Hunting & Fishing 2015 by Leader Publications

A Supplement of Leader Publications

Hunting & Fishing 2015

Season forecast: DNR predicts increased success in 2015

Get licensed:

Rates, locations listed for hunters and anglers

For All Your Archery Needs! • Crossbow Repair Center • Classes • Training • Full-Service Repair Shop

MICHIANA ARCHERY State Line Plaza 50510 State Road 933 N., South Bend, IN

(574) 272-5300

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Hunting & Fishing Guide • October 2015

Anglers key terms for novice

ishing is a fun activity that many people consider a passion of theirs. Novice fishermen may have fun on their first fishing outing but come away confused by some of the terminology used. The following glossary of common fishing terms can help men and women as they further explore their newfound love of fishing. • Angling: Fishing using a hook and line. Anglers are people who fish, and types of angling include bait and fly fishing, casting and trolling. • Bait: The food or food substitute used to lure in fish. Insects, minnows and worms are some of the widely used types of bait. • Cast: To throw the hooked or baited end of a fishing line out into the water. • Catch and release: When anglers “catch and release” their fish, they unhook the fish they catch and return them back to the water before the fish dies. • Drifting: A type of fishing where the angler allows his or her boat to drift. • Fly-fishing: A technique in which a lightweight rod known as a “fly rod” is used to cast live or imitation flies tied to a hook. • Gaff: A type of hook used to land a fish. • Jig: A lure that consists of a single hook with a lead weight molded around it. Jigs are often adorned with fur, feathers or a plastic body. • Lure: Artificial bait designed to resemble live bait. • Plug: A type of lure made of wood, plastic or rubber that is designed to resemble live bait, such as minnows or insects. • Rod: The pole of a fishing pole. Different types of rods are used for different types of fishing. • Sinker: A weight used to prevent lures from floating up in the water. Sinkers come in various shapes, types and weights. • Spinner: A lure made with a rotating blade on a wire shaft.

GEAR UP FOR YOUR BEST

HUNTING SEASON

56216 M-51 S., Dowagiac, MI (269) 782-3426 Open daily 8:30 to 8 P.M., Sunday til 5 P.M.

Licensing

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Hunting & Fishing Guide • October 2015

HUNTING & FISHING

STAFF REPORT

HUNTING LICENSE FEES

efore you hunt or fish, you need to get a license. There are a few things you need to know before you do. Revenue generated from license purchases will create better recreational opportunities throughout the state. A base license is now required for every resident or non-resident who hunts in Michigan, unless otherwise noted. The base license allows hunters to hunt small game and also purchase additional hunting licenses. In order to fish, anyone over the age of 17 must obtain a license. Licenses can be purchased online at michigan.gov/dnr or at license agent locations in Niles and Buchanan listed in the pull-out box. Through the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, youth hunters 9 years of age and younger are able to hunt with a mentor who is at least 21 years of age, has hunting experience and possesses a valid Michigan license to hunt other than an apprentice license.

BASE Base Junior — $6 Base Resident — $11 Base Nonresident — $151 Base Senior (65-plus, Michigan residents only) — $5 ANTLERLESS DEER Antlerless Deer — $20 Antlerless Deer Junior — $20 Antlerless Deer Junior Nonresident — $171 Antlerless Deer Managed Area Hunts — $20 *Applications — $5 BEAR Bear — $25 Bear Participation — $15 HUNTING & FISHING COMBO Hunt/Fish Combo Nonresident (includes base, deer combo and fishing) — $266 Hunt/Fish Combo Resident (includes base, deer combo and fishing) — $76 Hunt/Fish Combo Senior (includes base, deer combo and fishing) — $43

FISHING LICENSE FEES DNR Sportcard — $1 *Resident Annual — $26 *Non-resident Annual — $68 *Senior annual — $11 24-hour — $10 72-hour — $30 *$1 surcharge added

COMBINATION LICENSE FEES

WHERE TO BUY LICENSES Berrien County Niles Wal-Mart 2107 S. 11th St. (269) 683-2773

(Base annual fishing, 2 deer) *Hunt/Fish Resident — $76 *Hunt/Fish Non-resident — $266

