Building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy.
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION SPRING 2016
From the Bench to the Field, Teaching a Youngster to Shoot By Wes David
On The Hunt For Shed Antlers By Joe Albert
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About this
Issue
Producing and Providing… Back in the �good old days� when many of us were mere �pups in the eyes of time� and television was just emerging and life seemed much less complicated, families pretty much focused on �producing and providing.� Gardens were planted and vegetables canned. Apples and berries were made into pies and strudels and ciders. Fish were fried, baked, smoked, and even made into �mojakka,� which is also called �kalamojakka.� Titles aside, both are a Finnish soup essentially made of fish heads whose heads and eyes rise up from the broth like a Florida gator in night waters. Rest assured, however, the soup also hosts a wide-ranging variety of veggies and spices. Why just the heads, you ask� To put it simply, too valuable for a soup, fillets were to be enjoyed standing alone. Ducks and pheasants and grouse and rabbits and squirrels were also important in those days, but nothing compared to the meat provided upon harvesting a whitetail deer. Whether in burger, steak, stew, roast or soup, venison ruled. Even the unbelievable (you decide either good or bad) culinary creations like the Scandinavian �lutefisk� and Slavic �bakalar,� both of which are cod fish-based and taste like…(you fill in the blank) could not compare to venison. By the way, if you serve lutefisk or bakalar (look up their recipes) at deer camp this fall, let us know how that turns out. Our prediction is that someone will say, �It was kind of creepy.� All of us have favorite ethnic foods which while cooking recreate delightful traditional smells that take us back to blessed times. Who among us cannot fill in the blank when we say, �I will always remember the smell and taste of… (again, insert a name and memory). Life back in the day and even going back to our hunter/gatherer roots was about �producing and providing.� It still is. Because we want the best for our loved ones more than we do for ourselves we are willing to work endlessly to �produce� so we can �provide� a better present and future for those we care deeply about. So it is with MDHA. Because most of our dedicated �mover and shaker� volunteers have truly enjoyed taking their fair amount of deer and other wildlife, they have gotten to the point where they simply want to have others, young and old, experience hunting�s traditions and bounty they so revere. What they want to do is, as MDHA Executive Director Craig Engwall said so compellingly in his column �the Outlook,� �…share this great endeavor we call deer hunting.� MDHA State President Denis Quarberg�s column, �From the President�s Stand,� dovetails nicely with not only Craig�s, but with our Spring 2016 issue�s theme: �producing and providing.� Denis focuses on �food being the key� (habitat) for over-winter whitetails, but he also stresses other �keys� like being a member of MDHA so we have the power of numbers to achieve MDHA�s mission of �Building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy.� While this issue does feature the important �how-to� aspects of teaching youngsters and new hunters shooting from bench to field, crossbow safety, planting food plots and logging as land/habitat management, hunting for shed antlers and enrolling in great youth outdoor programs like MDHA�s incredible Forkhorn Camps and the OAKs (Outdoors, Archery, and Kids), it also highlights the benefits of eating wild and living naturally. Enjoy this issue and have a great spring, but remember, if we don�t do something right now to protect our deer hunting heritage and stop our hunting numbers from drastically declining, hunting as we know it will disappear and once that happens, sadly, there will be no �mulligan.� Please recruit new MDHA members to help us help hunting. Believe it or not, more than ever, our hunting future truly depends on us. Whitetails Forever, Co-Editors and Founders, Rod Dimich and Ed Schmidt
Whitetales is the official magazine of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, a tax-exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to improving Minnesota�s whitetail deer population. The MDHA is exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Whitetales effectively communicates MDHA�s chief purpose �working for tomorrow�s wildlife and hunters today.� Articles and photographs portray the beauty, value and importance of whitetail deer while relating to the thrill of hunting the species. If you have a service or a product that appeals to deer hunters and enthusiasts, Whitetales is the best advertising medium available. The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association is pleased to present a variety of views in Whitetales magazine. The intent is to inform readers and encourage healthy discussion of important wildlife and conservation issues. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the view of Whitetales or MDHA. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers or their identification as members of MDHA does not constitute an endorsement. The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association welcomes suggestions and contributions from readers. All materials: manuscripts, artwork and photography must be electronically sent. Send all material to bri@mndeerhunters.com. Letters should be a maximum of 150 words, articles a maximum of 500 – 800 words. If a reprint from a newspaper is submitted, permission must be obtained and an electronic copy must be sent. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.
2 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM EXECUTIVE OFFICERS PRESIDENT Denis Quarberg > denisquarberg@mndeerhunters.com VICE PRESIDENT Doug Appelgren > dougappelgren@mndeerhunters.com SECRETARY Mark Strege > markstrege@mndeerhunters.com TREASURER Wayne Johnson > superior@frontiernet.net AT-LARGE DIRECTOR John Erlandson, Sr. > johnsr@ciacambridge.com REGIONAL DIRECTORS REGION ONE OPEN REGION TWO OPEN REGION THREE Brad Trevena >
btrevena@mnpower.com
REGION FOUR John Edinger > cedinger@q.com
REGION FIVE Peter Lodermeier > lodrmr@gmail.com
REGION SIX Stephen Ranallo >
steveranallo@mndeerhunters.com
REGION SEVEN Mark Nohre >
REGION EIGHT Dustin Shourds >
dustinshourds@mndeerhunters.com
REGION NINE Mark Burley >
markburley@mndeerhunters.com
REGION TEN Mark Lueck >
marklueck@mndeerhunters.com
REGION ELEVEN Gary Thompson >
thompson.gary58@yahoo.com
REGION TWELVE Jim Vogen > robvog21@aol.com
REGION THIRTEEN Michael Burley >
michaelburley@mndeerhunters.com
marknohre@mndeerhunters.com
MDHA STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Craig Engwall > craig.engwall@mndeerhunters.com EVENT & PUBLICATION COORDINATOR Bri Stacklie > bri@mndeerhunters.com *Independent Contractor
MERCHANDISE/ MARKETING COORDINATOR Josh Salisbury > josh@mndeerhunters.com PROGRAM COORDINATOR Gabe Gropp > gabe@mndeerhunters.com ACCOUNTING COORDINATOR Jean Frank > jean@mndeerhunters.com MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Kim Washburn > kim@mndeerhunters.com WAREHOUSE COORDINATOR Rita Harthan > warehouse@mndeerhunters.com GRANT COORDINATOR Jenny Foley > jenny@mndeerhunters.com OPERATIONS MANAGER Kim Nelson > kimn@mndeerhunters.com CHAPTER COORDINATOR Becca Kent > becca@mndeerhunters.com PUBLISHER > Minnesota Deer Hunters Association 460 Peterson Road | Grand Rapids, MN 55744 800.450.DEER (MN) / p: 218.327.1103 / f: 218.327.1349 CO-EDITORS > Ed Schmidt and Rod Dimich LAYOUT, DESIGN & PRINTING > Brainerd Dispatch, A Forum Communications company www.brainerddispatch.com | Brainerd, MN ADVERTISING > Josh Salisbury josh@mndeerhunters.com / 218.327.1103 x 17
Building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy.
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION SPRING 2016
Contents
SPRING 2016
From the Bench to the Field, Teaching a Youngster to Shoot By Wes David
On The Hunt For Shed Antlers By Joe Albert
ABOUT THE COVER Photo by: John Eriksson/Images On The Wildside.
12
Departments IN EVERY ISSUE
From the President’s Stand .... 4 The Outlook................................ 5 Minnesota Bucksense .............. 6 Capitol Comments .................... 8 Around the State ..................... 20 MDHA Store ............................. 28 What’s Cookin’? ....................... 52 Hidden Object Contest .......... 54 Daylight in the Swamp ........... 56 IN THIS ISSUE
MDHA Forkhorn Camps ........ 18 Got Game? Benefits of Eating Wild............................................. 38 Dr. Jim White, Associate Professor of Human Performance, Sport and Health, Bemidji State University
Crossbow Safety Tips.............. 42 Daniel James Hendricks
Tips & Treasures ...................... 48 Rod Dimich & Ed Schmidt
Member Story: Four Generations of Deer Hunting In One Season ......... 50 David Lutz
10 14 30 34 44
FEATURES From the Bench to the Field, Teaching a Youngster to Shoot By Wes David
A Food Plot Formula Selecting the Right Crops and Ensuring Their Success By Todd Amenrud
On The Hunt For Shed Antlers By Joe Albert
The Fruit Producing OAKs By Marc Schwabenlander – Lethal Insight
A Lesson in Land Management, Logging and Food Plots from the Least Expected By Christen Hull
MDHA affiliates:
Gizmos, Gadgets, Garments & Gear ........................ 53
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 3
> FROM THE
President’s Stand
Denis Quarberg
MDHA PRESIDENT
FOOD IS THE KEY As I sat looking across the landscape from my late season deer stand, I wondered how wildlife was going to survive and feed on in the next few months. Thirty days ago the fields that flourished with corn, soybeans and clover within sight of my stand a 1/2mile away are now black because the clover has been tilled down for the next corn crop�s nitrogen. The corn has also been chopped and chisel plowed and the soybeans have been plowed as well. Although I can see where a few pheasants scratched a few stalks, there are, however, no deer tracks in this field. Even though the river bottom is filled with shrubs and some forbs, I know this will only help for a short time. My hopes were that there was enough food to draw the deer for my sit. As you read this I hope you are thinking, �What can I do to help with the winter food supply for next winter� The answer is we need to think like our friends the farmer, plan ahead and work your plan. If you do not own any land, talk to the farmer who has the field next to your hunting area. Ask him what you can do to help him leave a little crop for the deer and wildlife next winter. Talking and offering him some help will go a long way to improving the wildlife survivability through those cold winter food-less weeks. Those of you who do have land and have a plan for food plots and wintering areas, remember MDHA once again has the Conservation Seed Program. This program consists of surplus seed that is of a lower germination than the regular crop. We offer these seeds through our chapters. Last year MDHA distributed over 2,500 acres of corn seed and about 1,200 acres of soybeans (please contact your chapter officers for information on this seed). This does not count what the farmer planted and left to stand. I know there are many chapters that have a landowner program that gives farmers
4 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
small stipends to leave some rows of beans and corn. If you do not hunt in the farmland, consider seeding logging roads, trails and forest clearings; these all provide needed nutrition. The MDHA Store also has a variety of grass seeds and mixtures for sale as well. If you want to keep deer on your land or in your area, give them what they want, like clover and other various foods. Spring is also an excellent time for putting out fresh mineral licks. Just make sure your licks have ample quantity to help the does during lactation and the bucks get that added growth supplement for antlers. From my observation, as soon as it starts to green-up heavy use of these licks occurs. Make sure to add more at the end of June. The hot months of July and August make the licks a great area to hang your camera and do some surveying. You will see how many does, fawns and, of course, what bucks are in your area. Spring is for sure a good time to check out those wintering areas and see how the shrubs have survived. Cutting some of the over-grown shrubs will bring that browse back down to the height where it can be utilized next winter. Always remember that planting new is often needed. When you do these plantings, keep in mind they need sun and moisture. Make sure you look over each planting area rather than just sticking them into the ground and hoping they will grow. County Soil and Water Districts and Minnesota nurseries are great sources for acquiring shrubs and tree plants. Focus on the fact we cannot provide wildlife winter food by doing nothing. If we all do a little, we all end up with a lot. Back to my deer story. It was almost sundown and there wasn�t a deer to be seen. It looked like they had moved to the areas where there was some crop residue. I sure wished I had a half-acre of crop to hold the deer in this river bottom. As the clock
showed my hunting day was over, I also realized the season was over for this stand as I had sat here three nights without seeing a deer. When I drive home after hunting I go by a cornfield. On this night, I see the field had been harvested, but not tilled, and I count 14 deer feeding. The irony is the field is only about ¾ mile from my stand. Yup, this is where the deer I was seeing during the season had gone. This just goes to show food is a KEY. Also KEY is your MDHA membership. Recruit a member and do some habitat improvement for next winter. Thank you for allowing us to be around for 35 years; we look forward to the next 35 AND more.
“Yes, it is a shed, but not the kind we’re looking for.”
the
OUTLOOK
Craig Engwall / MDHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
THE GREAT ENDEAVOR WE CALL DEER HUNTING For we deer hunters, spring is the time to not only remember the hunting season we just enjoyed but to look forward with optimism to another deer camp months ahead. As I set my MDHA goals for the upcoming year, one that is of a high priority is working to bring more adults who have never hunted to our great endeavor. Recruiting youth to deer hunting and the outdoors, of course, is always at the top of my list of priorities. Our recruitment and education efforts through Forkhorn Camps, sponsorships of youth archery and sporting clays teams and events, and other youth educational activities are critical and must continue to grow if MDHA is to remain vibrant. But a recent conversation with Jay Johnson, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources� (DNR) hunter recruitment and retention coordinator, made me think more about a largely untapped source of potential new deer hunters – adults who have never really had a chance to deer hunt. As I thought more and more about this, I realized that I – despite my deep interest in bringing more hunters and members to MDHA have been negligent in providing welcoming hunting opportunities to some of my friends and colleagues. Obviously, as with most of you, some of my closest friends are hunting buddies. But I also have many friends who don�t hunt. I just assumed they weren�t interested in hunting. Did I even ask them if they were interested in hunting or encourage them to try hunting� More importantly, did I provide them a welcoming introduction to hunting� Far too often, I would have to admit I did not. I had been more caught up in my own hunting experiences and interests. If you are like me (and I suspect many of you are), your introduction to hunting was
simply a natural part of your upbringing. I was blessed to have a grandpa and dad who had a passion for hunting. Like most people my age and older, I had a connection to rural Minnesota and its hunting opportunities. For me, it was my grandpa�s farm and grandpa and dad�s hunting camp in northern
My dad, Richard, and I enjoying a hunt together. Minnesota. I was able to go to deer camp before I could legally hunt and when I was old enough to hunt, I shot my first deer with my grandpa�s Winchester �94 30-30. Fast forward to today. Many adults (and many of my close friends) have no direct connection to rural land or hunting. Their upbringing was in the city or suburbs and no one close to them was a hunter. Even if they had some curiosity about hunting, there were significant barriers to becoming adult hunters. Unlike running, biking or other activities, people can�t simply just start
hunting on their own and teach themselves. Even if offered an invitation to hunt by a friend, the elements of hunting can be imposing. Imagine being an adult and not knowing a thing about equipment. Maybe you have shot a BB gun, but you don�t know a .22 from a .308 or a bolt from a pump. And to top it off, you have spent years hearing your friends tell you how great they are at hunting. Not exactly an inviting opportunity. So what do we do when we realize we haven�t been the world�s greatest recruiters of potential hunters� On a personal level, I will be committed to asking some friends if they�d like to learn about hunting or shooting before I even ask them to go hunting. I will make it clear we could begin with the most basic things – simple stuff like how a firearm works and stress, above all, safety. If they are interested, I will invite them to shoot a .22. My focus will simply be to make it inviting, not intimidating. MDHA will continue working to provide additional opportunities for kids and adults to become hunters. We will apply for funding under a new DNR program that provides grants for Angler and Hunter Recruitment and Retention. We will also partner with Jay Johnson and other DNR staff on adult hunter education programs that provide opportunities for small groups of adults eager to take up hunting and teach them the skills needed to become deer hunters. Please think about ways you can join MDHA and me to recruit and teach new hunters, young and old. Bringing hunting opportunities to kids and adults who are yearning to become partners of ours in this great endeavor we call deer hunting will not only enhance but ensure our hunting heritage.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 5
Minnesota Bucksense BY ED SCHMIDT
>
THE CROSSBOW – ITS HISTORY AND PRACTICALITY REVISITED At an Outdoor Writers of America conference a few years ago, during the shooting sports breakout session the use of crossbows for hunting was demonstrated. Manufacturers including Horton and Excalibur presented their newest innovations and improvements to an ancient weapon – the crossbow. Even though crossbows are now legal in Minnesota for deer hunting, a special use permit must be obtained from the Division of Enforcement of the Department of Natural Resources for certain disabilities. The following text is information gathered from several sources through an internet search and the book Crossbow Hunting by William Hovey Smith.
John Hayes, outdoor writer, ready to fire the Horton Vision 175 compound crossbow.
