Whitetales Building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION
MUZZLELOADER HUNTING IN MINNESOTA: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE BY JOE ALBERT
THE SECRETS TO LATE SEASON WHITETAILS BY JEFF SCHLACHTER
WINTER 2017
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About this
Issue
Live and Let Live or Advocate?
In his always forward-looking column, “The Outlook,” MDHA Executive Director Craig Engwall takes us into the inner workings of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (MN DNR) efforts on hunter recruitment and his work as an advisory committee member to MN DNR's “Angler and Hunter Recruitment and Retention Summit.” Craig describes that title as “a mouthful” and goes on to describe the concepts it addressed -- recruitment, retention and reactivation, which is known as "R3" for short. “R3” stands for “Angler and Hunter Recruitment and Retention Summit,” which Craig describes as “a mouthful.” He reports, “The summit provided a wealth of information, much of which was eye-opening and sobering,” then he goes on to say, “Sobering is a strong word,” before finally adding, “The downward trends in hunting and fishing participation, combined with the aging of the hunter/angler population points to challenges ahead for organizations like MDHA if we wish to remain vibrant.” Craig assures us, however, that “MDHA can remain a strong force and voice for deer and deer hunters, but it is going to take work and a willingness to consider new ideas and approaches to not only recruit new hunters, but retain those we have.” In “From the President’s Stand” MDHA State President Denis Quarberg asks we the people (members), “What are MDHA’s challenges?” Denis’ and Craig’s columns dovetail nicely and essentially lay out what MDHA has to do to protect our hunting heritage. Both map the roads we hunters should take. The question then becomes, “How?” Live and let live or advocate? To background, there is an old but still continuing argument regarding “nature” vs. “nurture.” The debate centers on the “effect genes have on human personalities as opposed to the influences early environment and development might have.” While discussing this issue, famed American poet Robert Frost once said, “It would be nice to just stay out of our loved ones’ lives and our society’s paths and let nature take its course; but I am afraid doing so would be like not weeding your garden and expecting a great bounty. Without nurturing, our lives would become like an unweeded garden, filled with weeds.” This is why MDHA’s mission statement is, “Building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy.” Advocacy is the key, without it our treasured hunting traditions will fall prey to the anti-hunting movement, wither away due to apathy because technology has become a taskmaster, the “Bambi” syndrome and the belief meat comes from supermarkets, not birds or animals. This issue explores muzzleloading’s past, present and future, gets into the basics of decent deformation vs. furious fragmentation, takes you deer hunting in wolf country and also shows you how to successfully hunt late season whitetails. It provides insights into the 2017 Legislative Session, solid information about deer wintering yards and excellent habitat improvement advice focusing on winter shearing. Of particular importance in this issue is “venison as food.” Most of us were taught we should eat what we shoot (unless allergic). We also grew up with, “Horns, like tracks, make poor soup.” Even though we have had recipes in Whitetales for decades, MDHA feels to retain current hunters and recruit new ones we need to spotlight (no, not shining deer) the nutritious and economic value of venison and the “split-rail” uplifting we get when we harvest our own meat and veggies. Think Tom Joad in John Steinbeck’s 1935 giant novel The Grapes of Wrath saying, “An’ when our folks eat the stuff they raise,” and you will get the gist of this issue. Check out Whitetales Winter 2017’s varied menu of articles declaring venison a culinary delight. They’re mouthwatering good and definitely “food for thought.” Have a blessed holiday season. 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 “building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy.” 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 | WINTER 2017
Whitetales MNDEERHUNTERS.COM
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS PRESIDENT Denis Quarberg > denisquarberg@mndeerhunters.com VICE PRESIDENT Doug Appelgren > dougappelgren@mndeerhunters.com SECRETARY Mark Strege > markstrege@mndeerhunters.com TREASURER Denece Dreger > denecedreger@mndeerhunters.com AT-LARGE DIRECTOR John Erlandson, Sr. > johnsr@ciacambridge.com REGIONAL DIRECTORS REGION ONE OPEN REGION TWO Scott Foley >
REGION EIGHT Dustin Shourds >
REGION THREE Brad Trevena >
markburley@mndeerhunters.com
dustinshourds@mndeerhunters.com
scottfoley@mndeerhunters.com
REGION NINE Mark Burley >
btrevena@mnpower.com
REGION TEN Mark Lueck >
cedinger@q.com
REGION ELEVEN Gary Thompson >
lodrmr@gmail.com
REGION TWELVE Jim Vogen >
steveranallo@mndeerhunters.com
REGION THIRTEEN Michael Burley >
REGION FOUR John Edinger >
REGION FIVE Peter Lodermeier > REGION SIX Stephen Ranallo >
REGION SEVEN Mark Nohre >
marklueck@mndeerhunters.com
thompson.gary58@yahoo.com
robvog21@aol.com
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 FINANCE COORDINATOR Renee Thompson > renee@mndeerhunters.com MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Kim Washburn > kim@mndeerhunters.com WAREHOUSE COORDINATOR Rita Harthan > warehouse@mndeerhunters.com GRANT COORDINATOR Jenny Foley > jenny@mndeerhunters.com OFFICE 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
Whitetales Building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION
Contents
WINTER 2017
MUZZLELOADER HUNTING IN MINNESOTA: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE BY JOE ALBERT
THE SECRETS TO LATE SEASON WHITETAILS BY JEFF SCHLACHTER
WINTER 2017
ABOUT THE COVER "A Winter Survivalist" Photo by Denver Bryan / Images on the Wildside
Departments IN EVERY ISSUE
From the President’s Stand..... 4 The Outlook................................ 5 Minnesota Bucksense............... 6 Capitol Comments..................... 8 Around the State...................... 20 MDHA Marketplace................. .28 Deer Hunting Memories......... .42 What’s Cookin’?........................ .52 Hidden Object Contest........... .54 Daylight in the Swamp............ .56 IN THIS ISSUE
Decent Deformation vs. Furious Fragmentation............ 18 John W. Hayes
Biologically Speaking: Wintering Yards........................ .38 Gary Patton, Eli Ploof and Dr. William Faber
Winter Shearing – A Habitat Improvement Technique ........ 40 Scott Lauderslager
Tips & Treasures....................... 48 Rod Dimich, Ed Schmidt
Member Story: This Is The Best Part of Hunting....................................... .50 Jenny Foley
10 14 30 34 44
FEATURES
10
Muzzleloader Hunting In Minnesota: Past, Present and Future By Joe Albert
Deer Hunting In Wolf Country – Wait for Them to Move On and/or Just Grin and Bear It By Mark Herwig
The Secrets to Late Season Whitetails By Jeff Schlachter
How to Win the Hunting Pressure Game By Darren Warner
Organic Meals… Brought to You By Local Hunters By Mark Norquist
MDHA affiliates:
Gizmos, Gadgets, Garments & Gear......................... .53
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 3
From the President’s Denis Quarberg / MDHA PRESIDENT
WHAT ARE MDHA’S CHALLENGES? It is numbing cold as I climb into my late season bow stand. Even though there is no snow, I am still hoping for some deer activity. As many of you well know, hunting farm field edges is very much a hit or miss in the late season. As I write this in early October, there is so much going on or upcoming, like the Presidential election, state elections, etc., and the MN DNR Deer plan being formulated. What will come of this all? Well as you read this, the first two will have been finalized. What will this have to do with MDHA? First of all, it deals with who we are and what we stand for. Because MDHA is a conservation group advocating within the government, we need to work with whoever is in the majority. “Habitat” is not Democrat or Republican, it is essentially what is absolutely necessary to promote and protect Minnesota’s wildlife. Promoting good habitat is extremely important. It is not just about more land. It is about productive land with the right plants. We need to use the Legacy funds where they are most effective. (Understanding wildlife’s needs and then making them imperative.) In my home territory, southwest Minnesota, we have a limited amount of good thermal cover (trees). Developing strategically placed corridors of cover and then developing food sources in these areas will prevent stress on the landowners (farmers, gardeners, orchards). For me, the ultimate goal of any conservation effort is doing what is needed in any given area for the betterment of all. What are MDHA’s challenges? Our membership is strong, but we are not growing. Member numbers have remained at the 20,000 mark for several years. Some of the great things we have done even might have to be scaled back due to a static
4 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
membership and weakened economy. Even To figure out how to reach more and though our income is relatively stable, costs do more with less, MDHA is conducting of operation have continued to increase. Will a member survey. If you are one of the we have to reduce the services or are our selected please send it right back. This will members willing to pay for an increase in help us go into the future remaining a strong membership? No one wants to lose a service, association. but what is the alternative? As I sit in my stand, it is a very quiet and We have asked our corporate board for cold day. Only a few birds and a squirrel an increase in membership dues for the scurrying around looking for some food to last two years. We also have been reducing pack away or just get a good meal before expenses. This comes with some concerns, turning in for the night. I think to myself, what is the next elimination and what do “Is MDHA going to bed tonight with we have in reserve for unexpected failures? fewer members than we had yesterday?” We do control our budget and there is no Remember, membership is the food that excessive spending when things are tight. fuels MDHA. We need to maintain a strong In real life when facing financial problems membership to ensure we have the revenue we sometimes have to take on a 2nd job. that allows us to continue to help deer and Because non-profit organizations do not have deer hunting. the ability to take 2nd jobs, we have to look I would like to wish each and every one at other ways to increase income. of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy As most of you well know, our population New Year. is changing. Today’s volunteer is not the same as it was when I got involved with MDHA some 25 years ago. Back then there were many people that would jump at the opportunity to help with banquets, fundraisers, picking up trash along the highway (Adopt a Highway), Youth days, hides collections, work with land owners who were wanting to keep their land in wildlife habitat and much more. I think the intent is the same, just not the time. As I was traveling last week I noticed all the open areas for an Adopt a Highway project. There is so much more we can do, but the change is also about our population. Many of the X-generation and Millenniums “Yes, I know where the truck is. I'm look at things much differently than the standing on it.” generations before them.
Craig Engwall / MDHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“R3 is the NEW 3 Rs” In the fall of 2016 I was privileged to be a part of the advisory committee for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (MN DNR) Angler and Hunter Recruitment and Retention Summit (that’s a mouthful!). A shorter name for the topic of the Summit is “R3”, which stands for “recruitment, retention and reactivation.” The Summit provided a wealth of information, much of which can be described as eye-opening and sobering. Sobering is a strong word, but the downward trends in hunting and fishing participation combined with the aging of the hunter/ angler population points to challenges ahead for organizations like MDHA if we wish to remain vibrant. Rest assured, we can remain a strong force for deer and deer hunters, but it is going to take work and a willingness to consider new ideas and approaches to recruit new MDHA members. It is not my nature to focus on the negative, but I sincerely feel to truly understand the challenges we face, we must look at some compelling data showing a decline in participation and the aging of the hunting and angling populous. For many years between the 1950s and 1980s more than 40 percent of Minnesotans 16 years old or older had fishing licenses. Today, it’s about 26 percent. Similarly, from the late 1960s to the mid-1980s, about 16 percent of Minnesotans 16 or older purchased hunting licenses. Today, it’s about 11 percent. The MN DNR has recently published an R3 Toolkit, which was distributed at the Summit. The Toolkit addresses demographic trends and recognizes that concern about dropping participation extends beyond DNR, which depends on license sales to fund basic fish and wildlife management, conservation officers and more. The concern within the broader outdoor community is because hunters and anglers are the heart and soul of many organizations like MDHA that do important conservation work, who
will fill the void when they leave? Beyond their volunteerism, membership dues and other fiscal and physical contributions to the out of doors, hunters and anglers are a strong voice in shaping state legislation and policy. Several amendments to the state constitution like the Legacy Amendment, the hunting and fishing heritage preservation amendment, and amendments that created and allocated Environmental Trust Fund revenue were all initiated or strongly supported by hunters and anglers. As such, the quantity and quality of Minnesota’s natural resources have been greatly enhanced by hunters and anglers. Hunters and anglers are also an important element in state and national economies. In 2011, for example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimated total hunting and fishing expenditures by Minnesota residents within and from out of Minnesota at $3.3 billion per year. That level of spending supported nearly 48,000 Minnesota jobs. Back to some challenging numbers – a recent study by the state of Wisconsin concluded male firearms deer hunter numbers will decline by 27 percent in less than 20 years, in part because older adults will quit hunting and younger adults will not participate at the level of previous generations. Why is this drop such a big concern? The decline in young adult hunting and fishing participation is doubly problematic because hunter and anglers are most often the children of hunters and anglers or relatives who hunt and fish. Therefore, as young adults drop out of hunting and fishing the likelihood increases their children will not become hunters and anglers. Today’s young adults are the demographic that will have the most influence on the future hunting and fishing in the decades to come. There is some positive news, however. Today, females account for nearly 70,000 of Minnesota’s 550,000 hunters. That’s up from
51,000 in 2000 and 55,000 in 2010. While women account for only 13% of Minnesota’s hunters, the percentage is increasing. Additionally, female participation in target shooting is on the upswing. Young females are the fastest growing segment of firearm target shooters according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation. MDHA has the opportunity to be a leader in bringing more women to hunting and should explore what recruitment activities we can pursue to do so. In digesting and analyzing all of the data and trends, it is important for us to take a look within to see who we are at MDHA. For this reason, we are partnering with Readex Research of Stillwater, Minn., a nationally renowned survey firm, to ask our members who they are, what they think MDHA’s priorities should be, and how well MDHA is doing in fulfilling its mission? MDHA last had Readex do a similar survey in 2000. At that time, the average age of an MDHA member was 47. It will not be surprising if the new survey shows that now, sixteen years later, our average age is sixteen or more years older. MDHA is facing the same demographic challenges outlined above. The key for overcoming these challenges and achieving MDHA’s mission is to develop a long-term plan to recruit new members, retain the ones we have and re-activate those who have drifted away from our hunting heritage. We will be sharing the results of the Readex survey during the MDHA regional meetings in January and at our Corporate Board meeting in February. The results will be very important in helping all of us decide MDHA’s future vision. We truly hope you will participate in a robust discussion about how we can best continue to grow and improve MDHA as we chart our course for the future. Thank you for being an MDHA member and for all you do. May you enjoy a wonderful holiday season.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 5
MINNESOTA Bu FOOD FOR THOUGHT… Back in the middle of the previous century while attempting to gain an education and also working nights I still found time to hunt and fish. These activities were not just sporting fun but basic survival. It was during those years educational costs were very affordable but rent was not. For two years four guys lived in a basement apartment one and half miles from the college campus. All four of us were education majors striving to become Minnesota teachers. Because of our distance from campus and the cost of food service lunches and dinners, we opted to play the role of domestic bachelors and cook our own meals. Our folks were great in supplying us with canned goods and vegetables from their gardens but meat products were too expensive. In the fall we would hunt grouse, gray squirrels and partridge (ruffed grouse). These game species helped our survival for the September and October weekdays but weekends we were back home sponging off our parents and working our night shifts.
two of us were lucky enough to add venison for our evening meals. So much for Dinty Moore stew or macaroni and cheese if we harvested a critter. We discovered several ways to cook our venison depending on the age of the critter. If the term “swamp buck” fits, the basement apartment would reek of strong distinctive aroma of rutting buck for days. These big boy deer usually had to be ground into hamburger for chili and spaghetti or chunked up for stew meat. If it were a yearling or fawn the cuisine was modified to steak, chops,
Quick meal of spaghetti and venison meatballs
Off campus food for thought…venison stew Then came November and a nine day deer season. We each went home to our family’s traditional deer hunts. For two weekends we all knew we were not only hunting for sport but also hunting for food in the form of a doe or buck. So when you think about it, this really was “food for thought” being we were students and supposedly “thinkers.” Our food bill was dramatically reduced if one or
6 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
ribs and hamburger. The heart was a delicacy fried in butter with sliced onions and served with freshly harvested homegrown potatoes. Our classic meal was Swiss steak made from sliced tenderloins. There were two ways of Swissing the steaks. First we browned the steaks in butter, salt and pepper, and then placed them in a covered pan with cream of mushroom soup. This could simmer for quite a long time depending on the tenderness of the venison. We usually served it over lumpy mashed potatoes that were hollowed out with a spoon creating its own delicious bowl. Occasionally, we had jellied cranberries as a side dish along with nickeled carrots or French cut green beans. Our second method used tomato soup and canned tomatoes.