Buchanan Aalfs Amoco 301 River St. (269) 695-2266

*$1 surcharge added

Berrien Springs Mr. Small Engine 9549 US-31 (269) 471-5868 Berrien Springs Village Hardware 106 W Ferry St. (269) 473-5811 Eau Claire Eau Claire Fruit Exchange 6486 W. Main St. (269) 461-6977 Cass County Cassopolis KB Village Express 1101 E. State St. (269) 445-9354 W.B. Hayden & Sons

125 S. Broadway (269) 445-2801 Dowagiac Guntle’s Outdoor Outfitters 101 Singer St. (269) 782-7353 Hales’ True Value Hardware 56216 M-51 (269) 782-3426 Hook’s Live Bait-Tackle 50463 M-152 (269) 424-5478 Mantke’s Mini Mart Corp. 60893 M-51 (269) 684-0027 Edwardsburg Clear H20 Tackle 69037 Christiana Lake Road (269) 414-4131 The Trading Post 71077 M-62 (571) 220-2292 This is not an exhaustive list. Licenses may be available for purchase at other local businesses.

DEER Deer Resident — $20 Deer Nonresident — $20 Deer Combo Nonresident — $190 Deer Senior (65-plus, Michigan residents only) — $8 Deer Combo Senior — $28 *Deer Management Assistance Permits — $10 ELK Elk (Michigan residents only) — $100 FUR HARVESTER Fur Harvester — $15 Fur Harvester Senior (65-plus, Michigan residents only) — $6 MISCELLANEOUS *Mentored Youth — $7.50 Military (Active duty and 100-percent disabled veterans) — $0 *Small Game 7-Day Nonresident — $80 *Sportcard — $1 Turkey Fall — $15 Turkey Fall Senior (65-plus, Michigan residents only) — $6 Turkey Spring — $15 Turkey Spring Senior (65-plus, Michigan residents only) — $6 Waterfowl Hunting —$12 *Base license not needed

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Hunting & Fishing Guide • October 2015

Where to fish Both Berrien and Cass counties offer a number of county parks where residents are welcome to fish. Some popular fishing spots include: BERRIEN COUNTY Galien River Park 17424 Red Arrow Hwy New Buffalo, MI 49117

CASS COUNTY Magician Lake Sister Lakes, Michigan 49047 Shavehead Lake Porter Township, MI 49130 Russ Forest 20379 Marcellus Highway Decatur, MI 49045

Love Creek 9292 Huckleberry Road Berrien Center, MI 49102

Chain Lake Calvin Township, MI 49031

Rocky Gap Park 1100 Rocky Gap Road Benton Harbor, MI 49022

Prep pointers for the upcoming hunting season

eats

M ialty

Spec

215 N. Mechanic St. Berrien Springs Michigan 49103 (next to the water tower)

(269) 471-7121

Zick’s Wild Game Specialties can turn your trimmed Venison, Elk, Caribou, Bear, Antelope, or Moose into delicious smoked meats and sausages. Zick’s has been processing wild game and making various sausages for more than 40 years. Let our German style sausage kitchen make quality products that you can’t get anywhere else. Our professional packaging and presentation will also make your sausages into the perfect gifts.

ZICK’S DOES NOT TAKE FULL CARCASSES Call or stop in for pricing and instructions! YOU MAY PROCESS YOUR OWN DEER OR TAKE IT TO A PROCESSOR AND BRING IN BONELESS MEAT FOR SAUSAGE. Please bone the meat taking all fat, hair, and blood clots out of the meat. Place it into a clear bag or container and bring it in fresh or frozen.

Custom Deer Processing

• SALAMI .......................................................................... 2 LB. ROLL* • SMOKED SUMMER SAUSAGE .................................... 2 LB. ROLL* • JALAPENO CHEESE SUMMER SAUSAGE .................. 2 LB. ROLL* • HUNTERS BOLOGNA .................................................... 2 LB. ROLL* • ZICK STICK Rope Style....................................................1 LB. PKG.* • ZICK STICK Jalapeno style rope ......................................1 LB. PKG. • SMOKED BRATWURST 4 links ......................................1 LB. PKG. • SMOKED SPICY BRATS 4 links .....................................1 LB. PKG. • SMOKED POLISH 4 links ...............................................1 LB. PKG. • HOT DOGS German Franks ............................................8 OZ. PKG. • SMOKED JERKY BBQ or ORIGINAL** ........................... 1 LB. ROLL • BREAKFAST SAUSAGE fresh frozen ............................. 1 LB. ROLL • SMOKED BONELESS HAM Venison, ready to eat ........ 1 LB. ROLL • VENISON BURGER ........................................................ 1 LB. ROLL

