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Wonderful time of the year
The exhaustion at the end of the day is known to outdoorsmen of all ages. It’s a very welcome feeling. An achievement. A goal. Getting the most out of daylight hours that become shorter and shorter as the calendar pages turn toward the New Year is a priority for many. Hunting seasons begin for archers while leaves are still green. They sit silently in tree stands or ground blinds, or maybe attempt a quiet stalk on their chosen game. In September, when the upland bird hunting seasons begin, the first signs of fall are visible. Crops are harvested, or nearly so. Leaves turn colors and tumble from their branches. Sharp-tailed grouse feed on the last grasshoppers remaining before the arrival of the first killing frost. Hunters feel the comfort of new boots underfoot. Bird dogs work their tireless magic in the field. In October the skies fill with migrating waterfowl, a marvel to watch as the birds descend upon the state’s sprawling grain fields to feed in preparation for their long flight south, pushed by their instinctual ability to avoid winter with the miracle of migration. It is with that backdrop that the season for North Dakota’s most sought after gamebird, the ring-necked pheasant, gets underway. Hunters young and old, often in the treasured company of their beloved pointing or flushing dogs, take to the field. They do so knowing each day will produce the inevitable memories that will last a lifetime. So it is too with the state’s big game seasons – deer, pronghorn, elk, moose and, for those few who were extremely fortunate to draw a coveted tag, bighorn sheep. It seems every year the number of fishermen on the water after Labor Day, a time when most boats are put into storage, gets larger and with good reason. Those anglers dedicated and willing enough to do so often have their heaviest catches in the fall of the year. Fish need to fuel up for the winter ahead and move into the shallows to do so. Calm days and colorful shorelines, minus the crowds often associated with the summer months, give a person a sense of serenity seldom found in today’s world. Priceless. Unforgettable. Moments that are permanently preserved in the time capsule of the mind. As winter snows arrive and ice covers state waters, out come the snowshoes, cross country skis and ice fishing gear. North Dakota seasons never seem to disappoint. We truly are surrounded by myriad opportunities to enjoy fresh air, unique sights and sounds, shared with friends and family. Hidden treasures? Not really. They are there, everywhere. Waiting for you. Hopefully, this edition of AdventuresND will help inspire you to take part in what our state has to offer.
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– Kim Fundingsland
www.MinotDailyNews.com /MinotDailyNews
@MinotDailyNews
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Cover Photo
Upland game hunting is a favorite seasonal activity for many sportsmen and their trusted canines. Submitted Photo
AdventureND Fall/Winter 2019/2020
EDITOR/WRITER KIM FUNDINGSLAND
KFUNDINGSLAND@MINOTDAILYNEWS.COM
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MICHAEL W. SASSER
MSASSER@MINOTDAILYNEWS.COM
PUBLISHER/AD DIRECTOR JIM HART JHART@MINOTDAILYNEWS.COM
ART DIRECTOR MANDY TANIGUCHI
MTANIGUCHI@MINOTDAILYNEWS.COM
A PUBLICATION OF MINOT DAILY NEWS Office located at: 301 4th Street SE, Minot, N.D. For general information: (8 a.m. - 5 p.m.) 857-1900 Circulation: (Mon.-Fri. 7 a.m.-5 p.m.); (Sat. 6 a.m. -10 a.m.) 857-1910 or toll free: 1-800-735-3119
A fervor for feathers
Tyler Webster grew up on the family farm near Buffalo Lodge Lake east of Minot. At age six he was tagging along on sharptailed grouse hunts carrying a BB gun. Two years later it was a single shot, hammer shotgun. The fever for the hunt had not only begun, it was taking over. PAGE 6
Making dreams come true
Fall and winter is a great time to begin making plans for that special outdoor adventure you’ve always dreamed about. With a little planning and research you’ll be well on your way to the trip of a lifetime. PAGE 12
OTHER STUFF
10 11 16 Destination: Lake of the Woods
MORSON, ONTARIO – It is hard to decide if it’s the incredible fishery or the fabulous scenery that is more attention getting at Lake of the Woods. PAGE 18
2018 upland game season summary
Swooshing in the snow: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing wintertime options Explore autumnal North Dakota from the seat of a mountain bike
battery basics: 20 Boat Tips to avoid frustration
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Hunting as it should be: Father, sons make memories in the feild
Solo adventuring calls 22 for preparation, precautions
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FEATHERS STORY BY KIM FUNDINGSLAND
Staff Writer kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com
“We’ve kind of become conditioned that good bird hunting is normal and it’s not.” – Tyler Webster
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A FERVOR FOR
e wouldn’t have it any other way.