Food for thought…Swiss steak on toast Now it is 2016 and two generations later. Guess what? Two grandsons are now hunting deer for their collegiate dining survival. Nolan, an engineering student at the U of M Duluth shot his first deer as a high school student and learned the lesson of his father and grandfather that venison is not only nutritious and delicious but saves a lot of cash when shopping the food markets. Both Nolan and Caleb are now college students and living off campus as I did with my fellow classmates. Our freezer has fish, elk and venison to sustain the college kids and us.
Nolan Schmidt with his first deer
ucksense
BY ED SCHMIDT
Venison is very nutritious. The biggest Since venison is lower in fat than beef, the two agencies allowing certified meat difference between beef and venison is the it is also lower in calories. Fat accounts processors to process deer for local food way they are raised. Beef cattle are raised by for nine calories per gram. Four ounces shelves or The Second Harvest Food Bank. human hands, where deer are wild game. of porterhouse steak contains about 310 Here are the new state guidelines for venison From a nutrient perspective, these meats are calories and 22 grams of fat. While this same donation: similar in some areas and different in others. serving size of venison contains only 125 To participate in the HuntersKnowing these facts will make it easier to calories. A top sirloin steak, which is a leaner Against-Hunger Program – determine which is a better fit for your diet. option, has 240 calories per four-ounce Hunters must have their deer processed Animal meats tend to be high in saturated serving. This is still considerably higher than at a Minnesota Department of Agriculturefat, but there are a few exceptions. Wild venison but lower than other cuts of beef. registered meat processing plant game meats, such as venison, are low that has agreed to participate in the in fat. This is often the motivation program. A list of processors can be behind people choosing venison found on the MDA website. Hunters over beef. A four-ounce serving of are strongly advised to contact the beef flank steak has more than nine processor before bringing in a deer grams of total fat, and nearly four of to make sure they are still able to those grams are saturated. Venison handle the animal. contains three grams of total fat and Only entire carcasses with the only one of those grams is saturated. hide attached can be donated. If you are watching your intake of Cut and wrapped meat will not be fat, venison would be the better accepted for donation. option. Hunters and processors must Beef and venison both contain adhere to specific standards high amounts of protein and no Tony Bauer, MDHA Hunters-Against Hunger advocate initiated the designed to prevent food-borne carbohydrates. This makes each illness: program in 1991 type of meat favorable for a low• Hunters must sign a form carb diet. A four-ounce serving of venison After a successful hunt, processing your indicating their willingness to donate or eye of round steak contains about 24 own venison is part of the tradition. Cut, the deer and adhere to the field dressing grams of protein. Venison and beef are wrap and freeze is the most common method procedures outlined in the "Guide" considered complete proteins because they of preserving venison. But smoking and to donating a hunter-harvested deer contain all 10 of the essential amino acids. canning come in a close second. Making brochure. Amino acids are compounds responsible for jerky, sausage, and hamburger are favorites, • Processors may only accept carcasses for chemical reactions in the body, and they also too. The use of the heart and liver for food donation that are: play a role in metabolic function. Elevated is almost a delicacy but are very high in • Free from signs of illness cholesterol levels in the blood lead to plaque cholesterol. Sautéing sliced heart or liver in • Field dressed with the hide intact formation in the arteries and a higher risk butter and onion is a mouth-watering dinner • Free of visible decomposition or for heart disease. The body makes some in itself. contamination cholesterol naturally for cell production and Unfortunately, there are those who just • Properly identified with a Minnesota hormone release, but an excessive intake is enjoy the hunt and could care less about DNR registration tag dangerous. Beef has more than three times the venison. If this is the case we encourage Processors will reject deer for the more cholesterol than venison. A four-ounce them to donate their deer to the food shelves donation program that appear to have been serving of venison contains 20 milligrams in the area. The Hunters-Against-Hunger mishandled in any way. of cholesterol while the same size serving of program originated with the MDHA back in Hopefully, you have learned venison porterhouse steak contains 76 milligrams. the early 90s with Tony Bauer, Bluff Country is a multi-valued food – be it nutrition, The recommended daily cholesterol intake Chapter and MDHA Regional Manager. gourmet fare or sustenance. Traditionally, for healthy individuals is 300 milligrams. It was he who worked with the DNR and whitetail deer hunting is a privilege for all People with coronary heart disease should MDH (Minnesota Department of Health) to participate and part of this tradition is take in no more than 200 milligrams per to approve the concept of donating venison to enjoy the cooking and sharing of your day. Adding butter to beef and venison will to those who really needed food assistance. venison. Venison is definitely food for quickly increase the cholesterol content as It was a real challenge to gain approval thought. well as the saturated fat. but Tony with his “why not?" motto and perseverance to work out the details with
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 7
CAPITOL COMMENTS
This past May, the Office of the Legislative Auditor (OLA), upon request of the Legislative Audit Commission (LAC), completed their research and released their evaluation report on the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (MN DNR) deer population management. The findings of this report initiated the creation of the Deer Management Plan Advisory Committee (DMPAC). The OLA report did acknowledge that the MN DNR’s current methods, including the use of Deer Advisory Teams, reflected best deer management practices. However, weaknesses were also revealed in the DNR’s statistical methods, data resources, records management and validation of deer estimates. Among the OLA key recommendations was the advisement to improve resources for estimating deer populations (specifically field research) in addition to statistical methodologies, deer model data (e.g. deer age at harvest, overwinter survival and under reporting of deer kills by hunters), and their records management system. Enhanced content and communication of information utilized to assess deer population goals, and development of a formal deer management plan in order to define and prioritize MN DNR resources, goals and objectives including strategies to improve and maintain adequate deer hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities were also cited.
8 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
The purpose of the DMPAC is to develop advisory recommendations for the MN DNR Section of Wildlife in order to finally establish Minnesota’s first-ever Deer Management Plan (DMP). In order to accomplish this, the members will be tasked with representing the wide scope of interests related to deer management, garner knowledge and contribute to a broader understanding of the biological, social, and economic aspects, identify and effectively communicate existing, significant deer management issues, provide feedback on potential responses to those issues, facilitate dialog between the public and the MN DNR, and ultimately assist with the final draft of the Deer Management Plan (DMP) document. This development will be guided by the MN DNR mission statement, respect for MN DNR processes, best available scientific information (biological, social, and economic), respectful inclusion of the diverse perspectives, open and honest dialog, and respectful and proactive approaches to conflict management. As the DMPAC serves in an advisory capacity only and does not possess any decision-making authority, official recommendations must be the result of all committee members receiving notice of the issues, access to relevant information (provided or facilitated by MN DNR staff), support from a clear majority of committee members (the definition of this majority is
BY CORY BENNETT, MDHA LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT
to be agreed upon by the committee), and ensuring that all dissenting and minority opinions are recorded and submitted to MN DNR. This statewide plan is intended to affirm the value of white-tailed deer, identify MN DNR’s deer management responsibilities as well as strategic direction and guiding principles including regional variations, and a statewide harvest objective. All of these outcomes must also garner sufficient public support and reflect the MN DNR’s overall mission to manage, preserve, and protect white-tailed deer for the benefit of all people of the state. The DMPAC will consist of 15-20 citizen (non-MN DNR) members including representatives of hunting, agriculture, conservation, forestry, transportation/ motorist, and public health organizations, as well as tribal and “at-large members." Committee meetings are expected to be held monthly commencing this December and concluding in December 2017. Opportunities for involvement outside of DMPAC membership such as public input meetings will exist and a MN DNR e-mail newsletter, Deer Notes, will provide information regarding those opportunities as well as updates from the DMPAC. Subscription to the Deer Notes newsletter can be found on the MN DNR website Deer Management page.
Muzzleloader Hunting
Past, Present & BY JOE ALBERT
Compared with the number of firearms and archery deer hunters in Minnesota, the number of folks who hunt specifically with muzzleloaders is relatively small. And the number of deer muzzleloader hunters kill during their 16-day season, which runs from the end of November into December, is just a fraction of what other types of hunters take. Moreover, an annual muzzleloader success rate in the teens is about average and considered a success. 10 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
None of which matters to hardcore muzzleloader hunters, two of whom are intimately involved with managing deer in Minnesota. Lou Cornicelli, the DNR wildlife research manager who was once the MN DNR Big Game Program leader, and Adam Murkowski, who now holds that position, both sing the praises of hunting with muzzleloaders.
in Minnesota:
& Future
Inside The Numbers Muzzleloader Annual License Muzzleloader Sales Harvest 2008: 64,673 2009: 63,282 2010: 55,640 2011: 59,384 2012: 58,363 2013: 51,092 2014: 43,946 2015: 50,176
2008: 9,572 2009: 7,929 2010: 9,023 2011: 7,416 2012: 7,779 2013: 7,045 2014: 5,847 2015: 6,572
Source: Minnesota DNR
Muzzleloader Hunter Success Rates “I have a bit of a problem,” said Cornicelli, who has hunted with a muzzleloader for 25 years. “I’ve got a lot of muzzleloaders. Muzzleloader hunting is one of the things that got me hooked on deer in general. It’s just something different. You have to be a little more aware of the weather. And you know you only have one shot. But once you get used to that, it’s second nature.”
Said Murkowski, who began muzzleloader hunting when he was in high school in Wisconsin: “Muzzleloaders are fun to shoot. They make big sparks and booms and all kinds of good stuff. Generally, muzzleloaders are a one-shot opportunity. It’s kind of like a cross between archery and firearms hunting. And normally there are fewer people out in the woods hunting. It’s just a good, quality experience.”
2008: 13.4 percent 2009: 11.3 percent 2010: 16.2 percent 2011: 12.4 percent 2012: 12.4 percent 2013: 12.7 percent 2014: 12.7 percent 2015: 12 percent Source: Minnesota DNR
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 11
Deer hunters can use muzzleloaders during the regular firearms deer season if they choose, but the special muzzleloader-only hunting season kicks off the last Saturday in November and runs 16 days. Since 2008, the DNR has sold anywhere between 64,673 licenses and 43,946 licenses for the season. Harvest has ranged from 9,572 deer to 5,847. Anyone can buy a muzzleloader license – even if they’ve purchased archery and firearms licenses – but hunters still have to abide by the bag limit in the area in which they hunt. And, like firearms hunters, muzzleloader hunters must apply in the lottery if they want to harvest an antlerless deer in a lottery area. In addition to the regular season, there also are a number of special muzzleloader hunts that occur. Within the city of Grand Rapids, for example, an unlimited number of muzzleloader permits are available, and the bag limit is five deer. While there is a cadre of people who hunt only with muzzleloaders, there also are some people who hunt with other weapons but pick up a muzzleloader during that season if the opportunity presents itself. Beginning with the 2008 season, the DNR did away with all-season deer and multi-zone buck licenses, instead allowing hunters to buy all three (archery, firearms, and muzzleloader) standalone licenses. The number of muzzleloader licenses the agency sold jumped dramatically – from 9,867 in 2007 to 64,673 in 2008 – before beginning a general decline as deer numbers dropped and there were more and more lottery deer management areas across the state “Intuitively, that makes sense,” Murkowski said. Still, Cornicelli has long found it difficult to believe more people don’t take part in the muzzleloader season. “A lot of whether people go muzzleloader hunting or not is dependent on how we regulate deer,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll ever get to 100,000 muzzleloader hunters, but I don’t get why we don’t have more. The season can be cold and the deer can be picked over, but you’ve got it basically to yourself. And you can get into spots you couldn’t otherwise get into. We may always hover around that 50,000 to 60,000 (muzzleloader hunters), but it’s a good season.” Unless something changes dramatically, neither Cornicelli nor Murkowski see the muzzleloader hunt necessitating changes in the state’s overall deer-management strategy. “The majority of the deer muzzleloader hunters shoot is antlerless, which makes sense. But it’s still a relatively low number,
12 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
and muzzleloader hunters have to apply in the lottery, just like firearms hunters do,” Cornicelli said. “If you get a bad winter and the deer are congregated, you may pick off a few more than normal. But even though we’re offering a 16-day opportunity, and even though a lot of the deer are antlerless (there’s no concern about too much harvest). It’s half what it is during the archery season and a tenth what it is during the firearms season.” Said Murkowski: “Most of our deer are harvested by modern firearms, but muzzleloaders certainly provide that opportunity late in the year. Given where we are at right now (in terms of regulations), the harvest probably won’t change dramatically going forward. It does provide additional opportunities and, as folks get busy, the more opportunities the better. If something happens in the future, they could become a little more of a significant contribution.” “Like all weapons, muzzleloader technology has improved over the years. But there’s nothing that’s come along that has dramatically improved their effectiveness at
killing deer. There have been more advances when it comes to archery equipment and shotguns, for example,” Cornicelli said. There have been discussions about allowing muzzleloader hunters to use scopes during the season – those hunters 60 years old and older now can do that – but even if that were the case, Murkowski doubts it would dramatically influence the muzzleloader deer harvest. “Most shots at deer are from 50 to 75 yards,” he said. “Rarely do hunters actually shoot deer at over 100 yards. Obviously, if you can draw a finer bead at a greater distance that would increase efficiency. But I think it would be hard to say scopes would cause a significant change in what’s going on out there.” Though the scopes-on-muzzleloaders issue has been a hot topic at the Legislature from time to time, DNR officials long have called it a social issue and said they can manage the season whether hunters have scopes on their muzzleloaders or not. Not all states manage the muzzleloader season like Minnesota. When Murkowski
managed Vermont’s deer program, for example, about 20 percent of the annual deer harvest was made up of muzzleloaderkilled animals. But that was because the firearms season was bucks-only. People who wanted to kill an antlerless deer had to use a muzzleloader. And in Utah, the muzzleloader season occurs before the firearms season. That change occurred when Cornicelli still was working in Utah, and resulted in more hunters hunting during the muzzleloader season. But, Cornicelli and Murkowski say, there aren’t any changes on the horizon for Minnesota’s muzzleloader deer hunt. “Success rates would go up if the muzzleloader season were earlier, but even then we wouldn’t go from 5,000 deer harvested to 50,000 deer harvested,” Cornicelli said. “But we’re not even talking about doing that. There are zero conversations about doing that.” Read Joe Albert’s blog at www.writerjoealbert.com
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 13
Deer Hunting in Wait For Them To Move On The first time I hunted deer in wolf country was near Grand Marais in 1989. We heard wolves howling the night before opener from our trailer and when I hiked out in the dark the next morning, a new snow revealed wolf tracks leading right past my tree stand. I gripped the Lee & Enfield .303 a little tighter and my eyes scanned the woods a bit more intensely. I didn’t see a deer on that hunt, but in the years since I’ve bagged plenty of deer in wolf country, mostly near Pequot Lakes. I’ve also put plenty of venison in the freezer from near the metro, an area that is part of the state’s wolf-less southern two thirds. But four years ago, I purchased 44 acres in wolf country west of Mahtowa. I wrote about managing this forestland for deer and other species in Whitetales two years ago. There are fewer deer in this area than any area I’ve ever hunted, but more than that, these deer seem much more wary than any herd I’ve ever pursued. So, I’ve employed methods I’ve never used before to bag a deer such as extra scent precautions, buck bombs and deer decoys, still deer pickings are slim. In fact, I didn’t even hunt deer on my land last year. The Mahtowa area is nearly as wild as the Grand Marias country I hunted, an area where deer can spread out far and wide in places humans seldom tread. Remoteness is one factor, but how do wolves impact deer and human deer hunters?
A Voice of Experience
Mark McShane, 64, has hunted deer in wolf country for 50 years. He says their presence can cut both ways. “You can have a couple of different conditions occur,” said the retired City of Duluth department manager. “One is where the wolves will move the deer to you. One opening day an unusually large number of deer moved past me in a short time, does and bucks moving in one direction. Shortly thereafter, several wolves came by, so if you can get them to drive to you, they’re an asset.” Overall, though, McShane believes wolves are our competitors. “Once, a doe moved by my stand and I prepared for a shot on the buck that usually follows. But, up came a timber wolf, which stopped in the trail. Then, from a 90 degree angle came another wolf and then another. They were herding the deer to each other.”
Are Deer Warier In Wolf Country?
“Absolutely, they shift location when there’s wolf pressure. A large pack is very proficient at hunting. The deer are much more alert when wolves are around. Wolves can empty an area of deer you’re hunting. They impact normal deer movement patterns. You can pattern deer from bedding to feeding areas one day, but when wolves show up, you’re not sure if or when you’ll see a deer again,” said McShane.