Crossbow History
A prime example of a weapon used by different Old World cultures over time is the crossbow. The ancient Greeks were among the first to make use of portable one-man crossbows. This early weapon was called a gastraphetes or �belly weapon� because the user braced the curved centerpiece of the butt end against his chest or belly. Such portable crossbows were never very popular with the Greeks or Romans, and it would have to wait until medieval times for the weapon to gain wide favor in Europe. The opposite was the case in ancient China, where the crossbow had been the principal missile weapon of Chinese armies since at least the Han Dynasty. Several tombs
6 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
dating from the 5th and 4th Centuries BC have been found which contained crossbows. The first major improvement in Chinese crossbow design came much later, in the 11th Century BC, with the development of the foot stirrup. The stirrup was located at the firing end of the crossbow, just ahead of the bow itself. The user would place one foot in this stirrup while bracing the butt end of the crossbow against his abdomen or chest, thereby giving him greater leverage when drawing the bow. The crossbow�s principal advantage lay in the simplicity of its operation. Once aimed and fired it is much like a modern handgun. It did not require the years of practice, which were necessary in order to master other bows such as the English longbow. By the 13th Century, Chinese crossbows were deadly up to 365 yards. Although crossbows were simple to use, they were complicated to manufacture. Trained craftsmen were needed to manufacture the complex metal trigger mechanisms. Fashioning the bows themselves also required great technical skill, for these were compound bows that were composed of laminated wood, bone, horn, and sinew, melded together for maximum strength and range. The animal sinew reinforced the inner concave surface, while a layer of animal horn reinforced the outer convex surface of the bow or bone. The skill needed in making such compound bows had already been developed long before by nomadic peoples of Central Asia such as the Scythians, the Turks, and the Mongols. Meanwhile, after centuries of relative disuse, the crossbow reappeared in Europe in the 11th Century, and it became especially popular in Italy. Strangely enough, the Byzantines did not seem to know about this form of weapon, as a Byzantine chronicler in 1097 referred to the crossbow as a �Frankish novelty.� During the Crusades, the Christians learned from the Muslims that compound
bows, as used in Central Asia and China, were much more effective than bows made simply from wood alone. The Europeans then improved bow strength still further when around 1370 they began replacing their composite crossbows with steel crossbows. These steel bows had a range of 365 to 410 yards. This increased power required a force greater than human muscle power in order to draw the bow. Various mechanical contrivances were devised, such as the �goat�s foot lever� and the windlass – a winch system which drew the bow by means of a double crank. These steel crossbows could now penetrate armor at close range. The Church had been horrified by the power of these weapons, and the Lateran Council of 1139 banned
One method of cocking a modern crossbow. Other bows have internal cocking devices.
the use of crossbows against Christians, but not necessarily against non-believers. Of course, this restriction was not always strictly observed, and the crossbow would remain a principal item in the arsenals of European armies until their gradual displacement by gunpowder weapons throughout the 14th and 15th Centuries.
The Crossbow Versus the Longbow
The longbow supplanted the crossbow. The crossbow range was 350 – 400 yards but could only be shot at a rate of two bolts (arrows) per minute. The crossbow was easy to use, requiring minimal training and required little strength to operate. But it shot too few bolts� The longbow launched arrows faster than any previous bows. A skilled longbowman could release between 10 - 12 arrows per minute - but required considerable training.
The crossbows for killing deer were somewhat lighter and less powerful than those intended for war, their bolts being of course also smaller. I find that these sporting crossbows send their bolts at the farthest 350 yards, their average length of flight being from 330 to 340 yards. The pointblank range, of a so called good sporting crossbow, with a steel bow, was from 50 to 60 yards, which was no doubt sufficient in the days before animals had been made wary by the report of handguns. The hunter with his noiseless crossbow, could lie in wait for deer as they wandered across the glades of a forest, or visited their feeding and drinking haunts. According William Hovey Smith�s book, Crossbow Hunting, the newest innovations in the development of crossbows the velocity and shock values of the arrow is very effective as a hunting implement. The main
difference between a modern compound bow and a modern crossbow is that the crossbow does not have to be drawn in the presence of the game. Meaning, a crossbow can be drawn and held in the fully drawn position prior to your intended target being presented. Outside of that, both of these compound bows require advanced limb systems, risers, cams, strings and trigger systems. A 70 lb. vertical bow and a 150 lb crossbow will produce virtually the same ballistics in regards to arrow speed and flight. Normal crossbow trigger pull is a safe 3.5-4.5 lbs. Both units have the same hunting range, 40 yards and closer. The reason for the weight difference is power stroke. Power stroke is the distance the string travels in order to provide the force necessary to propel the arrow down range. A modern vertical bow will utilize up to 30 inches of power stroke, while a crossbow averages only 13 inches of power stroke. That is why most crossbows are double the draw weight. Simply put, the crossbow must double the draw weight of a vertical bow in order to overcome the shorter power stroke and achieve the same ballistics. Both bows require lots of practice and the same required skills in the woods so that close range hunting can be achieved. The Phoenix Recurve by Excalibur will fire an arrow in excess of 305 feet per second with a draw weight of 175 lbs. The Horton Vision 175 reverse compound shoots a 17� bolt (arrow) at 325 fps – again with a draw weight of 175 lbs. Other brands on the market include Barnett, PSE, Ten Point, Stryker, Parker and Crossman. Prices vary from $350 to $1950 depending of basic features and whistles and bells. Arrows (bolts) vary in length from 17� to 20� and of course their mass would be proportional. In North America there are many states allowing the use of crossbows as a viable means of taking deer. Minnesota allows the use of crossbow for the taking of deer and small game only with a disability permit granted by a licensed physician or chiropractor. Whether you shoot a rifle, camera, bow, or muzzleloader a viable option may be the crossbow for sharpening your hunting and shooting skills.
Examples of modern crossbows varying price from $300 to $2000.
Crossman Teton - 320 fps
Horton 175 Vision - 325 fps
Excalibur Equinox - 350 fps
Barnett AVI Predator - 375 fps
Stryker - 405 fps
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 7
CAPITOL COMMENTS
The Minnesota Legislature reconvened in a flurry of activity on March 8, as legislators scrambled to initiate the work that needs to be completed in ten very short weeks. Legislative leaders are quickly pushing forward their own priorities such as tax relief, transportation funding, a bonding package, and an approximate $100 million Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund package. As legislative work progresses toward adjournment, legislators will face a number of challenges including capitol construction, election year politics, a budget surplus, and internal party caucus dynamics. While the governor, legislative leaders, and legislators are forwarding their own agendas, the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) has been actively engaged on a number of different fronts. The following is a partial list of these initiatives: Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund Of particular importance are appropriations from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund. The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council wrapped up hearings in early January on Legacy funding by making approximately $100 million in recommendations to the 2016 legislature for habitat projects throughout the state. Included in the package is an MDHA initiative for the Jack Pine Forest/Crow Wing River Watershed Habitat Acquisition Project. This proposal acquires environmentally sensitive land from Potlach and converts them into critical habitat for game and nongame species and provides a designated area for Jack Pine growth, an increasingly rare forest type in Minnesota. Poaching Laws – Gross Over Limits Governor Mark Dayton is proposing significant reforms to Minnesota�s poaching
8 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
laws once again this session. The Governor�s push for tougher poaching penalties comes in the wake of high-profile instances of illegal poaching activity in Minnesota. By enacting stiffer criminal penalties and longer license revocations for these crimes, Governor Dayton and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hope to deter gross over limits poaching and ensure these criminal acts are properly and thoroughly punished. Deer Population Management Audit Reacting to concerns raised by legislators and deer audit advocates, the Legislative Audit Commission (LAC) directed the Office of the Legislature Auditor (OLA) to conduct an audit of the Department of Natural Resources deer population management processes. The OLA is a professional, nonpartisan audit and evaluation office within the legislative branch of Minnesota state government. The OLA�s principal goal is to provide the legislature, agencies, and the public with audit and evaluation reports that are accurate, objective, timely, and useful. Through its reports, the office seeks to strengthen accountability and promote sound management in government. The audit is expected to be completed by March 2016. Wolf Management Due to the failed attempt by the United States Congress to include a provision in the federal budget bill, wolves in the Great Lakes Region will remain under federal Endangered Species Act protections. The provision would have again granted the State of Minnesota the responsibility to manage the Minnesota�s wolf population. MDHA will continue to work with our federal delegation to once again delist the gray wolf from the Endangered List. We continue to support Minnesota�s hunting and trapping
BY CORY BENNETT, MDHA LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT
of wolves as part of Minnesota�s overall wolf management program. Payment-In-Lieu of Taxes (PILT) State ownership of land has been an ongoing concern in certain parts of Minnesota for years, with some residents concerned that continued acquisitions have little regard for local impact. At the heart of the issue are lands purchased by the State of Minnesota including those purchased with Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF) dollars. The state currently relies on the Payment-inLieu of Taxes(PILT) program to reimburse local governments for the resulting lost tax revenue on these lands. In response to this ongoing controversy, legislation was passed last year that requires the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council to prepare a report on OHF land acquisitions. Additionally, the Commissioner of Management and Budget, in consultation with the Commissioners of Natural Resources and Revenue, must examine alternatives to PILT payments, including a trust fund approach. Recommendations were submitted to the legislature in January 2016. Sustainable Forestry Incentive Act (SFIA) MDHA continues to monitor the tax conference committee for possible changes to the Sustainable Forestry Incentive Act (SFIA). Enacted in 2001, and replacing a forest taxation law dating from 1957, the SFIA created a program to encourage sustainable forest management practices on private forestland. Over 40 percent of the 17 million forested acres in Minnesota are privately owned. The constitutional deadline for adjournment of the 2016 Legislative Session is May 23, 2016.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 9
From the Bench
Teaching a Youn Even as a youngster I could always tell when the whitetail season was getting close. My dad would spend more time at the gun range and there was always a variety of new hunting gear lying around the house. He would spend hours in his favorite hunting locations scouting and putting up treestands and ground blinds in preparation for the approaching whitetail season. I wasn’t old enough to hunt or even strong enough to hold a rifle, but I couldn’t wait for the day when I was a “big boy” and could go whitetail hunting with dad. Even at a young age, I knew being asked to go hunting with dad would be like a rite of passage into manhood.
10 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
h to the Field,
BY WES DAVID
ngster to Shoot Every parent or guardian that has a passion for hunting dreams of the day when he/she can take their son, daughter, grandchild, or any youngster that is close to them hunting. The entire experience is new to the youngster and as an adult outdoor enthusiast it�s our responsibility to pass the tradition of hunting, fishing, and conservation, onto the next generation. One of the most important traditions and lessons we can pass onto a youngster or a new hunter of any age, is how to shoot and handle a rifle
safely and the responsibility of making a clean and humane shot on the animals we hunt. Growing up on the family farm I spent hours walking the fields with a .22 shooting ground squirrels. I spent many afternoons nuzzled behind a .22 with a ground squirrel in my sights. At the time I didn�t realize it but that is where I took my apprenticeship in shooting and gun safety. My dad�s rule was one bullet in the magazine at a time with the safety on and the muzzle pointed to the
ground until I was ready to shoot. I can still remember the stern tone in his voice and it was clear that the rules I was learning were not to be taken lightly. I got to be pretty good at plunking ground squirrels with my .22 and I know the time I spent in the field at a young age with my dad and that old .22 is the biggest contributor to my hunting success to this day. However, not all of us have a family farm and a field full of ground squirrels at our trigger finger. Today, many avid hunters live in the city
Practicing shooting from real life shooting situations and teaching a youngster to squeeze the trigger and not jerk the trigger are two lessons often overlooked.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 11
and have busy schedules and it�s much harder for parents or guardians to not only teach a youngster to shoot and the safety that goes with it, it�s getting harder to find the time and a place to go shooting. However, the importance of passing on hunting and safe gun handling remains the same.
Gun Respect
can have a negative effect on their confidence and shooting experience. To quickly build their confidence and keep their experience positive, I personally like to start all new shooters regardless of age shooting from a bench with a rifle rest and the basic fundamentals and mechanics of shooting using a paper target from only 25 yards away. As the shooter�s confidence and accuracy grows you can start moving the target farther away and shooting from longer distances. However, don�t make the new distance too dramatic. Moving a new shooter distances too far too fast may negatively affect the confidence you have previously built in them. Proven strategies in building shooting confidence especially in young shooters are to use 25-yard increments. For example, 25, 50, 75, and 100 yards building the shooters� confidence as you increase the distance between the shooter and the target.
The first time youngsters get to see a big heavy adult hunting rifle they may be intimidated or even a little frightened at its very presence. That intimidation is a good thing and will turn to respect as the youngsters get more comfortable being around and handling a rifle. This is where an adult conversation with no distractions needs to take place between you the responsible gun owner and your student. The power and damage a gun, crossbow, or archery equipment, can do and the consequences if mishandled must be firmly instilled into the youngster or any gun owner for that matter. They need to understand that handling a real gun with live ammo isn�t like their video games where after the gunfight is over their friends will go home. This conversation and respect needs to be imbedded before a youngster ever picks up a rifle and the truth is, as anxious as we are to go shooting with our son or daughter, it�s up to us, the adult and responsible gun owner to make the call if the child is truly ready or mature enough to handle a hunting rifle. Any responsible adult that hunts with a rifle, It doesn’t matter if we are hunting ground squirrels crossbow, or archery equipment, has this or a trophy whitetail buck, teaching a new hunter respect and understanding of the damage the importance of making a clean and humane shot high-powered hunting equipment can do should never be overlooked. if it isn�t treated with respect and handled safely. This is the first and most important gun safety act you can teach a youngster Firearms Fit and again, it needs to be imbedded and With the advancements in hunting rifles there has never been a time in history when understood before they ever pick up a rifle. it�s been easier to learn how to safely and Confidence is Key confidently shoot a hunting rifle or a bow It�s not uncommon for hunting rifles that for that matter. Walk into any sporting store are too big or too heavy for the youngster that carries hunting firearms or archery or new shooter to cause bad habits. As equipment and you will find a wide variety experienced shooters we know that bad of youth rifles in an assortment of calibers habits affect our downrange accuracy. including shotguns and bows. Rifle and However, a youngster often believes you just archery manufactures have made it easier point and shoot. After all, that�s what they to teach our youth to safely shoot a hunting see the adult do. But until the youngster or rifle/shotgun or a compound bow by new shooter�s shooting confidence grows manufacturing smaller and lighter youth they have a hundred things to remember rifles/shotguns and bows. and to focus on. It�s not uncommon for a With a youth hunting rifle, a youngster youngster to dream of the day he/she gets doesn�t have to face many of the trials and to go shooting or hunting with their parent errors that are often caused by shooting with or guardian and because of this anticipation a rifle that is too large and often too heavy for they will often put a great deal of pressure a young shooter. At the time I didn�t realize on themselves. Depending on the child, if it, but the lightweight .22 rifle I spent hours they�re not seeing results in their accuracy, it
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shooting ground squirrels with imitated today�s modern youth hunting rifles. It was shorter than a standard hunting rifle and much lighter, allowing me to handle it safely and shoot accurately after I had the basics. Taking your son or daughter to your favorite gun store and getting them setup with a youth hunting rifle will be money well spent. A youth rifle will allow the youngster to gain the confidence and accuracy needed to excel their hunting and shooting carriers. And once they outgrow the rifle it can be sold or kept until your son or daughter is ready to pass your teaching onto their own children.
Respect For The Animals We Hunt Introducing a youngster to the outdoors and shooting sports is one of the most important things we can pass on to our youth. Equally important is teaching them to show respect for the animals we hunt. It doesn�t matter if we are hunting ground squirrels or a trophy whitetail buck, teaching a new hunter the importance of making a clean and humane shot should never be overlooked. A good friend of mine�s son came of legal hunting age only a month before the whitetail season opened. He had purchased his son a youth .308. They spent hours at the range and my friend told me his son was grouping three inches at 100 yards off the bench. However, on the fourth day of the whitetail season they spotted a nice buck walking directly at them. They both laid on the ground and made a rest out of a backpack and waited for the buck to close the distance. My friend said he could see his son was a little uneasy but thought it was just the excitement of the buck moving closer. The buck was facing them straight on when he stopped only 65 yards away. The boy couldn�t find the buck in his scope and began to fidget in hopes of finding the buck through the scope. When he did find the buck all he could see was hair. By the time they made the magnification adjustments to see the buck, the buck had moved and didn�t offer a clear shot at his vitals. The father called off the shot. All they could do was watch the buck move out of range and out of the area. My friend said the biggest mistake he made was not practicing real life shooting conditions. Because the father and son team had spent hours shooting from a bench in a sitting position the boy had never experienced real shooting conditions during a hunt. As anxious as my friend was for his son to shoot his first whitetail buck, with no vitals showing it was less than an ideal shot for a first time hunter. He didn�t want to run the risk of wounding an animal and having
his son�s first kill be a negative experience. After the buck was out of sight the boy�s disappointment showed through. To make matters worse, the boy thought his dad would be upset. My friend sat his son down and explained to his son that he wasn�t upset and the importance of if there is no clear kill shot, there is no shot at all. Once a youngster or new hunter has the confidence to shoot from a bench, it�s important for all of us, including veteran hunters, to practice from a variety of real life shooting positions. A shooting instructor once told me. �I�ve killed a lot of deer, but never from a bench.�
With youth hunting rifles, bows, and shotguns, a youngster doesn’t have to face many of the trials and errors that are often caused by shooting with a rifle that is too large and often too heavy for a young shooter.
They Don’t All Have To Be Trophies Sometimes as parents, dads especially, we are always talking about trophy bucks. However, a youngster�s first few hunts don�t need the added pressure of a trophy hunt. My first successful whitetail hunt over 30 years ago was a nice fat whitetail doe and my dad was right there with me to celebrate my first successful whitetail hunt. My son�s first successful whitetail hunt was also a whitetail doe at 60 yards and as he walked to the downed doe he fell silent. I showed my excitement but he needed time to take it all in. Within a few minutes a big grin came across his face. He later told me he was overwhelmed because he was so excited to go hunting he didn�t know how to act once the hunt was over. Each child�s first successful hunting experience will be different but it�s important that we give them the time to take it all in and make their experience as positive as possible.