unting is a popular hobby and sport enjoyed by millions of people across North America. Over the last 10 years, data from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service indicates that more and more females are taking up hunting. Hunting seasons vary depending on where you live. Regulations designed by local conservation, game, fish, and wildlife departments often dictate the start and end of hunting season. Although the licensing, seasons, limits, and fees for hunting may differ geographically, the preparation that goes into getting ready for hunting season is similar regardless of geography. Many seasoned hunters realize hunting season does not begin on “opening day.” Rather, it can take weeks or months to get ready for a successful season. Considering hunting seasons can be brief, preparation helps hunters make the most of their time spent in the field. • Purchase your license, tag or stamp. Many wildlife departments require hunters register in advance of the season, and this registration includes securing a hunting license. Because there is a limit to how many animals each hunter can hunt, tags for the animals they’re hunting also will be issued. Hunters planning on going out for the season should stay apprised of when licensing and registration begins and ends so they can hunt legally. • Scout areas. The landscape can change from year to year depending on a host of factors, including construction, commercialization

and weather. Areas once open to hunting may now be restricted lands. Map out your potential hunting location and be aware of any new landmarks or changes. • Check and replenish gear. Inspect weaponry, field-dressing supplies, clothing, and other supplies for wear and tear. Address any issues that need to be fixed, or replace items as necessary. If a rifle, bow or shotgun hasn’t been fired in a while, take it to a range to verify accuracy and sighting. If you hunt out of a tree stand or blind, make sure it is sturdy and in good condition prior to use. • Get in shape. Hunting often requires hiking in and out of the great outdoors in various terrain. It’s helpful to increase physical activity leading up to the hunt to prepare your body for the physical demands of hunting. • Organize and pack gear. Ensure your equipment is clean, in working order and packed away in your travel bags. Establish a system of organization and a checklist so you’re certain you will have what you need. Don’t forget to bring along your hunting license and animal tags; otherwise, you may be levied with costly fines. • Always hunt safely. It is quite easy to get swept up in the moment when tracking game. Don’t let overzealousness cloud rational judgement and safety precautions. Otherwise an injury or even death can occur. Hunting season is on the horizon and that means preparing now for the few weeks of sport to come.

Hunting & Fishing Guide • October 2015

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2015 deer season forecast

ith archery deer season just under way, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources would like to share the annual deer season forecast and remind hunters of important changes to the deer regulations for the 2015 deer seasons. DNR deer program biologists predict that, overall, hunters this season will see similar or slightly increased success rates to last year. The forecast is designed to give hunters a better idea of what to expect in the woods this season and includes regional information breakdowns for the Upper Peninsula, the northern Lower Peninsula and the southern Lower Peninsula. Also included in the forecast are overviews of important changes for this license year, considerations for this season, and updates on wildlife health and diseases. The annual deer season forecast can be found online at: www.michigan. gov/documents/dnr/Deer_Hunting_ Prospects_470587_7.pdf. For hunters in the Upper Peninsula using a deer or deer combo license, harvest of antlerless deer during the archery season has been eliminated. The restriction, which does not affect the firearm deer season, will be in effect for the 2015-2016 season. For the 2015-2016 season, a deer or deer

combo license in the Upper Peninsula, during archery season, is essentially a “buck-only” license. Antlerless harvest will still be permitted through the allotment of private-land antlerless licenses in deer management units where it was decided that antlerless harvest should be maintained. This includes DMUs 055, 122 and 155. Archery hunters with a deer or deer

combo license in the Lower Peninsula are still able to take antlerless deer during archery season, similar to previous years. In addition, deer hunters should be aware that chronic wasting disease has been confirmed in Michigan. CWD is a fatal disease affecting the central nervous system of cervids (deer, elk and moose). Deer hunters who hunt within Ingham, Clinton and Shiawassee counties, the