14 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
n Wolf Country And/Or Just Grin And Bear It
BY MARK HERWIG
MDHA on Wolf Management Craig Engwall, MDHA executive director, said the organization agrees with the experts at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who have concluded that wolves have recovered per the Endangered Species Act recovery plan and should be delisted and managed by the state.
“We support both congressional and legal efforts to restore delisting and state management,” Engwall said. “MDHA also believes wolves are a part of a healthy forest ecosystem. A viable wolf population is what state management is all about.”
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 15
How Do You Respond When Wolves Are Around?
“It’s a waiting game, wolves move a lot, so if you’re in a small area, wait for the wolves to leave and the deer will get back to normal movement patterns fairly quickly, not long at all,” he said. “We’ve always had the opportunity to harvest deer on our 170 acres. We still let young bucks and small does pass, but some years are slim. We try to manage our herd here, use quality deer management on our property, which fortunately for us is buffered from hunting pressure by several thousand acres of state land isolated by several rivers. We’ve always harvested some deer every year, though we restrict adult male hunters to eight point bucks or larger. We always harvest enough meat for our family and sometimes share with others who don’t have success,” McShane said. Like many Minnesotans, deer are special to the McShane family. He participated in MDHA’s emergency winter deer feeding program three years ago, hauling in feed first by snow machine and then via sled and snowshoes to an identified yarding area near his hunting land. “There’s no question since I purchased this land in 1983 that the wolf population has increased dramatically, especially the past decade. I have a bittersweet feeling toward wolves, which are magnificent creatures, but wolf numbers have continued to increase,” he concluded.
Grin And Bear It
Craig Juntti, a semi-retired Duluth pharmacist, said his family has hunted the same St. Louis County hunting lease near Canyon since the 1940s. In deer seasons 2010 and 2011 his party saw lots of deer, but
16 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
also 23 and then 21 wolves, respectively. In 2013, Juntii’s sister had a pack of nine wolves lie down under her tree stand. She had to scare them off before climbing out. “You hit a rough winter and the wolves devastate the deer. We don’t adjust by moving because when you have a longtime hunting camp and it’s your tradition and your friends are also hunting around you, you hunt when there’s lots of deer and when there’s not,” Juntti exclaimed. “Wolves move when the deer are gone, but I don’t believe a pack ranges far. We’d still see them while we were grouse hunting, and then the entire muzzleloading season and into winter. They live there year-round.” In 2014, his party bagged two deer; in 2015, just one. “But, we could have shot more. We let yearlings, small bucks and sometimes even sixpointers go. We grin and bear it in bad years and then party more and hunt less. That’s how we adapt to bad winters, the wolves and fewer deer,” Juntti said. Two years ago when Minnesota had a wolf-hunting season, two of his party had tags, got shots on wolves, but didn’t bag any. “This year we’re seeing more deer activity, so we’re hopeful,” speculated Juntti about this, his 52nd deer season. Wolves are here to stay in Minnesota. In fact, at one time Minnesota was the only state in the lower 48 with a self-sustaining wolf population, a point of pride for many who see this top predator as THE symbol of wilderness and a healthy, functioning ecosystem. Putting it all together, it seems when deer are abundant, man and wolf each seem to get their fair share; when deer are down, the wolves do better than their human competitors.
Minnesota’s Wolf Population Remains Stable According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the results from the recent wolf population survey show no significant change in Minnesota’s wolf population during the past four winters. The latest survey results estimate that within Minnesota’s wolf range there were 439 wolf packs and 2,278 wolves last winter, compared to 374 packs and 2,221 wolves the year before. There has been no biologically or statistically significant change in the size of the statewide mid-winter wolf population over the past four years. Find more about the survey, including a copy of the report, and wolf management on the DNR website. Source: Minnesota DNR
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 17
DECENT DEFORMATION vs. FURIOUS FRAGMENTATION Part II: Expanding Performance or Explosive Failure BY JOHN W. HAYES Various bullets and factory ammunition manufactured with polycarbonate tips, have gained in popularity in the last fifteen years and in the last seven or eight have substantially increased in visibility and usage. Many modern shooters prefer these bullets at 300+ yards due to a higher degree of accuracy in the cartridge rifles. These same polycarbonate tips; however will also act as a wedge or plunger to essentially detonate the bullet body into dozens of pieces or into dust. After reading a plethora of reviews lauding the accuracy of this type of bullet design, I also read a number of reviews directed at its explosive down-side. When mentioned, the frangibility of the poly-tipped bullet has been described as: bullet came apart: bullet completely separated from the jacket; bullet has erratic expansion; bullet has explosive expansion; and most stikingly, detonates like a tactical nuke.i Shooters complained of losing, on average, from 45% to over 70% of the bullet weight. Bullet explosion has become part-and-parcel of modern shooting, but the reality is, it does not have to be so. Expansion of size and high retention of mass should be the goal. My recent focus on the poly-tipped ammunition is a logical next step from my Part One, Decent Deformation vs. Furious Fragmentation appearing in the previous issue of WT’s. I wanted to test the performance and failure of muzzleloading bullets wherein rows of water jugs were fired into, similar to the article by Peter Sahr, The Lead Issue, which appeared in WT’s Summer 2015 issue. The article recounts how hunters were invited to shoot modern ammunition from their rifles into water jugs to test frangibility of the bullets in a number of different, hypervelocity, necked-cartridges. It seemed to me what was missing was the mention of the difference in bullet performance between poly-tipped ammo and non-poly-tipped
18 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
ammo. His results showed that upon impact with jugs of water, the bullets did not simply expand rather they disintegrated into tiny bits of lead. These findings are consonant with my own tests using poly-tipped cartridge ammo, but not necessarily with traditional solid cartridge ammo. Never the less, I was curious to see how poly-tipped muzzleloader bullets would perform as to deformation and frangibility. To begin with, my understanding of this bullet design (going back to the Remington Bronze Tip® in the mid 1970’s) is to increase the ballistic coefficient for long range shooting out past 250 yards. Now-a-days it is common to read in hunting and shooting magazines about the accuracy of the polycarbonate tipped bullets. TV advertisers tout the shockpower, speed and accuracy of the modern “poly-tipped” bullets. They can even be found crowding the muzzleloading market.
Progress chart plotting performance of conical muzzleloader bullets.
THE TESTS To test Sahr’s (the author’s) method I began with several cartridge bullets. First, was the 180 grain 30-06 hand loads, replete with Nosler, Ballistic tip®ii (average velocity = 2550 fps) I retrieved only 69 grains of copper jacket at best. These bullets never penetrated more than three jugs, and the whole bullet broke apart. Does this mean that lead is bad? No, I argue that this result only shows that poly-tip ammo is a poor choice for meat hunting.
Unfired bullets: 245 gr Power belt, 250 gr T/C Shockwave® bullet and 350 gr T/C MaxiHunter® bullet. The next bullet, a180 gr. 30-06 Remington CoreLokt® bullet (with an average velocity of 2500+fps) faired much better. On average, I recovered a total mass of 136 to 141 grains (24%) but often in a core piece and three to four smaller pieces of lead/copper. This is the point at which I realized that water, as a target medium, is not the best for testing the frangibility of a bullet. Water seems more like cement with muzzle velocities of 2000 fps. I continued however, because water is a consistent medium and I wanted “like” comparisons with the author. Though many of the bullets in the author’s tests have velocities averaging 2500 fps and up to 3300 fps, the real substance of my tests would be to measure ML bullets at speeds of less than 1800 fps. The last cartridges I shot were .22 caliber bullets: hollow points of 36 grains from which I retrieved only 12.5 grains of lead on average, and secondly solid points of 40 grains from which I retrieved the full solid 40 grain bullets. Although the deformation was slight when using the solid all-lead bullets, there was NO lead lost. My friend Mark Sage lent to me a CVA Pro-Optima 50 caliber in-line rifle 1:28 rifling which I used for all conical tests. I shot at the water jugs from 40 yards using three different types of bullets: 245 gr Power Belt® (copper jacketed poly-tip), 250 gr. Thompson/ Center Shock-Wave (semi-copper jacketed with poly-tip), and the 350 gr. all-lead T/C
Maxi-Hunter (reviewed in Part One). This was essentially a comparison of conical muzzleloader bullets with poly-tips versus those without poly-tips. It also turned out to be a comparison of semi-copper jacketed bullets vs. pure lead bullets. I used loose Pyrodex-R for all the conical ML tests. I started with the 245 grain Power Belt®, which sports a detachable plastic skirt at the base and low profile polycarbonate tip in a rounded nose. I used varied powder charges, and measured velocities and retrieved bullet weights. I also came up with a way to rate Deformation using an index, by coupling Expansion with Retained Mass (Deformation Index).iii 80 grains (1436 fps), mass = 245 grs 100% retention, 1.0 DI 90 grains (1499 fps), “ “ “ “ “ “ 100 grains (1561 fps), “ “ “ 110 grains (1600 fps), “ “ “ “ 120 grains (1643 fps), “ “ “ 130 grains (1705 fps), mass = 163.3 grs or less, 66.5% retention or less, DI =.98 or less With charges of 120 grains and less, the Power Belt® bullets penetrated through five or six jugs and pushed the poly tip into the noses slightly. There was no weight loss but there was zero expansion. However, with the 130 grain charge the bullet exploded into five pieces; the largest of which was only 163.5 grains. The several other shots using the 130 gr. charge left only bits and pieces of copper jacket with bonded lead. In an effort to determine the resilience of the lead in the Power Belt® bullets without the poly-tips I removed the plastic tips, drilled out just enough copper to reach the lead, then filled the holes with molten lead. These bullets penetrated six water jugs and one piece of CDX particle board using, the 130 grain Pyrodex R charge (1705 fps). The bullet expanded only slightly but did not explode or fragment. Thus by removing the poly-tip and creating a solid bullet, it did not detonate upon impact as it had earlier with this charge.
Power Belt® bullet recovered. Left-shot using poly tip and Right-shot with tip filled with lead.
Though this bullet retained all its mass, the sad fact is it did not expand either (probably due to the copper jacket), Only high velocity caused it to explode AND lose one third of its mass by means of the poly-tip. The second bullet tested was the 250 grain T/C Shockwave® a spear nosed bullet with a polycarbonate tip ahead of incised petals in the front of the copper jacket. Using Pyrodex R, I measured charges and velocities, retrieved masses and Deformation Index (DI) as follows: 80 grains (1575 fps), mass = average of 247 grs, 98.8% Retention DI = .976 90 grains (1598 fps), mass = average of 240 grs, 96 % Retention, DI = .92 100 grains (1628 fps), mass = average of 233 grs, 93.2% Retention, DI = 1.097 110 grains (1672 fps), mass = average of 210.4 grs, 84.2% Retention DI = .79 120 grains (1716 fps), mass = average of 192 grs, 76.8% Retention DI = .824 130 grains (1725 fps). mass = average of 142.3 grs, 56.92% Retention DI = .28 In all the shots, the poly tip created erratic expansion, the copper jacket peeled back unevenly, and always from one side revealing perhaps a wobbly flight causing the bullet to strike at an angle. All the “intact” bullets, using charges of 120 grs of or less, exhibited noses that had been mashed-over from one side severely affecting expansion. All the bullets lost mass from lead and copper though lesser amounts with the charges of 110 and under. In all but one of the shots using the 120 and 130 grain loads the un-bonded copper separated from the lead and left small bits of copper in addition to bits of lead. When large pieces of lead were retrieved, these came from the base of the bullets and averaged 150 grs. With charges of 110 grs or more an average of 50 grs of lead or combination of copper and lead was lost and due to this loss of mass, expansion was inconsistent and severely limited. After having taken over eighty shots I can say there is NO need for a poly tip on the muzzleloading bullets. Furthermore, even with moderate pressure during loading, the various jags on the ram rod caused deformation of the noses and/or submersion of the poly-tip, thereby voiding any “perfectnose” of the bullet. An all-lead bullet will expand just fine without the addition of the plastic tip or even a hollow point. The question remains, Why is a poly-tip (which was engineered to increase ballistic coefficient on much smaller bullets out past 250 yards) being used on a
T/C Shockwave® bullets: left-using 110 gr Pyrodex® (velocity of 1672 fps ave), middle-using 120 gr Pyrodex® (velocity of 1716 ave), rightusing 130 gr Pyrodex® (velocity of 1725 fps ave). muzzleloading bullet when the vast majority of ML shooters will generally be making shots on game that average less than 100 yards? In my humble opinion it is a gimmick; you be your own judge. Many of the modern poly-tipped cartridge rounds however remain effective because they are not damaged by loading at the muzzle. They are accurate enough to reach out and drop wary critters standing at 300 + yards. They are soundly effective on coyotes, prairie dogs, varmints and feral critters which are not intended to be eaten. A malleable mass is absolutely necessary for large expansion and when too much mass is lost due to poor design of bullet or the brittle nature of the material then expansion is severely restricted. Regardless of how intelligently engineered the poly tipped bullets may seem, they did not perform as well as the soft, all lead conical bullets. Soft lead, by itself, will expand without a poly-tip at a number of different velocities and stay together in one mass as did the T/C MaxiHunter and the all lead round balls (reviewed in the Summer 2016 issue of WT). The result is a clean wound channel and a lot more meat for the table. The tests only reaffirm my desire to use, as my friend Chris Cheney says, "A big, dumb, slow-moving chunk of lead for meat hunting." Here’s to a blessed hunt. *Scale used is accurate to within one tenth of a gram (+ 1/10g). i Reviews from Midway USA, for all the ammunition with polycarbonate tips numbered in the hundreds and I am thankful to Larry Potterfield and his business for making these reviews available to on-line readers. Reviews from Midway USA, for all the ammunition with polycarbonate tips numbered in the hundreds and I am thankful to Larry Potterfield and his business for making these reviews available to on-line readers. ii Bob Hayes, my brother, hand loaded Federal brand casings using Federal Magnum 215 primer, 51.0 grains by weight of IMR 4350 powder, the bullet has a sectional density of .271 and a ballistic coefficient of .507. The muzzle velocity averages 2550 feet per second.
This is an algorithm I created to measure deformation of a bullet by coupling expansion with retained mass and thus create an index. The deformation index is measured as: (the percentage of retained mass [decimal form] X the increase in diameter, expressed as one plus the decimal increase in inches), minus the unretained percentage of bullet mass. (RM x ID) – UM = DI. It should be read with the percentage of retention. For conical bullets a high DI rating of 1.75 to 2.0 is obtainable with high retention of mass and great expansion. A DI rating of 1.0 with high retention tends to show an intact bullet but no expansion. A DI rating of less than 1.0 with low retention tends to show low or no expansion but loss of mass; or low retention expansion with explosive tendencies. iii
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 19
AROUND THE State Minnesota Deer Hunters Association
REGIONAL BOUNDARY AND CHAPTER LOCATION MAP 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
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.
20 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
Did you know... deer move to thick cover during a wet snowfall?
MDHA PRESERVES HABITAT, PROVIDES NEW HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) is working to use $6 million in funding to protect forest habitat that is at risk of being converted to non-forest uses. These forestlands currently are not open to public hunting, but will be when MDHA’s projects are completed. The grants come from the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC), which was created in 2008 when Minnesota voters passed the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment (Legacy Amendment). The Legacy Amendment dedicates 1/8 of 1% of Minnesota’s sales tax to protect drinking water sources, enhance and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat. It also preserves arts and cultural heritage, supports parks and trails and protects, enhances and restores lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. MDHA sought these grants to protect forest habitat that has been under increasing threat for the past two decades. Significant restructuring in the timber industry has changed the northern forest and put habitat and public access at risk. Some of these forest acres have been converted to agriculture, while others have been converted to recreational property. MDHA’s first project will use grant funds to acquire lands from the Potlatch Corporation (Potlatch) in Hubbard and Cass Counties where the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) estimates about 42 square miles of pine forest have been cleared or are at elevated risk of being cleared and converted to croplands. After a yearlong process and many hearings at both the LSOHC and Legislature, MDHA received an appropriation of $3.6 million to acquire Potlatch lands that were at risk. MDHA, with its partners The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS) and The Conservation Fund (TCF) are now working with the Hubbard and Cass County Land Departments to select the parcels that will best match the goals of the project. Once these lands are acquired, they will be open to public recreation and hunting. Forest habitat is threatened in other areas of the northern forest as well and MDHA’s second project, the Laurentian Forest – St. Louis County Habitat Project, addresses this
threat. In St. Louis County, tens of thousands of acres of forest habitat have been sold. This divestiture continues as Potlatch has sold or is in the process of selling over 175 parcels in St. Louis County since 2013. Building on the success of its last LSOHC project application, MDHA has submitted a grant application to LSOHC for 2016. MDHA, again with partners RGS and TCF that would use grant funding to acquire Potlatch lands and turn them over to the St. Louis County Land Department for management. St. Louis County excels in forest management and is responsible for nearly 900,000 acres of taxforfeited lands in the County. Like MDHA’s project in Hubbard and Cass County, acquired lands will be open to the public for recreation and hunting. Following multiple meetings where LSOHC considered dozens of habitat project applications, the Council recommended MDHA receive $2.4 million for the Laurentian Forest – St. Louis County Habitat
Hubbard
BY CRAIG ENGWALL
St. Louis Cass
Project. The funding recommendation now goes to the Minnesota Legislature where it will be considered during the 2017 Legislative Session. You can stay up to date on the Legislature’s actions by following MDHA’s legislative updates on MDHA’s Facebook page.
