Hunting and FisHing guide
Local Pheasants Forever chapter offers youth educational opportunities By sherry Barnum
PuBLisHeR Elizabeth Gorske Managing editOR Eric Young editORiaL staFF Tim Barnum Sherry Barnum Kevin Bunch Emily Walker Thomas Williams Jessie Tobias adVeRtising saLes Jama Gates Anthony Kachiros Tracy Pardue-Smith Laurie Blamer Carla Reeves COMPOsitiOn Sharon Ehlert Jesse Karbowski
Local Pheasants Forever Chapter 415, dedicated to conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife, offers youth in the area a chance to get outdoors and work hands-on with the habitat. John Schafer said through this group’s educational program, youths get a chance to work outdoors and with wildlife species. “It’s a relatively new program that we started last September at our farm on State Road just before Henderson Lake Road in West Branch,” Schafer said. “We try to meet monthly and have an education portion of the meeting to talk about
DEER PROCESSING • Cut & Wrapped to YOUR Specifications • Homemade Venison Sausage • Venison Jerky
Berthiaume Slaughterhouse 2283 E. Pinconning Rd., Pinconning
989-879-4921
ARE YOU HUNTING? WHO IS WATCHING YOUR VALUABLES?
ABLE SAFE OVER 200 GUN SAFES IN STOCK! 4756 N. Huron (M-13), Pinconning, MI 48650 989-879-5477 • ABLESAFE.COM
habitat and wildlife needs.” “We do on-the-ground habitat work and incorporate some type of shooting activity, with an educational aspect for the youth,” he added. “This way we give youth a little more experience on han-
dling firearms and safety through target practice –– and this is all part of the educational aspect, so a license is not needed.” Schafer said the group is
See Pheasants, 23
ROY SIMMONS & SON WELL DRILLING 976 W. M-55 West Branch
Contact Steve:
989-345-3872 Toll Free 888-203-7677
www.simmonswelldrilling.com
• Honest, Dependable Service • Residential • Commercial • Agricultural • Licensed & Insured • Year Round Service • Pump Installation & Repair • 5 Year Warranty on New Wells • Certified Constant Pressure System Installer* *Get City-Like Water Pressure • Horizontal Directional Drilling
ZETTEL’S SPORT CENTER Need Cash? See Me! $ CASH $ Bring in your broken or unwanted rifles and shotguns for cash!
3091 West Houghton Avenue On-Site West Branch, MI 48661 Gun Repair 989-345-3159
Page 2 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
Group proposing new antler-point restrictions makes their case at OHHS By tim Barnum A group supporting new, stricter antler-point restrictions for deer hunting in the Lower Peninsula held meetings throughout the state in June and July. Tony Smith is a representative of the Lower Peninsula Deer Management Initiative, and he said the initiative is proposing that rather than the current restriction, that a buck must have a 3-inch spike on one side to be taken with a regular deer tag, the LPDMI wants the first-tag restriction to be that a deer has at least three points on one side. Smith said this would protect yearling bucks, and would over time allow hunters to see more and bigger bucks. “This proposal is designed to protect the 1-1/2-year-old age cohort, and most of those bucks on average, will be available for harvest at 2 1/2 years old,” he said. “Some of them won’t be legal until they’re 3 1/2 years old.”
According to Smith, protecting the 1-1/2-year-old bucks will allow for the greatest growth. “The average 1-1/2-year-old has 3.6 total points. When he goes to 2 1/2 years old, that goes up to 7.5 total points,” he said. Leelanau County has implemented the restrictions, and they have grown popular there, Smith said. “Those regulations have been in place since 2003, and they’ve enjoyed 72-percent hunter support ever since,” he said. “The crowds have been fairly small, anywhere from 30-85 people, averaging probably in the neighborhood of 40 to 45,” Smith said. Opposition to the LPDMI is usually related to a general opposition of further restrictions, Smith said. “Their main issue is they don’t want more regulation,” he said. “I suppose that’s a legitimate concern, until you look at the simple fact that we operate under regulations all the
time.” He added hunters currently operate under restrictions such as bag limits, seasons and a four-point-on-one-side second tag restriction, to name a few. Smith said there is evidence hunters want to see more and bigger bucks. He said 55,000 surveys were sent out to hunters by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 2012. About 53 percent were returned, Smith said. “The big issue is that hunters have indicated on DNR surveys that they want to see more and older bucks to the tune of 75 percent on surveys,” he said. Glenn Gutierrez, a DNR conservation officer based in Roscommon County, said he has not heard a wide consensus either way on the size of bucks locally. But, he said the area being in Ogemaw County seems to make a difference.