A youngster’s first deer doesn’t have to be a trophy. If the youth in your life is coming of hunting age now is the time to get them shooting. Get them set up with a youth hunting rifle/shotgun and take the time to teach them respect, build their confidence, respect the animals they hunt, and be patient. Your teachings will grow a hunting partner for the rest of your life.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 13
A FOOD PLOT FORMULA Selecting the Right Crops and Ensuring their Success BY TODD AMENRUD SHOOT FOR “TERMINAL YIELD” Which crops should I plant on my property� As you might guess, this is the most asked question by new whitetail managers. Most are confused as to which angle they should take when deciding. Do you search for the plants that most suit your soil type and region, or should you select plants that will help you achieve your management goals and then change the soil to suit those plants� I�m very much in the school of the latter – living in Texas or some other harsh habitat I may think differently, but when managing whitetails in Minnesota you should be able to amend most soils to plant the crops you will need to realize basically any food plot goal. The soil type and conditions should not be as limiting as the quantity of �mouths� you have to feed and the amount of food plot acreage you�re devoting. You must be able to achieve what I refer to as �terminal yield.� This is the point at which your food plots can supply enough yield so the plants can grow to their potential. If you have limited acreage or an out of control density, a plot may get eaten to the dirt before the plants are capable of producing to their potential. Once you hit �terminal yield� there�s enough to overwhelm the amount of mouths you have, thus the plants will be able to generate maximum tonnage.
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As an example, when I first purchased my property near Baudette, Minn., we only had enough cleared space to plant about twelve acres of food plots. Wanting to provide some variety, we began with about five acres of brassicas, four acres in perennials and the rest in cereal grains. The perennials seemed to grow and produce okay, and we expected the cereal grains to get pounded late September through mid-November, but our brassicas were �lip-high� by late October. We weren�t providing enough, and because of this, the plants we had were getting eaten to the dirt before they were able to pump out their potential yield. We continued adding acreage to our plan and when we reached eight acres of brassicas and had amended the soil properly, we could see a huge explosion in yield. When we hit this quantity we reached the point where we had inundated the herd with quality forage. The plants that previously had been getting browsed to the dirt would now be able to yield their potential. We now have about thirty acres of food plots and can provide various varieties of brassicas as well as other crops well into the winter.
A STARTING STRATEGY How do you get to where you want to be� Begin with a plan. Think about where your property is now and where you would like it to be in five years, ten years or twenty years down the line. You want to plant the crops that will help you to reach these goals. You can�t choose ground anywhere. Oftentimes quality soil is taken for commercial agriculture or there simply aren�t any suitable areas to plant. This leaves us �food-plotters� with the poor soil or areas that are difficult for the big tractors to access. Because of this, I consider planting anywhere the sunlight hits the ground. Logging roads or landings, the corners of the large agricultural fields where cash-crop farmers can�t reach with their huge disks, or any natural meadow or open area. You must, however, choose suitable soil. You can�t plant a food plot in a swamp, on a beach or in a gravel pit and expect success. It must be a spot where you can prepare a suitable seedbed. Once a spot is chosen a soil test should be done to find out what soil amendments are necessary for our selected crop. The soil is just right for whatever plants are growing there now; we want to change it to make it ideal for our chosen crop. One of the first details we�re looking for is the soil�s pH (or the soil�s acidity). This is important because with a low pH, nutrients will be bound in the soil unable to be utilized by the plants. It�s amazing the amount of soil nutrients (or for that matter your fertilizer) goes to waste at low pH levels. The correction to acidic soil is lime and the good thing is �lime is cheap,� usually $50 to $100 per ton delivered to your location. If you can�t get a lime truck back to your plots then you�ve got some work to do. The negative about lime, as opposed to the Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium (NPK) in your typical granular fertilizer, which moisture will carry through the soil for you, is lime is somewhat stationary in the soil so it needs to be worked-in to where the plants� roots will be. It needs to be put where you want it to do its job. The other negative is it typically takes weeks to months for it to bring up the pH to where you want it. Get your lime incorporated into the soil as soon as possible. It doesn�t mean you can�t have a food plot in the meantime or if you can�t add all the lime at once. Add what you can now and more when you are able until you build up the pH close to a neutral 7.0. All whitetail forages will grow best at a neutral pH of 6.5 to 7.0. However, good annuals that will do well in a lower pH (more acidic soil) are cereal grains (oats, wheat, triticale, etc.), grasses like corn or sorghum and brassicas like rape, radishes, turnips or kale. After you achieve a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 you can plant anything and you�ll be amazed at the results� My favorites to use in more acidic soil would be Deer Radish,
Trophy Oats, Hot Spot and Winter Bulbs and Sugar Beets. With a low pH, because the nutrients are bound in the soil it doesn�t necessarily mean the plants will do poorly. The question is: because of the acidic conditions causing a portion of the nutrients to be trapped in the soil, do you want to spend the money on extra fertilizer to compensate� For instance, with a pH of 5.6 over 1/3 of your fertilizer/ money is absolutely wasted. That brings a $400 fertilizer bill to about $575 to do the same job (remember 1/3 of the extra fertilizer you would be adding to compensate will also go for naught). I highly suggest following your soil test�s recommendations exactly�
COMPREHENDING THE NUMBERS There are 16 elements known to be needed for healthy plant growth. Three are taken care of through photosynthesis; the others are absorbed through the plant�s roots. These remaining 13 mineral nutrients can be divided into �macro� and �micro� nutrients. Macronutrients, or �major� nutrients, are usually lacking first in the soil because plants use them in large amounts. These nutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) are easy to keep track of by testing the soil regularly, and because plants use large amounts of these they would show obvious signs of stress if one were lacking. Macronutrients are also elements needed for plant growth, but only in small amounts. These trace elements (B, Cu, Fe, Cl, Mn, Mo and Zn), since they�re only needed in small amounts, may not be obvious if they�re lacking and many standard soil tests may not check for them. Some of the micronutrients can be replenished through organic matter, so if you don�t have ample organic matter I would be cautious of this. Micronutrient fertilizers are also available and relatively inexpensive – remember you don�t need much. The best soil test I�ve ever used can be found at www.plantbiologic.com, then select �Soil & Tissue Tests.� We must understand the recommendations found on seed packages, �planting guides� or what may be recommended on the internet are normally the amount of each nutrient that specific crop can utilize in a typical growing season. It is NOT necessarily the fertilizer you should be using. It�s a recommendation of what the plants need. You must consider what your soil�s current conditions are and what the plants actually need – the difference in these figures will tell you what you should incorporate for fertilizer. For instance, if a crop was suggested to need 350 lbs of triple 13, if your soil has ample amounts of phosphorus (the middle number in the NPK ratio 13-13-13), but it is a bit low in potassium (the last number in the NPK ratio) you may need 13-0-20 rather than the 1313-13 that was recommended. Your soil test will tell you exactly what you will need for fertilizer for your specific chosen crop.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 15
The numbers in the NPK ratio represent the amount of each nutrient you will find in 100 pounds of that particular fertilizer. So, if you�re using 40 or 50-pound bags, you�ll need to do some math. For instance, if you need 350 lbs of 13-13-13 that means it�s calling for 45.5 lbs of each nutrient. (13 times 3.5 (for 7 fifty lb bags) is 45.5 lbs). So knowing what we just learned in the paragraph above, you should have figured out that 10-10-10, �triple-13� or 19-19-19 are basically the SAME THING. It just takes you more 10-10-10 to get to where you need to be when compared to the triple-13. Again, a little math is necessary. In 100 pounds (2 fifty lb bags) of 10-10-10 there are 10 pounds each of N, P and K and in the triple-13 there are 13 pounds of each. So in 350 pounds of 13-13-13, you have 45.5 lbs of each nutrient. You could use 455 pounds of 10-10-10 to get the exact same nutrient load. You could also use approximately 239 lbs of 19-19-19 to reach the same 45.5 lbs of each nutrient.
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Each element/nutrient may also be added separately. You don�t need a specific blend; you can add nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium each separately. Using the example above of the 350 lbs of 13-13-13, you could add straight urea nitrogen of 46-0-0. In doing the math, we know there are 46 pounds of nitrogen in 100 pounds of urea fertilizer; so to take care of the same amount of nitrogen in the 350 lbs of 13-1313 we should substitute two 50-pound bags (100 lbs) of 46-0-0. This (46 lbs) will bring us very close to the 45.5 lbs recommended. This obviously only takes care of the nitrogen, you�ll have to do the same thing with your other recommended nutrients. Please note when using urea you�ll want to apply it right before a rain or work it into the soil to prevent volatilization. �Volatilization� is the process where nitrogen is lost to the atmosphere as the gas ammonia. I suggest working it into the soil a couple days before planting. Because of the high nitrogen concentration in urea, it is very important to achieve an even spread and you�ll want to make sure to do it a day or two before planting so you don�t chance contact with the seeds risking germination damage. Again, the P and K nutrients would also need to be applied separately. Do soil tests often when you first begin and then regularly when you develop knowledge of your area�s soils. Unless the deer are leaving all their manure in the field, there will be a lot of P and K leaving. If you have an area of intense pressure, check the soil often. When a minimal amount of fertilizer is applied to a field where a lot of nutrients are being removed, �soil mining� is occurring. This means you are stripping the soil of its nutrients. Soil will buffer itself and sustain levels for an unspecified amount of time, and then all of a sudden you�ll see a crash because the soil simply runs out of reserves. This means the plot owner should monitor the soil with a test more frequently and address fertility needs to keep the plot productive.
Available at these and other ne retailers!
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 17
MDHA FORKHORN CAMP WHO is eligible? Youth ages 11-17 interested in anything outdoors and ready for a fun and exciting camp atmosphere.
WHATare Forkhorn Camps? MDHA Forkhorn Camps allow youth ages 11-17 a five-day, overnight camp experience that far exceeds the normal firearm and bow hunter education programs. The hands on approach gives youth more knowledge, experience, and comfort in the outdoors and hunting while maintaining the highest safety standards.
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– THE 5 W’S AND HOW WHEN are they offered? WHERE are these camps located?
EAGLE BLUFF ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER eagle-bluff.org
Forkhorn I - 7/10/16 - 7/15/16 Forkhorn II - 7/24/16 - 7/29/16 Forkhorn III - 7/31/16 - 8/5/16
KIWANIS BOY SCOUT CAMP
northernstarbsa.org/Camping/ CubScout/Summer/Kiwanis.aspx
LONG LAKE CONSERVATION CENTER llcc.org
Forkhorn I - 6/12/16 - 6/17/16 7/17/16 - 7/22/16 Forkhorn II - 6/19/16 - 6/24/16 7/24/16 - 7/29/16
BAKER NEAR WILDERNESS SETTLEMENT
Forkhorn I - 6/19/16 - 6/24/16 7/17/16 - 7/22/16 Forkhorn II - 7/31/16 - 8/5/16
Forkhorn I - 6/12/16 - 6/17/16 8/7/16 - 8/12/16 Forkhorn II - 7/17/16 - 7/22/16
LAURENTIAN ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
DEEP PORTAGE CONSERVATION RESERVE
laurentiancenter.com
Forkhorn I - 6/12/16 - 6/17/16 6/26/16 - 7/1/16 7/31/16 - 8/5/16 8/7/16 - 8/12/16 Forkhorn II - 6/26/16 - 7/1/16 7/10/16 - 7/15/16 7/24/16 - 7/29/16 7/31/16 - 8/5/16 Forkhorn III - 7/10/16 - 7/15/16 7/24/16 - 7/29/16
LAURENTIAN
threeriversparks.org/parks/baker-park/ baker-nearwilderness.aspx
DEEP PORTAGE
LONG LAKE
deep-portage.org
Forkhorn I - 6/12/16 - 6/17/16 6/19/16 - 6/24/16 (all girls) - 7/31/16 - 8/5/16 8/7/16 - 8/12/16 Forkhorn II - 7/3/16 - 7/8/16 8/7/16 - 8/12/16 Forkhorn III - 7/24/16 - 7/29/16
KIWANIS
PRAIRIE WOODS
BAKER NEAR WILDERNESS
PRAIRIE WOODS ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
EAGLE BLUFF
prairiewoodselc.org/index.html
Forkhorn I - 6/12/16 - 6/16/16 Forkhorn II - 6/19/16 - 6/23/16
WHY be interested?
Forkhorn Camps are the best in outdoor education. Forkhorn I – If you are a newcomer to the outdoors and have an interest in firearm safety or learning more about outdoor survival techniques, this is your camp. The Forkhorn I Camps are designed to teach the basics and provide HANDS ON instruction to firearms. You will leave the camps with all the basics with more comfort in navigating the great outdoors in addition to obtaining Firearm Safety Certification. Forkhorn II – Youth will need a firearm safety certificate to partake in this camp session. Many will have obtained this in Forkhorn I. This camp will provide further strategy and knowledge in the outdoors beyond the basics including bow hunters safety, map and compass orienteering, marksmanship training and hunting ethics. Forkhorn III – You couldn�t possibly learn much more after Forkhorn I & II could you� You most certainly can. Following graduation from Forkhorn I and Forkhorn II youth are no longer novices to the outdoors. Forkhorn III expands even more providing advanced techniques including Big and Small Game ecology to advanced marksmanship and wing shooting training, there isn�t any stone left unturned.
And
HOW?
MDHA Chapters provide nearly 900 youth scholarships to attend Forkhorn Camps to MDHA Forkhorn members for a combined total of nearly $200,000 spent each summer on educating youth in the outdoors. Contact your local chapters for more information and to see if a scholarship is available through them. To register for a Forkhorn Camp visit our �Education� page online at mndeerhunters.com and click on the Forkhorn Brochure to print a registration form to send to the camps along with your deposit. If you are a giving soul and would like to help a child get to camp, contact Gabe Gropp via email at gabe@mndeerhunters.com and she will assist you in your endeavor.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 19
Around the State Minnesota Deer Hunters Association
REGIONAL BOUNDARY AND CHAPTER LOCATION MAP
What? No chapter in your area? MDHA is always interested in forming new chapters. If you live in an area without a chapter and would like more information on forming one, please call 800.450.DEER.
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Region 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6
Chapter Min-Dak Border Roseau River North Red River Thief River Falls Riceland Whitetails Bemidji Area Itasca County Hibbing/Chisholm Woodland Trails End Carlton County Sturgeon River Arrowhead Wilderness Drop Tine Lake Superior Chapter Lake Vermilion Chapter Smokey Hills Fergus Falls Clay Wilkin Park Rapids East Ottertail Wadena Brainerd Cuyuna Range Whitetails Morrison County Lakes and Pines Bluewater Wahoo Valley Isanti County Wild River Rum River North Suburban
Chapter Code MDB RRC NRR TRF RCL BMJ ITS HCC WLC TEC CCC STR AHC WLDN DTC LSC LVC SMH FFL CWC PKR EOC WDN BRD CRW MCC LPC BLW WAH ICC WLD RMR NSC
Region 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 13
Chapter Alexandria Chippewa Valley Sauk River Phantom Buck Pomme De Terre Crow River Two Rivers Tri-County River Bottom Bucks Central Minnesota Sherburne County Swampbucks Wright County/ West Metro Whitetails East Central Minnesota Minnesota River Valley Blue Earth River Valley Sunrisers Bend of the River Sioux Trails Deer Hunters Des Moines Valley Jim Jordan McGregor Area Quad Rivers Snake River Southern Gateway Southeast Minnesota Bluff Country South Central Minnesota South Metro Capitol Sportsmen’s St. Croix Valley
Chapter Code ALX CVC SRP PDT CRC TRC TCR CMC SCS WCWMW ECM MRV BEC SNR BOR STD DMV JJC MCG QRC SRC SGC SEM BLF SCC SMC CSC SCV
Did you know... since 1985 MDHA has collected over 820,000 deer hides that generated 4.9 million dollars of habitat work?