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“From the time I was four or five that’s all I could think of, going out and walking and chasing birds with the guys,” recalled Tyler Webster. “My grandpa started taking me on sharp-tail hunts when I was five or six.” Webster grew up on the family farm near Buffalo Lodge Lake east of Minot. At age six he was tagging along on sharptailed grouse hunts carrying a BB gun. Two years later it was a single shot, hammer shotgun. The fever for the hunt had not only begun, it was taking over. “When I was 12 my second cousin in Williston had a Brittany that I saw point a pheasant and I knew right then that this was what I was going to do. I’m going to have pointing dogs,” said Webster. Today the avid upland game hunter lives in the heart of what many consider the best sharp-tailed grouse hunting
Tyler Webster’s upland passion
area anywhere. Situated north of Stanley, Webster’s home is ideally located for pursuing his passion. “This is the epicenter of sharp-tail hunting in the world,” said Webster. “North Dakota holds one-third of the remaining sharp-tails in the world and Mountrail County is a top county in the state for sharp-tail harvest.” Several years ago when Webster learned there was an opening for a mail route driver for Ryder and Roseglen deliveries he jumped at the opportunity. Where else, he says, could he get paid for driving gravel roads through the very country he loves to hunt. It was a perfect fit. Not only would he be delivering the mail, but also having an opportunity to visit with landowners and scout local bird populations. “Five or six months into that job there was another contract open for Ross and White Earth and north of Stanley and Palermo,” said Webster. “I put in a bid and got it. I have 300 miles of gravel roads in this area.” See TYLER — Page 8
A beautiful autumn day in North Dakota resulted in a successful multi-species hunt for Tyler Webster, Stanley, left, Craig Jones, Missouri, standing right, and Travis Frank, “The Flush” television show, kneeling. Submitted Photo
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The stars of the show while in the field are capable bird dogs. This duo produced a mixed bag of sharptailed grouse, Hungarian partridge and pheasants. Submitted Photo
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Tyler
Continued from Page 7
Eventually Webster hired some help in handling the lengthy mail routes. He did so with the understanding of fellow workers that he would be cutting back on his work hours during the hunting season. “Other months I will work every day, but not September 1 to Jan. 1,” laughed Webster. “I’m only 35 but have been hunting pretty much about 100 days a season since I was about 15. I’ve got a lot of miles on the boots!” A few feet away Webster’s youngest English setter, C.J., was playing with a stuffed animal. Webster playfully tossed the soft toy for C.J. to retrieve. She came back with the toy, head down and tail up, indicating eagerness for more playtime. “She’s a first year dog. Last season she hunted seven states and 12 species of birds,” said Webster. “Talk about experience before she was a year old. We left North Dakota the last day of the pheasant season and were in Kansas the next day hunting bobwhites and pheasants.” Webster also hunted ruffed grouse in Michigan, woodcock in Minnesota, sage grouse and blue grouse in Montana and bobwhite quail in Nebraska. “She figured out every species on her own,” remarked Webster. A second setter owned by Webster, Rusty, is older than C.J. and has seen thousands of birds in the field. He also runs a German short-haired pointer that was away for some extra training. For Webster, dogs are an important part of his life and every hunt. When asked about the “magic” instincts of a pointing dog, Webster replied, “It’s almost primal. It’s a relationship between an animal and a person. My dogs are my best friends. They are out there hunting for me, not for themselves. We work as a team. To see a well bred dog that hunts naturally, walking a field and have that dog working endlessly and tirelessly for birds that I can shoot and they can bring back, to me, is as special as it gets.” Taking nothing for granted, even in country that has produced birds for countless seasons, Webster is always mindful of the resource. In the long run it is counter-productive, he says, to take too much advantage of hunting opportunities in North Dakota.
“People will find a covey of sharp-tails or Huns and they’ll just chase after it until they can’t chase them anymore. They can literally shoot out a whole covey and then they are gone forever,” explained Webster. “The way I do it, knowing I’m in the minority, I hunt a field or a covey one time a season, then get out of there. I know that spot is good for the following year. I won’t shoot a Hun out of a covey of less than eight birds. I let them be. I have spots where the covey has been there for 15 years. If you take care of that resource they’ll be there forever.” Sharing time in the field with others is high on Webster’s priority list. He picks his hunting companions carefully, making sure that they also demonstrate proper respect for the resource. “We’ve kind of become conditioned that good bird hunting is normal and it’s not,” said Webster. “We are very, very fortunate. To give a little piece back to those people who have never experienced it, because they were born in the wrong state, is really quite rewarding.” Among those who have shared time in the field with Webster is Travis Frank. The Minnesotan has a lengthy list of media credits on his resume, including being a field host for “The Flush,” a popular program on the Outdoor Channel. It was in that capacity that he accompanied Webster on a North Dakota bird hunt. Webster produces a weekly podcast that focuses on bird hunting. Initially, said Webster, his content was probably a bit too serious. He has since changed the name of the podcast from Western Wingshooter to Birds, Booze and Buds with an emphasis on the enjoyment of each hunting experience and the camaraderie of fellow hunters during and after the hunt. “It started out with a couple hundred people. Now I get 15 to 16 thousand downloads a month,” said Webster. “I broadcast to people who have never been to North Dakota. It’s really pretty fascinating and really pretty cool. I have some fun episodes with friends, biologists, authors and everything else.” The veteran upland hunter has countless stories of memorable trips in the field, usually with a
Tyler Webster helps style up “Rusty,” one of his reliable and seasoned English setters.
dog involved. One incident, said Webster, is a moment he’ll remember forever. It’s when his dog let him know he wasn’t contributing to the success of the hunt. “A great big rooster got up out of the snow and I missed that bird three times,” recalled Webster. “The dog just went back to the truck and quit hunting. He was upset with me. I shot some birds over him later that day and he forgave me, but it took him a little time.” When it comes to the actual shooting of birds or the watching of dogs working a field, Webster said it’s the latter that is the most rewarding. “I’ve got to the point where I enjoy watching my dogs work as much, if not more, than I do shooting birds,” said Webster. “Watching a dog tracking a running pheasant is a thing of beauty. Watching them run the proper sides of hills looking for sharptails or going to that little rock pile in a section of stubble looking for Huns is magical.” Other dog owners and upland game hunters know the feeling of pride when watching good dog work. The bond between handler and dog becomes so strong that emotions are often evident in the field. It’s what hunting should be.