See RestRICtIOns, 14
Groceries • Pizza Beer/Wine • Grinders Ice • Salads Homemade Turnovers Open Daily 146 m/l wooded acres with the Rifle River meandering through part of the property. Great hunting. Presently a hunt club. A large two bedroom home with a seasonal screened in porch, air conditioning. Lower level of home is not finished.
Additional Hunting Land 10 to 146 Acres 7 Parcels 10 to 40 Acres 7 Parcels 40 to 146 Acres Smaller Parcels Also Available
987 E. M-55 West Branch, MI 48661
989-701-2431
JB’s Place
(Formerly The Pink Store) Between Mio & Rose City on M-33 • 989-685-2877
• Hand-dipped Ice Cream Mon.-Thurs. 9 am - 9 pm • Homemade Subs Fri. & Sat. 9 am - 10 pm Sun. 9 am - 7 pm • Beer, Wine & Liquor • Gas • Free Wi-Fi & Picnic Area
J-Smith Custom Rod Shop (Located inside JB’s Place)
989-846-0013 www.olsenindependentrealestatellc.com
• Fly Rods • Steelhead Rods • Bait Casting & Spinning Rods CUSTOM BUILT - FULL WARRANTY
989-685-2819
2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 3
Bachelder and Davis turn hobby into careers as river guides By sherry Barnum River guides Mike Bachelder and Dennis Davis have always enjoyed fishing. “I fished trout since I have been a kid,” Davis said. “My parents owned a summer home in Lewiston where we came and spent summers. My dad would work us to death all day long cutting trees and working on the well, and then we would get a break from that and he would give us some time off to go off and fish.” “That is where my love for fishing started,” Davis added. Bachelder said he learned to fish as young kid as well. “My mom’s side of the family were big outdoors people,” Bachelder said. “When I was 7, my grandfa-
ther taught me how to tie my first fly and I have been doing it ever since. That is how I got into fly fishing.” “I am a self-taught and trained fly fisherman,” Bachelder added “And I guide on the Rifle River, Au Sable and along the south and north branches to the Au Sable.” Bachelder said he has been guiding for 21 years, starting it off as a hobby and turning it into a career. “I tied flies commercially, opening up my own shop, but I got too busy being a guide that I sold the inventory and began to guide full time,” Bachelder said. Davis said he got started guiding on the Au Sable when Jerry Gotts, owner of the Trophy Waters Fly Shop at the time, hired him to guide clients who came into
the shop looking to take a guided trip down the Au Sable, which is known as a great catch-and-release trout river. Davis said he was 36 years old when he started fly fishing avidly, but he has used a fly rod since he was a kid. “I have always dreamed and loved the sport of fly fishing,” Davis said. “But I got interested in the guiding from Bachelder, who he started trout fishing with more than 20 years ago.” Davis said he learned to row a drift boat from Bachelder, but received his guide license through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “Being licensed is not difficult, but can be a little expensive, since there is a lot of overhead,” Bachelder
Rose Valley Winery GOOD LUCK HUNTERS!
HOURS: Mon., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 11 am-5 pm Sun. Noon-5 pm Closed Tuesday • Other Days By Appointment 3039 Beechwood Rd. • Rose City, MI
989-685-9399
Hunters: Don’t forget, wine makes a great gift for your deer widows.