“There’s Still Some Caveman In All Of Us” BY DEAN HANSEN, MDHA ST. CROIX VALLEY CHAPTER
Mankind, the anthropologists tell us, evolved a million or so years ago on the semi-open savannas of central Africa. These early humans were hunter/gatherers, with the emphasis on �hunter.� Their eyes, like all predators, faced forward, with stereovision, but these eyes also had excellent peripheral vision to sense motion from either a hungry lion or a possible prey sneaking off to the side. Groups of these early humans would eventually live in small communities, with the
Gerwing Bucks
BY LARRY GERWING,
MDHA SHERBURNE COUNTY SWAMPBUCKS CHAPTER
There were five bucks killed on our property this year. A neighbor shot a monster 11-pointer, my brother shot a 10-pointer, my son shot an 8-pointer and I shot both an 8-point and a 10-point.
women barefoot and pregnant and responsible for the food preparation and child rearing. The men, also barefoot, did the hunting. It was hunting success that kept the small villages from starving. Face it, humans are hunters. Fast forward a million years to the Wisconsin deer season in about 2001. I was slowly walking south in a beautiful, fresh four inches of snow when my right eye caught the motion of a doe sneaking to the north. I turned, leveled the receiver sights of my Winchester .30-30 on her chest, and squeezed off a shot. I felt I had hit her, so I followed her tracks in the fresh snow for twenty or thirty yards. There I came across a single red drop of fresh blood on the fresh white snow. You can believe this or not, but here�s what happened: I was suddenly eight feet tall, I could bound over the surface of the snow without leaving a footprint, and I was going to track this deer and throw it over my shoulder and bring it back to my starving village. There would be a wonderful feast that evening in my honor, with eating and drinking and singing and dancing in celebration. And I would be the village hero, well,
at least for a short time. Holy %#@� I thought, what�s this� I mentioned this to a physician, and he laughed and said that I had had a serotonin release. Whew, I thought, has anyone ever thought to put this stuff in a pill� A year or so later I was at a get-together of a number of UMN Anthropology grad students and I related the same story. I told a grad student there that this experience �must go back ten thousand years.� She smiled and simply said, �No, it goes back a million years.� She�s right. Or not--maybe it goes back a billion years, with any predator, be it a lion taking down a zebra, a jumping spider taking down a fruit fly, any predator taking down its prey. One kills to live. Simple as that. And it�s still in us. Humans are predators. Despite what any vegetarian or vegan may say, humans are predators. We have canine teeth--these aren�t for chewing leaves and stems. The euphoria was gone by the time I started field dressing (aka �gutting�) the deer. But I will never forget this �trip.� To me, that experience is a part of the past million years of human evolution. Someone has to feed that starving village, right�
Ysen & Hall Shack NORTHERN COMMUNITY RADIO KAXE 91.7 GRAND RAPIDS 89.9 BRAINERD 103.9 ELY KBXE 90.5 BAGLEY/BEMIDJI
A mix of NPR news, regional arts, culture & public affairs programs, and a great variety of music The Ysen and Hall Deer Shack was built in 1964 by both of the families near Ericsburg, Minnesota. This picture captures one family with two four-generations. There are three original members that are still actively hunting, Jim Ysen (84), Curtis Ysen (78), and Clifford Hall (80). These original members and their families have shown a strong family bond and even though they don�t all live close, deer season gives them a chance to get together to make and share many memories, now and for years to come.
Aut henti c Lo c a l R a d io
Did you know... MDHA members get food plot seed at greatly reduced prices?
comments@kaxe.org (800)662-5799 | kaxe.org
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 21
Around the State
Mountain Iron, MN Hosts the 2015 Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener
About the Event
Firearms deer hunting season is a special time in Minnesota, bringing together friends and families to share in a unique and long-held tradition. Each year MDHA, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Explore Minnesota Tourism, honor this great deer hunting tradition, educate our youth and promote ethical hunting practices by celebrating the Governor�s Deer Hunting Opener event. Minnesota is the only state in the United States with a Governor who celebrates the great deer hunting tradition. The event delivers a positive message and awareness to the public through a wide variety of media outlets to all Minnesotans and beyond our borders. This event is funded solely on sponsorship dollars. MDHA is instrumental in coordinating the GDHO which is a powerful tool for advocating our MDHA goals by drawing huge media attention to educate and announce to policy makers, media and the general public the role that hunting and shooting sports play in our heritage and the economic benefits it brings to Minnesota, especially our rural communities. Over 150 media and dignitaries along with hundreds of the general public take part in this event. The GDHO delivers a positive message to untold numbers through radio broadcasts, printed press, television and most recently
internet blogging and web TV. Media who attend and cover the GDHO will hear the messages being sent at this event, in regards to deer hunting, loud and clear. And because they attend as guests of MDHA and our fine state of Minnesota, we make sure that they understand their role in telling our story.
Event History
During Governor Jessie Ventura�s administration, MDHA approached the Governor�s Office and proposed the idea of a GDHO; this request was denied. Then, in 2002, shortly after winning his first election, Governor Pawlenty came to the MDHA asking for our support to begin the tradition of a Governor�s Deer Hunting Opener, the first in the nation. The Minnesota Governor�s Deer Hunting Opener Event is still the only event of its kind in the nation. Governor Dayton�s administration recognizes that hunting, hunters and MDHA are not something to take lightly in Minnesota. The Governor�s Deer Hunting Opener is a phenomenal event that promotes the importance of deer hunting to Minnesota�s habitat, heritage and economy. MDHA�s support and contribution are utilized to promote MDHA�s presence at the event so attendees and media know who leads the charge in supporting this prohunting event.
2015 hunter hosts pose for a photo with state partner representatives Lt. Governor Tina Smith, MN DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr and MDHA Executive Director Craig Engwall.
22 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
2015 Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener The 2015 Governor�s Deer Hunting Opener was a great event. The event started on Thursday afternoon with a �Welcome to Camp� Expo and Banquet. The expo and banquet doors opened at 4:00 where attendees could browse the various 35 outdoor related vendor booths, mix and mingle with other outdoor enthusiasts and take a stab at winning the �Bad Axe Competition.� There was a sea of blaze orange floating through the parking lot in a buzz as hundreds of people took in the booths under the tent at the Mountain Iron Community Center. Events included an Archery In The Schools Program hosted competition shoot, live news and radio broadcasting, sausage makers competing for a �Best Sausage Competition,� butchering seminars by Bill Hesselgrave, the T.I.P Wall of Shame, ATV simulators, the Iron Ranger hockey team shooting zone, shooting and hunting clubs and even blow up shooting ranges to name a few. At five o� clock, the sea of orange gathered for a �Blaze Orange� photo with world record holder archer, Brianna Theadore, starting it off with a bang demonstrating her shooting skills. In the banquet room there were more activities happening as people bid on numerous great silent auction items, played raffles for a chance to win a bow or a gun and viewed a hunting tribute slideshow on the big
2015 GDHO Dinner.
Did you know... MDHA’s four major tenets are hunting, habitat, education and legislation?
screen. As the 6:30 mark drew near, the ball room quickly started to look like a giant deer camp with 250 seats filled with enthusiasts wearing blaze orange ready to celebrate our great hunting tradition. During dinner we listened to special guests who included Lt. Governor, Tina Smith. Unfortunately, due to family illness, Governor Dayton was not able to join us for this event. As Thursday came to an end Friday�s start rolled around early as live radio interviews and a community breakfast started at 5:30 a.m. There were numerous stations broadcasting live and interviewing
dignitaries including MDHA Executive Director Craig Engwall. For those ten hunters and observers we had heading to the field, Friday served as a scouting and observation day for them. They were able to get up early and head out with their hosts to check their stands and locations. Saturday morning started early again as it was finally time to hit the field. There were reports of success stories on opening morning and most importantly reports about the good times had and new friends made. That is truly what this event is about. It is about celebrating this special time in
Minnesota, bringing together friends and families to share in a special and longheld tradition. It honors and promotes Minnesota�s fine deer hunting tradition, teaches new hunters, increases awareness of hunting�s economic and conservation contributions to our society and showcases our various Minnesota locations as great hunting and tourism destinations. As a collaborative effort with Explore MN Tourism and the MN DNR, we are doing a fine job of promoting our deer hunting tradition and we will continue to improve that promotion through this event.
“Welcome to Camp” Expo & Banquet
People took in the booths under the tent at the Mountain Iron Community Center.
Bad Axe Competition Winners.
Butchering seminar by Bill Hesselgrave.
T.I.P Wall of Shame Did you know... whitetail’s antlers are among the fastest growing tissues known to science?
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 23
Around the State
2015 MINNESOTA GOVERNOR’S DEER HUNTING OPENER
The Best Deer-Less Hunt Ever BY BOB & GINNY RIEGE
Our deer camp this year was a little different from the previous years. This year we were in Mt. Iron, MN, hunting the Minnesota Governor�s Deer Hunting Opener. To honor the great deer hunting tradition, educate our youth and promote ethical hunting practices, Governor Mark Dayton and the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Explore Minnesota Tourism and the Mountain Iron community were proud to announce the 2015 13th Annual Minnesota Governor�s Deer Hunting Opener celebration. Deer hunting season is a special time in Minnesota, bringing together friends and families to share in a special and long-held tradition. This popular sport is part of the fabric of our state�s culture. Half a million Minnesotans share this tradition throughout the state on this year�s opener November 7th. Our hunter host was Angela Sipila, who is an attorney in Virginia, Minn. She and her husband Dave live just north of Virginia and the land we hunted on was located just a little north of Embarrass, Minn. Previously, we mentioned this year�s hunting camp was a little different as it is the first time we had the
pleasure to have a woman as a hunting host. The difference continued. When we first met Angela at the Thursday evening banquet, we inquired as to where we would be hunting and if we could make plans to see the land the next day. Angela informed us we could look at the property in the afternoon. We were wondering why we couldn�t look at the property in the morning� Angela then said that in the morning she was going to get a massage and she invited us to come along and get one as well. Of course, I decided this would be a great opportunity for Ginny, so I declined the offer and the time decided on and the two ladies went for a pre-hunt massage. This was a first for both of us. As a hunter host Angela became more like an ambassador for the entire area around Mt. Iron. She gave us a tour of the communities, we went to lunch with her and that evening she and her husband met us for dinner. Angela wanted us to feel as if we were friends
and included us with her family as well. In fact, Angela wanted me to hunt with her son Rickey. Rickey is a great young man who was in his first year at the University of Minnesota. More importantly, Rickey and his Dad made a permanent stand for us on their land. We have all hunted sitting on a bucket or in an open tree stand. We have all hunted in heat, freezing cold, rain, wind and deep snow, but to hunt in a heated permanent tree house was something I really wanted to experience. I therefore accepted the offer to hunt with their son Rickey in the middle of the forest with shooting lanes cut and sliding windows in a magnificent tree house. As I mentioned before, this was a little different than previous years. Preseason scouting is a must when selecting a proper stand to hunt from. A week before the opener is usually enough time to look for a spot. Because we didn�t
The outside of the deluxe tree house hunting blind on opening morning. Photo by Bob Riege
24 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
Did you know... the base from which antlers grow is called the “pedicel”?
Bob Riege sits in the tree house on opening morning during the 2015 Minnesota Governor’s Deer Hunting Opener. Photo by Rickey Sipila. have the week prior nor a spot to hunt, I left that up to our hunter host. Angela also identified an excellent spot for Ginny�s ground blind. Deer had been spotted there in past years and there was plenty of sign to let us know they were still around. As the silver threads of early light fell upon the woods the birds started to awaken with first a light peep and then a soft song. Dawn was still more than 45 minutes away, but the forest was becoming active except for the deer. Their activities had been almost all nocturnal and now it was their time to move towards a resting area. Some go to bedding grounds without loitering, but others are inclined to browse en route. Rickey and I climbed into our deluxe accommodations and as we chambered the rounds in our rifles a flood of memories came over us along with anticipation of the opening day. As the day progressed we didn�t hear any shots from the surrounding area, until about midday and then the reports were distant. Anticipation and sitting in this tree house with the sun coming in the windows almost made me want to take a nap. But, we kept
each other company and to pass the time, Rickey even did some math homework. I told you this was a little different. Being a former teacher I was really surprised he would have the dedication to do homework. I was even more surprised when I found he also had his laptop along and he even had time to send some emails back to his friends at college. Finally, at about an hour before sunset, I spotted a deer making its way across one of the shooting lanes. Not being able to tell if it had antlers, we waited until it cleared into the second shooting lane. It was a buck and it was about 70 yards away and on my side of the tree house when I placed my cross hair on its vitals and told Rickey I had a clear shot. One thing that I brought with me to our tree house was hearing protection. The muzzle blast inside the tree house could cause some definite hearing loss. So, with the hearing protection in place and the shot ready to take, I sent one down range to the buck. The buck did not flinch, but did jog off with its tail down, so I figured that I must have placed a good shot. Rickey wanted to get down out of our
tree house, but I insisted we wait at least 15 minutes before we pursued the deer. Rickey then said we should go and the voice of reason and experience said waiting was better than chasing a wounded deer. After 15 minutes, we climbed down from the tree house and went to look for sign of blood and to find the deer. Needless to say, we did not find blood or any downed deer. It was truly a �swing and a miss.� As I said before, this year was a little different than other years. Usually if we have a clear shot it ends up with venison in the freezer. Of course, Ginny was relaxed and ready to shoot the �big one,� but never saw a deer. The hunt was over for us for another year, but the difference between any of the other years is that we would not change a thing. Our hunter host, family, the people of Mt. Iron, Minn. and surrounding area made many more memories than any previous years� hunt. Our new friends, our new experiences of pre-hunt massages, sitting in deluxe accommodations in the deer woods were a marked difference for Deer Camp 2015 and us.
www.TROPHY BUCK
foodplots.com
Specializing in building and maintaining FOOD PLOTS and
TRAIL SYSTEMS on your property.
Jim Sobolik - Deer River, MN
Office: (218) 246-9895 Cellular: (218) 244-3365 Did you know... MDHA is divided into 13 regions with 63 chapters?
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 25
Around the State
Des Moines Valley Youth Hunt
At 8:10 a.m. on Saturday, a shot echoed through Kilen Woods State Park – the first legal shot fired in the 202-acre woodland in 70 years. Seconds later, a massive 11-point whitetail crumpled to the earth – the first deer legally harvested on the hilly terrain since it became a state park in 1945. The history-making shooter was 15-yearold rural Windom boy Cayson Hill – one of five area youngsters selected to be part of the first ever deer hunt at Kilen Woods State Park. The weekend came about through a partnership between the Minnesota DNR and the MDHA Des Moines Valley Chapter. The Des Moines Valley Chapter approached the DNR about the hunt and were told that it would be a great idea and that they would facilitate it if the MDHA organized everything. �They just did a great job. It�s a neat thing,� said Phil Nasby Jackson, area DNR parks and trails supervisor. Modeled after similar hunts at state parks throughout Minnesota, the Kilen Woods hunt was open to youth ages 12 to 16 but limited to just five spots. Hunt organizer, Melanie Cleberg, secretary of the Des Moines Valley Chapter, was initially unsure of how many applications would be submitted. In the end, 32 youngsters from across the state applied. The five hunters and their hunting mentors arrived at the park Friday evening for a mandatory orientation session where they went over rules and assigned hunters to a specific blind previously set up by the chapter. Then on Saturday morning the hunters and their mentors took to their blinds. By noon each hunter had seen several deer, most had taken a shot or two and Hill had his trophy buck field dressed and hung. �It was out at 50 yards,� Hill said of his buck, which dressed out at 192 pounds. �That�s about as perfect shot as there is.� As it turned out, Hill�s buck was the only to fall that weekend. But regardless of the number of deer harvested over the weekend, Joe Raia, Chapter President, said the event was a success.
The Des Moines Valley Chapter youth hunters with their mentors.
26 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
ENDOWMENTS & DONATIONS: Oct 22, 2015 - Feb 1, 2016
ENDOWMENT FUND CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Steve Ranallo Doug & Linda Appelgren Peter Lodermeier Peter Lodermeier Gary & Rae Thompson Alfred Berner Carlton County Chapter Doug & Linda Appelgren Doug & Linda Appelgren Jean & Nick Frank Bruce Gross Tom & Sandy Norby Tom & Sandy Norby Al Berner Gerald Fischer MDHA Sherburne County Swampbucks Chpt Steve Ranallo Denis Quarberg Denis Quarberg Mary Peters
HONOREE’S NAME Not Specified Jean Bergerson Everett A Lodermeier Grace D Lodermeier Todd A. Look Richard Dick Anderson Not Specified Tony Bauer Greg Burley Greg Burley Tony Bauer Tony Bauer Greg Burley Tony Bauer Tony Bauer Greg Burley Not Specified Tony Bauer Greg Burley Tony Bauer
BUILDING FUND DONATIONS CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME MDHA Wadena Chapter MDHA Wadena Chapter
HONOREE’S NAME Lee (Tiny) Milbradt Larry Matthiesen
EDUCATION & GENERAL DONATIONS CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Paul Rice Daniel Peterson Tom Nendick Mike Tenny Keith Klumpke Norwood Nelson Gayle McMahon Jeff Pluff Dean Pelnar Isanti Tire & Auto Larry Oflanagan Thrivent Financial Gary Thompson Izaak Walton League Chpt 79 New Ulm Dennis Sperl Dakota Supply-Kyle Runnoe
If we inadvertenlty left you off the list or any corrections to the above list are needed, please contact us and we will make the appropriate corrections. Thank you.
BY ROD DIMICH AND ED SCHMIDT
Spring
Puzzler
Minnesota Deer Hunting Quiz >> True or False! << By Mike Roste 1. When deer hunting, one should always have a plan B. 2. It really doesn’t pay to hunt much from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Answers on page 54.
3. The tree stand hunter benefits from crusted snow. 4. Some hunters expect a deer behind every tree or brush line. 5. The time to set up and learn how to use a portable tree stand is on the first morning of the deer season. 6. Pay particular attention to the last deer in a group as a buck always follows the does. 7. Sometimes a sharp whistle or shout will stop a running whitetail in its tracks.
1. 3. 4. 6. 7. 9. 10. 12. 13. 14. 16. 17.
Number one predator of fawns in the spring Canine predators Response of organism to seasonal changes in length of day Deer in its first year Emergence of young from body of mother Between hooves or fingers or toes Light reflecting layer of tissue in the eye Large biomolecule made of amino acid; necessary in diet Kinds of food an animal normally eats Antler base Second stomach in ruminants Eye guard antlers
8. Deer possess a formidable defense system. 9. Cutting a tree and harvesting a whitetail deer are examples of utilizing a renewable resource. 10. Bucks hang around does for most of the year.