were tough people and lived in a place that was pretty hard to live in. Most of the people, literally, had to live off the land. Catching Submitted Photo fish or chasing birds wasn’t as much recreation for them as it was for food,” surmised Webster. “It seems like they really appreciated the resource a lot more than people do today.” Webster never forgets those who preceded him, oftentimes walking the same fields they did in search of birds. His grandfather was one of 16 children who were often fed by birds rising from the prairie. “I’d give anything to have an hour long recorded conversation with my grandpa and his dad and his brothers,” said Webster. “They’re all gone.” Gone but not forgotten. Neither is Webster’s sincere appreciation for the land he loves. “We’re blessed by geography. Living here is such a privilege. I can’t think of a place that could be better,” remarked Webster. Those who have accompanied So too, says Webster, is admiring the history associated with upland Webster in the field know the truth behind that statement. So bird country. too do Rusty and C.J. “The people that settled here
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2018 UPLAND GAME SEASON SUMMARY
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North Dakota’s 2018 pheasant and sharp-tailed grouse harvests were similar to 2017, while the number of Hungarian partridge taken last year was down from the year before, according to statistics compiled by the state Game and Fish Department. Upland game management supervisor Jesse Kolar said the decline in partridge during the summer 2018 brood survey was not as drastic, so he suspects the lower partridge harvest was related to fewer pheasant hunters and fewer trips per hunter. “Partridge are most commonly harvested incidentally, while hunters are pursuing pheasant or grouse, so the rate of harvest does not always mirror numbers on the ground,” Kolar said. More than 58,200 pheasant hunters harvested 327,000 roosters (up 6 percent) in 2018, compared to 58,300 hunters and 309,400 roosters in 2017. Counties with the highest percentage of pheasants taken by resident hunters last year were Williams, 6.7; McLean, 6.5; Richland, 6; Morton, 5.6; and Divide, 5.2. Top counties for nonresident hunters were Hettinger, 13.6 percent; Bowman, 10.4; Divide, 7.6; Dickey, 5.9; and Emmons, 4.8. In 2018, nearly 13,100 grouse hunters (down 4 percent) harvested 45,600 sharp-tailed grouse (down 3 percent). In 2017, 13,600 hunters took 46,900 sharptails. Counties with the highest percentage of sharptails taken by resident hunters in 2018 were Slope, 6.5; Walsh, 5.5; Mountrail, 5.4; Kidder, 5.3; and Benson, 4.6. Top counties for nonresident hunters were Bowman, 11.3; Hettinger, 7.4; Divide, 7; Mountrail, 6.8; and Ward, 6.4. Last year, 11,200 hunters (down 19 percent) harvested 23,000 Hungarian partridge (down 30 percent). In 2017, nearly 13,800 hunters harvested 32,800 Huns. Counties with the highest percentage of Huns taken by resident hunters in 2018 were Williams, 15.1; Mountrail, 12.1; Logan, 7.3; Ward, 6.5; and Burke, 5.9. Top counties for nonresident hunters were Divide, 10.3; McLean, 9.9; Mountrail, 9.3; Hettinger, 8.9; and Dunn, 8.2.
I N T H E SNOW
SWOOSHING Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing wintertime options STORY BY KIM FUNDINGSLAND
Staff Writer • kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com
STATE PARKS CROSS-COUNTRY SKI TRAILS Cross Ranch State Park* – 12 miles Lake Metigoshe State Park* – 12 miles Turtle River State Park – 6 miles Fort Stevenson State Park* – 3 miles Grahams Island State Park – 3 miles Icelandic State Park – 3 miles Fort Ransom State Park* – 2.5 miles *Ski rentals available
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Snowshoeing is a wintertime activity enjoyed by those eager to get outdoors. This photograph was taken at Cross Ranch State Park. Submitted Photo
liding quietly down a groomed trail or silently walking atop the snow is a preferred activity for those who wish to get outdoors during the North Dakota winter. The state has several miles of cross-country ski trails waiting for you.
“We have 12 miles of groomed ski trails, into the back country,” said Char Binstock, ranger at Cross Ranch State Park. “We get a lot of visitation from all over the state.” Nestled in lowland along tall stands of cottonwood trees adjacent to the Missouri River, the cross-country ski trails at Cross Ranch are perfectly suited to what cross-country ski enthusiasts enjoy. “It’s very protected and, surrounded by cottonwood trees, is very beautiful,” said Binstock. Cross Ranch has both rustic cabins and yurts available for rent. They are a popular choice for cross country skiers because of their close proximity to ski trails which are, said Binstock, “right outside the backyards of the yurts.” Want to give cross-country skiing a try but don’t have the gear? Don’t worry. Cross Ranch has rental equipment, both skis and snowshoes. “It’s perfect for a family that wants to come out for a day. $15 a day is pretty economical for skis or snowshoes,” stated Binstock. Rental skis, boots and poles are in demand at Lake Metigoshe State Park too. It’s understandable. The region known as the state’s “winter playground” boasts more than 6 1/2 miles of groomed trails, most of it through the forested land of the scenic Turtle Mountains. “We can have fantastic skiing all year round,” remarked Bill Demming, park manager. “We groom two sets of double tracks so skiers can be side by side rather
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than in single file. We’re inside the trees so we don’t get the wind. Even on very cold days it can be pleasant to go skiing.” Of course, adequate snow and seasonal temperatures are a requirement. However, the Turtle Mountain region is known for cooperating with wintertime activities. Even during periods of light snowfall and warmer than usual temperatures there’s usually good snow cover in the trees through which most of the trail system in Lake Metigoshe State Park is located. “We’ve had some good years the last couple of years,” said Susan Tratebas, Lake Metigoshe State Park. “We do rentals too, poles, boots and even some really tiny skis for the toddlers.” Snowshoes are also available for rent at Lake Metigoshe State Park. Showshoeing is done on all the park’s trail system. An added wintertime activity at the park is fat tire biking. “We do fat tire biking on the Hemerick Point trails, about five miles,” said Tratebas. “You can do any length that you want. The first loop is about a two and one-half mile trail.” Avoiding winter by staying indoors just isn’t an option for many people. With that in mind, several cities in the state have various places where they maintain cross-country ski trails. An example is Minot where the Parks and Recreation Department has cross-country ski opportunities at the Souris Valley Golf Course, Oak Park and immediately east of the city in the area of the old Bison Plant. Crosscountry skis are also available to rent from Minot Parks. Check their website for further details.
