Outdoor Traditions Spring 2008

Issue 1 • Edition 3

Featured in this issue

GRAND OPENING FISHING TIPS FOR THE WALLEYE OPENER BY: DAVE CSANDA

PLUS MORE! • Sky Dance

By: Bill Marchel

• Naturescaping

By: Carolyn Corbett

• Bull ‘Gill Strategies

By: Ted Takasaki

• The New Minnesota Dock Regulations • Your Best Shot

Read Online: www.brainerddispatch.com

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Welcome Welcome to the 3rd Year of Outdoor Traditions It is hard to believe that has been two years since we decided to publish a magazine for outdoor enthusiasts. To our delight, is it thriving as Central Minnesota’s Lake Area continues to be the gathering place of our readers.

The Outdoor Traditions library is growing with 8 issues down and four more to be added this year. We hope you’ll enjoy the spring issue as we look forward to what the rest of 2008 will bring. When we started, we visualized this magazine to be a medium to celebrate the outdoors, written by those who love the outdoors, and it has been proved to be a very enjoyable journey thus far.

Stories in our previous issues have been written by avid outdoorsmen and enthusiasts of all ages. Some of our respected local writers have a state and national flavor like Dave Csanda, Ted Takasaki, and Bill Marchal.

Add a dash of expertise from our Dispatch outdoors writers headed by Brian Peterson, a cup of stories from our freelance writers, then a pinch of DNR information and you have a recipe for success. Oh I forgot the frosting... and that would be you!

All the writers continually share their stories and expertise. They may take us back to they first fishing trip or make us aware things that can make our outdoors experience better. Most importantly, these stories remind us of why we live in Central Minnesota and love it. We will strive to

succeed even more in 2008, and we have a feeling you will not be disappointed. We need your help and contributions to keep Outdoor Traditions a success.

So we are asking for your help in finding Central Minnesota’s most interesting subjects to write about. You can summit stories (Memory Lane) or photographys (Your Best Shot) to share with the readers of Outdoor Traditions. We will add them to the rest of the menu. As always each issue will provide stories on... *Fishing *Hunting *Hiking *Jogging *Horseback Riding *Swimming *Animal and Bird Watching *Camping *RVing *Boating *Motorcycling *Skiing *Snowmobiling *Photography and more. You will continue to find your favorite column like Happy Trails, Outdoor Motivations, Best Friends, Nature Food (wildlife recipes) plus outdoor news on DNR regulations and events.

As we hike down the path of our 3rd year of Outdoor Traditions, we want to send a sincere thank you to everyone who has contributed in the past. Keep your contributions coming! Our tradition is to keep the outdoors alive.

Some say stop and “smell the roses”. We like to add an Outdoor’s twist to that. Take time to “smell the campfire drifting on a peaceful evening”. Enjoy!

a u t h o r ?

B

the

Log

GRAND OPENING Fishing Tips for the Walleye Opener

NEW MN DOCK REGULATIONS

Page 10

Page 6

BULL ‘GILL STRATEGIES

Page 14

SKY DANCE Your

Best Shot

t h e

Page 24

Enter

Send a slide or print to “Your Best Shot” Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 574, Brainerd, MN 56401. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your materials returned.

See page 34 for details.

4

Page 10

PAP’S STILL GOING

l o g

PUBLISHED BY:

506 James Street • P.O. Box 974 Brainerd, MN 56401 (218) 829-4705 www.brainerddispatch.com Cover photo by Tim Bogenschutz, Brainerd Dispatch

Welcome ............................................... 3 Grand Opening .................................... 6

A TRADITION OF QUALITY

New Minnesota Dock Regulations ... 10 Naturescaping ................................... 12 Bull ‘Gill Strategies .............................. 14 The Passing of Conservation Values. 18 Sky Dance ........................................... 20 Northland Arboretum .......................... 23 Pap’s Still Going .......................................24

30 Lund Boats on the Showroom Floor Powered

by Mercury Outboards

Wild and Free ..................................... 26 Calendar of Events ............................ 28 MN Fishing Regulations ...................... 29 Brainerd Area SNAs ............................ 30 Service Directory ................................ 31 Memory Lane ..................................... 32 Recipes ................................................ 33 Your Best Shot ..................................... 34 STAFF: Publisher .................................. Terry McCollough Advertising Director ................... Tim Bogenschutz Copy Editor ............................................Roy Miller Special Projects Coordinator ............Beth Beaupre Magazine Layout ................................ Tyler Nelson Ad Design .......................................... Jeff Dummer, Andy Goble, Nikki Kronbeck, Tyler Nelson, Robin Tilleraas, and Molly Schroeder Sales ..................... Kathy Bittner Lee, Linda Hurst, Kristine Roberts, Glen Santi, Carla Staffon, Jill Wasson and Dave Wentzel 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. ®2006

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GRAND OPENING Fishing Tips for the Walleye Opener

by Dave Csanda

HERE IN MINNESOTA OPENING DAY IS A

a much-anticipated event that unleashes the floodgates of walleye and pike anglers across the state. It begins with increased daytime traffic, and congested parking lots at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and bait shops. As the sun sets, the procession of red taillights streaming north along Minnesota highways lights up the Friday twilight.

And, finally, at the stroke of midnight commencing the second Saturday in May, the vanguard of diehards sallies forth upon the waters.

Typically, the initial wave of night fishermen longline trolls Rapala Minnows, casts Shad Raps, or fishes live minnows or leeches below lighted slip bobbers, chiefly in the shallows near rocky shorelines, creek inlets and narrows. That’s where walleyes spawned, and it makes perfect sense to try fishing for the shallow fish that linger nearby. Being unable to see much under the cover of darkness, the night patrol tends to fish in less than about 8 feet of water, not too far from shore. A good plan, since that’s where many, if not most, of the walleyes are this early in the year. Especially at night.

Around dawn, the next wave — more like a tidal wave of sheer pandemonium — crosses the beach and hits HERITAGE,

6

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the water in an aquatic invasion. Now, with the luxury of actually being able to see what they’re doing in the growing daylight, they tend to bypass the shallows and head for distant fishing spots where elusive monsters await to be caught. The usual destinations are midlake points and humps where the shallows first begin to drop into the deep water of the main lake. The boats line up in wagon train fashion, following each other as they in turn follow the edge of dropoff.

These anglers seek to locate walleyes by first locating dropoffs with electronics, then searching for irregularities along their edges that concentrate fish. Their quarry: spawned-out walleyes that have already dispersed from shallow spawning sites, having moved far enough across the adjacent flats to reach prominent midlake structures. Also a good plan, but not necessarily the best or only one. That’s because few of these ardent anglers realize that the fish they drove over as they crossed the intervening space between the boat launch and the main lake may outnumber those straddling the outer fringes of the shallows.

In essence, walleye anglers tend to fish the extreme shallows, and the dropoff to deep water, and miss out on the largely untapped opportunities in between.

O p e n i n g - Fishing Tips for the Walleye Opener

In the Brainerd area, lakes with emerging weedgrowth tend to hold surprising amounts of fish atop the 4to 10-foot flats in early season, including walleyes.

The warm water atop these flats draws the prespawn perch and minnows that walleyes feed upon. Walleyes needn’t plummet off the deep end, into the cold expanse of the yet-to-warm main lake. Remaining moderately shallow may be their easiest and best bet to grab a meal. And, quite by coincidence, avoid much of the fishing pressure put forth by anglers.

This goes for small, weedy stocked lakes, as much as it does for bigger lakes like Gull, and even to immense Mille Lacs. If it’s cloudy or windy on the opener, both of which diminish sunlight penetration, fish atop the flats should remain fairly active during the day, and you can catch them on shallow tactics closely resembling those used by night fishermen. Should, however, the opener dawn clear and sunny and calm, fish using cover atop the flats tend to tuck tight to bottom and cover, becoming reluctant to bite. In this case, you’re probably best off fishing the deeper edges of points and humps during the day, using traditional livebait rigging and jigging tactics, until the sun begins to set, and the shallower fish grow active and come out to play.

Now, all that being said, some lakes in our area are quite sandy in the shallows and middepth levels, and don’t support good weedgrowth atop the 4- to 10-foot flats. On these lakes, postspawn walleyes tend to move out rather quickly to deep weedlines and the first dropoff into deep water. These lakes favor livebait rigging and jigging tactics along the perimeter of the main basin, pretty much in traditional Minnesota walleye fishing fashion.