CWD Management Zone, should review changes to regulations in this area, which can be found at www.michigan.gov/cwd. For those hunting outside Michigan, in a state or province that has CWD in its free-ranging deer, elk or moose, it is critical that only the following parts of deer, elk or moose carcasses are brought into Michigan: • Deboned meat • Antlers • Antlers attached to a skull cap cleaned of all brain and muscle tissue • Hides • Upper canine teeth • Finished taxidermy mount If a hunter is notified by another state or province that a deer, elk or moose that was brought into Michigan tested positive for CWD, that hunter must contact the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab within two business days (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) at 517-336-5030. For more information on deer hunting seasons and regulations, visit mi.gov/ hunting. The 2015 Hunting and Trapping Digest and Antlerless Deer Digest can be found online by visiting mi.gov/ dnrdigests. To stay up to date on regulation changes and season information, sign up for DNR email updates to get important natural resources news sent directly to you, when it’s happening.

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ON THE

Hunting & Fishing Guide • October 2015

LOOKOUT Cass County Sheriff’s Office advises hunters to beware of meth dump sites By TED YOAKUM ted.yoakum@leaderpub.com

hile hunters hitting the forests in the coming weeks will be tracking a variety of quarry during their excursions, law enforcement officials are warning outdoorsmen of an unexpected — and dangerous — element they may uncover. With fall hunting seasons underway, authorities with the Cass County Sheriff’s Office are asking local hunters to be on the lookout for possible byproducts of methamphetamine production while in the hunting field this year. These hazardous materials are often dumped into forests, plains and other possible hunting grounds by people making the illegal substance, and can put hunters who come across them in danger, said Lt. Tom Jacobs with the sheriff’s office. Normally obscured from human contact, the increased traffic on these outdoor fields during fall and winter lead to people discover this previous hidden dump sites, Jacobs said. As a result, hunting season is a common time for authorities to receive complaints about these types of dump sites. “It’s been a problem in the county for a long time, since meth started becoming popular 10 years ago,” Jacobs said. Meth producers often use the public property as a dumping ground, due to the strong odors these substances produce when

used to make the drug, which can allow residents and police to easily identify lab locations, Jacobs said. Discarded meth lab components are often found in plastic garbage bags, or simply out in the open. Common components include drain cleaner, battery casings, Coleman fuel cans, coffee filters, instant cold packs, fertilizer stakes, aluminum foil, funnels and pop bottles with an off colored sledge in the bottom. Not only do meth makers often leave waste in forests and fields, but they sometimes “cook” the substance in these remote locations as well, leaving discarded pots in the field after they finish, Jacobs said. “If you find a plastic pop bottle, with the lid still on and tube sticking out of it, chances are good it’s a meth lab,” Jacobs said. Even if discarded waste has been left untouched for long periods of time, it could still present a threat to hunters who attempt to discard it themselves. “It can be dangerous, so it’s best for them to not touch it,” he said. “It could possibly be flammable, depending on chemicals they used in the mixture. It could also put off toxic fumes.” Anyone who finds a meth lab dumpsite is encouraged to contact the Cass County Sheriff’s office at (269) 445-2481. Callers will be asked to provide a callback number to help authorities track down the dump site for disposal, Jacobs said.

GUN SHOW

Nappanee, IN • Dutch Village Market, Main Building (700 N. Tomahawk Trail, 1 mile N of US 6) Sponsored by NIGCA Gun Club

Due to roof collapse last March and a smaller area, we will hold 2 shows on consecutive weekends. 150 tables at each show. Different dealers at each show. All firearms & related items—no flea market. Our next show will be at this building, all 300 tables, on March 26, 2016. Thank you for your patience & support!

Saturday, October 31, 2015 8am-4pm both days Saturday, November 7, 2015

Admission $3 (12 and under FREE with adult) Tables $15 — Call (574) 936-4431

Targeting Your Firearm & Archery Needs Best Prices, Best Service & Great Selection!