Avoiding winter by staying indoors just isn’t an option for many people.
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With a little advance planning the trip of a lifetime is not as far away as a sportsman might think. Submitted Photo
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MAKING COME TRUE
DREAMS STORY BY KIM FUNDINGSLAND
S t a f f Wr i t e r k f u n d i n g s l a n d @ mi n o t d a i l y n e w s .c o m
Plan ahead for new adventures Fall and winter is a great time to begin making plans for that special outdoor adventure you’ve always dreamed about. With a little planning and research you’ll be well on your way to the trip of a lifetime. Allowing plenty of lead time enables you to properly equip over a period of several weeks or months, rather than rushing at the last moment to buy what you need and risk putting a damper on what should be an enjoyable experience. Whether planning a hunting or fishing trip, or a combination of both such as is common for Canadian bear hunts, remember to acquire the appropriate licenses. With the aid of the internet it is an easy process today. If you are thinking about a fishing trip to fish unfamiliar water or add a new species or two to your catch list, there’s plenty of affordable options for North Dakotans to consider. Nearby Minnesota touts itself as being the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” many of which have ample populations of fish from small pumpkinseed to monster muskellunge. A little research using the internet and perhaps a phone call or two to others who have made such trips, should result in formulating a list of possible destinations. Other “drive to” destinations includes locations in South Dakota, Montana and Canada. South Dakota has many prairie lakes and impoundments waiting for you to drop a line. Montana’s Fort Peck Reservoir is a See NEW — Page 14
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A float plane lands to pick up fishermen from a fly-in destination in northern Saskatchewan. Fall and winter is the time to begin planning for special outdoor adventures the following spring and summer. Kim Fundingsland/MDN
New
Continued from Page 13
prime destination for those seeking to hook into a lunker lake trout. Fly fisherman can choose from thousands of miles of rivers in Montana too. Nebraska’s Merritt Reservoir is heavily populated with largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, muskellunge and walleye. Excellent Canadian waters within driving distance includes Lost Mountain Lake near Regina, Boundary and Rafferty Reservoirs near Estevan and Lake of the Woods which overlaps the Minnesota/Ontario border. There’s the legendary Flin Flon and Prince Albert regions too where an angler has several lakes and rivers from which to choose. If your adventurous spirit has you considering a fly-in trip to a secluded Canadian lake, there are a few extra things to consider. What clothing to bring is always important. The amount of gear you carry can be an issue too, particularly when loaded onto a float plane. A basic rule is
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pack what you know you will have to use, but not too much. It’s a good idea to coordinate with others in your fishing party as to what they intend to bring as well. Doing so can eliminate any unnecessary doubling up of gear. The top clothing requirement for any fishing trip, especially those trips where you will be left to fend for yourself for a few days, is quality rain gear. Choose a rain jacket with a hood and is breathable, such as Gor-Tex, so that moisture doesn’t get trapped inside. That can actually lead to making matters worse if your clothing underneath becomes moist which, depending on temperature, can easily lead to a nasty case of the chills or worse. Rain-proof pants are important too. They should be easy to get on and off, usually with the help of a zipper on the lower legs to allow the pants to slip over boots or shoes. Rain gear can be conveniently stored in a waterproof bag, along with other chosen essentials, in the fishing boat where it can be accessed quickly if needed. Regardless of what your intended trip
consists of, remember that many rain jackets are suitable for double-duty as outerwear for those cool days and evenings, making it possible to stuff a single jacket into your backpack or duffel. It is part of packing only what you need. However, never short yourself on necessary clothing. The two most important things to remember to enjoy any wilderness trip, is to stay dry and stay warm. The two go together. There’s no reason to risk delaying the pulling on of rain gear. The alternative can lead to wet or damp clothing and personal misery. While sunshine, wind and campfires can be used to dry wet clothing, sometimes weather makes that much needed remedy impossible. While it is best to make every effort to stay dry, it is also sound wisdom to have extra clothes available to change into if necessary. Weather can change at anytime, especially in northern Canada. A very warm day can easily transform into a damp and cool evening. Even during normally warm summer months it is wise to tuck some of today’s high tech undershirts and
pants into your backpack, the same kind you would wear ice fishing. They take up very little space and can be absolute lifesavers during sudden weather changes. Don’t forget to pay attention to footwear. It is vital to have a second pair of shoes or boots in the event one pair gets wet and there’s many ways for that to happen, whether it be pushing a boat off a sandbar, pulling it ashore or getting caught in a heavy downpour. A good pair of shoes to wear in the fishing boat should be backed up by a pair of hiking shoes or boots that are in a protected and dry location at camp. Another thing, if in doubt about how many pairs of socks to bring, bring one more pair. Warm, dry feet are essential to enjoying the outdoors. New adventures are out there waiting for you. By beginning your planning this fall or winter for a special trip next spring or summer, you’ll be well on your way to a new and exciting experience.