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Did you know... snow depths up to ten inches have little impact on deer movement?
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MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 21
AROUND THE State QUAD RIVER DONATES TO THE LAURENTIAN ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
The Quad Rivers Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) was one of the MDHA chapters that donated $500 for the Laurentian Environmental Center’s archery program. The new bows that were purchased replicated the bow many of the Forkhorn II kids shot for their first bow hunt, so it helped to get the archery program moving farther into the hunting application. Overwhelmingly the Forkhorn II kids liked shooting 3D (there is an almost all day 3D archery course) because it also replicated a hunting situation. Laurentian Environmental Center was able to buy two left eye dominant bows and the rest right eye dominant. Approximately 50 students go through bow hunter camp each year.
MORRISON COUNTY CHAPTER DONATES $2000
The Morrison County Chapter of MDHA recently donated $2000 for improvements at the Mud Lake Wildlife Management Area. Marty Skoglund, Conservation Officer Paul Kuske, and Art Reuck are pictured at the presentation of this very generous MDHA chapter donation. Many thanks also go to MN DNR Conservation Officer Kuske for coordinating the project.
JAMES QUARBERG AND HIS “LUCKY MDHA CAP”! Pictured above are (front row) Natalie Mikrot, Garrett Peterson, Morgan Langhorst, Kyra Heaton, Audrey Langhorst. (Back row) Jon Langhorst, Jim DeVries and Kristian Jankofsky
After getting his firearms safety training, James hit the field and had his first success in hunting using a gun won by his grandpa Denis Quarberg (MDHA State President) at an MDHA banquet.
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Office: (218) 246-9895 Cellular: (218) 244-3365 22 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
Did you know... deer seem to have built-in weather sensors?
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All proceeds benefit Minnesota’s wildlife habitat! Did you know... deer are very spooky when the wind gets to the “breezy” status?
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 23
AROUND THE State THE HUNT (FOR TAX SAVINGS…) IS ON! CONSIDER A 2016 GIFT TO THE MDHA ENDOWMENT As I write this the leaves are falling, the days are getting cooler and next weekend some of my family and very close friends will gather up at The Deer Shack to prep stands for opening day and scout for deer sign. A short couple of weeks after that – The Hunt is on! What a great time of year in whitetail country! But this article isn’t really about “The Hunt”…at least not the hunt for whitetails. Speaking as the keeper of the MDHA Endowment, I want to share a few thoughts about another kind of hunt – sometimes just as challenging as the elusive whitetail, but probably not as exciting. I’m talking about the hunt for tax advantages through charitable giving. Specifically, let’s consider the tax advantages of making a 2016 gift to the MDHA Endowment Fund. First of all, the MDHA Endowment is doing GREAT, 195% growth since the fund came to the Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF) late in 2011. The sometimes-volatile investment market plays a role in that growth, but what really makes the difference are the many donations that arrive monthly. In fact, 218 gifts have arrived over these recent years ranging in size from $10 to $10,000. Each gift is important, and each gift helps ensure a positive future for the MDHA. Now on to the hunt for the tax advantage. What is presented here are the very basics, but as in any hunting endeavor, the basics are important. Also, a necessary disclaimer on my part is I am NOT a tax professional, but someone in your community is. Consult them for specific guidance to lingering questions. Gifts take many forms. Most people immediately think of their checkbook when considering charitable gifts – and cash gifts are certainly the easiest to deal with on the charity end of business. Giving a cash gift to a nonprofit organized under the IRS’s 501(c) (3) section (like MDHA and GRACF) result in a charitable gift receipt back to the donor to be applied to itemized tax deductions. Gifts such as appreciated securities (think
24 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
stocks and other funds) can lead to very significant tax advantages for the donor. If you had the foresight to buy some stock in Apple back in 1984 and are looking to sell that stock now, you’re going to face some significant (!) capital gains. Donate that same stock to the MDHA Endowment and you pay ZERO capital gains PLUS you give one
Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation Executive Director Chris Fulton incredible gift to an organization you care about! We haven’t seen any Apple stock here at GRACF lately, but when ASV was sold to TEREX a few years ago we had a number of charitable funds established to receive those stock-sale proceeds. Those funds are now doing wonderful good for our communities! A similar gifting situation exists for real
property – like that 40 acres you haven’t hunted for years. My guess is the value of that land has appreciated since you received it as a bequest from Uncle Bob’s will back in 1977. Gifting land to your favorite cause such as the MDHA Endowment results in significant tax advantage to you since you’re not stuck with the capital gains – plus you get the charitable deduction for the value of the gift! These types of gifts – including tangible property such as that gun collection you have – are more complicated to execute, but again get to the bottom line of providing a gift to an organization you care about. Here’s one more that might get some interest for the Deer Camp Elders. If you are 70 ½ or older and have an IRA, you must take a mandatory distribution each year. This distribution is included in your adjusted gross income (AGI), and you pay taxes on that distribution. The Charitable IRA Rollover was finally made law last year through The Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015 and permits taxpayers to make donations directly to charitable organizations such as MDHA and GRACF from the IRA without including or counting the distribution in their AGI. This lessens your annual tax bill by lessening your AGI. This is a perfect opportunity to rollover that mandatory distribution, especially if that extra income isn’t really needed for the lifestyle you lead. Important to note: This rollover must come directly from the IRA account and NOT after you’ve received the distribution. Talk to your IRA account manager for details on how to rollover your mandatory distribution. Tax law is a complicated business, but the bottom line is there are ways to take advantage of these tax laws to make a charitable gift to an organization ensuring the future of our favorite fall activity – MDHA. Your tax preparer, financial planner, or estate planner can all assist with the tax advantage that works best for you. The MDHA Endowment is forever. Whitetails forever. Good luck in the hunt!
Did you know... as the barometric pressure drops, deer tend to bed down?
THANK YOU ENDOWMENT CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Darrold Persson Laurie Persson John Erlandson Sr. Donna Erlandson Dan Splittstoser Dan Larsen Bob Hall Jim Larson Jeff Sterle Jeff Sterle Nick & Jean Frank Hibbing-Chisholm Chpt Fred/Liz Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Steve/Kathy Fosness Wayne T Johnson Dale Yerger Dan Rebrovich Rob & Caleb Fiala Riceland WT Chpt Snake River Chpt Nick Wognum Jean Schwinn Frank/Monica Ford Des Moines Valley Chpt Des Moines Valley Chpt Darrold/Laurie Persson William C. Dreyer Richard H Harvey John Jacobsen James E Vollhaber Ed Buerkle Mark Mathwig Big Fork Hunting Crew Big Fork Hunting Crew Loren Abel Ray Sogard Scott Meyer Virgil Pawlenty Fred/Liz Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Tad B Larsen Doug Appelgren John Fogarty Orlyn J. Olson Darwin Viker Tom Brasel Bill Moreland Donald/Myrna Persson David Eide Gordon Dentinger Kevin/Joleen Kriesel Byron S Vizecky
CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Byron S Vizecky Byron S Vizecky Byron S Vizecky Don Bachel Nolan Young Dan Larsen Alan Huhta Tom Fischbach Ervin/Bernice Voit Jason Lybeck Franklin Meyer Ray Peterson Ray Peterson Ray Peterson Ray Peterson Ray Peterson David Erding MDHA Itasca Chpt Jack/Jane Todd Mark U Abendroth Mark U Abendroth MDHA Min-Dak Brd Chpt Richard C. Hampe Darrell Fahrney Keith Petersen MDHA Central MN Chpt Dustin Persson Hampe Family Foundation MDHA Blue Earth RV MDHA Blue Earth RV MDHA Blue Earth RV MDHA N Red River Chpt MDHA General MDHA General Paul/Pat Krieg Jim Vogen John Karvonen Lakes & Pines Chapter Mike Beaufeaux Jared Barse Lester A. Wilsey III Bruce Sherman Jim Moon Jim Kemmer David North Jack Hauck Tom Mayry Ed Schmidt Todd&Suzanne Clark Bill Gotfredson Bill Gotfredson Bill Gotfredson Ron Tibodeau Conrad & Betty Gonsoronski Conrad & Betty Gonsoronski Gerald Schmidt Susan Lanning & family Scott McClure Marland J. Kloety
CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Marland J. Kloety Marland J. Kloety Brad Heinen Brad Heinen O.J. Bottoms Glen R. Swenson Bemidji Chpt Paul&Catherine Koski Paul&Catherine Koski Paul&Catherine Koski Paul&Catherine Koski Paul&Catherine Koski Robert E. Peterson Richard W. Nunn John B. Heimkes Jan Rizzio Ralph W. Lovering Michael Kreitz Len L. Olson Len L. Olson Wild River Chapter Isanti County Chapter Isanti County Chapter Richard Koechlein Sam Moore Darrold & Laurie Persson Darrold & Laurie Persson Carlton County Chapter Carlton County Chapter Jim McGinnis Jim McGinnis Darlene Christensen Crow River Chapter Anonymous Darrold Persson Denis Quarberg Jim Larson Jean Frank Dan Splittstoser John Erlandson Sr. MDHA MDHA Steve/Kathy Fosness Steve/Kathy Fosness John Edinger Darrold & Laurie Persson John Benedict John Benedict Craig Bender Darrold Persson Ray's Sport & Marine Steve Lonn Jim Vogen Steve & Kathy Fosness Darrold Persson Wild River Chapter Jay Ronning Darwin Viker Craig & Patricia Jerde
Did you know... mid-day hunting (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) works well because deer are active?
CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Isanti County Chapter Suzie Seabright Dennis & Nancy Hebrink Nancy Thiel & Family McGregor Chpt McGregor Chpt Art & Jarvis Smith Rusty & Judy Hargrave Jack & Jane Todd Hibbing-Chisholm Chpt Not Specified Not Specified Not Specified Darrold & Laurie Persson Darrold & Laurie Persson Cindy Saban Smokey Hills Chapter Smokey Hills Chapter Fergus Falls Chapter Isanti County Chapter Jim Jordan Chapter Jim Jordan Chapter Jim Jordan Chapter Jim Jordan Chapter Rum River Chapter Not Specified Ralph & Merrily Carlson Friends of Earnest Anderson Hibbing-Chisholm Chpt Omars Sales & Sevice and 2nd Week of Deercamp-Lavelle Township Laura & Alan Sommervold Min-Dak Chapter MDHA Isanti County Chapter MDHA Corporate Board Clyde Conner Family Richard Mensing Fred/Liz Freihammer McGregor Chpt Crow River Chapter Sunrisers Chapter Arrowhead Chapter Isanti County Chapter Isanti County Chapter Paul Guelle MDHA State Office MDHA Riceland Chapter John & Lynda Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Fred/Liz Freihammer Guy Jr.& Mary Gregg RJ & MM Aase James & Betty Seipel Tim & Susan Howe James Nauman Gerald & Delores Kelly
CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Barbara Hervas & Family MDHA Exe Brd John Erlandson Sr. Denis Quarberg Darwin Viker John & Gurine Gall Donald & Marie Lane Wilbur & Marilyn Fredrick Thief River Falls Chapter Fred/Liz Freihammer MDHA Central MN Chpt Kay Reynolds The Olive Group Mike Barrett John & Maureen Flanagan Isanti County Chapter Jason Grahek Greg & Cindy Giddings Larry & Carole Marsh Kelly & Sherry Marsh Chris Anderson Bob & Dee Crass Steve & Mary Claire Koskovich Robin & Mike Whitney Ernold Walberg SE MN Chapter Dick Struck Mike Wock Richard & Becky Mensing Jerry and Shirley Miner Craig Morrison Mary Ann Carter Rick & Sherry Denzer Fred/Liz Freihammer Darwin and Tekla Viker Darrold and Laurie Persson Walter & Phyllis Overholser Walter & Phyllis Overholser Wild River Chapter Pomme de Terre Bluff Country Chapter Bluff Country Chapter Barbara Rydberg Barbara Rydberg Jerry Fischer Thief River Falls Chapter Sauk River PB Chapter East Ottertail Chapter Robin Albert Isanti County Chapter Isanti County Chapter Isanti County Chapter Isanti County Chapter Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 25
AROUND THE State CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Snake River Chpt Steve & Kathy Fosness Franklin Meyer MDHA MDHA Mark & Debbie Johnson Mark & Debbie Johnson Mark & Debbie Johnson Ed & Rosalie Schmidt Ed & Rosalie Schmidt Kevin & Paulette Carlson Ronald Brockamp Itasca County Chapter Isanti County Chapter Kevin & Joleen Kriesel MDHA MDHA Stephen Nelsen MDHA MDHA John & Becky Rabe MDHA North Suburban Chapter Bluff Country Chapter Bluff Country Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Park Rapids Chapter Jim Vogen John Erlandson Sr. John & Lynda Freihammer Fred & Liz Freihammer Anonymous Marryk DeGoey Franklin Meyer John & Becky Rabe John & Becky Rabe Blue Earth River Valley Chapter MN Deer Hunters Association MDHA McGregor Chapter Mike Wock Darrold & Laurie Persson Mark Johnson Darrold and Laurie Persson Mark W. Johnson Doug, Colette, Lili and Kim Jaeger Ed's Sourdough Camp - Existing Members Gary and Rae Thompson Rebby Bowman
CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME MDHA Snake River Chapter MDHA Snake River Chapter MDHA Snake River Chapter MDHA Snake River Chapter MDHA Snake River Chapter MDHA Wahoo Valley Chapter MDHA Sherburne County Swampbucks Chpt Stephen Nelson Ed & Judy Matonich Darrold & Laurie Persson MDHA Isanti County Chapter MDHA Isanti County Chapter Michael & Pamela Jacobson Mark, Debbie,Ian & Brenna Johnson Mark & Debbie Johnson MDHA Pomme de Terre Chapter Jack & Jane Todd James Turbes Family MDHA Sunrisers Chapter Anonymous MDHA Isanti County Chapter Richard & Peggy Struck Kirk & Roni Adams & family Family & Friends of Dale V. Helwig MDHA Arrowhead Chapter Franklin R. Meyer Ron & Kim Kalinoski John & Lynda Freihammer Boyd Bradbury Jarvier Nevares Isanti County Chapter Bruce Gross Bruce Gross Bruce Gross State Bank of Jeffers Darrold and Laurie Persson Denis Quarberg James Kirk Des Moines Valley Chpt Tad Larsen Robert & Darlene Morton Franklin Meyer Doug & Linda Appelgren The Hampe Family Foundation Darrold Persson Thomas Foht Ramesh Kapur Mike Wock John Papenfuhs II Richard Mensing Anoka County Parks Deer Hunters James Strupp Crystal & Nate Friske Heather Willman Mindy Livingston Katy Olson Susan Olson MDHA Riceland Chapter MDHA McGregor Chapter MDHA South Metro Chapter MDHA Isanti County Chapter Deryk Funkhouser Barb Peterson Gerald Waisanen John & Becky Rabe Tad Larsen David & Norma Martin
26 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Kalee Hermanson Ken & Karla Anderson Nick & Jean Frank John Erlandson Sr. Denis Quarberg Darrold & Laurie Persson MDHAHibbing-Chisholm Chpt Keenan Lersch MDHA Isanti County Chapter MDHA Snake River Chpt MDHA Snake River Chpt MDHA Snake River Chpt MDHA Snake River Chpt MDHA Snake River Chpt Gary and Rae Thompson Ed & Rose Schmidt Denis Quarberg Denis Quarberg Bruce Gross Bernie Gross Jennie Durheim & Family Jonathon Kujawa MN Deer Hunters Association Steve & Kathy Fosness Ed & Rose Schmidt Ed & Rose Schmidt Darrold & Laurie Persson Rob & Denise Wolf Darrold & Laurie Persson Loren Rabe Loren Rabe Loren Rabe John & Donna Erlandson Richelle Olson John & Becky Rabe MN Deer Hunters Association MDHA Des Moines Valley Chpt MDHA Thief River Falls Chapter Mark Nohre Jason Theusch Denis Quarberg Ed & Rose Schmidt MDHA Bluff Country Chapter MDHA Bluff Country Chapter MDHA Bluff Country Chapter MDHA Bluff Country Chapter Bruce Gross MDHA Wild River Chapter Rob & Denise Wolf Franklin R. Meyer Denis Quarberg MDHA Sunrisers Chapter Nick & Jean Frank Denis Quarberg Tammy Schoenberg Lesa Cappelen Scott Strobel Charmin Amundson Brian Fiskum Lee & Ruth Amundson Tim Tompkins Marsha Evans The Koivistos Karen Spotts Darrold & Laurie Persson Jeff Sterle Carol A Gordon Mary Ann Manska Lawrence A Jacobson
ENDOWMENTS & DONATIONS: Aug. 13, 2016 - Oct. 19, 2016 ENDOWMENT FUND CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME MDHA Smokey Hills Chapter MDHA Snake River Chaper
Mercedes Akinseye Denis Quarberg Lorraine E. Meyer Bruce & Bernie Gross
HONOREE’S NAME Not Specified Jason Thomson Les Stromberg Jim Ripka Betty Wilkens Dan Schmoll Mercedes Akinseye In memory of James Strege In memory of Bonnie A. Meyer In memory of Garth Swanson
EDUCATION & GENERAL DONATIONS CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME James Palmer Kevin Bast David Hanten Blake Grogan Charlie Giesler Truist - UPS If we inadvertently 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. CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Cathy Daniels Tom Farrell Michael & Kristine Hass Carol M Groenke Gary Bye Steve & Debbie Amundson Craig Engwall Sharon & David Rouse Peter & Jane Williams Trelipe Lake Propery Owners Asssoc. Daniel & Pamela Bye Leigh White Arthur & Mazie Englund Gerald & Susan Forsberg William & Norma Schleppegrell Matthew & Kathy Senich Doug & Linda Appelgren MDHA McGregor Chapter John Rabe Mark Nohre Karin B Norgaard Robert & Laura Manka Steve & Kathy Fosness 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
CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Gerald Fischer MDHA Sherburne County Swampbucks Chpt Steve Ranallo Denis Quarberg Denis Quarberg Mary Peters Beverly Hagen Loren Abel Mark Nohre Vicki Dykstra MDHA Min-Dak Chapter MDHA Wright County/W Metro Chapter MDHA Sioux Trails Chapter Rob & Denise Wolf MDHA Des Moines Valley Chpt MDHA Southeast MN Chapter MDHA Thief River Falls Chapter MDHA Thief River Falls Chapter Jim & Robin Vogen Darwin Viker David Peterson Mark Nohre Denis Quarberg Steve Ranallo Franklin Meyer Keith Johnson & Erin Telander Rocky & Nancy Lawson Marvin & Gail Zimmerman MDHA Smokey Hills Chapter MDHA Snake River Chaper Mercedes Akinseye Denis Quarberg Lorraine E. Meyer Bruce & Bernie Gross
Did you know... when the snow is crunchy, deer tend to bed down or seek melting snow areas?