Answers 9. True: If you understand the concept of cutting a tree, you probably understand that a whitetail deer is a renewable resource gift of nature. 2. False: Four of the last five deer I harvested were from 10 until 2 while the rut was on. 1. True: If the wind is not in your favor, move to another tree stand or area.
JUNE 10 Sturgeon River Chapter Fundraiser at the Britt Lounge. Contact Brett Haavisto at 218.780.6401.
3. True: It is hard for a deer to approach your deer stand without making any noise when the snow is crusted.
MAY 1 Carlton County Chapter Fundraiser at the Four Seasons Sports Complex in Carlton. Contact Mike Fasteland at 218.879.0429.
4. True: Don’t get discouraged. Put in your hours on a tree stand. I hunted 51 hours last November and I saw 15 deer and harvested two deer in area 215.
APRIL 1 Sunrisers Chapter Banquet at the Wanda American Legion. Contact Gary Beermann at 507.360.9305. 1 Trails End Chapter Banquet at the Backus Community Center in International Falls. Contact Eugene Putzier at 651.247.3936. 2 East Ottertail Chapter Banquet at Playtime Sports Bar in Perham. Contact Mark Strege at 218.849.7453.
5. False: It takes skill and practice to develop enough confidence so you can use the climbing platform in dim light or total darkness.
APRIL 2 Crow River Chapter Banquet at the McLeod County Fairgrounds in Hutchinson. Contact Eugene Putzier at 651.247.3936. 4 Thief River Chapter Banquet at the Eagle’s Club in Thief River Falls. Contact Al Newton at 218.681.1237. 9 Cuyuna Range Whitetails Chapter Banqet at the Hallett Community Center in Crosby. Contact Grant Gibson at 218.820.3142. 9 Bluewater Chapter Banquet at Breezy Point Resort. Contact Brian Evenson at 218.851.4156. 9 Sauk River Chapter Fundraiser at the Greenwald Pub. Contact Gladys Henderson at 320.859.5829. 19 Clay Wilkin Chapter Banquet at the Hawley Community Center. Contact Lisa Lawson at 218.937.5791. 21 Lake Superior Chapter Banquet at the AAD Shriners Facility in Hermantown. Contact Wayne Suronen at 218.389.6246. 28 East Central MN Chapter Fundraiser at the Phoenix Banquet Hall in Milaca. Contact Felix Ramola at 763.262.7395. 30 Smokey Hills Chapter Banquet at the Frazee Event Center. Contact Lowell Bradbury at 218.342.2957. 30 Jim Jordan Chapter Banquet at Grand Casino Hinckley. Contact Scott Peterson at 320.372.0300
6. False: Many of us have seen a buck leading a group and many times the buck will be in the middle.
MARCH 5 Snake River Chapter Banquet at Fish Lake Resort in Mora. Contact Denny Udean at 320.679.9034. 5 Des Moines Valley Chapter Banquet at the Jackson National Guard Armory. Contact Joe Raia at 507.831.5776. 19 Rum River Chapter Banquet at the Courtyards of Andover Event Center. Contact Ron Schleif at 763.753.5254. 19 Bluff Country Chapter Banquet at the Witoka Tavern in Winona. Contact Jim Panek at 507.643.6591. 19 MN River Valley Chapter Banquet at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan. Contact Barb Breeggemann at 952.445.4396. 19 Sherburne County Chapter Banquet at the Marketplace Banquet Center in Big Lake. Contact Mark Burley at 763.753.2331. 19 Pomme De Terre Chapter Banquet at the Morris National Guard Armory. Contact Rick Carlson at 320.589.3389. 19 Clay Wilkin Chapter Banquet at the Hawley Community Center. Contact Lisa Lawson at 218.937.5791. 26 North Suburban Chapter Banquet at the Kraus-Hartig VFW in Spring Lake Park. Contact Steve Ranallo at 763.574.0195.
7. True: A whistle or shout will usually stop a running deer. I have actually seen a deer take off after I grunted.
Calendar of EVENTS
8. True: Its sense of smell, hearing, and eyesight alert them to even the most insignificant danger signals.
Sound made by a fawn Secretion or formation of milk in mammals Nutritious legumes planted for food plots Insect whose larva are internal parasites of mammals One of three normal sounds made by deer An animal that naturally preys on others An animal that feeds on plants Baglike organ containing the mammary Manner of walking, stepping or running Blood sucking arachnids Blood enriched antler covering Inorganic elements essential to nutrition Final stomach compartment in ruminant
DOWN
10. False: Bucks don’t hang around does except for a short time during the rut.
1. 2. 5. 7. 8. 11. 15. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
ACROSS
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 27
MDHA Store
SHIPPING & HANDLING RATES
> TO ORDER:
Visit www.mndeerhunters.com or call 800.450.DEER * Non-clothing items add 6.875% sales tax
Biologic Winter Bulbs and Sugar Beets.
2.25# bag. You can grow up to a ¼ acre plot that will draw deer over early with brassica bulbs and keep them coming late in the season for sugar beets. These brassica bulbs are powered by the “green” top bulb, which is the highest preferred bulb that BioLogic® has tested. Bag covers approximately a ¼ acre.
MDHA Bean Bags Game.
Be ready to entertain this summer with your MDHA bean bags game. Features two logo’d boards, a set of blue and red bags, and a very nice zip up carrying case to store the game when not in use. This is sure to be a hit at your next bbq.
$17
Purchase amount Rate $1.00 - $50.00 ................................................... $8.00 $50.01 - $100.00 ............................................... $9.00 $100.01 - $150.00 .............................................. $11.00 $150.01 - $200.00 ............................................ $13.00 $200.01 & UP ...................................... PLEASE CALL
Biologic Maximum Food Plot MDHA Can Koozies. Keep your beverage cold Seed. 2.25# bag. Plants well in the spring or fall. Contains high yield brassicas. This bag covers approximately a ¼ acre.
and your hand warm with these visible MDHA can koozies.
$1.50
$16
5 piece fish fillet knife set.
This fillet knife fish cleaning set is just what you need to be ready to clean that limit wherever you are. Contains: 1-12.75″ fillet knife, 1-10″ fillet knife, 1-10″ fillet knife w/ spine, 1-steel sharpening tool, 1-cutting board, all contained in a blow-molded case to keep everything protected and together whether at home or away.
$75
$20
MDHA Grizzly 20 cooler
With ice retention of five days, oversized 2” drain plug, non-slip feet, heavy duty handle, certified bear proof, and made in the USA this cooler is just what you need for your summer adventures. Our cooler is similar to the picture only ours is tan not white.
$239
Tan Unlined Deerskin Gloves.
These gloves are 100% deerskin and are a great value! Super soft leather, yet durable for years of service. You can’t find gloves like this anywhere near this price! Check online for current sizes in stock or call.
$10
28 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
MDHA 2016 Mug of The Year.
Stylish and functional our 2016 mug of the year features a nice close-able lid, double wall stainless inner, the traditional logo and the new alternate logo. 16oz.
$16
MDHA Shooting Glasses. Keep your eyes well protected on the range or in the woods and enhance your targeting ability with these yellow shooting glasses complete with MDHA logo.
$6
Birchwood Casey Easy Score Paper Targets.
Includes space to enter key shooting data, perfect for competition and target shooting, and contains 13 targets. Get and shoot, it’s spring!
$2.50
When you purchase MDHA merchandise you support MDHA’s programs and mission.
2016 MDHA Print of the Year.
The 2016 MDHA print of the year by Micheal Sieve features a beautiful farmland scene with vivid colors, a muzzleloader hunter shooting a nice buck, and even a red fox sneaking away along the wood line. This would make a great print for any home or cabin. Features a nice frame and mat.
MDHA Edge Skinner Knife.
The Whitetail Skinner Knife features a nice leather sheath, 7″ overall length, slender blade for skinning, and a wood handle with MDHA engraved in the wood. A great knife for any hunter.
$20
MDHA Food Plot Signs.
MDHA Camo/Blaze 4”x6” Decal.
$3
$3
This 12″ x 18″ flexible, weather resistant plastic MDHA sign is a professional, effective way to mark and track your food plot planting while showing your dedication to MDHA and Minnesota’s outdoor/hunting heritage.
This decal will look great no matter where you put it. Camo with orange trim, it works on the side of your truck, on your ATV, your shell box, or the window of your vehicle. The size is 4”×6” of heavy duty outdoor UV resistant material.
$199
2015 MDHA Tapestry of the Year. MDHA Portable Gun Cleaning Kit.
The kit is neatly contained in a nylon case with a belt loop. It is perfectly portable yet everything you need to clean anything from a .22 up to a 12 gauge. Contents include: orange flex gun cleaning rod w/stainless double loop patch holder on one end and standard thread on the other to accept any standard rifle or pistol brush. Two tapered brushes, one for .22-.45 cal. and one for .410-12 ga. Natural light bore sight, microfiber cloth with MDHA traditional logo, assorted patches, biodegradable gun oil with rust inhibitor, biodegradable gun cleaner and deluxe case with MDHA logo.
$34
MDHA Logo Travel Mug.
Customized with the MDHA logo this 16 oz. Max Steel Travel Mug is the perfect mug for your desk or office! It features a double wall construction with a thumb-slide closure and the outer shell and inner liner are made of stainless steel.
$10
MDHA Adjustable Woodgrain Cap.
This cap features a woodgrain front and orange side panels. Velcro adjustable back with the MDHA established date, as well as the MDHA logo, MDHA typed out, and MDHA on the bill of the front of the cap.
$15
While supplies last! Depicts the image of our 2015 print of the year, “Zone 1-Firearms” by Michael Sieve, and it also states our 35th anniversary on it! The tapestry is also larger in size and measures 50″ x 50″.
$30
Big Game Eyecon Black Widow Trail Camera.
Catch more deer and other game in your web of game cameras with the Big Game Eyecon® Black Widow® 5.0 Megapixel Camo Game Camera. With its completely undetectable flash, 5.0 MP resolution and 40’ IR flash range, the Black Widow captures color images and video by day and monochrome 1.3 MP images at night. Combining a 50’-70’ detection range with 1.2 second trigger, this quality trail camera won’t miss many shots. Captures 15-, 30-, or 60-second video clips in 30 fps. Time, date, temperature, and moon phase stamped on every image and video. Requires SD card up to 32 GB (not included). Takes up to 40,000 shots on a fresh group of 6 C-cell batteries (not included) or Eyecon Extenda-Life Battery Pack (not included). Dimensions: 7.5”H x 4.5”W x 3”D. Comes with adjustable mounting strap.
$110
Become an MDHA member today... Name: Address: City: State: Phone: Chapter Preference: Email:
Zip:
Membership Payment Information: ❑ $25 Adult 1 Year Membership ❑ $15 Youth 1 Year Membership ❑ Check ❑ Visa/Mastercard/Discover Card #: Signature: I would also like to make a donation of $ Order Total: $
Exp:
460 Peterson Road • Grand Rapids, MN 55744 • 800.450.3337 MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 29
On the Hunt
for Shed Antlers BY JOE ALBERT
Had his last name not been Shead (pronounced like shed) when he was born, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entirely possible Joe Shead would have changed his name. Yes, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that much into hunting for shed antlers.
30 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
Joe Shead (right) and his friend Dan Hess shown here with the fruits of a two-week trip out West that included whitetail, mule deer and elk antlers.
Well, maybe a name change is a little extreme. Then again, maybe it�s not. Consider that one year, he kept track of all the hours he spent with his eyes glued to the ground, searching for the headgear bucks cast off every year. �I can�t remember the total, but I told myself I�d never keep track of it again,� Shead says. �It was a ridiculous amount of time.� Likewise, he doesn�t know exactly how many shed antlers he�s collected over the years. When he lived in an apartment, boxes of sheds littered the place. And there were more in the garage. Now, he owns a house in Two Harbors, Minn., and has plans for a room devoted to sheds. So, Joe, do you suppose you have hundreds of sheds� Thousands� �Not enough,� he says. �I can tell you that.� Shead, who�s 37 years old, is a veteran of the shed-hunting game. A decade ago, he began doing seminars on shed hunting, and wrote a book called Shed Hunting: A Guide to Finding WhiteTailed Deer Antlers. Though shed hunting certainly has become more of a mainstream recreational activity today, it wasn�t always that way. A large part of the reason for that is a change in attitude among at least some members of the deer-hunting populace. �It was different back before people passed up bucks,� Shead says. �When I came into hunting, people just didn�t pass on bucks. You would hear stories about people finding sheds and it was just unbelievable. Bucks just didn�t survive the hunting season back in the 1980s.� When he was a teenager, Shead, who grew up in Wisconsin, heard about people finding shed antlers. He poked around from time to time with no real idea about what he was doing, and he had little success. After all, he came from a hunting family, but duck hunting was king. �During deer season, we�d try to get a buck on the ground right away so we could get back to duck hunting,� Shead says. But he�d always been interested in deer and their antlers, and when he was in college, one of his roommates found some sheds one day. And life for Shead hasn�t been the same since. �Once I got that first one, there was no turning back,� Shead says. �It�s a rush. It�s treasure hunting. Deer hunting and shed hunting are kind of intertwined. A lot of guys, if they have land, they are trying to find sheds of the deer on their hunting land. But I hunt on public land, so I can�t actually say I�ve ever found a shed off a buck I�ve shot. But it would be fun to do that.� Certainly, people have a lot of reasons for heading afield to find the bones that deer cast from their heads. Some simply want to get outside, while others want to enjoy the thrill of the hunt outside of the deer-harvest season. Still others want to shoot a buck and then be able to say they also own the antlers he dropped in the past. But finding deer antlers isn�t as simple as fumbling around the woods. Sure, luck may lead you to finding some that way, but there are steps you can take to increase your success. The main message� �The biggest thing is to get where the deer are,� Shead says. �You scout and figure out where they�re at. And then you have to find areas that have bucks.� Following are some more of Shead�s suggestions for tipping the odds in your favor.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 31
Timing
Shead doesn�t typically get started looking for sheds until the end of January. And he usually isn�t done until the middle or end of May. �April is always my best month,� he says. �That�s when the snow has receded in most years. For the fishing opener, I�ll always go up by Grand Marais. It�s kind of a token, �Hey, I went fishing on opening day,� but then I go out and find some sheds.�
Keep your eyes peeled
It�s uncanny how much shed antlers can blend in with their surroundings, whether they�re among cornstalks, within grass, or sitting atop twigs on the forest floor. Keep your eyes focused on the ground as much as possible. And if you find yourself starting to lose focus, take a break. You don�t want to walk 50 yards and then realize you weren�t really looking.
Living bucks
Bucks can�t shed their antlers if they�re dead. If you�re really intent on finding sheds, figure out places where hunting pressure is light, or where hunting is off-limits. Golf courses can be good bets, as can urban parks. And don�t forget about private ground where landowners don�t allow hunting. They may not have any qualms about giving you permission to look for sheds.
Find the food
As with other animals, deer have lower metabolism in the winter. But that doesn�t mean they�re not eating, of course – they still need energy and they still need to recuperate from the stresses of the rutting period.
32 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
In agricultural areas, deer eat a lot of corn and alfalfa, so it makes sense to look in and around these crops. If you�re looking for sheds in forested parts of the state, check in areas with acorns, aspen leaves, white cedar boughs, and brushy species such as red osier dogwood.
Southern exposure
In the winter, south-facing areas receive the most sunlight. Deer will bed in these areas even if the cover isn�t typical bedding cover. Snow melts earliest on southern exposures, which makes travel and food-finding easier. On a macro level, the south side of a hill is a good place to search, but think smaller, too. If you�re looking around a deadfall or lone tree, for example, pay special attention to the south side.
Thick cover
Not all deer bed on southern exposures, so you shouldn�t spend all of your time on them. Spend some time looking in areas where there are thick stands of evergreen trees, which can provide deer with excellent thermal cover. It�s also common to find deer bedding in cattails, willows, and other brushy thickets. Whatever the cover you�re searching, orient yourself such that you�re focusing most of your attention on the south-facing side.