Once such lake that falls into this latter category is Pelican Lake in Crow Wing County. Pelican is one of the best multi-species lakes in north-central Minnesota, producing loads of panfish, pike, largemouth bass and walleyes. It’s also one of the best trophy lakes in the region, where every few years a walleye in the low teens slips over the gunwale or pops up through a hole in the ice. Limits of good-sized walleyes are common, too.

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The annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener returns to Pelican Lake this May 10, coinciding with the statewide opening of the walleye and pike fishing season. The last time the Governor’s Opener was held here, colorful wrestler-turned-Gov. Jesse Ventura, never one to be shy with predictions, made good on his boast to outfish his predecessor. This season, current Governor Pawlenty will join a host of anglers and regional press in this longstanding tradition, a celebration of the fishing lifestyle in the Gopher State.

Pelican is, in fact, an excellent and popular choice for the early-season kickoff. The clear natural lake is a structural maze, with loads of points, turns, flats, humps and islands that attract early-season walleyes.

While it has plenty of deeper weeds, they tend to occur in narrow bands of cabbage or coontail rimming the dropoff. The middepth flats are clean and sandy compared to those of many other waters in the area, where the shallows develop significant weedgrowth.

Walleye anglers, in particular, seem to appreciate Pelican’s relatively open water when fishing livebait rigs or jigs along the dropoff. Even the deepest weededges don’t create much of a snag problem; just tickle their fringes, and you’re on the money.

The best early-season strategy is to fish somewhere around the 10- to-18-foot levels during the day, either probing sparse weedlines where you find them, or in general hugging the first dropoff into deeper water. Livebait rigs tipped with shiners or large fathead minnows are mainstays. Or tip a jighead with a fathead minnow to cover the same depths. Odds are, these will be your best bets if the weather is cloudy or windy.

If, however, the outer weededge isn’t the hot zone, switch to a 1/16- to 1/8-ounce jig, tipped with either a minnow or a 3- or 4-inch Gulp! softbait, and pitch it on a short cast up into the adjacent weeds. Let it settle, then lift, slide, drop, pause and slither it back out toward the outer edge. This tactic can be remarkably productive on calm, sunny days when backtrolling

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D a v e

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7

the outer edge tends fails to entice fish out of the greenery. When they don’t bite along the edge, shift your efforts just slightly inside.

The techniques aren’t difficult. If anything, sorting through the many potential fishing areas is the biggest challenge. With so many fishing spots for a lake its size, Pelican can frustrate you until you locate schools of biting walleyes.

If you arrive before the walleye opener, the back bays and channels hold abundant crappies and bluegills, beginning shortly after ice-out in mid-to-late April.

Where you find panfish you also find bass, although bass season doesn’t open until the fourth Saturday in May. So stick to fishing shallow lily pad roots, bulrushes, reeds and other shallow cover with slender bobbers, tiny jigs, and perhaps a minnow or piece of crawler. Leave your bass tackle at home until later.

At about 8,250 acres, this Pelican is neither the largest nor the smallest Pelican Lake in Minnesota.

Apparently, migratory pelicans, like tourists, have visited enough Minnesota waters for local residents to name several lakes after these big-billed birds. In this case, the lake you’re looking for lies in Crow Wing

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County, with the community of Breezy Point quite literally a stone’s throw from the water’s edge, as the crow flies.

Breezy Point Resort and Marina (www.breezypointmn. com), on the west side of the lake, is the undisputed hub of activity. There are additional motels, restaurants and services in the town of Breezy Point, on other smaller lakes in the immediate area, and in nearby communities like Pequot Lakes, Nisswa, Merrifield, Crosslake and Brainerd. Even if you arrive early and stay late, you’ll never run out of lakes to fish, shops to browse or holes of golf to conquer. And if you’re new to the area, or to walleye fishing, numerous local fishing guides can put you on the bite.

Just remember one important thing: In order to catch fish, you have to fish where the fish are. In clean, clear lakes like Pelican, where the sandy flats offer little cover in spring, and the best weedgrowth lies along the dropoff, livebait rigging or vertical jigging is likely to produce your best results on the fishing opener.

But just down the road, in lakes supporting a lot more middepth weedgrowth, the best walleye fishing just might lie atop the middeth flats, a short swim from rocky shorelines where walleyes spawned just a few weeks earlier.

Where and how you fish on the opener is up to you.

How much you catch, however, depends on how well you’re in sync with the walleyes you pursue. And to catch ‘em, you first have to find ‘em. Deep, shallow or somewhere in between.

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9

THE NEW MINNESOTA DOCK REGULATIONS

The DNR’s 2008 dock platform general permit doesn’t affect dock length. Rather, it says a platform cannot exceed more than 120 square feet — or 170 square feet, including the last access dock section, which can be no more than 5 feet wide.

MAN OVERBOARD.

Or, in this case, an entire state agency.

That, according to Tom Hovey of the DNR Waters Division, has been the reaction to the DNR’s 2008 dock platform general permit, which was put in place Jan. 23.

“It depends on who you talk to, but mostly people think we went overboard, didn’t think things through and were too restrictive,” Hovey said of the public’s reaction in the weeks since the permit was released.

As was recommended by the Docks Advisory Committee, the permit says a platform cannot exceed more than 120 square feet — or 170 square feet including the last access dock section, which can be no more than 5 feet wide.

The new specs — derived from a recommendation dated Nov. 28 by the Docks Advisory Committee — could mean trouble for owners of some dock platforms across Minnesota, particularly in the Brainerd lakes area.

“They’ll have to trim it down,” Hovey said of dock owners’ options for nonconforming platforms. “But they (platforms) are mostly made of individual sections anyway.”

Owners of nonconforming platforms also may apply for a special permit to retain their platforms, which run $150 to $1,000, depending on platform size. But owners need to have a good reason for such, and in a previous interview Hovey said, “I don’t know of any good reasons.”

10 N e w

D o c k

R e gu l a t i o n s

Reader comments on the Dispatch Web site following the initial story of the new platform regulations were mostly split. One reader wrote, “Having a 250-squarefoot platform is worse for the environment? Hogwash!

The fish love my dock and congregate underneath it.

They like the structure and shelter it provides. This is just another way for the DNR to generate revenue through permits.” Another reader wrote, “I am tired of fellow lakeshore owners putting the equivalent of a marina out in front of their place, effectively eliminating or claiming water from the public.”

According to Roger Landers of Norlake Dock Service in Nisswa, one of nearly two dozen members of the Docks Advisory Committee, most of the nonconforming platforms in the state were found in the Brainerd lakes area — namely Gull Lake and the Whitefish Chain — and on Lake Minnetonka.

“I think it’s a fair compromise from a dock installers’ standpoint,” Landers said of the new platform specs.

But, Landers wondered, how will the DNR police dock platform size?

“One of the real concerns for COs (conservation officers) is that, when they go on a lake, they’re doing everything — (checking on) fishing, boating, jet skis, the whole ball of wax. They can see if they’re near a dock with a large platform. Now they have to go over there and write a citation? First the CO has to figure out if the owner is at home. But how long do you spend seePhoto provided by the Brainerd Dispatch

ing if the homeowner is around. That’s one of the real problems they have. How do you write a citation when no one is around?”

Said Hovey: “I think they (citations) can be mailed.

That’s one of the issues. How enforceable is it? But you can’t stop trying to enforce it just because someone might not be home.”

Hovey didn’t specify how enforcement would be handled, but said, “We’ll try to be consistent and fair.

There was a loud call for some consistent enforcement.

We know the (conservation) officers are on board. But I suspect they won’t be out looking at them (platforms) with tape measures. All of a sudden there won’t be dock cops out there. I don’t think that’s the case. But if it’s illegal ...”

In a move Landers said wasn’t discussed in much detail by the advisory committee, the DNR also implemented an aquatic impact area. In a letter announcing the dock platform general permit, Kent Lokkesmoe, DNR Waters Division director, said “All structures and shoreline modifications (including docks, platforms, boat lifts, canopies, sand blankets and aquatic plant removal) should be completely contained in an aquatic impact area. This is defined for this general permit as an area up to 50 feet wide along the shoreline or onehalf the width of the lot, whichever is less, and extends waterward to a 4-foot water depth.”