Submitted Photo
With a little advance planning the trip of a lifetime is not as far away as a sportsman might think.
! !
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EXPLORE
ANORTH U T UDAKOTA M N A ...L
Story By ASHTON GERARD
Staff Writer • agerard@minotdailynews.com
Biking on the Maah Daah Hey Trail near Medora. Credit North Dakota Tourism
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O
ne of North Dakota’s forgotten seasons might be best taken in on the seat of a mountain bike. The summers are hot and humid and the winters are cold and harsh, but North Dakota shines in autumn. The state offers a variety of local and state parks that feature trails with varying degrees of difficulty for the casual mountain biker to seasoned veterans of the trails. Little Missouri National Grasslands, Medora
A trip to Medora could lead you on a tour of the largest grassland in the United States. The grassland covers over 1.033 million acres and also houses Theodore Roosevelt National Park within its borders. The grassland gives a glimpse into the colorful and beautiful badlands with rugged terrain extensively eroded by wind and water. Mountain bikers can traverse the Long X Trail, once used as one of the routes that cattlemen used to move cattle from southern parts of the United State to the prairies of what is now eastern Montana and western North Dakota. It also passes through the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
Maah Daah Hey Trail, Medora
Fort Ransom State Park, Fort Ransom
Looking to get lost in the trees? Fort Ransom State Park is nestled in the midst of the scenic and heavily wooded Sheyenne River Valley, giving a front seat to the leaves changing. The trail system covers 20 miles and the majority of the trails are grass, dirt or hardpacked single-track with a few steep sections but overall manageable grades. The longest single trail is 2.84 miles long, but the adventure is as long as you make it with the different connecting trails and routes.
Pipestem Creek Trail, Jamestown
Near the Pipestem Dam, the Pipestem Creek Trail in Jamestown offers eight miles of winding trails packed into a relatively small area. If eight miles is too much, there is also a three-mile loop that is great for a challenging mountain bike ride. The trailhead is marked by a bench kiosk and features a bike repair station.
Also found in Medora is the 146-mile Maah Daah Hey Trail that runs through the North and South Units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The trail offers countless views of the rolling prairie landscapes and wildlife sightings. The phrase “Maah Daah Hey” originates with the Turtle Mountain State Forest, Mandan Indians and in English the phrase means, “An Bottineau area that will be around for a long time.” The trail is The Turtle Mountain State Recreation Area offers made up of jagged peaks and valleys and winding rivers that intertwine to give a pure look at untouched, 12 miles of motorized trails that are open to OHV’s but are also perfect for mountain biking. Take a front row natural badlands. seat through winding trails as the changing leaves rusFort Abraham Lincoln State Park, tle in the North Dakota wind. The area is located six miles northwest of Bottineau Mandan and offers opportunities for camping at Strawberry Lake. Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park’s trail system covers nearly seven miles in a series of loops and conOther sites around North Dakota nected parts of different trails and offers a blend of There are plenty of other sites around the state that scenery and history. It’s North Dakota’s oldest state offer picturesque mountain biking trails. Other sites park having been established in 1907. around the state include: Harmon Lake, Lake The trail system offers bikers extensive views and Metigoshe State Park, Little Missouri State Park, North sights through hills and provides breath-taking views of County Scenic Trail, Pembina Gorge State Recreation the river bottom. Take your fishing pole along for a Area, Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway break to fish in the Missouri and Heart Rivers. and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. The Visitor Center displays the park’s rich history. Trails can also lead visitors to old Fort Abraham LinWherever the adventure takes you, you won’t be coln, reconstructed military buildings or the ancient vil- disappointed by the numerous outdoor opportunities in lage site of the earliest known inhabitants, the Mandan North Dakota as you take in the brisk breezes and Indians, and explore their unique earthlodge homes. changing sights of fall.
MOUNTAIN BIKE ... FROM THE SEAT OF A
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By KIM FUNDINGSLAND
Staff Writer kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com t is hard to decide if it’s the incredible fishery or the fabulous scenery that is more attention getting at Ontario’s Lake of the Woods. Yes, there is the chance at landing a monster muskie or a limit of fat walleye, but there’s also astonishing bays and inlets with impressive rock walls and sturdy evergreen trees, many of which grow at odd angles due to the rugged terrain. The scenery is so overwhelming that it cannot go unnoticed by even the most avid of anglers – or photographers. Whether the fishing or the sights leaves a greater impression on the Lake of the Woods visitor is a question not easily answered. That’s the way it should be. One is as wonderful as the other. Troy and Sandi Rasmusson of Warroad, Minnesota think so too. Maybe that’s why they opted to open Little Bear Island Camp situated smack dab in the middle of some of the most prime fishing water on all of Lake of the Woods. It was Sandi, who is originally from Bottineau, North Dakota, who pushed the idea of finding a place on the lake. “I think I looked for a couple of years,” said Sandi Rasmusson. “One day I told Troy that I think I found what I was looking for. We took a boat ride with the realtor and three days later bought ourselves an island.” The Rasmussons weren’t totally new to Lake of the Woods. They had been staying at and fishing out of a friend’s cabin at the legendary Northwest Angle for many years. Still, they were not very familiar with the particular area where Little Bear Island is located in Sabaskong Bay. “I asked the realtor how he even knows the way here,” said Troy Rasmusson when recalling his initial boat ride to the island, about a 15 minute trip around and in between a series of islands, large and small, that make up the unique environment of Sabaskong Bay. The major employer in Warroad is Marvin Windows. That’s where Troy worked for 29 years before embarking on his island adventure. Sandi remains employed by Marvin Windows. She’s a nurse at the business’s clinic that serves approximately 4,000 people but her work schedule allows her to spend two to three days a week on Little Bear Island. When asked what impressed her about the island during her first visit there she replied, “Nothing. Absolutely nothing. It was a dive.” Husband Troy had similar thoughts.