Winter
Whitetales Puzzler
BY ROD DIMICH AND ED SCHMIDT
Minnesota Deer Hunting Quiz >> True or False! << By Mike Roste 1. Deer meat has longitudinal grain just like wood. 2. Deer meat is high in nutritional value. 3. Venison is considered a complete protein.
Answers on page 54.
4. Venison meat is welcome in a low-carb diet. 5. Trail watching is best during warm weather. 6. A good treestand hunter will choose a stand so the hunter is silhouetted against a lighter background. 7. Deer are only active in the early morning and late evening and rest all day. 8. Venison is actually dried and spiced meat.
15 Bluff Country Chapter Fundraiser at the Witoka Tavern in Winona. Contact Jim Panek at 507.643.6591.
25 MDHA State Habitat Banquet at Timberlake Lodge in Grand Rapids. Contact Bri Stacklie at 218.259.1368.
JANUARY 2017 17 Alexandria Chapter Fundraiser at Forada Supper Club in Alexandria. Contact Mark Nohre at 320.491.6243.
25 MDHA Corporate Board Meeting at the Eagle’s Club in Grand Rapids. Contact the MDHA State Office at 218.327.1103.
20 Alexandria Chapter Banquet at Forada Supper Club in Alexandria. Contact Mark Nohre at 320.491.6243.
25 Two Rivers Chapter Banqet at the Montevideo American Legion. Contact Cory Johnson at 320.226.4208. APRIL 29 Jim Jordan Chapter Banquet at Grand Casino in Hinckley. Contact Scott Peterson at 320.372.0300.
2. True: Venison is tantalizingly delicious, high in iron and protein and low in calories and fat.
25 Two Rivers Chapter Banquet at the American Legion in Montevideo. Contact Cory Johnson at 320.226.4208.
3. True: Venison contains all 10 of the essential amino acids.
12 Wild River Chapter Fundraiser at Fuse Bar & Grill in Harris. Contact Ryan Tauer at 763.614.0421.
4. True: Venison contains high amounts of protein and is low in fat content when compared to beef or pork.
FEBRUARY 11 Southeast MN Chapter Banquet at the Event Center in Kasson. Contact Dave Peterson at 507.365.8875.
5. False: Trail watching (stand/platform hunting) is best during cold weather when other hunters get cold and roam the area.
DECEMBER 9 Sturgeon River Chapter Fundraiser at Sue’s Penalty Box in Eveleth. Contact Brett Haavisto at 218.780.6401.
Answers
6. False: Make sure something dark is behind you and try to remain in the shadows.
Calendar of EVENTS
10. The actual harvest of a deer is the greatest thrill most hunters derive from their favorite sport.
7. False: Deer periodically rest and move about all day long. I harvest most of my deer between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
1. A shallow sled pulled by a skier 2. Metal links used for traction on tires 3. An implement used to move snow 5. Means of traveling in deep snow 6. Popular winter machine 9. Heavy overstory maintaining a comfortable temperature like cedar 10. A Finnish steam bath 11. A tree type that loses its leaves annually 12. Material to maintain heat in and cold out 13. A plan used in cooking and baking 15. Large areas containing like vegetation and features 17. Huge snowstorm 19. To follow a deer into a wintering area or a path used by skiiers 21. Winter severity index (abbreviation)
8. True: This edible and appetizing meat is dried to 10-20 percent of its original content. Don't forget to season to taste.
DOWN
9. True: Some hunters never believe the compass point readings, they should, however, carry two compasses to settle that argument.
4. Another name for a snow shelter 5. Means of travel on snow 6. Mineral used to clear ice from roads 7. Natural source of heat in a stove 8. Massive collection of ice crystals 14. Tree type including cedar, pine and spruce 16. A wax material used to heat a snow cave 18. Inuit snow house 20. Geometric shape of a snow crystal 22. A document allowing people to use trails 23. The process of maintaining life
10. False: The harvest only lasts a few seconds whereas most hunters find more enjoyment and anticipation planning the hunt, outwitting a deer and the companionship of family and friend hunters.
ACROSS
9. Many times when hunters are lost in the woods they don't believe the direction their compass points.
1. True: This mouth-watering meat will be hard to chew if you cut with the grain. You should cut across the grain. Did you know... deer urine is one of the best masking scents?
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 27
Marketplace MDHA POLY CANVAS DUFFLE $15
MDHA GRIZZLY 20 MUG $29.99
MDHA GUN CLEANING KIT
$27
The durable stainless Grizzly Grip Cup has been optimized to keep your favorite beverages at their ideal drinking temperature. It is engineered with double-wall vacuum insulation to provide unmatched ice retention as well as well as keeping hot drinks hot. The ergonomic handgrip and rubberized pad on the bottom of the cup give it an edge over similar products on the market. Built like a tank, the Grip Cup more than lives up to the “Grizzly name.
Our MDHA gun cleaning kit is perfect for your gun cleaning needs. It covers handguns, shotguns, and rifles in a wide range of sizes, includes brass brushes, rod, patches, and more, all packed in a nice wood display box.
MDHA FORKHORN JACKET
MDHA LEATHER WALLET
MDHA BAMBOO CUTTING BOARD
Looking for a great jacket for your youth at a great price? Look no farther than this MDHA jacket with Forkhorn under the logo indicating a youth member. Made by Gamehide, this fleece jacket is super soft and warm and perfect for fall and spring days. Sizes XS-2XL.
This stylish brown wallet is just what you need to keep your life organized. The wallet features our MDHA logo, multiple card slots, generously sized cash area, and extra interior pockets on each side. The wallet is made of genuine leather.
Our bamboo MDHA cutting board is great for in the cabin or home and is a perfect size at 13 3/4″ x 9 3/4″.
MDHA COUGAR KNIFE
MDHA CAMO M-TECH KNIFE
MDHA WHITETAIL CAP
This MDHA duffel is constructed with 600D poly canvas and features a large main zipper compartment, full front slip pocket and water bottle pocket. It also comes with an adjustable shoulder strap. Approximate size of 18″w. x 10 1/2″h. x 9″d.
$26
$20
The Cougar Gut Hook knife is great for not only field dressing, but all things outdoors. With a 6 ¾ ″ overall length, a nylon sheath and a wood handle, it is sure to get the job done.
MDHA PINK CAMO BALL CAP $13
This one sharp looking cap is highlighted by an adjustable back, tattered front, and MDHA logo to match the pink trim. Get yours while they last.
28 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
$20
$19
Our MDHA high tech knife features a very comfortable handgrip, belt clip, and logo blade making it a nice choice for an everyday carry knife.
WOMEN’S PUFFER VEST
$46
This vest is just what you need when a lightweight vest is required. Black with a cream logo, this vest is 100% micro polyester, Thermolite insulated, wind/water resistant and has zippered hand and chest pockets. S-3XL.
$15
$15
This cap features a nice whitetail buck scene on it as well as a nice amount of camo trim with a black MDHA logo front and center. It is sure to become one of your favorite caps.
FILSON MDHA BLAZE ORANGE INSULATED CAP $65
This cap has an insulated crown and tuck-away earflaps made with virgin wool for breathable warmth in the field. It’s built with water-repellent, abrasion-resistance blaze orange fabric for increased visibility in the field. Interior elastic band ensures snug fit. Sizes M, L, XL.
When you purchase MDHA merchandise you support MDHA’s programs and mission.
VISIT WWW.MNDEERHUNTERS.COM OR CALL 800.450.DEER LACROSSE 7MM AEROHEAD BOOTS $125
POTTERY MUGS
$17
MDHA LOGO FLASHLIGHT
$24
These boots give an uncompromised waterproof protection using 7MM naturally insulating neoprene and an adjustable back gusset and strap with adjustable fit for various leg sizes. Ankle-Fit design locks the heel in place to prevent excess rubbing and chafing and injected midsole gives added cushioning. Boot height is 18″ and weigh 5 lbs. per pair. They have a cold weather rating down to -60° F.
These mugs are handmade for MDHA right here in Minnesota. They are made to resemble a 12-gauge shotgun shell and at approximately 16 oz. are perfect for holding your morning coffee or tea.
Our MDHA logo flashlight has five lighting modes, 100% (220 lumens), 50% white light (110 lumens), 10% white light (22 lumens), S.O.S. mode (220 lumens), or emergency strobe mode (220 lumens). This flashlight has a 4x adjustable beam and features a magnetic base for hands free operation.
MDHA 6×4 CAMO/ORANGE DECAL
THIRTY-ONE PLAID UTILITY TOTE
MDHA LOGO DART BOARD
This decal will look great no matter where you put it. Camo with orange trim, it works on the side of your truck, ATV, shell box or the window of your vehicle. The size is 4” x 6” of heavy-duty outdoor UV resistant material.
You’ll be amazed at how much this classic tote can hold. The structured metal frame keeps it open for bulky items and provides strength for durability. White MDHA logo. Size is 11 3/4”h. x 21 1/2”l. x 10”d.
$3
HALF IN THE BAG HUNTING BODY SUIT $85
$39
$179
This dartboard is great for around the home or cabin and is sure to provide long lasting entertainment. It features six heavy-duty darts and a 23” x 35” barn board looking backer with MDHA logo.
Become an MDHA member today... Name: Address: City: State: Zip: Phone: Chapter Preference: Email:
The Half in the Bag is a body heat retention system designed to keep you warm, yet leave your hands free. It also folds into a nice neat seat. Choose your size based on the chart below. Bag Size Your height Your weight 40″ 5′-5’6″ Under 180 lbs 48″ 5’7″-6’2″ Under 220 lbs
SHIPPING & HANDLING RATES: $1 - $50 = $8 $50.01 - $100 = $9 $100.01 - $150 = $11.00 $150.01 - $200 = $13 $200.01 & UP = PLEASE CALL *Non-clothing items add 6.875% sales tax
Membership Payment Information: q $25 Adult 1 Year Membership q $15 Youth 1 Year Membership q Visa/Mastercard/Discover q Check Card #: Exp: Signature: I would also like to make a donation of $ Order Total: $
460 Peterson Road • Grand Rapids, MN 55744 • 800.450.3337 *Membership pricing food through 6/30/17. If past this date please call for current pricing.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 29
The author’s father Lorne with his tremendous “Last Day” whitetail.