Winterizing / Shrinkwrap Inside/Outside Storage Certified Technicians
www.augresmarine.com • 989-876-8587 3674 E. Huron (US-23) • Au Gres
said. “You can literally go to the state of Michigan, answer 90 questions on boat safety, pay $35 to $40 and end up with an intercoastal water license, good for inland streams and lakes –– not the Great Lakes.” Davis has a summer home in Prescott, and also fishes the Rifle River. He added that there are many differences between the Rifle and Au Sable. “The Rifle is a much smaller river, and private. And less people fish there, as the property to get in and out is all on private property,” Davis said. “The Au Sable is a public and larger river which has state-access ins and outs for boats and people to use –– and also, the Au Sable runs into feder-
See GuIdes, 11
and see our.... Remodeled Showroom and New Products Added • Rough Country Lift Kits • Custom Wheels • 7-Inch Stainless Steel Side Steps • Brush Guards LIFETIME WARRANTY See Us For The Hottest Truck & Car Accessories
ATC ACCESSORIES
Mon.-Fri. 8:30 am - 5 pm
2354 S. M-76 (I-75 Bus Loop), West Branch 989-343-9950 • Fax 989-343-9951
Largest Selection of High Quality Sporting Goods in the area! • DNR Licenses • Ammo • Hunting Supplies
Fairview Hardware
www.fairviewhardware.com
Page 4 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
Located at the corner of M-33 & M-72 989-848-2700
2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 5
Restructured license proposal will help generate more revenue for Michigan By sherry Barnum LANSING –– The first significant increase in hunting and fishing license fees in Michigan since 1997 is set to be approved by the House in September. According to Public Information Officer Dan Golder of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the license package has not yet been approved by the Legislature. “We are hopeful that this will happen, through a concurring House vote, in early September,” Golder said. “The most important thing to note is that once approved, the new license structure and fees won’t take effect until March 1, 2014. So these changes won’t affect the upcoming hunting seasons.” According to a press release from the DNR, Michigan has not seen a general increase in hunting and fishing license fees for 17 years. Only
minor changes to fees have been made in that time, and if the proposal passes, it would generate $12.8 million for the 2014 fiscal year. Full ongoing revenue of $19.7 million would be generated beginning in the 2015 fiscal year. The proposal would make for a more simple, fair and efficient license structure, according to Golder. “The new structure would reduce core license types from 227 to less than 40,” he said. According to the press release, the DNR proposes that a base hunting license be required to hunt small game and non-waterfowl migratory birds in Michigan. The cost for licenses would be: $6 for juniors (ages 10-17); $11 for residents (ages 17-64); $5 for seniors (ages 65 and older); and $151 for non-residents (ages 17 and older), including a $1 surcharge. According to the same press
release, tags could then be added on to the base license for: deer ($20), antlerless deer ($20), fall turkey ($15), spring turkey ($15), fur harvester ($15), waterfowl ($12), bear harvest ($25), bear participation ($15) and elk ($100). Golder said a new combination hunting and fishing license would be available for $76 for a resident or $266 for a non-resident, including the $1 surcharge. The combination license would include a license and two deer licenses, and an all-species tag and additional tags could then be added. As of now, Michigan’s resident hunting license fees are consistently less than the resident fees charged by neighboring Midwest states for every license type except elk. At $15, Michigan currently has one of the lowest resident deer license
See PROPOsal, 16
Rose City Drug Photo Processing ... Our LifePics Service provides 24/7 Ordering Only Available At www.rosecitydrug.com
2640 N. M-33, Rose City, MI
989-685-2141 Mon.-Fri. 9 am - 6 pm Sat. 9 am - 4 pm • Closed Sunday
Willard’s Equipment, Inc. 255 South M-33 West Branch, MI 48661 989-345-3128
HUNTERS: Stop by and try one of our specials Monday through Friday! DEER WIDOWS: Every Wednesday is Ladies Night! 1/2 OFF DRINKS AFTER 6:00 PM 107 S. Morenci Ave., Mio 989-826-6006
Page 6 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
Basic Dos and Don’ts of Bear Encounters • DO travel in small groups and make noise. • DO stand your ground and then slowly back away. • DO make yourself look bigger and talk to the bear in a firm tone of voice. • DO fight back if actually attacked . • DO carry pepper spray. Studies have shown pepper spray to stop attacks about 65 percent of the time. • DON’T show fear or run. • DON’T play dead. Tips courtesy of the Michigan DNR
J & P Sporting Goods
Fishing, Hunting, Athletic Equipment, Handguns
989-345-3744 989-345-7528
KWA Airsoft Ammo & Guns
Kubota Standard L Series
Powerful Standard L Series compact tractors with powerful savings! **
$0 Down & 0% Financing up to 60 Months A.P.R.