I
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The scenery is breath-taking and the fishing opportunities terrific at Ontario's Lake of the Woods. Here an angler tosses a lure into a likely lair for a monster muskie. Kim Fundingsland/MDN
DESTINATION:
Beautiful scenery, wonderful fishing
LAKE OF THE WOODS Troy and Sandi Rasmusson, Warroad, Minnesota, began operating Little Bear Island Camp on Lake of the Woods earlier this year. Sandi Rasmusson is originally from Bottineau. Kim Fundingsland/MDN
Boating on Lake of the Woods requires some attention and caution for newcomers but today’s electronics make it easy to avoid areas that are potential trouble spots for boaters. Also, navigation channels are clearly marked with large buoys.
Kim Fundingsland/MDN
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In the evening the haunting call of the loon can be heard in front of the colorful setting sun.
“When we got here the cabin had been empty for four years. It just hadn’t been taken care of,” recalled Troy. “There was four years of oak leaves on the ground. I told Sandi all I’d do was work.” Sandi urged Troy to “look past the work” and imagine a finished product. It proved to be a convincing suggestion. It took some hard work, and a lot of volunteer help, but soon the island and accommodations began to regain its lost appeal. Trees were cleared away to open up views of the shoreline and lake. Grass was mowed, a garden planted and a greenhouse constructed. Soon a second cabin, this one for the Rasmussons, was built. “When I was thinking about the island and a fishing camp, my buddies urged me to do it, do it, do it,” said Troy Rasmusson. “They are the friends that helped me build a cabin. I couldn’t have done it without them. They loved it.” Sandi worked on the decor of the old cabin, making improvements and bringing it back to life. It can house up to a dozen visitors and is complete with a kitchen, deck and shower just a few yards from the boat dock. In the evening the haunting call of the loon can be heard in front of the colorful setting sun. “We wanted something to pass to our kids and grandkids and this is a great opportunity,” said Sandi Rasmusson. “So far we’ve heard nothing but good things. All of our friends have been up here and they just can’t wait to come back.” Many remote fishing opportunities include at least a portion of travel over gravel roads that can cause unwanted damage to boats and tow vehicles. Not so getting to Little Bear Island. The road is paved all the way to the launch point. “I love that,” remarked Troy. “That’s big. Pavement all the way. People spend thousands of dollars on their boats and they don’t want to chip them up.” Lake of the Woods holds abundant populations of muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, crappie, smallmouth bass and perch. It’s a fisherman’s dream throughout the year. “In the winter and spring you’ve got your crappies. Then you’ve got your walleyes. Then the muskie season starts and you’ve got your northerns mixed in there,” said Troy. “In the fall the walleyes go absolutely crazy in the shallows. You can anchor and get 50-100 fish per day per person. I had a group this past summer that caught over 140 walleyes the first day.” MinotDailyNews.com • AdventureND • 19
BOAT BATTERY BASICS
Tips to avoid frustration By KIM FUNDINGSLAND
Staff Writer kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com As anyone who has spent time on the water has probably already learned, battery troubles in the boat is about as bad as it gets. Few things create as much frustration for a fisherman or boater as unresponsive starting or trolling batteries. No one wants to be left without power, especially in the middle of a lake or drifting down river. Fortunately, there are some things a person can do to avoid the agony of troublesome batteries. Hugh McIntyre, owner/manager of the Interstate Battery Center in Bismarck, has probably seen every type of battery problem a boat owner could experience. He’s a strong advocate for preventive maintenance, which he says “goes a long ways.” McIntyre urges boat owners to clean battery cable connections regularly, particularly in the spring before putting the boat in the water for the first time. It’s an easy step in battery maintenance. “Make sure the they are cleaned up, charged up and check fluid levels. That never hurts,” said McIntyre. Cleaning battery connections means removing wires connected to battery posts. McIntyre says how the wires are placed back on the posts is important. “The battery charger leads go on first. That’s the most critical thing for a charger to read properly,” explained McIntyre. “The trolling motor leads and others go on top.” Most boats are equipped with on-board chargers that require plugging in to an electrical outlet to bring trolling batteries up to full power after a day on the water. Sometimes starting batteries are connected to on-board chargers too, even though most outboard motors have a built-in alternator that is usually sufficient to keep starting batteries charged. “The first thing we tell new boat owners is that their deep cycle batteries withstand charging and discharging,” remarked McIntyre. “Just don’t leave them discharged.” Deep cycle batteries are used to power trolling motors which are usually mounted on the bow of fishing boats. The small motors are very popular with fishermen who rely on the batteries that power the trolling motors to last for a full day of fishing, if not for a weekend.