Odd features
If you�re walking through a parcel of land in which everything looks the same and suddenly you happen upon something different, you�re likely to notice that unique feature and check it out. Deer aren�t much different. They and other animals are drawn to odd aspects of their environment. In fact, one of Shead�s best tips for finding shed antlers is to find lone evergreen trees and search the area around them. And when you find one antler, don�t be surprised if the initial elation is soon replaced by a strong desire to find more. And more. �It�s really addicting,� Shead says.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 33
The Fruit Prod BY MARC SCHWABENLANDER – LETHAL INSIGHT
As deer hunters, we all know the benefit of oaks, particularly white oaks, in the early season to pattern our local deer and get within shooting range as they vacuum up those calorie rich acorns in the timber. But this article isn�t about those oaks. The OAKs I�m talking about does much of its beneficial work for the hunter and archer before the deer hunting season even begins. This OAKs produces skill-based fruit for the outdoorsman�s mind, body, and spirit, not for the stomach, although for some, the end product is a freezer full of tasty, tender vittles. The Outdoors, Archery, and Kids (OAKs) mentoring program is sponsored by the St. Croix Valley Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (SCV MDHA) chapter and centered at the Bald Eagle Sportsman�s Association (BESA) in Hugo, MN. OAKs brings new people, both children and adults, into the outdoors. The main motivation is to introduce archery and archery deer hunting to new students of the sport. Through the volunteer efforts of experienced mentors with knowledge in capacities such as archery instruction, orienteering, wildlife biology, woodsmanship, and hunting ethics and safety the activities are family focused, fun, and meant to provide a strong base prior to novice archery hunters stepping into the woods for the first time. The summer portion of the program is for people of all ages and skill levels. For about eight weeks on Thursday nights from 4 – 8
34 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
pm, the group gathers at BESA. Activities are based on the number and type of attendees. High quality beginner archery equipment is available for those who want to learn but have nothing of their own to learn with. Donations of all kinds from many sources have provided bows, arrows, targets, and other equipment for the OAKs program to have for new archers to experience the sport for the first time. The basics of archery are stressed during the mentoring at the 50-yard archery range. Older, more advanced participants, some of whom have been attending the program for several years, are able to take advantage of donated archery equipment that is capable of being used not just on the target and 3D range, but also for hunting purposes. Some of these bows are hand-me-downs that have taken many deer in previous seasons and just need the enthusiasm of a new shooter, a tuning, and a few new accessories to be hunt ready. Others are brand new outfits from several manufacturers. Money from fundraisers such as annual MDHA banquets is used to buy these new bows. The beauty of these new bows is that they are not only capable of fitting a teenager�s draw length and draw weight but also of extending and growing with the youngsters as they mature and can draw longer and pull harder. OAKs is not just for kids, however. Novice outdoor enthusiasts and archers of any age are welcome to participate. Recent trends show that Hollywood�s interest in
ducing OAKs archery and obtaining �home grown� food are reasons for people of all ages to get into the sport. For decades, hunter numbers in the United States declined. In 1970, over 40 million Americans purchased hunting licenses. The 2006 United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) survey showed that number to be 12.5 million. On a positive note, the 2011 USFWS 2011 survey numbers were up nine percent from the 2006 survey. Hopefully, the 2016 survey indicates a continued increase for the growth and survival of the pastime that we all enjoy and love, no matter what the excuse is for a newbie to get out into the field in pursuit of game. For the mentees who are old enough to hunt, the summer program transitions into the fall program during August. Keeping those archery skills sharp is important going into the hunting season, so shooting instruction continues through the fall program at BESA. The instruction transitions from the 50-yard range to the 3D ranges in order to play out hunting-type shooting scenarios. Discussion focuses on the animal�s anatomy and behavior and how that affects the decision of when to take the shot and where to shoot. Once the shot is taken, the training turns to demonstrations and presentations on blood trailing, field dressing, and processing. The blood trailing demonstration in the dark is a real-life scenario that everyone enjoys and appreciates. Personal and food safety is emphasized in field dressing and processing presentations.
Mark Scioli, mentor, safety line demo.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 35
entor and Kim Nyguen – mentor, hunting at the Vermillion Donald Post - mentee, Mark Scioli - mentor, Emily Yang - mentee, Tony Yang - parent/m Highlands and River WMA south of Hastings. General safety in hunting is an important aspect emphasized in several areas during the OAKs program. During treestand demonstrations, safety is probably the number one important aspect. Mentees are provided instruction on a few different types of treestands with the use of safety harnesses and safety lines at BESA. But not all of this teaching is done at BESA. Mentees have the opportunity (and are encouraged) to practice land stewardship through a number of projects such as picking up litter or clearing invasives like spotted knapweed or buckthorn from public properties throughout the summer and fall. Part of being a good hunter is practicing good woodsmanship and being a steward of the land in which we recreate. As the hunting season approaches, trips outside of BESA begin to focus on scouting missions to the varied public hunting grounds that Minnesota has to offer. Mentors are planning their fall hunting season and invite the mentees of the current season, along with mentees of past seasons who have created relationships with their mentors, to join the preseason-scouting missions. Stands are hung, shooting lanes are trimmed (where legal), and new in 2015, for the safety of all involved and through a donation by the SCV MDHA chapter, treestand safety lines are
36 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
installed on stands used by the group. Once the season starts, hunting day trips, overnighters, and weekend camping trips are planned throughout the fall. Stories of successful hunts and lessons learned, like any real hunting scenario, are shared among the group. Everyone stays in contact as the seasons march from archery to firearm and into muzzleloader and back into archery again. Through personal conversation, telephone, email and social media the OAKS mentors and mentees stay connected through the season to congratulate each other and give words of encouragement when needed. When the hunting season has concluded, it is only several short months before it all starts again. As many states now have mentor programs for young hunters and are lowering the legal hunting age, we can see that getting kids involved in hunting at an early age is a must to ensure the legacy of our cherished outdoor traditions. If you are interested in getting your youngster (or oldster) involved in the OAKS program, more information can be founds at http://www.besamn.com/�page_ id=19 or contact Jack Wachlarowicz at 651492-2572 or johnwachlarowicz@gmail.com
Frank Bajenske, mentee - WI Deer Hunt 2014.
Peter Coyle, mentee, 2014 buck.
Biologically Speaking
Got Game? Benefits of Eating Wild
BY DR. JIM WHITE, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE, SPORT AND HEALTH, BEMIDJI STATE UNIVERSITY
Photo by Bemidji State University.
Like many of you who are reading this, I feel fortunate that I am able to spend some of my free time hunting and fishing. Luckily, I was raised with the great outdoors nearby. For my family it was normal eating things that grew or lived nearby in the forest, lake, or field. Eating wild foods including venison (deer meat) has been a part of my table for my entire life. The fall tradition of harvesting a deer, butchering, and putting it in the freezer, is something that is a natural, deep-rooted ritual for many. Unfortunately, the ritual of harvesting local foods, including wild game for our tables, as well as sharing with our family and friends, is not as common as it once was. Losing this connection to our natural surroundings, including how we get our food has many alarmed (see Table 1).This article will explore some of the personal and societal benefits of pursuing, harvesting, and eating wild game.
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Why is eating wild game good for you?
What do we know about health risks of eating meat� Red meat, poultry, fish, and other protein sources (i.e. beans, nuts, lentils) are an important part of any diet. Most with expertise in nutrition would agree that quality protein, from a variety of sources should make up 10% to 35% of your day�s calories. That�s approximately 46 grams of protein for women, and 56 grams of protein for men per day (see Table 2). On average, most dieticians, and researchers report that Americans consume more protein than they need. The American Heart Association suggests that you should obtain most of your protein from lean sources such as chicken (although grouse and/or pheasant are even better) and fish. A serving of meat should be about the size of a deck of playing cards. You can eat up to two, 3 ounce servings of lean meat every day without significantly increasing your risk for premature disease. Most wild game and local, fresh water fish are considered lean sources of protein. Moderation is important, with the key being that you control your portions.
Venison can be mixed with a variety of other meats like pork and lamb. Photo by Rod Dimich. For the past number of years, I have taught a university level nutrition course to hundreds of students. I have frequently fielded a question similar to this: �I heard that venison is better for me than beef…can you tell me why�� The short answer is this: venison is a lean meat and contains higher amounts of the nutrients that are good for you, and has less of the unhealthy things that can be found in beef or other commercially grown livestock. Venison contains higher amounts of Niacin and Iron than beef. Niacin helps keep your hair, skin, eyes and liver healthy. Iron is a mineral found in every single cell of your body and is classified as an essential mineral because it is a needed part of red blood cells. Per serving, venison has a higher amount of cholesterol than beef. Should you be concerned� Probably not. In the past, it was recommended that cholesterol intake be limited to no more than 300 mg/day. However, in 2015 that recommendation changed. Research suggests that the consumption of dietary cholesterol and your blood cholesterol are not related. So the current recommendation is that you should not be concerned with the overconsumption of cholesterol. You should be most concerned with the limiting amounts of saturated fat in your diet. Table 1 compares specific nutritional values of venison to beef. The main advantages of eating venison as part of our diet include: 1. Lower in calories (per serving) than beef – eating lean meat makes it easier to keep our waistline in check. 2. Lower in saturated fat than beef – this is the type of dietary fat that increases our risk for certain cancers, high cholesterol, premature cardiovascular disease (including heart attack). 3. More protein than beef ounce for ounce; protein is the building block of the body and plays a role in every function and system. 4. Deer are free-range, mostly eating a mixed diet of natural
occurring plants, therefore, venison contains none of the growth hormones or antibiotics frequently used to grow beef, poultry, or hogs. *Table 1: Venison vs. Beef - Comparing Standard/Average Cuts Venison
Beef
Calories / 3oz. Portion
134 calories
247 calories
Total Fat
3 grams
15 grams
Saturated Fat
1 gram
6 grams
Cholesterol
95 mg
76 mg
Protein
26 grams
23 grams
*Source: USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference
Harvesting Wild Game is Environmentally Friendly
To be sure to set the record straight…. I admit that I occasionally enjoy eating New York Strip, grilled to medium-rare. My wife and children are fans of my slow cooked barbecued baby-back pork ribs. With the ease of access of grocery stores, fast food and restaurants, we often don�t think much about where our food comes from. Most of us certainly don�t think about how our food got on the shelf or on our plate. However, many experts are concerned with our growing population and humans� impact on our planet�s health. Feeding a growing population takes an incredible amount of natural resources. Very large amounts of water, feed, and land-space are needed to grow cattle, hogs, etc. The agricultural industry is consistently seeking ways to grow food faster and cheaper. There is growing evidence that this
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 39
Biologically Speaking is accomplished in a way that may have negative health repercussions for humans. It is an unfortunate reality that today�s average meal has to travel at least 1,500 miles to get to our dinner plates. The emissions and waste created by today�s modern food production industry have many very bright people worried. So you may ask: What does hunting wild game have to do with the aforementioned concerns of how we are feeding over 7 billion people on the planet� Here�s the thing, we have all heard the saying �shop local�…but have you thought about the positive impact of harvest or eat local foods� Think about it…as a hunter who hunts and harvests wild game you play a small but important part in helping forge a healthier planet for your kids and their kids. The majority of hunters I know harvest wild game within a short distance of their home. By
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adding venison to your freezer and including it as part of your tablefare you are reducing your �carbon footprint� or amount of pollution you are adding to the planet. Like shopping at your local farmer�s market, you are utilizing a food that did not have the huge cost of growing it and shipping it by a semi-truck many miles. My dad would say �You can�t eat horns.� Many of you are aware that hunters across the region have debated different expectations of what deer hunting is about. Whether you believe that the young bucks should be allowed to mature into wall-hangers or you believe that whatever deer that walks by and presents an ethical shot is good enough for the freezer, is in my opinion, not important. It is important that you look at the big picture. As hunters it is important to recognize that we all share the common ground of playing a role in protecting
the environment. As conservationists, we are responsible for ensuring that our natural resources are in place for future hunters so that they have the chance to enjoy the outdoors as we have. I have witnessed hunters that I respect have a positive impact on the environment in variety of ways, a few of which are presented in Table 2. �Table 2: How Hunters Can Positively Impact the Environment ✔ Pick up any trash or items that do not belong in the wild. Live the idea of �leave no trace� or leave the woods or water in better shape than you found it. ✔ Learn how to harvest berries, mushrooms, nuts, wild-rice, maplesyrup and other local wild foods. ✔ Grow a vegetable garden to complement the wild game you have harvested. I have found it is a fulfilling feeling to prepare an entire meal that you have gathered by your own hands. ✔ Support organizations (i.e. Ducks Unlimited, Minnesota Deer Hunters Association) that align with your ideals and work to influence local, regional, and federal policy makers that advocate for sustainable natural resource management.
The Wrap-Up
MyHeartandStrokeNews/Protein-and-Heart-Health_UCM_434962_ Article.jsp#<http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/ MyHeartandStrokeNews/Protein-and-Heart-Health_UCM_434962_Article. jsp> 3) Shaw, H., (2013). �What Every Hunter Needs to Know About Venison Nutrition.� North American Whitetail. Read more: http://www. northamericanwhitetail.com/home-featured/what-every-hunter-needs-toknow-about-venison-nutrition/ 4) Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2015; Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). 5) Weber, K. (Editor). Food Inc.: A Participant Guide: How Industrial Food is Making Us Sicker, Fatter, and Poorer-And What You Can Do About It; Paperback – May 5, 2009. 6) Ducks Unlimited Magazine, January/February 2016, Volume 80, Number 1, pg. 4. About the Author: Jim White is a Ph. D., CCEP, CSCS, Associate Professor in the Department of HPSH at Bemidji State University, Bemidji, Minn. Jim was born and raised in Cook, Minn. After graduating from Bemidji State University he earned a Master’s degree from University of Kentucky. After earning a Ph.D. from North Dakota State University, he began teaching courses in health, exercise physiology, nutrition, exercise prescription, and disease prevention. Jim has worked full time in the health and fitness promotion field for 20 years. Prior to his move to academia, he worked as Exercise Physiologist caring for patients across the age spectrum with chronic disease at large health care system in the upper-Midwest. In his free time, he enjoys woodworking and spending time in the great outdoors, hunting, fishing and hiking with his wife and three active children.
Eating locally harvested wild game has many benefits. In this modern era of convenient, processed food at every corner it is important to recognize the value of eating natural, locally grown food. Venison as well as other wild game is a XRT Xtreme Rugged Technology smart dietary choice when compared to beef. It is sometimes overlooked that sportsmen and sportswomen play an important role in conservation, helping keep the great outdoors, well… great. As stated in a recent letter signed by leaders of various organizations whose missions are to help protect the environment for the next generation of sportsmen and women �Hunting, angling, recreational shooting, and trapping are closely related to fish and wildlife conservation.� Harvesting deer, elk, pheasant, walleye, grouse or other wild foods are sustainable natural resources that if appropriately valued and managed will hopefully be a healthy part of hunters�, hunter�s families, and friend�s tables for years to come.
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••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• References 1) Louv, R. (2005). Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. 2) American Heart Association; Read more: http:// www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/More/
Perfect for the woods, yard, or freeway Frame and bed will never rust, rot, or need paint – ever Want the best? Go with the FLOE!
floeintl.com MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 41
The crossbow is opening up new adventures for folks all across the North American Continent as it rapidly gains the acceptance of the modern bowhunter. But as with any hunting tool, there are safety issues that must be addressed to maximize the overall experience, as well as the results of your hunt.
BY DANIEL JAMES HENDRICKS
SAFETY TIPS
CROSSBOW
Read your owner’s manual first thing - at least once!
The very first duty of every new crossbow hunter is to read and understand your owner�s manual thoroughly before ever shooting your crossbow. These instructions are provided to educate the user about the do�s and don�ts that are specific to the particular crossbow he or she has chosen. The owner�s manual will inform you how to maintain your crossbow, as well as how not to hurt yourself with it. Any bow that has one hundred and fifty to two hundred and twenty-five pounds of draw weight, can be dangerous and inflict severe injury if it is mishandled or used incorrectly. The manufacturer of your crossbow knows the history of that particular tool and has written a booklet to warn you of what mistakes others have made before you.
Do not carry a loaded crossbow when on the move.
Always cock crossbow on the ground.
If hunting from a treestand, always cock the crossbow on the ground before climbing into stand. Once you are seated and secured in the treestand, pull up your crossbow with a tow rope and then place an arrow in the bow. When descending use the reverse procedure. Remove the arrow from the bow, lower it to the ground with a tow rope and then undo your safety harness and climb down to the ground. Never raise or lower a cocked crossbow from a treestand with an arrow in it.
Keep all fingers below the rail.
Read the owner’s manual that comes with your bow the very first thing!
Do not carry a loaded crossbow.
Never carry a cocked crossbow with an
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arrow in it while you are walking. This means that when you are on the range, don�t put an arrow in your bow until you are standing at the line, ready to make your shot. Going into and out of the woods, remove the arrow from your bow and place it safely in the quiver. Rarely, there are hunting situations when it may be necessary to place an arrow in your bow and be ready to shoot, when you�re tracking a wounded animal for example. But when you do so, exercise extreme caution and common sense. Keep your safety on until it is necessary to shoot. Keep your crossbow pointed towards the ground and never point your bow in the direction of your hunting companions.
Always keep ALL of your fingers and thumb below the rail when shooting an arrow. The physical damage that can be inflicted to a digit by the destructive flight of a string on a crossbow is incredibly painful and could skin it right to the very bone or even worse. From your very first practice shot, be aware of your shooting form making sure that your fingers are well away from the path of the bow string. It seems that just about every crossbow hunter has made this mistake and learned a painful lesson.
On the bright side of the painful error is that 99% of the hunters that make this mistake only do it once.
Do not dry fire a crossbow.
Never dry-fire a crossbow. Crossbows have a draw weight of 150 – 225 pounds. Dry firing (shooting one without an arrow in it) can cause your bow to break into pieces, endangering yourself and those around you. Get into the habit of frequently checking your safety to insure that it is engaged and always shoot the manufacturer�s suggested arrows for your particular bow. Shooting an arrow that is too light can create the same effects as a dry-fire.
Identify your target and beyond.
Always identify your target and the area beyond it before shooting. This is especially important if you are hunting from the ground. From a elevated stand, most often you are shooting towards the ground. Know where your arrow is going to go if it passes through your target or misses and flies beyond.
Never shoot over a hill.
Never shoot at a target that is on the top of a hill. There is no way that you can know what is on the other side, therefore the shot should not be made. Don�t let the excitement of the moment cause you to use poor judgment allowing someone or something to be wounded by your carelessness.