“We were concerned that it was thought that we were not looking at the big picture,” Hovey said. “People would say, ‘Why are you concerned with platforms when my neighbor has three boat lifts, a canopy and all these boats?’ The impact all that will have will be contained in an aquatic impact area.

“It takes into account how much property you own. It also takes into account lake classifications. ... It applies to general development lakes and recreation development lakes. But if you’re on the river or a lake without a classification or a natural environmental lake, it doesn’t apply. They’re the ones less likely to have a large platform anyway.”

The general permit is good for five years, expiring Nov. 30, 2012, “or when new regulations regarding str uctures in public waters take

effect,” Lokkesmoe said in the letter.

“As far as people’s reaction, there hasn’t been a ton of good reaction,” Hovey said. “People haven’t called us up and said, ‘You’ve done a good job.’ But we knew going in there would be opinion from all perspectives. No matter what the decision there would be unhappy people.

There’s no way to please everyone. We tried to do what was reasonable and take into account comments people had.

“Excessive shoreline development hurts lakes. I think we made the right choice. It hasn’t been smooth sailing quite yet. We’re still getting a feel for the type of information people need. There will be diagrams on the Web site. We’re still trying to find out where the confusions are.”

To see the letter and permit in their entirety via a PDF file, go to www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/issues/docks/index.html and click on 2008 Dock Platform General Permit.

As for docks alone, “Those over 8 feet wide need a permit,” Hovey said. “And there are no restrictions (length-wise) as long as they’re not a navigational hazard. We realize that sometimes people need fairly long docks to get to navigational waters. That’s never been a problem.”

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B R I A N S . P E T E R S O N , Outdoors Editor, may be reached at brian.peterson@ brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5864.

Brian

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Peterson

11

NATURESCAPING

NATURESCAPE. WILDSCAPE. LANDSCAPE F O R H A B I T A T . It’s all about landscaping with wildlife

in mind. Songbirds. Butterflies. Fish. Frogs. Bats. Wild turkeys. Rabbits. Dragonflies. A doe with her fawn.

Aldo Leopold, the “father of conservation,” said, “There are some who can live without wild things and some who cannot.” More and more often “those who cannot” are inviting the wild world to settle in their backyards. And why not? Natural surroundings with wildlife residents increase property value, offer aesthetic rewards and serve the survival needs of our fellow creatures. Wildscaping: • Recycles oxygen and helps filter particulates from the air.

• Provides privacy.

• Reduces home heating and cooling costs.

• Fosters a better understanding of nature.

• Creates a sense of stewardship for the land and its inhabitants.

• Cuts down on lawn maintenance.

• Reduces chemical use, including fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.

• Improves soil and air quality.

• Utilizes water and nutrients more efficiently than do lawns.

• Adds diversity to the property.

• Promotes bird watching.

• Allows wildlife photography.

• Provides natural insect control.

• Creates a “habitat” where children can a lifelong love of nature.

THE PLANNING PROCESS

Wild creatures don’t randomly appear in a particular area; they come for the habitat. Sometimes attracting them is as easy as leaving the yard just a little rugged.

Families with more polished space should determine what species they hope to attract, then plan around the needs of those species. Many trees, shrubs, vines, flowers and other vegetation that will provide both food and shelter. A local garden center, county extension office, DNR office or the Internet can help with specific choices. A general rule of thumb is to have 60 percent or more of yard area planted as something other than lawn. Different plants help wildlife during different seasons. Consider the changing seasons when selecting plants and placing them in your yard. Also consider

12

N a t u r e s c a p i n g

these questions while planning: • Is there already native vegetation in place?

• Are the family’s current activities compatible with the planned enhancements?

• Will prospective trees overgrow the space allotted them?

• Will they shade the butterfly garden or pond?

• Will they be planted in a way to provide a wind break or sun exposure to the house?

• Is there space available for growth of other vegetation?

• Are the plans for expansion compatible with the landscape’s overall design and function?

• Are plants hardy for this zone?

• Will these plants attracted the desired birds and wildlife?

• Where are the sunny and shady parts, the low or wet sites of the yard?

• How many shrubs are needed?

• Are there open spaces for viewing and photographing the wildlife?

• Are there spaces for picnic tables, croquet, vegetable gardens, paths?

• How much money is available for this project?

FOOD

Our wildlife friends are much like us. While each species has its own individual requirements, all need food, water and shelter.

Your yard might boast a bat, squirrel or butterfly boxes; shallow pools for tadpoles; the favorite plants of local caterpillars or shrubs filled with berries for birds who winter over. Food sources can be natural (nuts, acorns, berries, nectar, insects, vegetation) or People Provided (seeds, cracked corn, rock salt, chicken feed, sugar water, etc.). Perennial wildflowers need little maintenance, no fertilizer or pesticides and are excellent sources of food. Wildflower seeds are often high in nutrients that help sustain wildlife through the winter. Flowers provide nectar for butterflies, hummingbirds and orioles. Seeds feed squirrels, quail and goldfinches.

Chickadees eat the seeds in pine cones. Fruits and berries draw foxes and lizards, and bluebirds rely mainly on unmowed fields for insects. Caterpillars require foliage and tend to pass up exotic and ornamental choices for leaves that are familiar. Some of the best bee and Photos provided by Carolyn Corbett

butterfly plants are herbs!

MORE ON THE FOOD CHAIN

Our four-legged friends can be the largest danger in wildscaped yards. Cats lurking beneath low growing plants and dogs bounding through brush can take a terrible toll on wildlife, so precautions are in order.

Plants should be spaced so birds have good line of sight.

Cats should be collared, and both cats and dogs should be confined to a portion of the yard away from the wildlife section. Families should consider what additional safety measures might be needed in their yard.

vironments draws a diverse selection of wildlife. Wildflower meadows are great. Dense plantings of grasses and bushes provide cover while evergreen trees and large shrubs provide year around protection from weather and predators. Rabbits and some birds require thick areas of ground vegetation for hiding.

Rock pile retreats, mulch piles, and logs and shelter smaller critters like chipmunks. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, and owls, along with certain songbirds, depend on standing dead trees. Brush piles and shrubs are very popular for nesting, roosting, and food. Variety in fruit bearing plants will ensure a food source throughout the winter. Planting around open spaces, known as the “edge effect”, attracts a surprising variety of wildlife.

Edges attract critters to even the smallest area of land.

WHY GO NATIVE?

WATER

Fresh water is likely the most essential habitat element. Bird baths, butterfly puddles, rain gardens, fountains and ponds can all incorporate fresh, clean water into the environment. Concrete, fiberglass or plastic ponds offer cover and breeding areas for aquatic wildlife as well as drinking water for other species. Vegetation, rocks and driftwood create a natural backdrop and submerged filters ensure clean water.

The sound that misters, drippers and circulating pumps create is especially attractive to wild birds who will come from long distances. Butterflies need moist areas of mud and sand or shallow puddles. It is, of course, critical to provide water throughout the winter months when natural water sources have frozen over.

SHELTER

A naturescaping plan should consider diversity in both plants and structure. Plant diversity means including a variety of plant types: tress, shrubs, vines, flowers, grasses. Structural diversity refers to placing together plants of contrasting textures or ages or heights and using clumps and curves to create visual appeal.

Different critters prefer different environments. All seek safety, shelter from weather and protection from would-be predators. Shelter is what causes occasional visitors to become residents. A diverse selection of en-

• Native plants are adapted to local soil, rainfall and temperature conditions, making them hardy and more likely to survive.

• Native plants require less maintenance and fertilization.

• Native plants have natural defenses to many local insects and diseases; they require minimal use of pesticides.

• Native plants provide the best resources to local wildlife.

• Going native maintains the natural diversity, balance and beauty of local ecosystems.

• Native planting reduces the time, energy and money devoted to yard maintenance.

• Non-native plants are aggressive, often eliminating the native plants that make up wildlife habitat.

• Native plants support 10-50 times as many species of wildlife as exotic plants.

• Naturescaping is both a gift to the wild creatures who share this earth and therapy for the souls of those who “cannot live without wild animals.”