t
The Secrets to Late Season Whitetails BY JEFF SCHLACHTER 30 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
It seemed like before we could blink, it was down to the last day of the season and the clock was ticking but Dad and I hadn’t given up, as we both knew better. We had been battling harsh winter-like conditions, with bitter cold and a mountain of snow, but it just seems when you least expect it, the buck of your dreams is standing in front of you and it just shows that perseverance usually pays off. Dad spotted a giant whitetail bird-dogging a doe and it was one of these moments we will both never forget as I raised my 10x binoculars to have this absolute CRANKER walk right into my field of view. A last-day late season buck that made both our jaws drop into the snowbank! Many hunters feel the rut is the best time to hunt big whitetail bucks, but for me the late season for whitetails is one of my favorite times to hunt these elusive critters. The rut can be so completely unpredictable and when it comes to a big buck, they only have one thing on their mind at that time. You just never know when a buck in the rut is going to turn up and for any of you that have tried to hunt one particular whitetail buck during the rut you know exactly what I’m talking about. By the time the late season rolls around, the main rut has come and gone but there are almost always a few does that have yet to be bred and these big bucks will cover vast distances in search of that last bit of “action” for the year, never giving up until they have searched high and low. This is a perfect opportunity for that chance of a lifetime as the smaller bucks have already tuckered out, wearing themselves down with the rigors of the rut, but the more mature bucks will go that extra mile, exerting every single spec of energy they have. This usually puts them at greater risk to be not only caught out in the open during those last few days of the season, but also puts them deeply at risk as they head into the rough winter months as they’re almost always worn right down to the brink of death. It seems like the biggest of the bucks will sometimes let their guard down just a little more during the late season, heading into the open fields to follow the does and feed when harsh northland winters leave them no other choice to ensure their own survival. So be sure to pay attention to food sources such as alfalfa fields or standing crops that have not been harvested as this can be a key time to spot a monster out in a field, leaving you with a perfect opportunity for a spot and stalk. The late season can offer extraordinary opportunities as the whitetails will spend more time on the move in the daylight hours
during this time of year both searching for those last few not bred does and pounding the food sources. If you find the buck that sends your heart rate through the roof and gets your mojo, it’s time to focus in on bedding areas if you are unable to connect on him in the open fields. Set up a stand or blind on a main travel route, being sure to play the wind and you will have a very good chance to harvest the buck as he travels from his lair to feed. Be sure to spend as much time out there as you can. I avoid hunting these areas in the morning, as there is a good chance the deer will be out in the field well before daylight and it can be tough to get into your spot without spooking them. But every setup is different and if you are able to get into your location without risking the chance of blowing it, then make sure to get yourself in there. Another thing I like to do is to use a scent drag with doe in heat scent. I prefer to soak it or spray it down so it’s sopping wet and pull it behind me on the way into my stand or blind. I like to leave it in the perfect spot where you want the buck to stop, whether it is in an opening or on a cutline as this can help a travelling buck key in on the scent and bring him into you like he’s on a string. I also like to spray the mist around my blind, as the wind will carry the scent to travel as it swirls through the thermals. It can work wonders and I’ve had bucks come by with their noses stuck to the ground, completely oblivious to their surroundings, giving you the chance you’ve been waiting for. I still rely heavily on my trail cameras in the late season, as this is an exciting time when new travelling bucks can show up and surprise you. With the big boys searching
The author spraying a scent drag. for the last of the hot does, sometimes a whopper can show up unexpectedly on your camera, so be sure to pay close attention to your cams. There are lots of hunters that give up on their cams at the tail end of the season, as the cold weather can burn through the batteries quicker than ever, but keep your batteries fresh and your cameras out, as you never know when a surprise of a lifetime is going to show up! Of course scent control is also a MUST, so I always spray down before heading into a stand with some type of scent elimination. I like using a spray as it helps to eliminate body odor, food and animal odors and is a must when hunting tight quarters with the buck you’ve been waiting all season for. I have had veteran old bucks come in completely down-wind while using cover scent and went completely undetected to the
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 31
old warrior. Controlling scent is one of the keys to success. We all know we need every single trick up our sleeve that we can find to fool these wily elusive whitetails, so do whatever you can to help your own success. I would take luck over skill any day of the week, but tricks like these can help a small part in creating our own luck. It can be very cold at this time of year, so I definitely prefer a blind over a stand, as the cold can not only be bone chilling, but mind numbing as well, so be sure to dress warm, take plenty of extra clothes, layer up and get out for some late season whitetail action. When the weather is down-right nasty it’s a perfect time to be out waiting for that monster buck, but it can be tough not to throw the towel in when you get chilled to the core and you’re not in the game. I have a little heater I take to the blind with me. I don’t run it all the time, but fire it up whenever I need to take the edge off. It’s amazing what a little warmth will do to rejuvenate the body and mind. You never know when the big boy is going to show up, so the more time you can spend in the blind, the better your chances will be, trying your best to hunt from first light to last light as much as you possibly can. For the hunters that love to get out and cover a little ground on the deer trails, this can be a great time for that. The whitetails will have a tendency to spend a little more time in their beds, as they try to restore some of that much needed energy they have expended during the rut. Walk quietly, two steps, stop and listen, paying close attention to tracks and deer trails. Watch closely on south facing ridges, old yard sites and spots out of the wind as these can be key spots where the whitetails will bed, trying to take advantage of a little mid-day sun to help them conserve their energy and fat reserves. The rut is always a little different every single year and seems like just when you think you have the rut figured out, it totally changes and leaves you with your pants down, just proving no two are ever the same. There are many variables, such as weather and the moon phases that play a major part on the timing and cycles of the rut. That is why I always love hunting the late season as much as I do. It can be that time for you to find a little more consistency and capitalize on that chance you have been waiting for. This was the buck Dad and I had been waiting for and the stalk was on. My tongue was dragging at my knees as we quickly made our way through the deep snow to an old yard site in the middle of a huge field
32 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
Jeff with a monster whitetail he hunted during the late season and was finally able to connect with on the last day of the season. between the monster buck and us. Once there, we crawled to the edge of trees in the old yard and were completely BLOWN away to realize this was this monster’s bedding area, as the tracks and beds completely littered the yard. A little whitetail heaven, tucked away in the middle of the field, with the snow too deep to allow any trucks near it and with the big evergreens and south-facing sun, the perfect spot for some mid-day rest and relaxation. Suddenly Dad spotted him again. We could hardly believe our eyes, but now he was on a crash course with us! Coming to spend some quiet-time here in the old yard
with his new lady friend it appeared like he was heading right where we were hiding. It was a sight I will never forget as Dad and I watched this enormous whitetail with all his stickers and junk walking right at us. After he closed the distance to a perfect shot, I whispered the range to Dad and just like that it was all over! Dad had just killed the biggest buck we had ever taken and on the LAST DAY! So just remember when the rut is over, stay out on the deer trails and don’t ever give up…. because it’s not over until the Fat Lady Sings when it comes to Late Season Whitetails!
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How to Win the Hunting Pressure Game Bucks in the Noble Foundation study reacted to hunting pressure by making greater use of smaller areas that they were most familiar with. PHOTO BY LARRY SMITH
BY DARREN WARNER All deer hunters have had times where they didn’t see any deer. You may have thought you had the perfect setup, but after sitting hours on stand waiting for their dream buck to appear, all you saw were squirrels and a couple blue jays. The proverbial million-dollar question is why? In other words, why don’t hunters see deer, or see the ones they want to? While it’s hard to know for sure why deer seem to disappear, one likely reason is because of hunting pressure. The buck knew it was being hunted and altered its movements, staying clear of hunters. Recently scientists have begun studying the effects of hunting pressure on whitetails. What they’ve learned can be used by hunters to improve their tactics and be more successful. So let’s briefly look at prior research on the topic, and then get into a recent study conducted on Oklahoma bucks to see how hunting pressure affected deer behavior. We’ll conclude with some hunting pressure prevention strategies you can use to reduce the likelihood of deer knowing you’re after them.
34 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
Prior Research Former graduate student Justin Thayer was one of the first to study deer responses to hunting pressure. In the spring of 2007 and 2008, Thayer captured and placed radio telemetry collars on 37 yearling and adult bucks in southern Louisiana, enabling him to locate each animal five times a week. Properties were intensely hunted over all deer seasons, with members not harvesting bucks with less than eight points.
A deer’s first line of defense is its sense of smell. It also comes in handy to find estrus does. PHOTO BY TIM JASINSKI
Thayer found bucks didn’t leave their core areas (where they spend 50 percent of their time) due to hunting pressure. “A deer that had a core area in the summer next to a popular hunting stand didn’t abandon its core area in the fall,” said Thayer, now a biologist for Soterra LLC, a land management company (soterrallc.com). “About half of all the bucks collared were harvested by hunters, and most were taken on the periphery of their home range (where they spend 95 percent of their time). They’re not as familiar with the area and don’t know the dangers they’re facing.” Thayer was only able to get geographic fixes on bucks every few days. While a grad student at Auburn University, Clint McCoy captured and placed tracking collars on 37 bucks living in the Brosnan Forest of South Carolina. McCoy used portable global positioning system (GPS) technology to monitor bucks every 30 minutes. Bucks ranged in ages from 1.5 – 4.5 years old and were tracked from Aug. 24 through Nov. 22, with the rut occurring late September/early October.
Before getting into McCoy’s results, it’s important to know a little more background information on the study. McCoy studied buck movements on 6,400 acres north of U.S. 78, owned by Norfolk Southern Railway. Two-thirds of the property is comprised of long-leaf pine stands, with swamps and oak stands dispersed throughout the area. Over 100 food plots and 60 feeders are used to draw deer into shooting range. Deer hunting season began on Sept. 15 and ran throughout the study period. All-terrain vehicles were used to transport hunters to and from stands, so there was minimal intrusion on deer. The hunters’ level of experience ranged from novice to died-in-the-wool deer hunters. McCoy first determined each buck’s home range, or where it spent 90 percent of its time. The average home range was just 350 acres, demonstrating that when bucks have good cover and enough to eat, they don’t travel far. The age of the buck didn’t predict the size of its home range. McCoy found some bucks shifted their home range throughout autumn, maintaining two separate residencies at different periods in the fall. For example, one 4.5-year-old buck would head to a soybean field located on adjacent property to the north. The buck would stay for a week, and then return to its original home range. Now you might be thinking that, to bag the buck, just put a stand on the edge of the property next to the bean field. Not so fast, my friend! “Even setting up a stand 100 yards south of the field would not have yielded a single sighting of the buck, because it only traveled in the dark,” said McCoy, now a biologist for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. To measure hunting pressure, McCoy designated a visual danger zone of 100-150 yards around each of the more than 100 stands located throughout the property. A deer was susceptible to being harvested any time it stepped into a danger zone around each stand. By the conclusion of the study, McCoy found each adult (2.5 years old and older) buck’s location averaged 55 yards farther from stands than at the beginning of the study period, demonstrating adult bucks adjusted their movements in response to hunting pressure. Yearling bucks didn’t move farther away from stands as the season progressed, likely because hunters were prohibited from harvesting yearling bucks. If a buck stayed out of the danger zone of a stand, McCoy surmised the deer was responding to hunting pressure. McCoy found bucks were quick to react to hunting pressure.
“After a hunter had sat in a stand just one time, bucks would stay out of the danger zone of that stand for the next three full days, meaning they wouldn’t return, on average, until the fourth day,” explained McCoy. “This finding held regardless of whether the hunter had shot at a deer. Just occupying the stand made bucks stay clear of it for several days.” Another interesting finding was the age of each buck didn’t affect the likelihood of it staying clear of danger zones. In other words, younger deer weren’t more likely to move through danger zones than older bucks, dispelling a common belief among hunters mature bucks are more intelligent than younger bucks.
The Noble Foundation Study McCoy’s work isn’t the only recent study of how bucks react to hunting pressure. Researchers in Oklahoma recently released groundbreaking results of a multi-year study of bucks at the Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation Wildlife Unit, a 3,200-acre parcel in southern Oklahoma. Thirty-seven adult bucks were monitored with GPS tracking collars to examine their movements every eight minutes before, during and after Oklahoma’s 16-day firearm season. Researchers divided the property into a control area (no hunting allowed); a low risk area (1 hunter/250 acres); and a high-risk area (1 hunter/75 acres). In two years, hunters used a variety of methods (e.g., still hunting, ground blinds) to harvest seven bucks and 20 does. Another
Researcher Andrew Little used an antennae and VHF radio waves to periodically check on the location of each buck to make sure it was still alive during the study. Poachers illegally killed several collared bucks, rendering useless the data their GPS tracking collars collected. PHOTO BY ANDREW LITTLE, PH.D.
Measuring Human Intrusion on Bucks Period Year Risk Present? 2008 2009 Pre-Season Nov. 9 – 15 (7 Days) Nov. 8 – 14 (7 Days) No Scouting Nov. 16 – 17 (2 Days) Nov. 15 – 16 (2 Days) Yes Pre-Hunt Nov. 18 – 21 (4 Days) Nov. 17 – 20 (4 Days) No Hunt Nov. 22 – Dec. 5 (16 Days) Nov. 21 – Dec. 6 (16 Days) Yes Post-Hunt Dec. 8 – 14 (7 Days) Dec. 7 – 13 (7 Days) No Credit: Andrew Little, Stephen Webb, Ken Gee, Steve Demarais and Seth Harju Researchers used GPS tracking collars to examine the movements and activities of bucks for 36 days in 2008 and 2009. Deer were subjected to hunting pressure during the scouting period (two days) and the 16-day firearm deer season.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 35
eight bucks were illegally killed. Collars recorded the location of each buck over a 36day period, with bucks experiencing hunting pressure during the scouting and hunting phases of the study (see sidebar). Once hunting season started, deer movements declined in all areas, with bucks in the high hunting pressure area displaying the sharpest decline in movements. “Deer movements declined in the control area as well, but not as sharply as they did in the low and high hunting pressure areas,” said Dr. Andrew Little, the lead investigator. “This suggests bucks perceived some hunting pressure regardless of whether hunting pressure actually existed in an area.” By the end of each 36-day study period, bucks moved three times less than they did in the beginning. Interestingly, the rut didn’t compel to bucks to travel farther, presumably looking for estrus does. Bucks also increased their fidelity to certain areas. “As the study went on, bucks moved less and used the same areas more and more,” said Dr. Stephen Webb, a Noble Foundation researcher who worked on the project. “Moving less and sticking to the same areas are two strategies deer use to avoid danger.”
Former grad student Justin Thayer used VHF radio wave technology to capture the locations of bucks in his study, enabling him to see where bucks traveled several times a week. Many times Thayer didn’t have to use an antenna to locate bucks, because they were hiding in cover just a few hundred feet from him. PHOTO BY JUSTIN THAYER
Pressure-Proof Hunting Strategies It sounds simple, but preventing deer from knowing they’re being hunted is the best way to increase hunter success. But that’s easier said than done. Regardless of how little you hunt and how careful you are when hunting (e.g., reducing your scent), some deer will figure out they’re being pursued and will adjust their movements. One obvious strategy is to hunt early in the season, when hunters haven’t harassed deer. It’s also usually easier to pattern individual deer, helping you ambush a buck on your hit list. Another strategy is to place blinds and stands only in areas that can be accessed without spooking a lot of deer. Hunters often ruin a hunt before it ever begins by inadvertently pushing deer out of an area on their way into the woods. If the odds are good you’re going to alert deer of your comings and goings, you probably should select another location for your blind/stand. And make liberal use of scent-elimination sprays on any bushes or limbs you come into contact with while walking to/from your hunting location. Also, don’t forget to spray down your stand after a sit to reduce the amount of odor you leave behind. Another way to keep stands fresh is to do what wildlife consultant Neil Dougherty calls “hunting by contamination.” “Before the season begins, set up two or three stands 100-150 yards downwind of your primary stand,” explained Dougherty (northcountrywhitetails.com). “After sitting in your first stand once or twice, move to the next stand. Pay close attention to what deer you see. When you notice a sudden decline in the number of deer you see, particularly adult deer, you know it’s time to move to the next stand.” The Thayer and Noble Foundation studies both found hunting pressure doesn’t cause bucks to leave their core areas. Instead, they spent more time in their core areas
Grant Woods with a beautiful buck. PHOTO BY DARREN WARNER as hunting season progressed. Hunt core areas mid-late season, when deer likely have reacted to hunting pressure. If you don’t know where a buck’s core area is, think about where it goes to get its needs met. “Look for areas that provide deer with food, water and cover,” suggested Little. “Ideally if you find spots that give deer all three, you probably have a higher probability of harvesting a deer in that area.” Another tactic is to give deer what I call true sanctuaries year-round. A true sanctuary is an area on your hunting property you never access that provides deer with good cover. Don’t put up trail cameras there, don’t rabbit hunt there after deer season – you get the idea. Hunt the edges of true sanctuaries late in the season to catch a buck moving back and forth between the sanctuary and a food source. Even though bucks do respond to pressure, every year hunters across the country harvest solid bucks in high-pressure areas. Do everything you can to reduce your level of intrusion on deer, and you’ll put yourself in prime position to give a death sentence to plenty of bucks before they get the drop on you.
Think Twice Before Using Game Cameras
Hunters love to use game cameras to see the deer they have on their property and to pattern individual ones. While it’s a thrill to see photos of bucks you’d love to bag, using game cameras often does you more harm than good. Based on his experience working with hunters, wildlife consultant Neil Dougherty believes hunters spend about 40 hours each season putting up, checking and moving game cameras. That’s a lot of unnecessary pressure being placed on deer! Only use game cameras in late summer to get an idea of the types of bucks you have on your hunting property.
