists of two components, the combustion chamber and the thermoelectric generator. The combustion chamber is double walled and is ventilated on the inner wall. This allows air to flow freely and helps with increasing the combustion efficiency. There are two main functions of the thermoelectric generator- provide energy to charge devices, but there is also a small fan that is powered by the generator which is the major factor in the stoveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effectiveness. The small internal fan provides

a stream of airflow into the combustion chamber. This is the gasifying effect that boosts the burn efficiency so much. The added oxygen to the burn chamber creates an atmosphere that encourages more of the material to be burned up which means you will need less fuel to keep your stove running. Because you can use any biomass for fuel this means you do not have to pack extra fuel for extended trips. Sticks and twigs from around the campsite can power this stove alone with pine cones, or wood stove pellets; this versatility is very handy. In testing the stove lit easily, you can use either the fire starters that Biolite sends with the stove, or you can use any standard fire making procedure. They recommend not using any gel or liquid fuels in the Biolite, so stick to tinder and kindling. It took about five minutes to get the fire started and roaring to full heat. This was running the stove on the Lo setting, kicking it up to the Hi setting created a high temp vortex that was pretty impressive to see. There is a copper arm that protrudes from the thermoelectric generator into the burn chamber, that is how the heat transfers to the generator. Once it gets up

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

to temp, about ten minutes, you can then plug in devices. There is a light that turns from orange to green to notify you when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready to charge devices. The thermoelectric generator puts out about 2 watts of energy which is enough to charge cellphones and other small electronics. It will charge tablets, but a little more slowly. It will also charge batteries if you have the ability to plug the charger into a USB port. This feature makes the Biolite very handy as you can charge your devices while you are cooking, or using the stove for light. Speaking of light, you can also plug in USB LED lights into the charging port for added light around your workspace, this can be very handy if you are making an evening meal or setting up late. We got the Biolite Bundle which includes their KettlePot and also their Grill. The KettlePot is a 1.5 liter stainless steel pot with a BPA free pourable lid that seals with a silicone ring. It also comes with a serving dish and doubles as a hard shell container for the stove itself- very handy for preventing bumps and dings in the CampStove. The grill is an attachment that uses a heat shield to distribute the heat around a moderately sized (for the pack-

age) grilling surface. In our initial test we grilled some pork chops and we were able to fit two good sized pork chops on there with no problem. Getting the heat ratio took a little time, but we compared the grill time to other pork chops we had on a regular grill and they cooked in exactly the same amount of time so using the CampStove was very efficient. The main difference was in the amount of fuel that was used. In my regular grill I used a full charcoal chimney of charcoal, which took longer to light, and then a fair amount of that is wasted as it takes more to heat enough space to grill. In contrast the Biolite used, literally, a large handful of sticks. By volume I’d say it was a quarter of what my grill used, and about the same by weight. At the end of the night, my grill was filled with ash, easily a 3-4 cups. The Biolite had about

a quarter cup of ash that was left in the burn chamber, meaning that the fuel was burned up more completely than the charcoal. The Biolite CampStove is a great solution for outdoor enthusiasts who are looking for a quality piece of gear that is self sufficient in that you can forage fuel. For size the stove checks in at 8.25 inches high and 5 inches wide. It weighs in just over 2 pounds, and about 2.5 pounds with the KettlePot, so it may not be the ideal solution for ultra-lightweight backpackers going on a one or two day trip. However, for canoeing trips, kayakers, or situations where you will be on site for more than a couple days, the weight of fuel you’d bring for a liquid gas stove, ends up being about the same as the Biolite. Finally, Biolite’s mission is not only to bring cool gear to people like us, but they have a program

that brings this technology and their products to developing countries where they depend on wood burning stoves for survival. In these situations the people often find themselves standing over smokey, non-ventilated, fire pits to cook their meals. This leads to disease and poor health. By bringing this technology to these remote areas Biolite is bringing a sustainable energy source along with better health and a way to conserve the limited fuel supply that exists. Support for these programs is funded by the retail sales of their products. ✦ Overall OT Gear rating: 5 Stars. PHIL SEIBEL He enjoys being outside with his family, whether its hiking, ﬁshing, boating, or just playing in the yard, enjoying a Minnesota summer is something Phil and his family all enjoy!

EXCERPTS FROM DNR CONSERVATION OFFICERS’ WEEKLY REPORTS (EDITOR’S NOTE: Reports appear as they were written by conservation ofﬁcers.)

Continued from page 25 Nov. 10

CO Jeff Johanson (Osakis) prepared for and worked the firearms deer season. Several complaints were received and investigated and enforcement action was taken in several incidents. On opening morning, a hunter was found, still legally intoxicated from the night before, hunting over bait with his 14-year-old son. An arrest was made for hunting while intoxicated and the baiting violation. CO Bret Grundmeier (Hinckley) worked a busy firearm deer season opener. Violations found included untagged deer, fail to validate deer tag, illegal operation of ATVs and hunting deer over bait. The 2014 deer opener seemed to have an increase in hunting over bait violations compared to prior years.