C A R O L Y N C O R B E T T is a free-

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13

BULL ‘GILL STRATEGIES 14

B u l l

This is what you’re looking for! Bluegills are fun for all ages of anglers. Ted and Kristi Takasaki hold a nice bluegill. Follow Ted’s techniques to your own solid catch of this popular fish… but please, release the biggest ones.

‘ G i l l

S t r at e g i e s

Photo provided by Ted Takasaki

FRESH, GOLDEN BROWN BLUEGILL FILLETS ARE

when you lay them on a plate beside baked beans and coleslaw at the summer cookout. Bluegills are a summertime favorite for a lot of good reasons.

• They are abundant and nearly everywhere.

• Their populations can stand good harvests, within reason and in most systems.

• They are generally easy to find and to catch.

• They are lots of fun on ultralight equipment.

• The action they provide is a great way to hook kids on fishing.

That doesn’t mean catching decent-sized ‘gills worthy of the livewell is a cinch. Small ones come easy, but getting the big bulls takes some research and work to find.

Bluegill lakes do have some characteristics in common. For one, the fish usually relate to weeds and the bottom content they prefer consists of a variety of hard and soft bottoms.

Some bluegill lakes are very shallow. In fact, small, shallow, fertile farm ponds provide some of the best action in areas of the Midwest. But in general, the presence of deep water near shallow bays where bluegills spawn and feed is a plus.

A strong predator base is a second critical factor.

Bluegills have a tendency to overpopulate and remain small unless predators like largemouth bass, walleyes or muskies are present to thin their ranks. Most biologists say a lake known to have large numbers of 2-pound largemouth may harbor big panfish. Biologists will also tell you that angling pressure can impact whether big bluegills are present. More on that later.

BOUND TO BRING A SMILE

ing beds during the first full moon of June. However, not all ‘gills spawn at the same time. Some will move into the shallows during the full-moon phases of July and August, or earlier in southern climates.

GEAR & PRESENTATION

Start with a sensitive rod like a 5-? to 6-foot St. Croix ultralight. Light bites are telegraphed more noticeably by using a good, high quality rod. Spool up with 4pound Gamma line. Gamma is so strong that this will be sufficient.

Try targeting shallow fish by casting and swimming light jigs or use a slip-bobber rig. The best jigs are the Lindy Quiver jig or the Little Nipper. The Queen features tiny wings, which create a slow fall keeping the jig in the strike zone longer. Experiment with colors.

If things get tough, try downsizing your jig by using a micro sized ice jig, like a Fat Boy or Genz Bug. Your odds of success will go up by tipping your jigs with a small chunk of nightcrawler, a whole wax worm, or a few maggots.

Cast parallel to shoreline weed edges.

Once fish are found, switch to a slip-bobber rig.

Use a threaded bobber stop to avoid damage to light mono. Add a small Thill Pro Series float. The weighted

STUDY MAP, STUDY WEEDS, TIME THE SPAWN

Hunting big ‘gills begins with a lake map. Look for shallow, weedy bays with deep water nearby. The shallow weed edges may hold fish. But, once on the water, use an Aqua-Vu underwater camera or your sonar to search for the deeper submerged weed beds.

The best vegetation is cabbage (or similar, leafy weeds) 12 to 20 feet down near transition areas between hard sandy bottoms and mud. This is a region where the food chain tends to be varied and abundant. Depending on water clarity, productive beds can even be deeper.

Every weed bed has an inside edge, outside edge and a top edge. Ignore one or more at your peril. Add to your understanding of the layout of weeds by slowly moving around the edge watching your sonar and GPS. Note the turns and points that serve as fish holding areas. A Humminbird side-imaging unit can help pinpoint details.

Use the wind. A slight breeze blowing into the weeds is good because it stirs the food up, triggers fish to feed and doesn’t spook the fish as you motor around.

The general rule is that bluegills move to the spawn-

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version lets you cast into the wind so the bobber floats back to you over the top of the weeds. Avoid line damage by using a small rubber-core sinker or soft split-shot to balance the float so the rig will do its job and detect light bites.

If you happen upon a spawning ground, the larger bluegills tend to be at the heart of the colony where it’s harder for egg predators to reach. But, be careful about taking the biggest bluegills from the system. Some biologists think stunting may occur, not from overpopulation, but when the biggest male bluegills in a lake are removed. As the average size of the mature males decreases, younger males have no biological reason to delay spawning until they reach a size when they can compete for the prime nests nearest the center of the colony. A fish’s growth rate slows when they mature and begin spawning. As a result, some biologists wonder if taking too many big bluegills can lead to undersized fish in years to come.

Research to confirm the theory is underway in some areas of the country. Although the results are inconclusive, it’s still a good practice to take medium-sized males and free the big males and females.

Many anglers ignore deeper beds, where the best bluegills often can be found. Vertical jigging works best along deep weed lines and over the top of deeper weeds.

Vary the action, and let the fish tell you want they want.

Afraid you’re missing bites? Watch your rod tip very closely…a slight wobble and “fish on!”

T E D T A K A S A K I , is one of the country’s top pro walleye fisherman and a former PWT champion. Not only has Ted won many fishing tournaments, he is the CEO of Lindy Little Joe, inc. maker of fine fishing products.

Bluegill

(lepomis macrochirus) The bluegill is one of the most popular fish in Minnesota. For beginning anglers, it is usually the first fish they catch. Bluegills are found in most Minnesota waters, from small ponds to big lakes.

State Record 2 pounds, 13 ounces Alice Lake (Hubbard County) 01/09/1984

Habitat and range Ponds, lakes and slow-moving rivers. The bluegill’s native range is from Minnesota east to Maine and south to Arkansas and Georgia.

Population and Management The Minnesota bluegill population is healthy.

The Bluegill bag limit (the number of fish an angler can take each day) may be lower in an attempt to produce larger bluegills. As of July 2004, anglers can keep 20 bluegills per day.

Fun Fact Some anglers call these fish sunnies or ‘gills. information provided from the Minnesota DNR

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B u l l

‘ G i l l

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17

The Passing of

CONSERVATION

VALUES

the offender, but the violation. Gary would explain the It’s a word Jim Guida learned while riding in a green law and why it was a law.

To keep a 5-year-old’s mind occupied Gary made up Dodge truck that “glowed DNR.” For Jim balance means harmony between human names for the different gears on his manual truck. Jim development and nature or wildlife. His father, Gary said 4-wheel drive was “granny gear.” If the two got reGuida, a retired conservation officer of 20 years, taught ally stuck on a muddy road going toward a secluded lake they often had to use 4 low. him about balance not by words but by actions.

“That was a big deal to be able to do that and get unThese actions helped Jim decide what he wanted to do in life, when his initial dream of becoming a doctor was stuck,” said Jim. A squeak in the truck was a cricket that jumped along dashed when he realized the cost of medical school. Instead he followed his father’s footsteps. For the past four for a ride.

It was during this time period, when Jim received his years Guida has been a Minnesota State Conservation first nickname, “Shotgun.” That was the name given to officer stationed him by all the othin Brainerd. er COs and DNR “Some people employees.

The like going to a name didn’t stick Minnesota Viand the youngest kings football Guida was happy game or watching for that. the Super Bowl,” “Just being in said Jim. “Other the outdoors was people enjoy trapa neat deal for ping or hunting me,” said Jim. and fishing. I en“We would make joy the hunting, stops where my trapping and fishdad would have ing and I want to a friend and we make sure it’s prowould have a cup tected for generaof coffee or a tions to come.” sweet roll and to The appreciaGary Guida (right) is a retired conservation officer for the Minnesota Department of a 5-year-old just a tion for the out- Natural Resources, who introduced his son James, a current CO, to the outdoors doughnut would be doors started when and the job at an early age. awesome.”

Jim was 5.

The topic was mainly the outdoors and the duties of a “Back in 1982 I didn’t make a lot of money and Jim was the only child left at home, the others were CO. It made sense to Jim to be stewards of the outdoors in school then,” said Gary, who retired in October of and to protect the environment and the state’s natural 2000. “Instead of being farmed out to a babysitter as resources.