Jon and Kim Rivard Owners jnpsport@gmail.com
Offer ends September 30, 2013
We Now Carry Athletic Equipment
Willard's Equipment, Inc. 255 South M 33 West Branch, MI 48661 (989) 345-3128
3275 W. M-55 West Branch, MI 48661 www.kubota.com ©Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2013
GRZQ $ 3 5 ¿ QDQFLQJ IRU XS WR PRQWKV RQ SXUFKDVHV RI QHZ .XERWD %; % / 0 DQG 7/% 6HULHV HTXLSPHQW LV DYDLODEOH WR TXDOL¿ HG SXUFKDVHUV IURP SDUWLFLSDWLQJ GHDOHUV¶ LQ VWRFN LQYHQWRU\ WKURXJK ([DPSOH $ PRQWK PRQWKO\ LQVWDOOPHQW UHSD\PHQW WHUP DW $ 3 5 UHTXLUHV SD\PHQWV RI SHU ¿ QDQFHG $ 3 5 LQWHUHVW LV DYDLODEOH WR FXVWRPHUV LI QR GHDOHU GRFXPHQWDWLRQ SUHSDUDWLRQ IHH LV FKDUJHG 'HDOHU FKDUJH IRU GRFXPHQW SUHSDUDWLRQ IHH VKDOO EH LQ DFFRUGDQFH ZLWK VWDWH ODZV ,QFOXVLRQ RI LQHOLJLEOH HTXLSPHQW PD\ UHVXOW LQ D KLJKHU EOHQGHG $ 3 5 1RW DYDLODEOH IRU 5HQWDO 1DWLRQDO $FFRXQWV RU *RYHUQPHQWDO FXVWRPHUV $ 3 5 DQG ORZ UDWH ¿ QDQFLQJ PD\ QRW EH DYDLODEOH ZLWK FXVWRPHU LQVWDQW UHEDWH RIIHUV )LQDQFLQJ LV DYDLODEOH WKURXJK .XERWD &UHGLW &RUSRUDWLRQ 8 6 $ 'HO $PR %OYG 7RUUDQFH &$ VXEMHFW WR FUHGLW DSSURYDO 6RPH H[FHSWLRQV DSSO\ 2IIHU H[SLUHV 6HH XV IRU GHWDLOV RQ WKHVH DQG RWKHU ORZ UDWH RSWLRQV RU JR WR ZZZ NXERWD FRP IRU PRUH LQIRUPDWLRQ 2SWLRQDO HTXLSPHQW PD\ EH VKRZQ
2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 7
*
Hunting the right way Eastern Arenac Sportsman’s Club offers classes for any age By sherry Barnum Hunting is a great activity when done the right way –– not only for youths, but adults as well. Mike Collins, vice president of the Eastern Arenac Sportsman’s Club, said the club offers hunter safety classes for all ages at no charge twice a year. “There is no age limit whatsoever,” Collins said. “And we don’t discriminate. We accept anyone who wants to learn how to hunt and take the classes.” Collins said the instructors who teach are certified by the Department of Natural Resources.
“We aren’t DNR officers –– we are just certified to teach the class,” Collins said. “But we do have a DNR officer come out to our classes to talk to the classes, and they enjoy it. The kids love it and (the officers) love to come out and talk to the kids.” Collins said during the classes, as many as 60 participants learn how to handle firearms and live fire a .22 caliber rifle, a 20 gauge shotgun, crossbow and compound bow. “They also learn how to go over and under a fence with a firearm, as well as learn how to operate and load a muzzleloader,” Collins said. “We also go side by side in the woods and learn how to point the gun when bird
Dean’s Bait & Tackle, Inc.