Several deer stands were found next to piles of corn and deer blocks containing molasses and grain. One hunter wanted to make sure he had everything a deer could possibly want and put his deer stand overlooking a smorgasbord of corn, oats, apples, sugar, illegal deer blocks and then topped it all off with a jug full of molasses. Another hunter that was caught near a pile of shelled corn had just been arrested in Wisconsin, a couple weeks prior, for the same violation. Many excuses were heard throughout the weekend but the winning excuse had to be when a hunter was adamant that the pile of shelled corn near his deer stand was intended for squirrel hunting and not for the deer.

Nov. 17 CO Mike Lee (Crosslake) checked deer hunters this past week with lim-

ited success being reported by hunters. Officer Lee completed two baiting deer investigation this past week with citations being issued and firearms seizure. Officer Lee also completed an investigation into lending and borrowing deer hunting licenses. Charges from the investigation included lending and borrowing licenses, untagged deer and illegal party hunting. The individuals involved also had their deer seized due to the violations. Other enforcement activity this past week included, fail to validate deer tags, untagged deer, and operate ATV during closed hours on public land. Officer Lee also received a call of an injured Trumpeter Swan. The swan was eventually caught after a lengthy chase through the woods, and wrestling match in which Officer Lee finally won. The swan was transported to the Garrison Animal Hospital for evaluation.

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Nov. 24 CO Bob Mlynar (Aitkin) worked ice fishing, trapping and deer hunting activity. A grandfather is facing charges after allowing his 8 year old grandson to shoot a high powered rifle across the vehicle from the passenger seat while on the roadway. Another hunting party spent hours tracking down a wounded deer, waiting for enforcement assistance and seeking adjoining landowner’s permission in an attempt to recover the animal. By chance it crossed the Mississippi on good ice and willing landowners allowed the pursuit to continue. Their ethical/legal decisions were rewarded with a nice young buck on the final day of the season.

Dec. 1 CO Paul Parthun (Lake George) checked muzzleloader hunters, anglers and trappers. Parthun took a complaint of a Bald Eagle killing a domestic duck. The eagle flew into a fenced area hold-

ing the ducks. After having a fabulous thanksgiving feast of duck, the eagle was too “stuffed” to fly away. It remained in the fenced enclosure for almost two days. Making the best of a difficult situation, the homeowner took some fabulous photos and after the eagle did fly away, examined the droppings left behind by the eagle to discover what the eagle had been eating. Inside the droppings, the homeowner found some lead shotgun pellets and … wait for it … duck feathers!

Dec. 15 CO Joyce Kuske (Little Falls) found people burning their garbage in burning barrels and tire rims in their front yard (burning garbage has been illegal since 1968). A dog’s chasing deer complaint was handled with dog owner warned it’s a $100 fine and $500 if the dogs run a deer down. A female was checked coming out of the woods in blaze orange with no hunting license and no gun. She

said she had been waiting for her boyfriend who hadn’t shown up with the gun. Later the boyfriend was questioned because he didn’t have a deer muzzleloader license either. When asked about the gun he was confused and said his girlfriend had it with her. The girlfriend then confessed when the boyfriend was out of ear shot that she hadn’t brought it out with her as she didn’t want to shoot a deer and the gun was still in the house.

Dec. 22 CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) checked angling activity on area lakes. The bite remains slow. Some angler’s spirits were high with anticipation. Officer Guida also recycled some alcohol beverage containers that were found within a fish shelter surrounded by under twenty one year old individuals. The owner of the fish shelter was called and advised of the circumstances and enforcement action was taken.

Outdoors Directory • Spring 2015 Bait & Tackle Tutt’s Bait & Tackle

27358 State Highway 18 Garrison, MN 320-692-4341 www.tuttsbait.com

Boats & Recreational Bemidji Marine

3611 Laurel Drive NW Bemidji, MN 218-444-BOAT(2628) www.bemidjimarine.com

Power Lodge

17821 Minnesota 371 Brainerd, MN 218-822-3500 www.powerlodge.com

Conservation/Education Northland Arboretum 14250 Conservation Dr. Brainerd, MN 218-829-8870 www.northlandarb.org

Bemidji Sports Centre

Healthcare

www.bemidjisportscentre.com

410 East River Road Brainerd, MN 218-270-5905 www.accracare.org

1826 Anne St., NW Bemidji, MN 218-751-4477

Brainerd Sports Outlet 13377 State Hwy 25 Brainerd, MN 218-828-4728

www.brainerdsports.net

Farm Island Repair & Marine 28965 Hwy 169 South Aitkin, MN 218-927-6395

ACCRA Care Home Health

Jewelry Kelsey’s Jewelry

318 Beltrami Avenue NW Bemidji, MN 218-444-4367 www.kelseysjewelry.net

www.farmislandrepairandmarine.com

OUTDOOR TRADITIONS

Nursery Badoura State Forest Nursery 13885 State Hwy. 64 Akeley, MN 218-652-2385 www.dnr.state.mn.us/

Outdoor Equipment Bobcat of Bemidji

3516 Irvine Avenue NW Bemidji, MN 218-751-4660 www.bobcatofbemidji.com

Midwest Machinery

7045 Foley Rd. Baxter, MN 218-829-5356 800-568-4338 www.midwestmachineryco.com

5,899

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