When he wasn’t patrolling the wilderness, Gary luck would have it the DNR didn’t have a policy about kids not being allowed to ride along. He spent a lot of was planting seeds in his garden and in his children’s minds. time with me.”

It was never his intention to prod his children in a During the rides Jim would be quizzed on types of trees, species of birds and how many lines an angler had certain direction, but to expose a life that provided for in the water. If a violation occurred, the topic wasn’t on his family and brought him a sense of accomplishment.

BALANCE.

18

The

Passing

of

Conservation

Values

In his eyes Gary didn’t have a job. He enjoyed his responsibilities. He made them a lifestyle.

“I really have an affection for the outdoors,” said Gary. “While I’m outside in the woods or in the water, particularly in the boundary waters, I’m really quite at peace with everything. It’s almost a mystical or religious experience. I think the relationship I have with all three of my sons is good because we bonded so well in the outdoors. When we’re in the woods or on the water we can communicate more on an equal plane.”

That time was special because it didn’t happen enough. The hunting and fishing seasons are busy times for a CO. To juggle work and family during those times Gary enlisted community members to mentor his children.

In a sense it was “it takes a community” or “do unto others.” What it turned out to be is, “what goes around comes around.”

All three Guida sons hunted and fished with other outdoorsmen. As the years advanced and the mentors grew older, it was the pupil’s turn launching a boat, hauling harvested deer from the woods or taking their mentors into the woods, when going alone wasn’t an option.

It gave the sons a sense of community, of helping their fellow man, of preserving a tradition and a lifestyle. All four Guida children are now serving their community and country. Daniel, the oldest son, is an Aitkin County deputy. David, the middle son, is on his third tour of Iraq. TyAnne, the only daughter and the oldest of the four, is a teacher at Whittier Elementary.

Gary wasn’t always absent during those times. He was there for Jim’s first whitetail deer harvest. They spent many hours ice fishing.

Those times helped nurture the seed already planted during their long drives together when Jim was younger.

“It was a special occasion to go hunting or fishing with my dad because he was always working during those times,” said Jim. “He wanted us to enjoy those activities, but he was dedicated to his responsibility to carry out the duties of his job as well.”

One of the more special traditions Gary has tried to pass on to his sons and most recently his daughter

are annual trips to the Boundary Waters. He still heads north to the canoe area, but instead of Jim, Gary is accompanied by TyAnne.

Jim started his own tradition. He, too, travels to the Boundary Waters once a year. Instead of his dad, Jim is accompanied by his wife Kellie. The yearly trip started on their honeymoon. The couple has been back every year since. It’s a tradition that pleases Gary.

“That means a great deal to me,” said Gary. “I get the most satisfaction when I see a seed that I planted take root and grow. About six or seven years ago my daughter came up to me and asked why I never took her to the Boundary Waters. I told her I never thought she would be interested in that. We have started an annual fatherdaughter trip. We usually take that in October. It’s usually pretty cool and the fishing isn’t always the greatest but the time spent sharing stories and taking in the beauty of the creation is rewarding.”

Gary is a good gardener. His seeds of tradition, of community and family, of respect for the outdoors and appreciation for the wilderness took hold and grew. He’s reaping what he sowed years ago with three grown sons and a daughter, all of whom love the outdoors. They love what Gary loves and that makes him very happy.

He was also very happy when Jim became a conservation officer.

“We spent a lot of time together until the state said kids couldn’t ride along,” said Gary. “That was a sad day. But those lessons learned when he was 5 years old and on helped him through the application process to become a conservation officer. It’s a difficult position because there are so many applicants and so few job opportunities.”

The best job advice Jim received from his dad was to leave people with their dignity and treat others with the same respect as if they were your minister. Then just be fair within the confines of the law.

Just another seed planted.

J E R E M Y M I L L S O P , sports writer,

may be reached at jeremy.millsop@ brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5856.

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19

SKY DANCE After performing the aerial version of the “Sky Dance,” a male woodcock return to its stage, a small clearing in second-stage growth.

NOW PLAYING: “SKY DANCE,” AT A THEATER NEAR YOU.

The curtain goes up at dusk, just like the old drivein theaters. And although “Sky Dance” is rated R — at times even X — general audiences are admitted.

“Sky Dance” could be playing in your own backyard, yet you may be unaware. The show starts at 20 minutes after sunset, when the light is a romantic just-so. Don’t worry about finding a seat, “Sky Dance” has been playing for eons and the theaters remain nearly audiencefree.

You’re probably asking what is this “Sky Dance?”

Should I be concerned, especially if it’s showing in my yard? If I miss “Sky Dance” will it come out in DVD? “Sky Dance” is the springtime courtship ritual of male woodcock, and it’s happening soon. As soon as woodcock migrate into the area, they begin their show, usually about the time all the snow has disappeared.

There is plenty of time to view this most unusual proclamation of love because woodcock males actively court through mid-May. The woodcock is normally a reclusive bird with its cryptic coloration blending perfectly with its wooded environment but during spring the males attempt to become obvious to female.

Woodcock prefer a clear, calm, warm evening for lovemaking and those are also the best conditions for viewing. According to some, at exactly 22 minutes after

20

Sky

Dance

sunset, or when light levels reach .05 foot-candles, the male woodcock flies to his stage. Although I have found the timing to be less precise, activity does occur nearly on that schedule. The stage can be any opening or field edge in typical woodcock cover. A barren log landing in an 8- to 15year-old aspen cut is ideal.

Suddenly the male bird will appear out of obscurity and land at his predetermined stage. Upon arriving, the woodcock begins to call, emitting a nasal “peent” every three for four seconds, a sound somewhat like that of a nighthawk’s call. From close range, a burp or gurgle can be heard preceding each “peent.” After a few “peents” in one direction, the bird shifts 90 degrees, and after a minute or so, has declared in all directions his affections to females, and warnings to other males.

Then without signal, he takes flight. Leaving his singing ground, the woodcock can be seen silhouetted against the western sky as it flies low, parallel to the ground for a distance before rising in wide arcs, the circles becoming steeper and smaller until he is hundreds of feet high — the Sky Dance. During this flight, the bird emits a musical twitter as air rushes through oddshaped primary wing feathers. Upon reaching its peak, the sky dancer hovers momentarily before pitching toward earth on folded wings. Slipping sideways the bird alternately dives and checks its fall, uttering a melodic tune as it plummets earthward, returning sometimes to the exact spot where the performance began.

Photos provided by Bill Marchel

E At roughly 20 minutes after sunset, a courting male woodcock calls out, or “peents,” from his singing ground. A spectacular “Sky Dance” follows.

Everything about the woodcock is secretive, even the nest and eggs. Typically, woodcock lay just four eggs. They hatch in about 20 days.

A male woodcock’s successful courting efforts, followed by a female’s nesting care, resulted in these remarkably camouflaged woodcock chicks.

Look closely and you’ll find four chicks and the hen.

A female woodcock is extremely wellcamouflaged as she incubates her eggs.

B i l l

M a r c h e l

21

There the peenting resumes once again and the spectacle repeats itself time and again for about forty-five minutes. At that point the act can be followed only by ear, the overhead sky being too dark to see even a silhouette.

Just prior to dawn, again when the light is just right, the entire scene is repeated, ending well before sunrise.

Woodcock have been known to perform all night on a full moon and even under city lights.

Sometimes the male woodcock is lucky enough to attract a female to his singing grounds. There he will strut by holding his wings high and walking about in a characteristic bobbing fashion. Male woodcock are polygamous and will mate with any willing female.

The males take no part in nesting or young-raising duties. Typically, female woodcock lay four well-camouflaged eggs in a rough ground nest. After 20 days of incubation the eggs hatch into equally well-camouflaged young. Woodcock are precocious, meaning the chicks mature quickly. By three weeks of age, young woodcock are nearly the size of their mother.

Odd as the Sky Dance may be, it is possibly one of the more normal aspects of woodcock. In fact, for woodcock, abnormal is normal. Woodcock are considered a shore bird yet they inhabit wooded lowlands,

with a fondness for dense cover. The palm-sized birds have eyes that are set far back and on top of their skulls allowing vision in all directions. A woodcock’s brain is upside down in its head and its ears are located forward of and below their huge liquid-black eyes.