Do not use a mechanical device to un-cock your bow.
Never use a mechanical cocking device to un-cock a crossbow. Some crossbows can be un-cocked using a cocking rope, but again, read your owner�s manual for complete instructions on un-cocking the bow you have purchased. Follow those directions and
Never use a mechanical cocking device to un-cock your crossbow.
Always make sure that your fingers are below the rail and never in the path of the string whe you fire. refrain from getting creative. The safest way to un-cock a crossbow is to fire an arrow into the ground or into a target. Using a mechanical cocking device is not recommended as it can lead to accidents and the dry-firing of your bow. It is faster and safer just to place an arrow in the bow and shoot it into the earth or a safe stop.
Check Limb Clearance in Your Stand. Make sure that the limb tips are free of obstructions before shooting. If you hit a branch, post or any other solid subject you run the risk of ruining your bow. It will also change the path of your arrow to who knows where. When you get into a stand, the first thing you should do is bring your bow to your shoulder and move it around to check
for clearance. If there is any direction where your limb�s clearance is in question, that direction should be classified as a no-shoot zone. Even if you think that it can be done, once the excitement of the shot is flooding your system with adrenaline, mistakes can be made and a hunt and the crossbow could be ruined. These are just a few of the many things one should be aware of when shooting and hunting with a crossbow. The National Bowhunters Education Foundation has published a booklet with an in depth study of crossbow safety. For a more information about how to get a copy of this safety guide visit: http://www.horizontalbowhunter.com/ or call the HBM main desk at 320-634-3660.
Make sure that your bow’s limbs are free from obstruction before you fire.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 43
A Lesson in Land Management, Logging and Food Plots
d e t c e p x E t s a e L from the BY CHRISTEN HULL
properly thinned, a thick canopy over the top of the forestland stopping the sunlight from reaching the ground is created.
One year ago today I was wearing a dress and high heels to work every day. If you would have told me that today I would be writing an
article on how to make a food plot and the benefits to managing your land, I would have laughed and said, �What is a food plot�� So what does this public school principal and busy mother of three really know about creating a food plot� More importantly, why did MDHA ask me to write an article for their magazine Whitetales on land management and food plot basics� I will tell you the honest truth, I have never been deer hunting, I have never wanted to go deer hunting, and even though I cannot predict the future, I probably will never go deer hunting in my lifetime. I will, however, be the first to cook up some fresh venison steaks or grind some up for venison stroganoff. Venison is one of my favorite meats so, yes, indirectly, food plots are very important to me. Now I know you are asking, �Why should I continue reading this article� Does this lady really have anything substantial to say about logging, food plots or land management�� I am here to tell you I have been enlightened over the past several months. I am now not only an employee but co-owner of a logging company, with my husband, and have learned an immense amount of information about land management and food plots since recently taking on this new position. Bear with me; if you do not learn anything new by reading on, hopefully you will at least be slightly entertained. Three years ago my husband bought a logging company. Even though I signed my name on the papers as co-owner, I really knew nothing about what he was doing, nor did I really bother to learn at that time. All I recall is it seemed like an incredibly large amount of money and I just didn�t have time to deal with details. So, I kept my nose out of what he was doing and happily continued managing a school building. While going through the process, someone did tell me logging was a very �Green� industry. I did not really know what that meant, however, until I finally took a leave from my job as a principal and became an employee of the company I co-owned. When I started to learn more about what this meant I found some statistics that were incredibly interesting to those who may be hesitant to log their land, like did you know that only one percent of wood grown each year in Minnesota is harvested� Harvesting wood while it is in its prime is important for many reasons. One of the main reasons is for the creation of healthy animal habitats. Animals need ground cover in order to thrive. If trees are not
44 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
Canopy of thinned pine stand.
Canopy of non-thinned pine stand. An un-thinned pine stand halts the growth of the foliage and the next generation of trees on the ground floor. This creates a very old forestland and the creatures (deer included) will quickly move out of the area. The illustrations below clearly show two pine stands. One of the pine stands was thinned; the healthiest pine trees were taken and now there is plenty of foliage, new growth and shelter for deer and
I think I will o d r o n r, te n u h r ee “I am not a d ting as it n u h r ee d t u o b a re ever be, but I do ca od much like fo le b a ew n re s u io it feeds us nutr gives us a supply s st re fo r u o g in g a n ma es.” of renewable resourc other creatures. Glancing at the picture of the stand that was not thinned will clearly show the ground floor is barren, of no use to animals, and because of overcrowding trees are starting to become diseased and deformed.
Understory of non-thinned Understory of thinned pine stand. pine stand. I recently had a conversation with landowners who decided to log their property. Scott and Sara Lounsbury made the decision to have their property cut during the winter to see if they could better utilize their land after the logging, trail creation, and food plot clearing was complete. I spoke with them the following fall. They were both incredibly pleased with the results that came from their decision. Sara stated, �We never used the woods before because it was so thick, we hardly ever saw critters running around out here. This summer we have seen deer all over the place and we even had a bear running around here. Now, because of the paths created I can walk all over the place, snowshoe, and cross country ski this winter.� Scott told me he is very pleased with the diversity of trees that are regenerating. He also stated that it seemed as if the deer moved in before the logging equipment even moved out. Another reason to manage your property is for the health of the current stand of trees. To get the process started, I would recommend contacting a Certified MN Master Logger. A company that has become a Certified Master Logger has been thoroughly vetted through a third party audit process of both their business practices and their forest management operations. This voluntary program assures you that you are working with a company that values integrity and doing the right thing on your land. Master Loggers will walk your land and be able to determine the benefits logging your property will have to wildlife and your next generation of trees. They will also determine the possible wealth of the trees you currently have on your property. Master Loggers may even mention it is best to wait a couple of years to let the trees age before logging. However, the proper amount of time to wait is something both of you will have to determine. If you wait too long your property could fall victim to fire, spruce budworm (which flourishes in over mature balsam stands), other diseases, rot and decay of the current trees and opening up of the canopy. If you consider harvesting while the stand is too young you will miss out
on the financial gain from the value of the trees. Utilization of resources is another great reason to log your land when it is in its prime. Toilet paper� Who uses it� Well, we will not go into details, but I believe I am making a pretty good assumption when I say that we all probably use it on a regular basis. Electricity. Am I correct in stating that we all probably use that also� Unless we live out in the mountains, off of the land, I am sure our power and toilet paper are quite important to our daily lives. When trees are logged from our property they are sold to the mills to create paper products, power sources for homes and businesses, and several other items we use on a daily basis. If we let all of the forestland go, and didn�t manage it properly, trees would rot and decay and the next generation of trees would not have light or nutrition enough to grow through. Mills are unable to use rotting trees to make those wonderful things so needed in our society. Another thing to remember is if you have healthy trees and a large amount of property, we, as landowners, can benefit financially from logging. This can be a helpful unknown source of income for some landowners. All right, I know I stated earlier I am not a deer hunter, nor do I think I will ever be, but I do care about deer hunting as it feeds us nutritious renewable food much like managing our forests gives us a supply of renewable resources. That being said, managing our land goes hand and hand with creating a food plot specifically for deer hunting. We are creating areas for deer to live and thrive while also managing the population. Here are some simple steps to creating your own food plot on your property, before or after logging. As soon as the ground thaws in May or June (depending where you are located) you can easily remove biomass to clear a portion of your property by renting a mulcher or hiring someone to come in with one. Be careful when renting equipment as it is very costly and very
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 45
often, in the long run, it can be cheaper to hire someone to come in and do the clearing. As soon as the mulching is complete, you can walk through and remove any large sticks that are left and then plant your seed. It is that simpleďż˝ Some experts recommend using Roundup or other weed killer to kill the grass where you plan to plant your food plot. I highly recommend against using chemicals during the creation of your plot for several reasons. One reason is, who wants to ingest those nasty chemicals (yes, the chemicals will go from the deer, to the venison, straight to your body with long-term adverse health effects to humans and the animals in the forestland). Another reason is that Roundup will only kill the small grass and weeds that are growing where you would like your food plot. If you desire to clear an area that contains brush you will need larger equipment such as a mulcher or tractor.
Choosing a spot to put your food plot can be one of the most important decisions you make in the creation of it. It is important to remember that you want a spot that is open with shelter nearby in case of danger. Deer want to enjoy the sun, but they also want to be safe. Along with that, deer are not very social to critters other than to themselves (i.e. humans and predators); therefore, choose a spot that is not highly trafficked with trails or other areas used by people as this may deter deer to some point. However, lightly used forest roads or trails can be used as natural food plots. In addition to providing a food source, seeding down roads and trails will help stabilize the soil to prevent rutting or erosion. Planted trails also have the benefit of being easier to maintain through mowing than scattered food plots. Maintaining food plots through mowing, if you�ve planted perennials, is necessary to maximize the benefit animals obtain from the plants. Mowing creates new, young, non-woody growth on the plants that typically have a higher nutritive value. If you have an area near a pond or other water source, this would be even more beneficial as deer will have water and food in one location. While creating your food plot think about possible locations for your deer stand when the time comes.
46 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
When considering what seeds to plant for your food plot, it is important to remember that cheaper is not always better. Some inexpensive blends of seeds do not always grow well which in turn costs more because you will have to add more seed anyway. You will want to use a native vegetation whenever possible to maximize your success and limit the introduction of non-native or invasive species onto your property. Native seeds, from a local source will help ensure you are planting species that are conditioned to grow during the growing season length available in the soils that are local to your area. Also, deer prefer a blended mix in seeds, not just one type. A number of years ago my husband decided he wanted a portion of our pasture to be grassland. He used the tractor (this was before we had the Terex PT110 with the mulcher head) to till the land and then planted alfalfa and grass seed down in the large area he tilled. We had no intention of attracting the deer to this area; we just really wanted it to be a grassy area for the kids to play in instead of the muddy mess that it was at the time. The following fall my husband shot the largest buck and doe of his life. They were enjoying the nice blend of grasses he planted just one summer prior. Needless to say, I was delighted to fill the freezer with all of that fabulous venison. Moreover, I was just as delighted knowing no chemicals were used in the process that could compromise the health of our family or future generations of plants and animals. Well there you have it. A public school principal currently working for a logging company, city girl turned country girl, and mother of three, giving a lesson in logging, land management and food plots. I do have to say that my position as co-owner of a logging company from public school principal has been a very large transition. Now instead of working with 350 plus elementary children, their parents, and teachers who impact the lives of those students, I am writing articles, revising an underdeveloped website, managing a Facebook page, and signing paychecks for highly enthusiastic (and sometimes moody) loggers willing to make a difference in the future health and well-being of our forests and deer populations. The good news is I just have to bring lunch out to the woods every once in awhile to please my current crew. Editorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; note: Christen Hull is a former public school elementary principal, nationally recognized assistant principal of the year, who currently runs advertising and marketing for Hull Forest Products. You can follow Hull Forest Products at www.forest.solutions, Facebook.com/ forest.solutions, Youtube, and Google for up to date information and videos. To contact: hullchristen@gmail.com or josh@forest.solutions For more information on the Master Logger Certification or the MN logger education program visit http://www.mlep.org/mmlc. htm or www.MLEP.org. Special thanks to Rachel Peterson, Executive Director of MLEP, for information in this article.
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MDHA TIPS Treasures and
BY ROD DIMICH AND ED SCHMIDT
TIP
Photos by Nik Dimich
#1
�Good-bye salt licks, hello, trace mineral licks� You don�t have to call them �trace mineral licks.� You can still use the traditional �salt� moniker, but now is the time to upgrade trace mineral blocks/chunks that contain not only salt, but also calcium and phosphorus and additional valuable micronutrients. Put them out at spring breakup and refurbish in mid-summer. If you use additional �food� ingredients, make sure they are gone ten days prior to hunting. As always, check your regulations for legality.
TIP
#2
�Crimson and clover� Okay, we know that�s a song, but there is actually a type of clover called a �crimson clover.� But that is not our tip. Our suggestion is if you can�t afford or don�t have the time to create a lavish food plot, you can make one fairly inexpensively by simply broadcasting by hand or with a fairly cheap plastic delivery system red and white clover. Look up what they need to grow so you don�t plant them in beach sand, etc. Remember to consider logging roads and trails as well as openings. A little raking might also be involved.
TIP
#3
�Check that chainsaw, Mister� When at the deer shack doing spring chores or in deer country checking how your stands weathered the winter, most of us usually bring a chain saw to cut firewood or clear trails. Most of us also think that because our saws ran the last time we used them, they will be fine now. Not always. Gasoline, especially lower octane, tends to break down. Trust us, we have been there. Empty old gas, put in new and run that saw, Mister, before going to deer country, and maybe bring along an additional saw as a spare.
48 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
Treasures from 1983, Lyme Disease, the Wood Tick and the Whitetail Deer Editors’ Note: In the 1983 spring issue of Whitetales, Co-Editor Rod Dimich researched and wrote an article about a little known tick-born disease called Lyme disease, which was first diagnosed near Lyme, Connecticut. Willie Burgdorfer first described the bacteria involved in 1981. Prior to this, it was often mistaken for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This article was the first published about Lyme disease by any outdoor magazine at that time. Here is that article. Lyme disease in humans has been recognized for several years in the northwestern areas of Wisconsin in association with hunting and camping activities. Recently, cases have been reported in east central Minnesota. The disease may be transmitted by a wood tick carried by whitetail deer. The disease is characterized by skin lesions that might be accompanied by malaise, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, myalgia (muscle pain), sore throat, nausea, or vomiting. The duration of these symptoms is variable, often less than 24 hours. The skin lesion begins as a small, red, slight elevation in the skin and expands to form a large bright ring (up to several inches) with a central clearing. This lesion is generally flat and may be hot to the touch, but produces no other local symptoms. This lesion gradually diminishes over a period of several days to several weeks. Multiple lesions have also been reported. Several days to several months after the initial lesion, other symptoms may develop. Most frequently noted are brief attacks of arthritis in one or several of the larger joints. Duration of the arthritis in individual joints is typically short, but may be recurrent. Lyme disease is associated and may be transmitted by the tick Ixodes dammini. The tick is a small brownish-black critter most active in late summer and fall.
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MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 49
Member STORY FOUR GENERATIONS OF DEER HUNTING IN ONE SEASON
BY DAVID LUTZ
Story originally appeared in the Pioneer Press on 11/29/15
Photos courtesy of Al Kemp.
Four generations of the Lutz family pose for a photograph before going out for an afternoon hunt Sunday, Nov. 8, 2015, the second day of Minnesotaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s firearms deer hunting season. The land north of Stillwater, Minn., has been in the family since the Civil War. Pictured are from left, Marvin Lutz, 54, of Eagan; David J. Lutz, 61, who lives on the land; Lorna Lutz, 87; her great granddaughter Emily Lutz, 12, of Somerset, Wis.; and Clint Lutz, 33, of Stillwater.
Ages 12 to 87, the Lutz family hunts on Washington County land that has been in the family since the Civil War. 50 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
Out of the 40 acres I own, 17 acres are in a perpetual Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) easement of which I had restored and enhanced wetlands that my great grandfather David Henry Lutz had drained for farming. We have also planted over 20,000 evergreen trees for year-around cover for wildlife. I have another 12 acres rented out to a neighbor farmer who rotates corn and soybeans every other year.
From left to right in the family photo are: my brother, Marvin Lutz, Eagan, Minn., who shot his first deer this year at the age of 54. Next is me, David J. Lutz. Then comes my mother, Lorna Lutz, 87, and next to her is her GREAT granddaughter and my granddaughter Emily Lutz, 12, who lives in Somerset, Wis. and who just got her firearms safety certificate this past summer and had a chance at two different deer but missed.
She still talks about how she was shaking so much and I told her that still happens to me after almost 50 years of hunting and it�s called �buck fever�� Next to Emily on the far right is my oldest son, Clint Lutz, of Stillwater, who is an Iraq War vet and still serving in the Army Reserve. I want to be sure and include the name of the sixth member of our deer hunting party who took the photos and his name is Al Kemp of Afton, Minn. Lorna Lutz, 87; and her great granddaughter Emily Lutz, 12.