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Tips to maintain the life of your deep cycle battery
— Do not mix battery types on your boat. Each one has specific charging needs. — Do not mix old batteries with new ones on the same battery bank. Older batteries tend to pull down the newer ones to their deteriorated state. — If you have an unsealed battery periodically check the fluid level and top it off with distilled water about 1/2 inch above the lead plates. The water should only be added after the battery has been fully charged. — Try not to over-deplete your deep cycle batteries. 80% is about the maximum safe discharge. — Recharge your batteries quickly after using them. Failure to do so can result in sulfide damage that will reduce your battery capacity. There are many variables that can effect the amount of power needed from trolling motor batteries, such as the weight of the boat, thrust capacity of the motor, amount of wind, etc. However, no matter what the conditions and challenges, the biggest factor is having enough reliable battery power to do the job. Sometimes, says McIntyre, it is the charging system that can lead to battery failure. He says
Kim Fundingsland/MDN
These deep cycle batteries and charger are hidden from view, located beneath the front rod locker in this boat. The batteries feed 24 volts of power to a bow mounted trolling motor.
trolling motor batteries may not always be getting charged properly even when an on-board charger is relied upon to do so. “The battery charger is an electronic device. You can wreck your batteries if you have a faulty charger. Chargers can fail,” said McIntyre. “The older a battery charger gets the more unreliable the automatic features get. Older units are unlikely to shut off when they are supposed to.” McIntyre advises all boat owners to make sure their battery chargers meet their needs. Without a high enough amp rating overnight charging may not be enough to get a fisherman back on the water with full power available in their trolling batteries. “Make sure you have a 10 to 15 amp charger. That way you know your batteries will charge in eight to 10 hours and you can fish the next day,” said McIntyre. “A two amp trickle charger will take 50 hours to charge batteries.” When it comes to winter maintenance McIntyre says there’s “really no sense in hauling batteries in and out of a boat,” a practice still common among many boat owners. Instead, says See BATTERY — Page 22
HAS UIT NSHOULD T I N BEG
Father, sons make memories in the field
Hard work paid off for Trent Meyer, Minot, who harvested this mule deer buck on Thanksgiving Day 2018.
Submitted Photo
By KIM FUNDINGSLAND
Staff Writer kfundingsland@minotdailynews.com The morning was a memorable one, and the hunt had not yet begun. The air was crisp with only a slight hint of wind. The sound of small birds and whispers among hunters seemed unusually loud. A thick, unbroken frost coated the grasses and weeds and short brush. The vast, roadless terrain was a challenge for any hunter but held the promise of holding the sought after prize – a big mule deer. So it was this Thanksgiving morning in northwestern North Dakota. The area was far from the state’s traditional mule deer range, the colorful buttes and breaks and stands of cedar in the Badlands. Nevertheless, local hunters had long known that a good population of mule deer frequented the rolling landscape in front of the hunting party. This group of eager sportsmen consisted of John Meyer, Minot, and his two sons, Trent and Grant, and longtime friend Matt Solberg. It was during North Dakota’s youth deer hunting season and 14-year-old Trent was hoping to fill his tag. Solberg’s familiarity with the area lifted the hopes of the hunting party. He had been hunting the region for 20 years and knew it well. “We got in a mile and started glassing from a vantage point known See HUNT — Page 23
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Solo adventuring calls for preparation, precautions By MICHAEL W. SASSER Editor msasser@minotdailynews.com
One finds himself hiking in the quiet woods and all of a sudden, a predator presents itself. A campsite is invaded by other potential predators. On a routine trip into the wilderness, an accident occurs, making it virtually impossible for one to reach safety in his condition. While people might not envision incidents such as these, they are nonetheless possible, particularly when heading into the wild by oneself. Whether on a trail, just hiking to a favored fishing destination, or exploring a coastline while enjoying a day on a boat, solo adventuring into the outdoors requires particular cautions and concerns. “Solo adventuring requires preparation,” said Conner Oliver, camping expert with Scheels in Minot. “The number one thing going into an adventure is doing enough research on the places you’re headed and the surroundings.” That research should include to see if any recent developments have caused any change, such as in terms of traffic. Communication is also part of advance preparation. “Most people are probably not going off on an adventure and not tell someone where they are going,” Oliver said. “You definitely want to make another person aware.” As with adventuring in a group, the proper equipment is also important – perhaps moreso because there won’t be
any sharing or supplementing equipment with a fellow traveler’s gear. “You want to have the gear that suits the experience,” Oliver said. “In a boating situation, it could be a life vest or perhaps a dry sack so if you’re exposed to the elements, you can keep items dry. If backpacking, you want a backpack, sleeping bag, tent, etc. that are needed, comfortable and allow you to stay out of the elements.” If hiking, Oliver says a head lamp is a good idea and particularly handy for a solo adventurer. “They actually have a distress function which lets other people know there is a problem,” he said. Since a prolific supply of pristine water is unlikely, a filter system and a soft bladder for a reservoir is important. Since every ounce counts when packing for an adventure, food is an issue and solo travelers should consider the possibility of a lengthier trip than planned in case of emergency. “You’re not a hunter-gatherer,” Oliver said. “Freeze dried is often overlooked but it is actually pretty good. You have to consider if you’re going to have a fire. If so, waterproof matches are a good idea.” Of course, the elements won’t always permit a fire, but there are products on the market that heat water rapidly and cooking can be completed in 10 minutes. A hat, sunglasses, the right shoes, bug spray, identification and lightweight clothing that is water resistant are also important considerations. “Have layers of clothes since in some places the temperature change from day to night can be extreme,” Oliver said. “A couple of things often
overlooked but which can be handy are a pair of trekking poles and a knife. The knife is for predator purposes. You’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto.” The threat of predators is particularly relevant to those traversing the wild alone. Hiking in a group tends to be noisier than traveling alone and the sound of people will often drive predators away. “A simple precaution like a whistle is important,” Oliver said. “Bear mace is required in some places.” While a traditional weekend of camping might require a standard first aid kit, a solo trip might call for augmentation with additional bandages, gauze wrap, anti-bacterial wipes, a cooling towel and some simple overthe-counter medications such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. “Remember that the moment you go into the wilderness, it puts a lot of stress on your body – it isn’t something your body is used to,” Oliver said. Oliver also advises solo adventurers take precautions on the trail. “Keep your head on a swivel, do pirouettes, look up and down and around,” he said. “Use all of your senses, tune into them. Don’t become complacent. I recommend not listening to music because then you lose that sense. Plan escape routes so you are not caught in a situation in which you have to think on your feet. It can be a good idea to have something to mark your path; some people use fluorescent ribbons.” Traveling through nature’s splendor alone can be a quiet, peaceful escape from the everyday. With proper preparation, the traveler can mitigate for the risks of being on his own.