A woodcock’s diet consists largely of earthworms, which they find by probing the soft, damp earth with their two to three inch long bill that contains sensitive nerve endings. Even with its bill imbedded entirely in the soil, a woodcock can open and close the last halfinch enough to grasp a worm.

Somehow it seems fitting a bird as reclusive as a woodcock would use the cover of darkness for its spectacular courting display. Among birders, few courtship rituals rate as highly.

I’ll bet “Sky Dance” would get two thumbs up from the movie critics.

B I L L M A R C H E L is a wildlife

and outdoors photographer and writer who lives near Fort Ripley.

His work has appeared in many regional and national publications and he writes a monthly column for the Brainerd Dispatch. He can be reached at bill@billmarchel.com

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Sky

Dance

NORTHLAND ARBORETUM SPRING IS COMING…

As the snow starts to disappear and we are all gladly putting away our skis, snow shoes and down coats for the season, the Northland Arboretum starts to come alive. Spring is on its way as the trees bud, and we hear sounds of Spring. The wildlife awakes, many species of birds return to their home in the Arb, and the deer are plentiful and more noticeable as they search for food.

What a great time to take a hike through our 12 miles of trails and enjoy this beginning as you relax to the many sounds and sights of nature. Maps of the trails area available at the Visitor Center, along with the schedule of events that will peak your interests. The Northland Arboretum is an outdoor conservatory designed to promote our regions ecology through workshops and seminars, and provide a place for outdoor recreation and education.

A non-profit organization supported by members, the ARB has over 540 acres of plants, trees, wildlife, and ski trails, environmental education, nature events, and garden areas.

Visit our website at arb.brainerd.com. This precious green space is yours to enjoy - C O M E T A K E A W A L K !

JOIN THE ARB -

give us a call and become a member, and/or volunteer.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS

Mark Your Calendars!

~ Weekend Gardeners: Horticulture for Busy People - March 12th ~ The Annual Family Education Event: “The Life of the Bald Eagle” Back by popular demand, and presented by the Minnesota Raptor Center - March 15th ~ Cooking with Wine, and Wine Selections - April 9th ~ Landscape Design and Water Features - April 12th ~ The World of the Hummingbird - April 24th For information on upcoming events and programs, go to our website at arb@brainerd.com or call (218) 829-8770.

Photos provided by Northland Arboretum

Arboretum

23

PAP’S

STILL GOING Pap’s Sport Shop, located in Little Falls, was founded in 1929 and was listed as the oldest true sporting goods store in Minnesota by the National Sporting Goods Association.

A FATHER IS BUYING A RIGHT-HANDED BASEBALL GLOVE

for his son at a local sporting goods

store.

As he approaches the counter, the woman behind it has one question for him.

“Isn’t your son left-handed?”

The question was asked by Paulette Pappenfuss, thirdgeneration owner of Pap’s Sport Shop in Little Falls, and it demonstrates the kind of unique knowledge of customers and service one is not likely to find at a large chain store.

Pap’s was founded in 1929 by Paulette’s grandparents, Bert Lapos is a longtime employee at Pap’s Sport Tony and Sue Pappenfuss, Shop in Little Falls. after Tony and his brother

24 P a p ’ s

S t i l l

G o i n g

Pat’s auto supply business was destroyed by fire.

The National Sporting Goods Association lists Pap’s as the oldest true sporting goods store in Minnesota and the fifth-oldest in the nation.

Paulette, daughter of Gene and Margaret Pappenfuss, took ownership of the store from her father in 1985.

Paulette said she has seen a lot of changes in the 33 total years she has worked at the shop.

“There used to not be any chain stores. We didn’t have the competition in St. Cloud and Brainerd like we do now with the large sporting good dealers,” she said.

“There are a lot of customers who still stay loyal. But what concerns me is we are probably seeing less of that with each generation. A lot of younger people choose to go to the large stores and don’t realize the effect it will have on a small town when they end up losing all the local businesses.”

Paulette said she and longtime employee Bert Lapos offer services that can not be found at larger retailers.

“I would like to think that your small independents Photos provided by the Brainerd Dipatch

won’t totally go by the wayside because it will force us to become a throw-away population,” she said. “Your small stores still do the service and repair things so you don’t have to throw things away. We do a lot of special ordering when somebody has a particular thing they can’t find and that’s what you can’t get in a lot of bigger stores.”

Paulette Pappenfuss, thirdPaulette said she generation owner of Pap’s Sport Shop in Little Falls, has worked hopes people will wake at the shop for 33 years. up and realize the importance of local small independent stores before it is too late.

“Hopefully we’ll see the turnaround where people see the value of small independents before their all gone,” she said. “But I’m not sure that will happen.”

T Y R U S H M Y E R , may be reached at ty.rushmeyer@brainerddispatch.com or at 855-5865.

Pap’s Sport Shop Founded: October 1929 Owner: Paulette Pappenfuss Specialties: Hunting, fishing, athletic gear, licenses Location: 64 E Broadway, Little Falls, MN 56345

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T y

R u s h m e y e r 25

by Katie Baratto

WILD & FREE 26 W i l d

S P R I N G T I M E . For most people the warming weather and melting snow bring to mind flowers, budding trees and the coming of summer sunshine. For all of the staff and volunteers at Wild and Free spring brings one thing to mind…BABIES. Wild and Free provides care for orphaned and injured wildlife year round, but without a doubt takes in the largest number of animals during the months of April to July. Ninety percent of these animals are juveniles who have lost their mother due to many different circumstances (hit by car or boat, dog or cat attacks, “stolen”, etc.). The largest numbers of babies include animals such as cottontail rabbits, squirrels, white-tail deer fawns, raccoons, ducklings and robins. We also have the opportunity to work with black bears, foxes, loons, beavers, pileated woodpeckers, porcupines and raptors.

The juveniles are delivered to the Garrison Animal Hospital by concerned members of the public or are collected by the DNR or Wild and Free if they are dangerous or protected species (eagles, black bears, etc.). Due to the large number of babies entering the facility each day (often 30-40), the intake procedure has taken on a triagelike pattern.

Dr. Deb Eskedahl or a qualified staff member gives each animal a complete physical exam. Many orphans come in cold and hungry. If they are healthy the animals are moved to the Wild and Free rehabilitation facility for feeding and care by staff and volunteers. If an injury or illness is discovered during the exam proper blood work and stabiliza-

a n d

F r e e

tion is performed at that time. Surgeries are typically performed once the animal is stable and warm (sometimes several days later).

Caring for the babies is a very time-consuming process. Juvenile birds need to be fed about every 20 minutes from early morning until dark. The small mammals, such as the rabbits, raccoons and squirrels, eat about every 3-4 hours all day and night long. Dedicated volunteers take the babies home and feed them throughout the night.

Animals are handled as little as possible so that they do not become acclimated to humans.

Hand puppets are often used to feed the smaller animals. A special bucket with 10 nipples is filled with milk and hung from a full size mounted White-tail deer (donated by the DNR) so that the fawns can eat without human contact.

As the animals grow and start to feed themselves proper caging and foraging opportunities are a must. For example, do not put a beaver in a cage with wooden slats…you’ll soon be minus a cage and one baby beaver. Water animals (otters, ducks, beavers, turtles, etc.) are provided with pools for swimming and food catching practice. If these animals do not know how to take care of themselves they cannot survive in the wild once released.

Once the animals are old enough to survive on their own they are released back into the wild. If the original location where they were found is safe, we try to release them back there.

The presence of loose dogs or cats or encroaching human habitats requires release in another area. Unfortunately, animals are sometimes brought to Wild and Free after they have been in captivity for several weeks or even months.

This is often due to a well-meaning person caring for the baby animal at home. These animals are often malnourished due to inappropriate diets and have become acclimated to humans.

If released these animals become the rac-

Photos provided by Wild and Free

coons and bears who tip over your garbage can, destroy your bird feeder or come to close to humans possibly resulting in bite wounds. There are very few places in zoos and sanctuaries for these animals so euthanasia is often the end result. This could easily be prevented by turning over any wild animal to the properly licensed program.

There are also many public health risks to the person caring for the baby. Animals carry many diseases that can infect humans (rabies, intestinal worms, bacterial infections, etc.).