This is my son Clint Lutz with his “first” muzzleloader buck (7-pointer) taken on opening day of the muzzleloading season after not filling his regular firearms tag. We were four deer for the six of us this year. Thanks to the Pioneer Press and Whitetales magazine for publishing my story/photos, we hope it encourages more women young and old to make it more of a family sport. Out of the four deer we harvested we donated one to the Food Shelf as I always like to �pay it forward� which is done by bringing it to a local meat processer who is licensed with the state for food donation for the needy. We brought ours to �Grundhofer�s Old Fashion Meats� in Hugo, Minn., which is home to the world famous �Gummy Bear Brat�� I feel this would be a nice plug for the food donation program and to let people out there know that hunters are doing a good thing by culling the deer herd and helping to make it come full circle by donating a portion of what they harvest.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 51
What�s Cookin��
Recipe compliments Tom Claycomb
Sausage Making If you shoot an animal and just drop it off at the processor your hunt is over. Processing it yourself will add another dimension to your hunt that is almost as enjoyable as the hunt itself. It will also extend your hunting experience. There�s no way that I can adequately cover this topic in one article, but I hope to encourage you to get started. The best way to get started is to get an �old timer� to teach you. That�s how it has been passed on for generations. I�m frequently asked in my Sausage Making seminars if they made better sausage in the old days. No way� They were limited to local spices. Where do you think the names German Sausage, Polish Sausage, Frankfurters or Bologna came from� Now, we have all the spices of the world at our fingertips. They also had to smoke with whatever wood they had in their locale. We can get mesquite, hickory, alder, apple and whatever else we want to smoke with. What meat can you make sausage out of� I�ve made sausage out of antelope, deer, elk, bear, moose, pork, beef and even chicken. But, don�t use old meat. A little sour meat can spoil the whole batch. Wild game is leaner than beef. According to how you trim it but generally it�ll be 90% lean. That may sound healthy, but it will dry out while smoking or cooking, which is why everyone adds pork fat to juice up their sausage. I used to use pork fat, but now I buy a pork butt. That way I get the juiciness of the pork fat, but it also adds some good pork (that�s my contribution to making it healthier). Your deer will be close to 90% lean so I�d use 60 lbs. deer and 40 lbs. of pork butt. I�ve also used beef navels in bear sausage and it was great. What spices do you use� This will be determined by what kind of sausage you want to make. There are a lot of varieties of sausage and multiple recipes for every variety. I like to mix my own spices. That way you can tailor make it to your family�s liking. But to start, use a pre-made package. I�ve had good luck with Hi Mountain Seasonings. Coarse grind the pork and then the deer separately. Mix the spices uniformly in with
52 Whitetales | SPRING 2016
the pork and then mix the pork and deer meat together. Make sure you get a good blend. Now grind all through a 1/8 or 3/16inch plate. Make a small patty and fry it up and see how it tastes. If it�s bland, add more spices to taste. After you stuff it, it will be too late to adjust. When making links I like to use natural casings. I don�t think that collagen casings are as permeable to smoke. Soak your natural casings in warm water. Then put one end on the faucet and flush out the preserving salt or it will ruin your sausage (or you can package in one pound packages to later thaw and make patties). You have two options for stuffing. Attach a horn to your grinder or use an actual stuffer. A stuffer is nice since you can turn 1 ½ cranks and twist the link thereby making uniform sized links. I used to tie string at each break, but now I just twist it. I guess a third stuffing option if you�re making small batches is to hand fill large collagen casings. Let�s talk about smoking. The real sausage makers do a cold smoke. This will be in the 89-92 degree range. They�re depending on the nitrates to kill the bacteria because if they didn�t use them this would be the perfect temp to incubate bacteria. (If you�re worried about nitrates here�s an informative link http://www.lets-make-sausage.com/sodiumnitrate.html). The nitrates allow you to carry it in your backpack unrefrigerated for a period of time. Many times I won�t use nitrates if I�m going to use it for a BBQ at my house. You can just freeze it and pull it out of the freezer before a BBQ and smoke it an hour and then finish it off when you grill your main course. If you use nitrates you will want to smoke your sausage at a low temp. If you decide not to use nitrates then you�ll have to use a high temp smoke. But even then don�t sizzle it. Check USDA attachment 1 and it will give you required temps. They recommend 160 degrees for instantaneous death of all bacteria but if you smoke it and it has an internal temp of 149 for 85 seconds it�s okay. It lists cooking times in descending order. People panic over trichinosis, but the USDA says that it is killed at 137 degrees
(for some reason they later recommend 160). Trichinosis in pork can also be killed by freezing at 0 but freezing will not kill all strains in bear meat. The safest means of eliminating Trichinosis is by proper cooking. That�s why you don�t want to make jerky out of pork, bear or cougars. What is that red ring around the outside� There are three things that can cause the meat to be red. One is the smoke, the second is the nitrites and the third is if it is raw. That�s why it�s important to use a thermometer to check the internal temp. Well, hopefully I�ve sparked your interest in making your own sausage. Remember, after you�ve mixed your batch fry up a little patty, if it�s not good, add more spices before you stuff it. Start off making small batches. Happy smoking.
SALAMI
4 Lbs. ground meat 2 cups of cold water 1 Tbls of onion powder ½ Tbls of garlic powder 2 Tbls. Of mustard seed 5-6 Tbls of Morton Tender Quick (but check the recommended usage on the pkg.)
SUMMER SAUSAGE 25 lbs. 1 oz. black pepper 8 ozs. Salt. 2 ozs. Powdered dextrose 1oz. Prague Powder No. 1 ¼ oz. ground coriander ¼ oz. ground ginger ¼ oz. grd. Mustard ¼ oz. garlic powder 3 ozs. Corn syrup solids 20 lbs. wild game 5 lbs. pork trimmings 14 oz. Fermento
Gizmos Gadgets Garments Gear Introducing the Tactacam Bow Stabilizer Video Camera
When you can�t take a cameraman with you on your hunt, the Tactacam, available in Realtree AP® and Realtree AP® Snow, is the perfect solution. The easy-to-use Tactacam does not interfere with your hunt. Simply attach the Realtree Tactacam to your bow, as you would any stabilizer, then just push the �Power on Auto Record� button to start recording. Push the button again when you want to stop recording. It�s that simple. Best of all, you don�t have to hold the button down to power on. The new Tactacam is designed using the best electronics available. This small camo video camera features both a quality lens and a 12-megapixel sensor to record your hunt. Instead of using a fisheye lens, which pushes the images away, Tactacam uses a 60-degree lens, which provides a view similar to what we see with the human eye.
Features: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Resolution:1080p-30fps and 720-60fps with a 12mp sensor One-touch Power on Auto Record with vibration indication Easy operation 12 mp sensor, designed for low-light conditions Lens optimized for bow hunting Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Format H.264 USB 2.0 charging Rechargeable lithium battery More than two hours of record time Storage: Micro SD card up to 32GB (not included) Waterproof tested up to 30 feet Shock-resistant Mac and PC compatible Facebook and Youtube ready
Grind & mix and hold in cooler for 2 days. Stuff and let dry at room temp for 4 hrs then smoke at 120-130 for 3-4 hrs, and then raise temp to 170 and obtain 148 internal temp.
POLISH SAUSAGE 25 lbs.
2 ½ LBS. water 12 ozs. Soy protein concentrate 7 ozs. Salt 1 OZ. PRAGUE Powder No. 1 1 oz. black pepper 1 oz. fresh garlic ¼ oz marjoram 20 lbs. venison 5 lbs. pork trimmings. Grind & mix. Stuff and let dry at room temp for 4 hrs then smoke at 120-130 for 3-4 hrs, and then raise temp to 170 and obtain 148 internal temp.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 53
Spring
HUNT
Puzzler
it down!
ANSWERS Across Answers
Look for an icon shaped like the one above in this issue of Whitetales and, when you find it, send us the page number, along with your name and address. If you are correct, your name will be entered in a prize drawing from MDHA. Email bri@mndeerhunters.com Submission deadline: May 1, 2016
Winner of the Winter “Hunt It Down”
Harvey Korby of the Carlton County Chapter found the hidden igloo on page 16 of the winter issue and was the lucky winner of a new MDHA Knife. Congrats Harvey!
PLEASE REVIEW Your Membership Information Today.
The magazine label indicates your membership status. Please check it to see if your address is correct and when your membership expires. To renew your membership or make corrections, call the MDHA State Office at 800.450.DEER. Address changes are a major concern and we need your help to correct them. On occasion, the office gets calls because a household is getting duplicate magazines or shouldn’t be getting a magazine at all. What may be the reason for this?
BURN UP TO
1. 2. 5. 7. 8. 11. 15. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.
POTENTIAL REASONS:
• Renewal forms or banquet tickets are illegible and get entered incorrectly. • J.J. Jones is Jerry Jones, same person with multiple memberships. • A life member passes away and the state office is not notified.
SOLUTIONS:
• Call the office to inquire at 800.450.DEER. • Check with your chapter officers or regional director. • Check your magazine’s mailing label to see if it is accurate.
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Questions, concerns, thoughts? Address letters to: Minnesota Deer Hunters Association Attention: Letter to the Editor 460 Peterson Rd. Grand Rapids, MN 55744 or email: bri@mndeerhunters.com
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Down Answers
Daylight IN THE SWAMP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56 the South as talking like they had marbles in their mouths. The Southern boys said we Northerners talked so fast it was like listening to a hundred hogs at once. Still, we managed to communicate. Not being able to out-talk or out story-tell them (have you ever watched a Southernbased fishing or hunting show and listened to their local color jargon, phrases and rapid fire delivery�), we Minnesota boys started telling stories from the hinterland. At the end of one of those story-swapping sessions in the barracks, I threw down a five-dollar bill (big money in 1971) and proudly declared, �We are so tough in Minnesota, we walk on water.� After some �prove-its� and more than several other five-dollar bills hitting the table, the Southern boys cried, �Foul� when I produced a picture of ice fishing Minnesota style. After that, probably due to the fact my winnings went to more beverages and snacks, I am proud the edgy relationship between North and South turned into a �Stripes�� moment. We Northern boys even started to say, �Y�all,� instead of �You guys,� and �We�re fixin�� instead of �We are going to.� There were many things we Northern and Southern boys disagreed on, but when it came to being tankers and soldiers and loyal Americans, whether we agreed with the Vietnam War or not, we were a team. We also believed in faith, family, loyalty, the �Golden Rule� and the outdoors. Many of the big city guys, however, both inner city and suburb/city guys were horses of a different color. The inner city guys were a lot like Jim Croce�s and my fellow soldier, �Bad, Bad Leroy Brown.� Their outdoors were the streets and their �wildlife� came in the form of gangs and pimps and drug dealers and real hoodlums, not the car club �hoods� that had never seen anything like the inner city street kids had. By the way, from what I could find out, the term �hoodlum� originated in late 1880�s San Francisco where a street gang�s call to the unemployed workers regarding immigrant Chinese was to �huddle �em� (beat them up), after which San Francisco newspapers took to calling the gangs �hoodlums.� Ask your dads and grandpas if their moms had ever told them if they didn�t straighten up they would grow up to be nothing more than a hoodlum or in
reform school. I�ll bet you�ll get some pretty, pretty, pretty good stories. Many of the �burbs and non-inner city guys were almost as bad. They often looked down on we rural boys, both North and South, and considered us hicks. Moreover, they had no respect for firearms or hunting or fishing or anything outdoors. To them we ate squirrels and possum and gnarled on the bones of deer and bear, had no running water, used outhouses, and were happy to be in the Army with amenities like food, showers and boots. Eerily, when it was time to clean our weapons or practice disassembly/reassembly of our firearms and our �Top� (accepted slang for First Sergeant) was not there, the guys from the city who had never held a firearm would point them at other people and dry fire click them as they played �Army,� pretending to shoot one another. I did not have to go to Vietnam. Others did. Most returned; over 58,000 did not. Like many of you, I have only lived the experience vicariously through close friends and relatives who not only served in Vietnam, but in other wars from WWII to Korea to the Middle East as of late. War is war, as one veteran told me, �Yes, war is hell on earth, but returning from it can be Heaven on earth.� Before I left for Basic, Kristin and I walked the Big Swamp�s deer country and found only a few deer tracks in the mud, but many timber wolf-padded trails. After the devastating winters of �68 through �71, the writing was on the wall. Our deer herd was at an all time low. Even though the sixties had featured a nice up-tick in success rates, peaking in 1968, poor habitat and bad winters and more wolves equaled very few deer. In 1971, Minnesota�s entire deer season was closed. I lived through a no deer hunting November and in December we were blessedly married in Chisholm�s Serbian Church with a lilting choir, many candles, two crowns and our hands bound together in centuries old tradition. The only thing that went wrong is when the priest mentioned something about being husband and wife and kissing the bride, my bride thought I was thinking about the no deer hunting season as I forgot to kiss her at the alter. Sadly, there is
no mulligan for that. That was then. This is now. After our devastating winters of 2012-2014 and with the MN DNR/MDHA�s 2014�s Spring Emergency Feeding Initiative and the mild winter of �14 – �15, Minnesota�s deer herd is on the rebound. So it should be. Help us help deer and deer hunting; please recruit new MDHA members and hunters. The hunting and outdoor world depends on us. This column, by the way, including this sentence, has 1,971 words. Weird, huh�
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 55
Daylight IN THE SWAMP BY ROD DIMICH
The Year Was 1971 The year was 1971 and the seventies had just begun. The sixties were over, but what made them good or bad still lingered. For many of us who grew up in the �50s and the first part of the �60s, the years from 1965 to 1971 seemed like they happened in a galaxy far, far away. Families divided for many reasons, inter-religious relationships, race and inter-racial relationships, war (hawks and doves over Vietnam), drugs, music, hippies, hair and so on. The year 1971 was a pivotal year for me. In Janurary, I became engaged to my beautiful and wonderful wife of now 44 years, Kristin, went through Army Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training from May through September, came home in September (National Guard) and married my bride at 11 AM December 18, on a cold brisk morning and a pretty much stupid time to get married what with the cold and Christmas and all. For you romantics, when I left in May of 1971 for Basic Training our secret song became Brian Hyland�s 1962 timeless ballad �Sealed with a Kiss.� Back in the day when you could actually hear the lyrics there really weren�t many venues like FM radio or 8-tracks or cassettes, CDs or whatever space age beyond �The Jetson�s� music contraptions we have now. Back then music was relevant; it was either live, on vinyl, on AM radio, sung around campfires, played on vinyl at school or church record hops; remember sets of four fast songs, four slow ones� I will say that in Coleraine, Minnesota, where I grew up, all we pretty much heard were the loud AM radios (had to be loud to hear over the dual exhausts) blaring from the �Car Clubs� (like �The Crusaders� and �The Diablos�) souped-up cars and our home AM radios and 45 records. We also had live music, especially at weddings, complete with polkas and shodish dances and ethnic music, featuring accordions, stringed instruments, drums and upright basses. There was also the emerging sound of electrified rock �garage bands.� The car club guys acted tough, but behind their slicked back hair and cool leather
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jackets and unfiltered cigarettes hanging from their lips and black engineer boots or loafers with dimes in them, they were pretty much pussycats, growing up to be preachers, teachers, bankers, law enforcement people and so on. Lots of them acted like this because they had never been hunting or fishing and had nothing better to do than drink 3.2 beer and smoke cigarettes. Sure, there was the occasional felonious miscreant, but for the most part, these �Car Club� guys were nothing like today�s ruthless gangs. Today�s guns and drugs and amoral villains are evil�s essential henchmen. The yester-year turned-up collars (think James Dean), fuzzy dice (1972 movie American Graffiti) and �cool� talk like �cat� and �daddyo,� and �see you later alligator,� pale in comparison to today�s �capping� people or calling police �pigs.� To illustrate how important the outdoors are to kids, I would like to tell you a story about my National Guard Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and AIT (Advanced Individual Training) at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Like most who have been in the service, I have tons of stories. My first story deals not only with the importance of the outdoors, but how we get there. It centers on a Fort Dix Army experience I had with a tough guy from the South Philly streets who had never seen a live cow or deer or any type of wild critter except pigeons. Here�s how it went in June of 1971. While walking late night guard duty around the PX (post exchange, a store on base) as I was exclaiming about the Big Dipper and Little Dipper in the star-glittered night, my guard duty partner, a tough guy from Philadelphia�s South Side, pretty much freaked as he pointed to potential ambush points where bad guys (like him, so he knew) could jump and beat us up and then break into the PX and steal goods. When I heard �goods,� I joked about the �goods� from one of my favorite movies, John Huston�s 1948 classic, The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, starring the legendary Humphrey Bogart in a villainous role. My partner, however, had never heard of it.
Believe it or not, in many cities, even now, because of the lights and smog and such, residents simply can�t see the night sky and all its wonders. Don�t you think that�s sad� We didn�t get attacked that night, but my tough partner went AWOL (absent without leave) the next day and probably would have disappeared into the �neighborhood� had he not come back at the end of the month to pick up his paycheck and got arrested. Here�s where it gets interesting. In July of 1973 the late Jim Croce (who tragically died in a plane crash on 9/20/1973) said on Helen Reddy�s television show that the man upon whom he based his most famous song (the 1972 release, �Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown,� written in 1971) was a tough guy from South Philly he met in June while in Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey who went AWOL and then returned at the end of the month to get his paycheck and was arrested. Well, when I saw that show, heard the song�s back-story, the year 1971 and Philadelphia, I straight away claimed Jim Croce�s Leroy Brown and my guard duty buddy were one in the same. It�s a great story and almost true. Even though I now know the truth, I am in denial. But facts are facts and the fact is Jim Croce did meet Leroy Brown at Fort Dix, but in 1966. Too bad, so sad for my story, but that doesn�t mean I won�t tell it again; it�s just too fetching. That was one pretty long story, but the next one is short and sweet. While at Fort Knox, Kentucky (and yes, I did guard the gold) a bunch of Minnesota National Guardsmen and I were thrown into tank training with guys from Mississippi, many of whom thought northern Alabama was not even in the United States. One, in fact, told me he �had seen the whole United States and parts of northern Alabama, too.� Ask your service veteran friends or family what it was/is like being from Minnesota and thrust into the mix with �Southern boys,� many of whom are still fighting the Civil War. Back in the day, and maybe even now, we northern boys (or �Yankees� as the southern boys called us) described guys from CONTINUED ON PAGE 55
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