Battery
Continued from Page 20
Kim Fundingsland/MDN
Cranking batteries used for starting outboard motors are usually located in a compartment near the rear of a boat. They are charged off the outboard similar to a battery in a vehicle. Cranking batteries should be charged periodically when not in regular use, such as during the winter months.
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McIntyre, just make sure to charge batteries a “couple hours every month” or, at a minimum, at least every three months. “A fully charged battery will never freeze,” said McIntyre. “They will discharge 10% a month in a 70 degree room.” Another issue to avoid, said McIntyre, is leaving trolling motors plugged in, especially newer models with GPS built in. Leaving them plugged in will use battery power and can cause problems. Far and away the most popular type of battery with
boat owners is flooded batteries. They are the least expensive of the batteries on the market today and have the highest capacity for the longest run time while on the water. Other options are absorbed glass mat batteries, or AGMs and lithium ion batteries. According to 2019 survey of 233 boat owners by BoaterInput, AGM’s and lithium ion batteries make up only a fraction of battery sales. “AGM’s are completely sealed and maintenance free and more resistant to shock,” said McIntyre. “Lithium ion batteries are lightweight and high capacity but about five times the money. They are considered unproven tech-
Credit: Wes Peck, courtesy North Dakota Tourism
nology.” Additionally, boaters should make certain they have proper chargers to match the type of battery they are using. That is particularly true for lithium ion batteries. The BoaterInput survey of boat owners revealed that Interstate batteries were the first choice of 34% of survey respondents who were asked what they use to power their trolling motors. Second best, at 11%, was the Wal-Mart brand Everstart. Both are flooded or “wet cell” batteries. The number one choice of starting batteries, again according to BoaterInput’s survey, was also Interstate at 36%, a higher percentage than the next eight brands combined.
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quickly, the time when you must expose yourself to get a look at your quarry. Continued from Page 21 “I told the boys to stay back and by Matt,� said John Meyer. “We saw Matt and I crept up a hill to get a look,� some deer a mile and a half away.� said Meyer. “I wasn’t sure where we Son Grant had packed in a spotting were or exactly where the deer were. scope and, with the use of a tripod, Luckily the wind, maybe five miles an was able to get an excellent look at the deer. One of them was a mule deer buck bedded down but with a set of antlers protruding well above the brush around him. “I looked through the scope and saw a good much and told the boys it looked like a good one,� recalled Meyer. “Then I thought, what are we going to do?� The dilemma was one faced by hunters everywhere, how to close the distance on virtually open ground. A plan was agreed upon. The group hour, was in our face. I got to the top of would take advantage of a shallow de- the hill and peeked over it. The muley pression in the prairie landscape that was laying in the buckbrush but he they hoped would offer enough con- had a sentry doe standing there. She cealment to shield their approach. It was up and all the rest were lying wasn’t without risk. Another deer un- down. He was with nine does and seen by the party could easily give fawns.� them away. So too could any other Meyer’s observation confirmed wildlife that might be encountered in what he had hoped, that the deer was the stalk. And there was also the mo- big enough to go after. How big was ment of awareness that makes the hard to tell but he and Solberg deheart of the hunter pound loudly and scended the small hill and joined
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Hunt
Meyer’s sons who were waiting patiently about 200 yards away. “I told Trent to load the rifle. He was the only one allowed with a firearm since this was the youth season,� said Meyer. “I had ranged the deer at 175 yards and knew he was a good shot, a really good shot even out
“This hunt was humbling I’m just fortunate to have my boys as hunting partners.� — John Meyer
to 300 yards.� The father and son crept up the gentle rise. The mule deer was still bedded down and, fortunately, the other deer had not been alerted to the hunter’s presence. “I had to whistle to get the buck to stand up. It stood and wheeled around. The only shot Trent had was head on. I told him he’s got to take it,� said Meyer. “His bipod was too low to use in the brush and he had to shoot
off-hand. He missed.� Uh-oh. But the muley, either somewhat confused or wanting to check on the other deer in the bunch, did what mule deer often do. He stopped after trotting only about 25 yards and presented a broadside view. “Boom! That was it,� said Meyer proudly. “It didn’t really set in for Trent until we actually got up to the deer. It was bigger than we thought. We were all amazed. He really accomplished something. It was all his effort.� Meyer developed his passion for hunting from his father and has been devoted to passing knowledge down to his sons, from the bench to the field. The bullet used to down the deer. a .243 fired through a Remington model 700, was hand loaded by Trent. “That’s part of hunting,� said John Meyer. “This hunt was humbling. I’m just fortunate to have my boys as hunting partners.� The distance from where the muley was downed to the vehicle was two and one-half miles. Trent made the walk back to the vehicle for a deer cart and helped bring the muley out. The entire experience for a friend, a father and sons... made for a very memorable Thanksgiving morning.
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