36 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
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WINTERING YARDS (DEER WINTERING AREAS)
Whitetails are one of the most prolific mammals on the continent. 38 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
Speaking They have adapted to a wide variety of climates and conditions. To thrive in climates like ours, whitetails have developed a survival strategy called “yarding” or deer wintering areas (DWA). The term DWA refers to the entire area deer occupy during the winter months. The winter severity index (WSI) this past winter in Minnesota was 47 points, 18 points for the cold and 29 points for the snow; it was a mild winter. Compare that to the winter of 2013-14, with 207 points, a severe winter. The WSI is a measure of the total days with 15 inches or more of snow and temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (any snow over 12 inches hinders deer movement). This type of weather triggers a metabolic change in deer. Because green vegetation is not available, they must eat dormant vegetation and buds of many species of plants and trees. Winter severity and lack of food drives deer into winter habitat or “yards.” Individual migrations into these yards can vary widely depending on region and available habitat. Studies show some deer traveling up to ten miles to a yard. As previously stated, a winter yard is habitat suitable for winter survival. These habitats have a greater concentration of coniferous tree species and swamp conifers like white pine, red pine, spruce, or cedars. These trees reduce the amount of snow on the ground, block wind, and produce a microclimate of warmer temperatures. The needles of conifers are dark and stay on the trees all winter long. These dark colors absorb heat from sunlight, thus raising the temperature in coniferous forests. Young conifers also offer a browse source as their buds contain nutrients and are still green. Most yards are adjacent to or have access to hardwood forests and leftover fall crop stands where deer will browse. When we hunt these deer in the fall, they tend to be on or near food sources. Their main goal is to put on fat reserves to survive the winter. Because food is so scarce and of poorer quality during the winter months, whitetails lose weight constantly, even during good-weathered winters. Winter yards reduce the rate at which deer burn their fat reserves and lose weight. The first deer to die
during these winters are the mature bucks. In the fall, the bucks aren’t as worried about food as they should be. The rut is in full swing, so after a couple months of chasing does and not replenishing fat reserves, they become weak. Second are the young weak fawns and yearlings. The last are the does. After each fall, deer basically start the winter on a “tank of gas” and hope they have
BY GARY PATTON, ELI PLOOF AND DR. WILLIAM FABER,
CENTRAL LAKES COLLEGE, NATURAL RESOURCES PROGRAM
enough in the tank to make it to spring. Yarding helps them efficiently burn their fuel. As hunters and stewards, we need to keep this in mind. Protecting wintering yards from destruction in the future is in our best interest if we wish to see whitetails every fall, especially during the winter months.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 39
Contributions By: DAVID DRAGON
BAUDETTE ASSISTANT AWM
WINTER SHEARING -
A Habitat Improvement Technique
BY SCOTT LAUDENSLAGER
BAUDETTE AREA WILDLIFE MANAGER
KRISTI COUGHLIN
REG 1 INFORMATION OFFICER
MDHA Chapters Who Have Participated In Shearing/Mowing/ Prescribed Burn CPL Grants Bemidji Carlton County East Central Minnesota Hibbing/Chisholm Itasca County Lake Vermilion Lakes & Pines North Red River North Suburban Park Rapids Riceland Whitetails Roseau River Sturgeon River Trails End Other Contributing Conservation Organizations: Ruffed Grouse Society Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation 40 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
Brush shearing is a common wildlife management tool used by Minnesota land managers to remove brush and/or trees at ground level. This mechanical method is typically done using a bulldozer when the ground is frozen. It is economical and effective, especially in parts of the state that contain vast areas of brushland habitat. Brushlands provide important habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species, many of which require large areas of “young” early successional or open habitat. Sharp-tail grouse, sand hill cranes, and short eared owls need open brush land landscapes to complete their life cycles. These habitat types require periodic disturbances to maintain them. Wildfire suppression, tree planting, and changes in land use are resulting in the conversion of brushlands into decadent, less productive brushlands. Therefore, wildlife biologists use shearing to set back succession and remove the old willow. Shearing stimulates the plants to sprout new stems that are more nutritious and palatable to whitetail deer, moose, and many other species. Willow is the most common vegetation that is sheared, but other preferred wildlife foods, such as red osier dogwood and many different forbs, grasses, and berries, benefit from the increased sunlight once the willow is cut. Wildlife biologists often shear brush next to white cedar or other deer wintering areas to maximize browse availability adjacent to thermal cover. This strategy creates habitat components that are in good juxtaposition with one another. In other words, food and shelter are situated side by side. This allows whitetail deer to live in thermal cover where snow depths
are shallower, wind effects are blocked, and food resources are available close by. Good browse availability adjacent to thermal cover is the best winter home for whitetail deer living in Minnesota’s northern forested areas.
K-G Shear Blade So how is shearing done? Shearing is accomplished by driving a D-6 or larger bull dozer with a K-G shear blade that shears vegetation off at ground level. The K-G blade has a sharpened bottom edge and is angled so the sheared material rolls off to the side resulting in windrows of sheared vegetation. These windrows are then left to decompose. Before decomposing, windrows provide cover for small mammals such as snowshoe hares, and bears have been known to hibernate in some of the larger piles as well. Windrows can also be treated using a prescribed burn. Fire is unsurpassed as a habitat management tool because it accelerates nutrient cycling and consumes previous year’s vegetation growth. Weather conditions, however, must be just right to safely conduct a prescribed burn. Wind, temperature, and humidity conditions need to be within a certain range or window before a controlled fire is lit.
Shearing Windrow
Prescribed Fire
Sheared willow stump
Other than the economic and wildlife benefits that shearing has over mowing, why shear? Mowing can only occur during extremely dry summer conditions or when snow depths are less than knee deep. Mowing does, however, accelerate nutrient cycling because the mowed vegetation is chopped into small pieces. Rocks are bad news when it comes to shearing or mowing. Rocks damage the K-G blade by breaking off the cutting edge and must be considered when planning a shear project. In northern Minnesota, shearing contractors usually charge $70 to $80 per acre depending on the size of the site and other factors. Snow depths are seldom a problem because a D-6 or larger dozer can easily move snow and sheared material during the shearing operation. A disadvantage is that four to six inches of frost is required or the brush will “tip out.” The entire root ball will pop out of the ground leaving a 2- to 3-foot deep hole if there isn’t sufficient frost to hold a willow clump in place. This damages the site, destroys the character of the brush land, and is unsightly.
need to work together in order to maintain our important native plant communities, habitat, and the wildlife species that rely on them. One way some land managers have achieved this is projects funded by the Conservation Partnership Legacy (CPL) program through the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC). The CPL program enables nonprofit organizations such as the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association to provide 10% of the cost for a project and receive 90% of the remaining costs from the Outdoor Heritage Fund (OHF). The OHF, created after voters approved the Clean Waters, Land and Legacy Amendment
in 2008, increased sales tax by three-eighths of one percent. The fund receives one-third of the sales tax dollars and may only be spent to restore, protect and enhance wetlands, prairies, forest and habitat for game, fish, and wildlife. The LSOHC, made up of citizen and legislative members, reviews project proposals for the OHF and makes funding recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for approval. Without these partnerships many wildlife habitat projects would not be funded and our wildlife resources would very likely diminish from what they are today.
Sheared vs. Unsheared Shearing, mowing, and fire are all tools that land managers can use to maintain brush lands in optimum condition for wildlife. As this article points out, shearing is an excellent option. It is highly economical, less labor intensive, and more effective compared to some other options. Land managers and conservation partners
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 41
DEER HUNTING
Memories
Do you have a photo of a cherished deer hunting memory that is at least 30 years old? Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to see it! Please send a digital photo in jpg. format to bri@mndeerhunters.com. If digital format is not possible, photos may be sent to us at: MDHA c/o Deer Hunting Memories 460 Peterson Rd., Grand Rapids, MN 55744 Please include a description of who, when, where, etc. Each issue of Whitetales will celebrate our hunting heritage with your photos. Photos will not be returned.
Dick Tedford, age 22, and wife Patty. Dick got two deer with locked horns using a Winchester Model 88 .308. They weighed in at about 200 lbs. each. Each deer had a 6x6 rack. November 1960 - Camp Ripley - Art Reuck
In the late '70s , near Hill City, Minn. Nate Salisbury shot this buck with a 30-30 lever action.
Thanks for sharing! 42 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
The guy standing by the truck is Lee Clodfelter. The four deer in the picture left to right, belong to Lee Clodfelter, Art Reuck (my Dad), Dick Rieder (my uncle), and Ike Walker. - Art Reuck
A reader submission to Whitetales from the early days. Uncle Bill Schmidtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (Edâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Uncle) with Todd County Deer at the home farm near Grey Eagle, Minn. 1930s. 1929 Model A Ford.
The Fred Freihammer hunting crew showing off their harvest.
A reader submission to Whitetales from the early days.
1978 - The "Big Tent Gang" from Beltrami Island State Forest. We hunted from a large Army Mash tent (13' x 26' by 13' high). From left to right was the founder of the camp, Bill Lambie, then his son Brian, and his younger brother Dan, and Doug Appelgren.
These deer were killed on one day during 1946 in Cass County, just southwest of Wabedo Lake. The biggest buck weighed 225 pounds and the second buck weighed 198 pounds. - Art Reuck
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 43
ORGANIC MEALS …brought to you by local Hunters BY MARK NORQUIST
“Wow, that tastes great!” was Carol’s reaction. It was said with as much surprise as exclamation. Her first bite of the roasted goose breast was a pleasant experience and I was happy since the meal I prepared was her first attempt at eating wild game. You probably have similar stories. And, I’m guessing nearly all hunters have also had the opposite conversation at some point with non-hunters. People often say they’ve tried wild game in the past, but didn’t like its taste. This could have been from a truly “gamey” animal, or it likely came from poor preparation in the field or kitchen. Just think about the texture and flavor difference between a rare panseared venison chop and an overcooked one that’s as tough as shoe leather. While I’m far from being expert in cooking skills, I always strive to improve upon my last efforts in the kitchen. I also enjoy trying new
recipes that challenge me. This is especially true when I’m cooking for people who are trying wild game for the first time. “Foodies” Looking for Local Ingredients Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock during the last few years, you’ve no doubt heard about the movement underway with terms like “locavore” or “farm-to-table.” People are searching out locally sourced foods that are “all-natural,” “organic” and “free-range.” This trend has been especially strong in urban areas and with younger people in the millennial generation, but continues to gain momentum among all groups. While many can’t fully appreciate the trend, I believe it provides the hunting community with an opportunity to bring in new recruits. How, you ask? By showing this group of people that hunting is the most honest and healthy way to put meat on the table. After all, a wild animal lives a quality life in natural surroundings as opposed to being cooped up in a feedlot or pen. There aren’t any hormones or antibiotics given to them. And, the meat is lean and often times much higher in good fats like Omega-3. This is a message that resonates with people looking to connect to their food sources. More Hunters in the Woods? Many hunters strive to find places with less hunting pressure, so why would we want to bring more people into the field? The fact is hunter recruitment is an imperative we can’t ignore. Look at the trends in hunting license sales and the picture becomes clear.
Student eats grouse in camp right after hunt.
44 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
Hunter numbers in decline
Students and mentors head out to stands. Since 1982 we’ve seen a steady decline nationally in hunting participation. While some may welcome the obvious benefits of less pressure on public lands, it creates a longterm problem. With fewer people hunting, our influence as a community will diminish over time in the local, state and national political arenas. Without this influence, the future of hunting and perhaps more importantly our access to and protection of the lands and waters we use could be threatened. As populations increase and more pressure is exerted on our natural resources, we need to continue to have a seat at the table of public opinion. That will only happen if we have a solid and diverse population of hunters.
day. Kids don’t have the money or mobility to easily go out hunting a second and third time and repetition is critical to turning occasional events into lifelong traditions. In recent years, several agencies in the Midwest have begun experimenting with programs that introduce adults to hunting for the first time. In 2016, the Minnesota DNR will be hosting its third annual Adult Learn To Hunt program. It’s a mixture of classroom and field education that culminates at a special hunt in St. Croix State Park a week before the regular deer season opener. Outreach for this program began with community gatherings at a Twin Cities Co-op. Students include a mixture of men and women and many of them are urban Adults Learning To dwellers who may go camping, but other Hunt than that have little wilderness experience. State wildlife agencies have offered The profile sometimes looks very different programs and events over the years to get from what most of us consider the new people out hunting. However, the focus prototypical hunter of past decades. has generally been on youth, through singleAs a mentor in this program for the day events. These events are fun and create first two years, I had an up-close view of great photo opportunities. The issue is these the journey these students go through Student on first hunt shoots grouse. as they evolve into hunters. I’ve watched kids are often from families that already hunt, them become some of the most committed and ethical outdoorsmen and will become part of the world of hunting, with or without attending and women I know. I believe this is in part due to their conscious the event. It’s also difficult to sustain the event’s energy beyond that one
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 45
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wow, that tastes great!â&#x20AC;?
Two Students in MN DNR Adult Learn to Hunt program.
decision to start hunting later in life. They take the killing of an animal very seriously and want to be part of the entire process from scouting and shooting to butchering and utilizing as much of the animal as possible. One of the challenges with any program like this is ensuring ongoing support for the people involved. After driving home from the first hunt, a student may want to talk about their experience. For example, he of she may have conflicting thoughts and feelings after wounding an animal and not being able to recover it. This is a sensitive discussion, and one that needs to be addressed if they are going to work through it and continue hunting. Modern Carnivore (www.modcarn.com) is a website I created several years ago to help provide a support system for people hunting for the first time. One of the things I learned in this process is the key to any conversation with a new adult hunter is to be welcoming and supportive. They donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the same vocabulary or perspectives as
Successful student hunter with his first deer and his mentor guide.
46 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
someone who grew up in a hunting family. This means talking very differently than the way we may talk with others who know the ins-and-outs of proper deer stand placement and how to read animal sign. If we expect too much of them too soon, we run the risk of losing them as quickly as we received them. Patience and diligence are the keys to bringing new hunters into the fold. Welcoming New Hunters A question often asked is whether today’s hunters can do anything now to help promote tomorrow’s hunting community? The interesting thing is it’s often the simple and easy things that are overlooked. If you happen to be in the company of someone who's never hunted, ask him or her whether they’d consider trying it. Then, if they have questions, be patient and supportive of their inquiry. Invite someone new over for a wild game dinner and tell them the story of the hunt and why it makes a meal of venison, duck or partridge something very special to you. If they’re part of the local food movement they’ll appreciate your perspective and values. We also need more experienced hunters to step forward and become mentors to others. Look for opportunities to take someone out on their first hunt, either through a formal program or informally with a friend, family member or neighbor. Many of the people that choose to begin hunting as adults come from backgrounds different from what you may consider a traditional hunter. They may be of another ethnicity or have tattoos and piercings you’d never imagined seeing under a blaze orange cap. However, just like our country, which is the great melting pot of cultures, we need to embrace a hunting future that includes a more diverse group of people. You might be surprised just how much you have in common with them and the joy you may feel in sharing your love of the hunt!
Mark Norquist is a lifelong hunter from Minnesota. He operates Modern Carnivore (www.modcarn.com) whose mission is to help introduce more people to hunting, fishing and foraging through a message of local and sustainable food.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 47
MDHA TIPS BY ROD DIMICH AND ED SCHMIDT
TIP
#1
“On the blood trail again” Once a deer has been shot the search begins. Hunters usually wait ten to twenty minutes after a confirmed hit to go “on the trail again.” Tracking can be made much easier, however, if the blood trail can be marked in some manner. A simple means of visually identifying the deer’s route is to use orange flagging tape or toilet paper attached to branches or heavy grass. This method also helps to follow a return routed to your stand or where you took the first shot. The tissue scraps will naturally biodegrade in moist weather. If you use the plastic flagging tape, however, be sure to go back and remove it.
TIP
#2
“Curl up with a book” When the winter winds howl and daylight has diminished, it is a great time to catch up on your deer hunting reading. Here are two Minnesota authored books to add to your hunting library. The late Gary Clancy, well-known outdoor writer for Outdoor News and occasional contributor to MDHA’s Whitetales for twenty-five years, has authored six colorful and educational hunting books. Michael Furtman and Shawn Perich also teamed to publish a how-to book on deer hunting strategies. “Hunt” for these books on-line or at your favorite bookstore.
TIP
#3
“Share the bounty” When fall turns to winter and Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas has not yet arrived and you have some fall bounty to share, get the friends and family together to “share the bounty” with a wild game potluck dinner. Challenge everyone in this “potluck” to come up with an “out there” wild game culinary delight. Whether it be goose in sauerkraut or venison meatballs or grilled duck poppers with jalapeno and bacon, be sure to label your dish. No one who considers duck as “flying liver” wants to bite into the aforementioned.
48 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
TREASURES
Hunters Against Hunger – An MDHA Treasure
Back in the early ‘90s, Tony Bauer, Mankato, initiated a program to assist those who needed food. The concept was universally accepted, but due to health restrictions including E.coli bacteria the program was at a stalemate. Tony worked with the Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota DNR to create an avenue to get the venison to the food shelves. The DNR worked out the details to have certified meat processors voluntarily cut and wrap the venison. MDHA Chapters could use their own funds to assist with the program. A fee was later added to each deer license to pay the meat processing businesses a stipend for their work. The Salvation Army, churches and food shelves distributed donations of packaged venison.