Wild and Free is a non-profit organization that is completely funded by donations and fundraisers. We are always happy to add new volunteers to our team. If feeding babies and cleaning cages is not your cup of tea, we can always use help with arranging events, transporting animals and building maintenance. Wild and Free also offers educational programs to local schools (any age), colleges and clubs. We are always happy to train in another speaker.

Please check out our website at www.wildandfree.org for more pictures of released animals and volunteer information.

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K a t i e

B a r a t t o 27

Outdoors O JUNE APRIL

today in th 2

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Annual State Park Open House Lakers Classic Car Show & Swap Meet

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Sour Grapes Marathon

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MMBA Home Show April 4-6

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Turtle Races Wednesday Night Street Drag - BIR

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Muskie Opener Annual Tour of Lakes Bicycle Ride

Nisswa Stamman Scandinavian Festival June 13-14 Moondance Jammin Country Fest June 19-21

25

7

13

Wednesday Night Street Drag - BIR

Turtle Races

22

6

Turtle Races

16

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Pelican Lake Conservation Club Fishing Contest

Miss Brainerd Lakes Pageant

Pine River Summerfest June 27-29

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Arbor Day Celebration Gregory Park

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30 Close of Spring Light Goose Season

MAY 1

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1 Spring Light

Deadline for Bear License Application

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Habitat for Humanity Golf Scramble

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Governor’s Fishing OpenerBreezy Point March 10-11

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Polar Bear Plunge WPSA National Snocross Race March 8-9

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St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Annual Plant Sale - Northland Arboretum

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23 Madden’s Parent/Child Tournament

Wednesday Night Street Drag - BIR

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Walleye, Sauger and Northern Pike Opener

Wednesday Night Street Drag - BIR

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Goose Opener Crow Hunting Season (1-31)

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WSA Hillcross at Ski Gull March 21-22

Close of Winter Lake Trout Season

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Commerce & Industry Show March 28-29

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For more information or more events, log on to:

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Service Directory Form can be faxed to (218) 829-7735 or contact your sales rep (218) 829-4705.

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New Fishing Regulations for 2008 • Fishing licenses (excluding stamps) are valid for 14 months.

• New non-resident fees • New military licenses • Additional transportation and packing requirements • Fees for fishing contest permits now apply • Closure of muskie fishing on December 1 • Shoepac Lake (St. Louis Co.) 40 inch minimum size for a muskie • Opening up of all lakes to winter trout fishing in Aitkin and Blue Lake in Hubbard Co. • New northern pike regulations for Canadian border and Basswood Lake • Night bowfishing allowed on selected water bodies from June 1 to last day of August • Changes in opening dates for South Dakota Border Waters • Additions to infested waters list • Need a permit to take madtoms and stonecats in Dodge, Freeborn, or Mower Counties to protect slender madtom

regulations. Key waterbodies being changed: Pelican Lake (St. Louis), Red Lake (Beltrami), St. Louis River.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS DROPPED FROM THE FOLLOWING LAKES

NEW EXPERIMENTAL/SPECIAL REGULATIONS

Added or modified 14 lakes and 2 rivers with quality walleye, bass, northern pike, sunfish, and/or crappie

THIS

YEAR

Andrews, Burgen (Douglas County); Battle, East (Ottertail County); Dudley, Kelly (Rice County); Reeds (Waseca County) SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR YELLOW PERCH HAVE BEEN DROPPED THIS YEAR FROM:

Mink-Somers (Wright County) ADDITIONS TO SYNOPSIS

• Udated record fish list • Clarification of “immediately release or returned to the water” • Clarify illegal to use throw nets • Bullfrog information REGULATION CHANGES THAT MIGHT BE IMPLEMENTED

• Allow larger bullheads to be used as bait in certain areas of the state • Legalize some multiple hook configurations • Changes and clarifications to fishing contest rules • Need to keep fish carcass if preparing meals on waterbodies with size limits.

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N e w

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F i s h i n g

R e g u l a t i o n s 29

S O M E O F M I N N E S O T A ’ S most truly hidden treasures, the State Natural Areas (SNAs) near the Brainerd lakes area are pockets of preserved land that have a lot to offer. The SNA program in Minnesota was set up to preserve thousands of acres of natural land in the state and to keep it for observation. SNAs are open to the public for nature education and viewing, but are not meant for heavy duty recreation. Many have trails and viewpoints with informational kiosks, but primitive accommodations are the norm.

There are four SNAs in the Brainerd lakes area that combine to make more than 2,000 acres of preserved

maples await their day in the sun. Bald eagles nest in white pines along the Lake Alexander shoreline, and red-shouldered hawks, throughout the knob and kettle topography. One tiny marvel in this grand scale is bog bluegrass, a threatened Minnesota native species. This small, inconspicuous grass occurs in mossy, peaty locations at the margins of shallow pools near springheads. Skunk cabbage, delicate sedge, and marsh marigold also mark its location.

BRAINERD AREA SNA SNAs

land. Visitors can hike through parts of these SNAs, or just spend time observing them and taking in the wildlife and plant life that lies within.

RIPLEY ESKER

Located 7 miles north of Little Falls on 371, this 216acre site contains an excellent example of an esker — a glacial deposit that forms a meandering, steep-sided ridge of stream sand and gravel. The esker protected at this site is approximately 0.75 mile long and is part of a 6.75 mile long esker system. Eskers are mined for their valuable gravel and sand, and are becoming increasingly rare. Plant communities range from oak savanna remnant on the south side, to a diverse deciduous woodland on the north. This remarkable esker was gifted to the state of Minnesota by The Nature Conservancy. A geological marker is found on the site next to the entrance.

To best view this glacial formation, visit in early spring or late fall when the trees have no leaves and the prairie grasses have cured.

LAKE ALEXANDER

Located 2.5 miles north of Cushing, the unfragmented forests and diverse habitat of the 1,885-acre Lake Alexander SNA occupy an outstanding knob and kettle topography, the legacy of the Rainy glacial lobe. Steep hills rise 100 feet above adjacent wetlands and 600 feet above the bedrock below. Kettles where till-covered glacial ice blocks slowly melted and collapsed are now filled with ponds, sedge meadows, marshes, swamps, and fens. The oak and aspen-birch forest canopies include red oak, paper birch, basswood, big-tooth aspen, and trembling aspen, punctuated by widely scattered white and red pines. In the understory, sugar and red

30 B r a i n e r d

A r e a

S N A s

By Jacob Kulju

EGRET ISLAND

Located 2 miles south of Ashby, Egret Island has the largest concentration of nesting colonial waterbirds in Minnesota. This low, 35-acre wooded island on Pelican Lake has two pairs of peninsulas on opposite sides, creating protected bays and marshes that provide excellent habitat. It is one of the few large nesting areas for black-crowned night herons and great egrets. Other waterbirds that have been recorded on the island include great egrets, cattle egrets, snowy egrets, great blue herons, tricolored herons, little blue herons, and least bitterns. In 1977, an estimated 10,000 nests were documented. Pelican Lake is rich in other waterfowl as well; approximately 25 pairs of western grebes nest on the lake. The Nature Conservancy maintained the site as a preserve until gifting it to the SNA Program.

PARTCH WOODS

Located 4.5 miles north of St. Joseph near the western border of hardwood forest, Partch Woods contains a fine example, for this latitude, of climax maple-basswood forest. It is named after Max Partch, a former professor at St. Cloud State University and former student of Aldo Leopold. Partch purchased the 124 acres of property, used it for his study plots, and deeded it to The Nature Conservancy, which transferred it to the SNA program.

Dr. Partch conducted extensive research over 27 years at this site. The numerous pipes and posts in the woods mark his original plots; please honor their placement.

The site harbors a great variety of spring ephemerals and a spring-fed stream that flows into a wet meadow.

The best time to visit is from late spring to early summer when trillium, bellwort, hepatica and bloodroot are blooming.

J A C O B K U L J U is a Minnesota-based freelance writer who also writes regularly for the Voyageur Press of McGregor. Contact him at jmkulju@gmail.com.