Guns • AMMO • ScopeS GunSmithinG & Archery Service BOWs • CrOssBOWs • ArrOWs

1161 Lemon Creek Rd Baroda, MI 49101(at 4-way stop)

(269) 422-6000

www.gunandbowoutpost.com Hours: M-F 10-6 • sat 11-4 • Closed sundays

HUNT

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Hunting & Fishing Guide • October 2015

&WIN

Consumers Energy, DNR partner to bring hunters Wetland Wonders Challenge

even lucky waterfowl hunters will win more than $1,500 dollars in prizes just by hunting at three of Michigan’s seven managed waterfowl areas this fall. The Wetland Wonders Challenge, sponsored by Consumers Energy, will begin Oct. 10 and continue through Jan. 31, 2016. Seven winners will be chosen to win ultimate waterfowl hunting prize packages valued at $1,500, including a “golden ticket” that’s good for one first-choice pick at a managed waterfowl hunt area for the 2016-17 season (non-reserved). Other prizes include a Winchester SXP Waterfowl 12-gauge camo shotgun, Zink Custom duck and goose calls, Avian X mallard and goose decoys, and waterfowl hunting gear. Contest partner Michigan United Conservation Clubs will select winners Feb. 15, 2016. Michigan’s Wetland Wonders are the seven premier managed waterfowl hunt areas in the state: Fennville Farm Unit at the Allegan State Game Area (Allegan County), Fish Point State Wildlife Area (Tuscola County), St. Clair Flats State Wildlife Area on Harsens Island (St. Clair County), Muskegon County Wastewater Facility (Mus-

Submitted photo

The winners of the 2014 Hunt & Win challenge sponsored by Consumers Energy and the Department of Natural Resources are pictured here. Hunters can enter to win this year’s contest through Jan. 31, 2016. kegon County), Nayanquing Point State Wildlife Area (Bay County), Pointe Mouillee State Game Area (Monroe and Wayne counties) and Shiawassee River State Game Area (Saginaw County). These areas, scattered across the southern Lower Peninsula, were created in the 1960s to provide exceptional waterfowl hunting opportunities and still are managed today to provide waterfowl habi-

tat for nesting and migration and for the benefit of other wetland wildlife. Since the beginning, the areas have been funded by hunting license fees and area use fees, but they are open for anyone to visit, use and enjoy most of the year. When hunters register at any of the managed waterfowl hunt areas, they will receive an individual commemorative duck leg band for that area and a validation on

26 years of experience at work

their Wetland Wonders Challenge punch card (available at all managed waterfowl hunt areas). To be entered, participants must hunt at three of the seven southern Michigan Wetland Wonders and submit a punch card entry form. Hunters may increase their chance to win by hunting at more than three managed waterfowl hunt areas. Hunters can hunt at four areas for two entries, five

areas for three entries, six areas for four entries, and hunting all seven areas will earn five contest entries. Hunters that hunt at all seven managed waterfowl hunt areas also automatically win a prize. For more information on the managed waterfowl hunt areas (including location, drawing times, dates, and rules and regulations) and the Wetland Wonders Challenge contest (including terms and conditions), please visit www.michigan.gov/wetlandwonders. “Our managed waterfowl hunt areas offer hunters access to some of the best waterfowl hunting in the state,” said Barb Avers, DNR waterfowl and wetlands specialist. “If you haven’t visited one before, we invite you to come experience these unique hunting areas and see what they’re all about.” The Wetland Wonders Challenge is part of the Michigan Waterfowl Legacy, a 10-year, cooperative partnership to restore, conserve and celebrate Michigan’s waterfowl, wetland and waterfowl hunting community. The initiative is a “call to action” to honor yesterday, engage today and build for tomorrow.

Wishing you a safe & productive hunting season Bring in this ad for a

Deer Processing

10% discount on Big Dog Tree Stands

Homemade Salami, Brats & Sticks

While they last

Ron’s PRocessing

53735 Atwood Rd.

(between Marcellus Hwy. & Gage St.)

Dowagiac, MI 49047

(269) 782-9724

2634 Detroit Rd, Niles, MI

Open 7 Days a Week at 7am Closed Sunday at 4pm, Monday–Wednesday at 6pm, & Thursday-Saturday at 7pm

Ice fishing is just around the corner

Page 8

Vlasicaks’ Meat Market & Deer Processing Hunting & Fishing Guide • October 2015

Salami Sticks • Jerky • Many Flavors

Guaranteed to Get Your Deer Back! 63490 M-62 South • Cassopolis, MI 49031 (269) 445-8763 • www.VlasicakMeats.com After Hours Drop: Call Jeff (269) 228-1990