Current Funding
In 2007, the Minnesota legislature funded a program to facilitate the donation of harvested deer to food shelves. To pay for the program a one-time appropriation of $160,000 came from the general fund and the cost of non-resident hunting licenses was increased by $5. The next year, the cost of the bonus permit increased by $1, which brought in approximately $160,000/year. Additionally, at the time of deer license purchase, hunters were asked if they wanted to voluntarily donate $1, $3, or $5 to the program and any interested individual could also donate by visiting one of 1,800 ELS (Electronic License System) agents statewide. There was and still is no cost to the hunters. Processors are reimbursed $70 for each deer they send to the food shelf. In a nutshell, find out who is processing carcasses. After you kill the deer, be sure to handle it properly and that it is in suitable condition donation. Simply take the deer to the processor, fill out some information and you’re done. Hunters-Against-Hunger is a fabulous program that fills a social need by providing an outlet for nutritious meals for needy families. It is programs like Hunters-Against-Hunger that are “treasured” by MDHA.
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 49
MEMBER Sto Jenny with her Son Zach and Daughter Meghan.
THIS IS THE BEST PART OF HUNTING Like most hunters, my heart starts to race with excitement when the fall leaves turn and the weather transitions to blustery and cool. I look forward to the preparations for a hunting expedition almost as a kind of extension of the hunt itself. Those preparations amped up accordingly once our kids started hunting with us, but it was so worth it. Hunting as a family has given me so much joy over the years. We started taking our children hunting almost from the time they could walk. The two of them grew up hunting the goose pits in Nebraska, tromping through the pheasant fields of South Dakota, and sitting in sloughs waiting for the ducks to swing from Minnesota to North Dakota to Wisconsin. Some of my favorite memories are the deer hunts in southern Minnesota. I’ll never forget taking my son on his first deer hunt. He was around seven years old, and had experienced many a hunt, but never deer hunting to that point. I was a pretty diehard deer hunter, and hadn’t wanted the complication of dealing with trying to keep him quiet and warm. I certainly didn’t want an inadvertent movement or sound ruin my chances of bagging a deer, but that year the weather was going to be warmer and his pleading couldn’t be resisted, so I gave in. The morning was overcast, windy and cool. I knew right away the wind was going to be wrong for the stand we were to sit in, which just took some of the pressure off of the hunt itself. My expectations were low that we would get any shooting, but I was hopeful we would at least see some movement that would keep up Zach’s
50 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
Jenny pictured with husband Scott, Son Zach, Nephew Sean amd Father-In-Law Mike. excitement for the hunt. Once I had lowered my own expectations for shooting a deer, the experience for Zach became the most important part of the day. I realize now, that was exactly how I should have planned it from the start. We shouldered our packs at the truck and said “good luck” to Dad and Grandpa, and off we went. We had about a half-mile walk to get to our stand. Not far, but far enough for a youngster’s legs. Zach carried his own pack, filled, of course, with snacks and hot cocoa. I could see the excitement in his eyes. My husband, Scott, had reminded us to watch for bedded deer to jump out of the tall grass as we walked by, as it had happened to him in
the past. Sure enough, we got about halfway to the stand and heard what sounded like an explosion of hooves and rustling grasses! I looked over at Zach and his eyes were like saucers. I whispered, “It’s ok, buddy, it was just some bedded deer, just like Dad said.” He nodded his understanding. I asked if he was ready to go, he nodded again and then stepped over into the track right behind me to walk just a little closer! We got to the stand and settled in. It was then I realized there are many important details to consider when bringing a child hunting. Details like a squeaky seat, the lack of carpeting on the floor of the blind, which amplifies heavy boots and the extremely loud
ory crinkling noise candy wrappers make when being opened. I knew beyond a doubt a little oil on the seat and carpeting on the floor would be the answer long before I’d get him to sit still! At sunrise, the woods came alive. Zach was attentive to every sound and movement. The squirrels running through the dry leaves caused him catch his breath and look over at me each time, wondering if he was hearing a deer. I just smiled and winked at him, mouthing the word “squirrel” to let him know what he was hearing. His enjoyment of every sound and sight made the hunt brand new for me again, too. I couldn’t quit smiling! Around mid-morning we even caught a glimpse of a yearling doe just after she swam the river. She jumped up on the bank and shook, showering water all around her. Zach loved it! All of a sudden we heard the undeniable sound of a gunshot. It came from the “North Woods,” where Dad and Grandpa were hunting. After a few minutes I knew for sure someone had a deer down, as I didn’t hear the telltale second or third shots indicating a moving deer. I told Zach, “I bet they’ve got one down!” I managed to keep him contained in the stand for another hour before it was just too much for him. “Mom, I want to go see!” So, we left our packs, as it was a long walk and I was concerned Zach would make it on his own and we traipsed through the pasture and along the trail. I didn’t have to worry about Zach making the trek, as he was everywhere! In and out of the trail, under the fence, over the big rock, talking the whole time. “What’s this, Mom?” “That’s a cowpie, Zach.” When I explained, he giggled, saying, “Why would you call it a pie?” As we got closer to Dad’s stand, Zach’s pace picked up saying, “This is the best part of hunting! It’s like a big adventure!” I just grinned to myself, thinking, “You’re right, buddy, this is the best part of hunting!” Scott had seen us coming, and came down from his stand to wait for us. Sure enough, he had one down and it hadn’t gone far. Zach was thrilled when Scott showed him the blood trail. The adventure just kept getting better and better for him! How perfect for the whole day to culminate in having venison for the freezer.
BY JENNY FOLEY
My kids are grown now and in college, but we get together to hunt deer every fall down in “Grandpa’s Woods.” Zach has hunted on his own for years, and now my daughter Meghan sits in the stand with me each year. I value the time spent in the stand with both kids, and would do it all again in a heartbeat. I’m so proud to be part of a hunting family and to be passing along that heritage to the next generation. Who knows? Maybe this will be the year that Meg shoots her first deer! Stay tuned!
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MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 51
What’s Cookin’?
By Barbara Rydberg
Cranberry Venison Meatballs
PHOTOS BY ROSALIE SCHMIDT
Ingredients: • • • • • • • •
2 pounds ground venison 1 c. cornflake crumbs 2 eggs, beaten 2/3 c. finely chopped parsley 2 tbsp. soy sauce 1/2 tsp. garlic powder or fresh minced garlic 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper
52 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
Sauce: • • • • • •
1 16 oz can whole berry cranberry sauce 1 12 oz. bottle chili sauce 1/3 C. ketchup 2 tbsp. brown sugar, packed 2 tbsp. lemon juice 2 tsp. minced onion
Procedure:
• Combine all sauce ingredients. Set aside. • Combine all ingredients for meatballs. Mix well and shape into 1” balls. • Place meatballs on rimmed cookie sheet and bake at 450 degrees for 10 min. turning once at 7 min. • Place meatballs into crockpot, pour sauce over and cook on low until done and flavors are blended. • Makes about 4 dozen meatballs.
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MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 53
Winter
HUNT
Whitetales Puzzler
it down!
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: January 1, 2017
Winner of the Fall “Hunt It Down”
Mary Carey of the Trails End Chapter found the hidden antler mount on page 13 of the fall issue and was the lucky winner of a Barlow Two Blade Bone Handle Jack Knife. Congrats Mary!
PLEASE REVIEW Your Membership Information Today.
Across Answers
4. Quinzhee 5. Ski 6. Salt 7. Firewood 8. Frost 14. Evergreen 16. Candles 18. Igloo 20. Hexagon 22. Permit 23. Survival
POTENTIAL REASONS:
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?
• 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.
Down Answers
1. Pulk 2. Chains 3. Plow 5. Snowshoe 6. Snowmobile 9. Thermocover 10. Sauna 11. Deciduous 12. Insulation 13. Recipe 15. Ecosystem 17. Blizzard 19. Trail 21. WSI
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
Whitetales
Don't forget that a MDHA Membership makes a great Christmas gift!
Building our hunting and conservation
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
legacy through habitat, education
THE MINNESOTA DEER HUNTERS
and advocacy
ASSOCIATION
A: MUZZLELOADER HUNTING IN MINNESOT PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE BY JOE ALBERT
THE SECRETS TO LATE SEASON WHITETAILS BY JEFF SCHLACHTER
54 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
WINTER 2017
Daylight IN THE Swamp company of Outdoor Life with a baloney on homemade white bread sandwich with mustard and a glass of heavy milk. And this was the local butcher-made baloney, smoky and rich in flavor unlike our current mechanically separated meat (MDM). MDM, or “mechanically de-boned meat is a paste-like meat product produced by forcing pureed or ground beef, pork, turkey or chicken under high pressure through a sieve or similar device to separate the bone from the edible meat tissue. Even though here in the northland, mechanically separated meat could have been used in certain meat and meat products, such as hot dogs and bologna sausage since the late 1960s, our local butchers chose to grind, case and cook/smoke the old-fashioned way. Like the hometown “filling station,” sadly, most of our local grocery stores/butchers have gone “big box.” Those of you who still have hometown gas stations, restaurants, barber shops, taverns or grocery stores with butchers should relish your time with them and appreciate them because they are little boxes about to be gobbled by big boxes. I have written about this several times, but I still remember vividly and fondly my mother buying me a hooded red sweatshirt, tan quilted top and bottom underwear and a red- checkered deer hunting cap with earflaps (how long has it been since you heard “earflaps”?), red gloves and a red stocking hat that heavy gray day just three days before my first solo deer hunt at the “Hub” clothing store in Coleraine, Minnesota on “Wednesday November 9, 1960. Even though it was lead gray, it was a “red-letter” day for me, and also an example of one of the amazingly vivid memories that come to me as I wake and see the morning sun paint our bedroom’s eastern window. As my mother and I walked out of Mr. Nyberg’s store (Vince Nyberg was also Coleraine’s mayor and when elected he was the youngest ever elected mayor in the United States and for sure one of the nicest), the wonderfully white puffy snowflakes falling from a slate sky were as incredible to this 12 year old as the Fourth of July fireworks were over Coleraine’s Trout Lake as they rose like the Phoenix from Trout’s
“Peninsula” just east of “Reynolds’s Log.” The “Log” was where my still best friends and I bobber-fished for crappies and largemouth bass, smoked and hacked our first “Lucky Strike” cigarettes and dreamed about our futures, never considering Vietnam or drugs or riots or the evils that were somehow let loose on us. If you can tell me in the history of our world where within a decade any nation changed more than America did in the sixties, I would love to hear it. If you were there, you know we went from soda fountains and Bobbie socks and the “American Dream” to sex, drugs and rock and roll and the “American Nightmare.” The center simply could not hold. Many things fell apart. Some things, however, did abide. Take for example, the deer shack camp cook. Consider this. Dining at a fancy restaurant, complete with plush atmosphere and VIP treatment, is usually an undeniable delight. Then think about how while on the road, stopping at a fast food burger place suits an immediate need and hits the spot like a late night pizza. Okay, I am sure we agree these all have their place. However, until you’ve dined at a deer shack, camp, tent, grandma/ grandpa’s house, you simply haven’t tripped the light fandango into the finest of culinary experiences. Steaks not done to customers’ satisfaction are customarily sent back to the chef at many eating places, but seldom is the time when a deer shack participant voices anything but sublime satisfaction at the deer shack cuisine. It’s the mixture of fresh air, good companionship and a worry free environment that does it. And the chief architect of this praise worthy palate adventure is that venerable veteran of the cast iron, the camp cook. Nowhere is any person of responsibility held in more esteem than camp cooks at the deer shack. They are the kings and queens of the kitchen, the monarchs of the menu. The spatula is their scepter and we, the orangeclad (red back then) hunters who form their dominion, wait on the announcement, “Soup’s on!” They are the first human forms we see after the haranguing alarm shakes us from bunk
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56
and blissful rest. They’re the authors of the famous deer shack early morning mantra, “Daylight in the swamp!” and are solely responsible for transforming the darkness of a predawn deer shack to a glowing vista similar to a sparkling star in an ebony sky. They create the memorable aromas of boiling coffee and maple burning in a wood cook stove and still look sunrise fresh when you know for sure they were the last ones to bed, checking the fire and making sure the gas lamps were tightly shut off. Usually wearing their worn favorite deerhunting hats and aprons, the smiles on their faces could be posters for deer shack togetherness. When we hear bacon sizzling in the old frying pan and birds singing in the darkness, we know shooting time is nearing. Even though the cooks’ chatter is constant, the only audible comebacks are in the form of grunts, yawns and early morning garble. Some cooks even display an easy gait as they glide and scuffle in down booties across the worn linoleum floor, stopping to do a little jig (like Walter Huston in the 1948 classic movie The Treasure of the Sierra Madre) at the bunk of the last sleeping-bag inhabitant. Since the camp cook is the main catalyst for the upcoming deer country day, it would be nice to think when the first glow of light comes from the deer shack and the solitary figure of the camp cook looms over the wood stove, that wary old mossy, king of the swamp, might stop in his sojourn to tangled cover and salute his counterpart, the sovereign of the shack, the camp cook. No matter what happens during the deerhunting day, that day has been successful because of the camp cooks’ breakfasts. As hunters depart into the pre-dawn black, heading to their favorite stands, the memories of breakfast, complete with companionship and a decor of hunting clothes, linger with childlike delight. Put them in tents, campers, houses, label them relatives or friends, it makes no difference. We reverently call them the camp cook and in deer country that is no small moniker because in deer camp the one who wears the apron rules…
MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 55
Daylight IN THE Swamp
BY ROD DIMICH
THE ONE WHO WEARS THE APRON RULES Since our inception in 1980, the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association and our Whitetales magazine (then but a 16 page mimeographed newsletter) have always been on the national cutting edge of information and change. I realize I am tooting our own horn, but if the Minnesota Vikings can toot that “Skoal” (not chewing tobacco) horn, so can we. Kind of a nationally unknown back in the ‘80s, MDHA was actually “The Mouse that Roared” as we first featured articles on Lyme’s disease, CWD and the recruitment of females into hunting. In addition, we were perhaps the first national outdoor magazine to feature women-hunter columnists like Beverly Finnegan and Jean Bergerson. We also led the way in highlighting “eating” venison by including recipes as a regular segment, which is now called the “locavore” movement. This might sound innovative, but, like many of you, my friends and I who hailed from hunting families ate and shared ketchup and venison and venison meatloaf sandwiches during our elementary through high school "cold" lunches. Can you relate? Speaking of “tooting the horn,” as a Vikings fan, I really have to ask if you remember last year’s TCF Bank playoff loss to the dreaded Seattle Seahawks? Prior to the noon kickoff, the temperature was minus 6 degrees Fahrenheit and the wind chill was calculated at minus 25. The game was the coldest in Vikings history and the third-coldest (in wind chill; tied for third in air temp) game in NFL history. Even the “Gjallarhorn” (Vikings’ horn) couldn’t withstand the elements. It shattered before the game and was replaced with an older model. In the end, Minnesota came up short and ended its playoff journey by falling 10-9 to Seattle. Have you ever hunted thusly? Remember the old days when we simply could not “turn up the heat” because we had no heaters and
56 Whitetales | WINTER 2017
C
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CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
The passing of the spatula. PHOTO BY RONI ADAMS we shook and even climbed down from the stand and did “jumping jacks” or “foot stomps”? I do. I also fondly remember those “warm up” noon in the field campfires where wieners, Polish and brats and sometimes wool socks were toasted. To highlight this frigid frolic, I remember Christmas 1966 when my mom, brother and me (95 per cent Mom) purchased a Remington 740 semi-automatic 30.06 for my dad’s Christmas present. On opening day 1967, it was -20 degrees below and dad’s new rifle stock and forearm cracked in as many places as they could. As a testimonial to Remington, after the 1967 season they did send a new stock and forearm and paid gunsmith Hans Johnson of Grand Rapids, Minn. to replace it. Cracked or not, during that 1967 season my dad (our deer hunting “camp chief ”) put venison in the freezer with a nice buck (not that it
would have mattered to him as he was a “meat hunter”). If you remember “back in the day” to the ‘50s through ‘70s, or have heard stories, the “big three” magazines were pretty much all there was. Many of us who were fortunate to have grown up in those “glory days” (thanks Bruce Springsteen) remember how we hunting/fishing neophytes relished the moment when any of the big three arrived in the mail. Okay, I have not yet named them, hoping you would not “google” them but search your memory caches, but you know I am talking about Outdoor Life, Field & Stream and Sports Afield. I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, however, when in high school after coming home at the anointed weekend midnight curfew hour (nine during the week), I dined many late nights at our kitchen table in the CONTINUED ON PAGE 55
Minnesota Deer Hunters Association 460 Peterson Rd. Grand Rapids, MN 55744-8413