Photos provided by Jacob Kulju

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31

CHUCKLES

By Dave Csanda

The Brainerd area is a hotbed of fishing-related in the garage of his Baxter home, Chuck and his wife activities, some of which are highly visible, and others Linda steered the ship at Nelson Graphics as it evolved that seem to fly beneath the radar. Resorts, guides, bait and eventually expanded into more glamorous design & tackle shops, and even fishing tackle manufacturers studios in Baxter. Along the way, they hired, trained, are obvious, everyday examples of our Northwoods fish- and helped hone the skills of a host of talented graphic ing culture. We tend to take them for granted, perhaps designers and photographers. Many have moved on to because we drive past them every day on our way to and start their own related businesses as well. from work.

I was proud to call Chuck Nelson friend and Brainerd is also sort of a Hollywood of the North colleague throughout those years, as were many regionwhen it comes to producing television shows, maga- al movers and shakers in the fishing industry, most of zines, books, DVDs and vidwhich worked with Chuck eos, and associated forms in some way or another at of fishing entertainment some point during their and education. Lindner’s careers. Chuck was the Angling Edge, In-Fisherman initial art director at Inand Babe Winkelman ProFisherman magazine, and ductions originate from our year after year, he was rearea, and support a subculsponsible for transforming ture of small video producbreakthrough ideas and tion companies that not concepts from the writonly assist in the filming ten word onto the page. and editing of these shows, As his business expanded, but other outdoor-related he took on prestigious programming ranging from clients like Berkley, CrestChuck scuba diving with his son Trevor. fishing tournament shows to Top: liner, Fenwick, Abu-Garcia Bottom: Son-in-Law Tony, Daughter Nicolle, Wife Linda and Chuck. outdoor lifestyle programs. and many others, again The famous faces that we blending his experience, see up on the screen, we tend the talent of his crew, his to recognize. The ones workknowledge of the fishing ing behind the scenes tend industry, and the vision to blend into woodwork, of his clients into powerbut have nevertheless been ful images that shaped the critical to their success. buying habits of a generaBrainerd residents are oftion. All from right here, ten surprised to learn that just down the road. our area has long played an Chuck and I worked important role in the adveron many a magazine artising game, as an important ticle together. We once source of ad campaigns infished together in Vencluding TV commercials, magazine ads and related pro- ezuela—strictly in the name of work-related research. motional materials for the fishing industry. Some of the Later, we became neighbors on a local lake. Our paths most memorable visuals and slogans of all time origi- crossed and re-crossed again and again. And through it nated just down the road, and unfortunately, one of the all, I remember not only his professionalism and talmost memorable pioneers responsible for producing ent, but his infectious laugh and broad smile. It was them recently shut down his computer for the last time. Ron Lindner, I believe, who nicknamed him “Chuckles,” But for many of us, his works, enthusiasm, creativity a naming habit Ron has inflicted on many an associand inspiration live on in our hearts and memories. ate over the years. The nickname stuck, and for good Charles “Chuck” Nelson, most recently of Nel- reason. Despite the pressures and deadlines, Chuck was son Advertising Outfitters, and co-founder of its ear- always able to come up with a laugh, and put a smile on lier incarnation, Nelson Graphic Design, was a giant the faces of his compadres. He lightened the load for a not only in our community, but the fishing industry as lot of us, and inspired us to become better at what we well. For more than 30 years, he shaped the messages do, and for that, we will truly miss him. most of us took for granted. From humble beginnings

32 M e m o r y

L a n e

Nature’sFOOD Chorizo Chicken Roll

2 skinless, boneless chick breast halves from Von Hansonʼs - pounded thin 1 Von Hanson chorizo sausage, removed from casing 1/2 teaspoon dill 1/4 cup bread crumbs 1/2 ounce pine nuts, chopped 1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil 1/4 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste olive oil for brushing

VENISON & WILD RICE STUFFED ACORN SQUASH

1/3 cup wild rice 1 acorn squash, halved and seeded 1/2 pound ground venison 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste

2 2/3 cups water 1/3 cup cranberries 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 cup butter

(1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a glass baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray. (2) Lay the chicken breasts on a work surface and spread evenly with the chorizo. Sprinkle with dill, breadcrumbs, and pine nuts. Roll tightly, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Place seam side down into prepared baking dish.

(3) Bake in preheated oven until chicken has cooked through, about 20 minutes. Remove chicken rolls from oven, and slice into 1 inch thick slices.

Pour 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil in a frying pan and place over mediumhigh heat. Fry chicken pieces for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until lightly browned.

(1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. (2) Bring rice and water to a boil in a saucepan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the rice is tender, about 40 minutes. (3) Meanwhile, place squash, cut-side down onto a deep baking dish filled with 1/2-inch of water. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes, then drain water and set aside. (4) Bring some water to a boil in a saucepan, then remove from the heat. Add the cranberries and let stand for 5 minutes, then drain and reserve. Cook the ground venison in a skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly cooked and crumbly. (5) Stir together the wild rice, cranberries, venison, and brown sugar. Season with cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper. (6) Turn the oven to broil. Rub the inside of the squash halves with the butter, then place cut-side up on the baking dish. Stuff with the rice mixture, then broil in the oven for 5 minutes.

RECIPES PROVIDED BY VON HANSON’S MEATS

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Grill Packs • Jerky Wild Game Processing Snack Sticks 15811 Audubon Way • Baxter • 218-822-2888 • www.vonhansons.com R e c i p e s 33

Your

Best Shot

Allison Callahan, Falcon Heights, MN

Allison has her photos and art displayed in a number of businesses and shops throughout Minnesota.

Send a slide or print to “Your Best Shot” Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 574, Brainerd, MN 56401. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want your materials returned.

Do you enjoy taking photos?

Do you have a favorite image of an eagle, flower, sunset, or how about your favorite hunting partner?

Here’s your chance to share it with readers of “OUTDOOR Traditions.” Send it along with a two-sentence explanation as to where, why, and how it was shot. Both could be published online and in the 50,000 copies of our new quarterly magazine, “OUTDOORS Traditions.” Each issue will have an “editor’s pick” contributed photo, including a credit line of the photographer’s name and portrait if available.

If your photo is not chosen, all appropriate images will be included on the “We Spotted” section of our website. They will be displayed there for three months, running concurrently with the season and/or until the next “OUTDOOR Traditions” publishes.

Deadline for the summer edition is May 13, 2008. The Dispatch will collect images quarterly (spring, summer, fall, winter). After each issue of “OUTDOOR Traditions” publishes, we will then place the images on our website.

34

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W

Stop in for an oil change & receive a FREE Mills Service key tag. Purchase four oil changes & receive one FREE!

Wild Card Special

How many times have you seen an advertised discount for something you don t need. Or you need something but can t Ûnd it at a discount? This coupon is for you! You decide what service you want done and we will give you the discount!

FREE

Mount & Balance with Purchase of 4 Tires

10.00 off

$

Parts and Labor

on any single service over $50.00.

Not valid with any other offers or coupons.

Offer valid thru 3/29/2008.

We feature all major brands: Goodyear, General, Michelin, Continental, UNIROYAL, BF Goodrich, Republic, Dunlop and Pirelli.

Expires 3/29/08. Offer valid with coupon.

Why Service Your Vehicle at Mills?

• State-of-the-art facility • Towing available • No appointment necessary • Free Multipoint Inspection

Highway 371 N

Brainerd/Baxter

www.millsauto.com

218-829-2893 • 800-247-5587

Highway 371 N

866-598-TIRE (8473)

Sales: M–F: 8am–8pm • Sat. 8am–5pm

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• Free shuttle service • Factory trained technicians • Open Saturdays • Quality OEM parts and oil

218-825-3566

Brainerd/Baxter

www.millsauto.com

218-829-3504 • 888-829-3504

Service: M–F: 7am–6pm • Sat. 8am–5pm

2/21/08 2:26:19 PM

COMING SOON! OUR NEW STORE OPENING IN MAY ON HWY 371 N. (just south of B.I.R.)

SALES • SERVICE • STORAGE Hwy. 65 & 23 E • Mora, MN

(320) 679-4014 Hwy. 371 N • Brainerd, MN

(218) 822-3500 33972 Hwy. 169 • Onamia, MN

(320) 532-3860 www.powerlodge.com Not all brands sold at each location.

ATVs can be hazardous to operate. Adult models 16 & older. Always wear a helmet and be sure to take a safety training course.

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2/21/08 2:26:28 PM