Connie & Sons Produce CORNER OF M-55 & M-33
Deer Feed Apples Beets Carrots Corn
Boat & RV Shrink Wrap Winterization Storage
Fall Potatoes 55# Bag $5.00
2260 M-33 Alger, MI 48610 989-836-2460 989-240-6559
Halloween Decorations
989-820-7069
Mason’s Lumber & Hardware For all of your Building Material, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical Needs 2493 M-33, Rose City, MI
989-685-3999 Fax 989-685-2385
hunting.” “We have seven instructors and we all love teaching the kids, because they are the future of our gun club,” he added. Collins said the instructors want to teach the kids and adults who take the class how to hunt the right way. “We teach them about the new proposals going into effect, explain rules and restrictions, and what it means when they see a no trespassing sign,” Collins said. “We also explain no poaching and harvesting a deer.” Demonstrations also play a major part in teaching as part of the club’s
M-33 SUPPLY Closeouts & Buybacks From Major Chain Stores • Rope • Camo Material & Burlap • Tarps • Gloves • Spray Paints • Gun Cases • Hardware Supplies
Open 7 Days Exit 202, Off I-75 4 1/2 Miles North on M-33 4275 S. M-33 Alger, MI 48610
989-345-2165 www.M33Supply.com
See huntInG, 21
Rifle River Market Corner of State Rd. & U.S. 23 Omer, MI. 989-653-2068
Full Line of Deer Feed Corn, Carrots, Deer Crunch, Bag & Bulk Beets, Third Cut Alfalfa.
Open 7 Days a Week 8am - 7pm (thru December)
CCW CLASSES CONCEALED PISTOL CLASSES. CALL MARK AT MACHULIS FIREARMS TRAINING 989-313-1044 EIGHT HOUR CLASS NRA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR
Page 8 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
Brown Farms
Mon. - Fri. 4:30 pm-5:30 pm Sat. 8 am-Noon Closed Sundays
• Sugar Beets • Shelled Corn • Cracked Corn • Straw 5090 Clark Road, Prescott
1/2 mile west & 1/4 mile south of Prescott
989-873-4728
CUSTOM DEER PROCESSING
AuGres Willett’s
Meat Deer
We are proud to be a Processor for Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger! Donated deer goes to AuGres Food Bank 10% Off Deer Processing for All Active and Non-Active Military Personnel Cape Mounts Our Specialty • Hand Fillet Cut We guarantee you get your own meat back Smoked Meats, Sausages and Jerky White freezer paper wrapped (cryvac available)
•We Pay Top Dollar For Deer Hides • Cold Storage • Deer Feed
427 W. Huron / AuGres Meat Market 989-876-6967
Serving Michigan for over 75 Years • Home Heating Oils • Farm & Commercial Fuel • Kerosene • Gasoline • Diesel Fuels, including Soy Diesel Blends • Propane • Bulk & Packaged Motor Oils Available • Hydraulic Oils • Grease and Gear Lubricants
Come check out our new stock of
Hunting and Archery Products FEATURED ITEMS Summit Viper SD Climbing Tree Stand 20 lbs./300 lb. maximum weight limit. 5 Year Warranty. Made in U.S.A.
$298.99
Rage Expandable Broadheads 100 grain, chisel tip, fly like field points.
$37.99-$38.99
PIONEER GENERAL STORE Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am - 5 pm Saturday 9 am - 4 pm • Closed Sunday Reuben Bontrager
989-826-3580
Hunting for a Great Truck? See the experts at Dean Arbour There’s Heavy Duty... This is Super Duty
« Cash & Quantity Discounts « Automatic Keep Full Service « Budget Plan West Branch 1985 M-55 989-345-3672 800-638-4882
Mio 310 S. Morenci Ave. 989-826-5565 800-833-0137
www.fosteroil.com www.blueflamepropaneinc.com 3382 W. M-55 • West Branch 989-345-1590 • 1-800-610-3780 www.deanarbourford.com 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 9
Bringing Gunsmithing into the 21st Century 8-Hour CCW Class
989-879-3067
Rifenbarkarmory.com
Nester Creek Convenience Store • Groceries • DVD Rental • Kerosene • Beer/Wine • Liquor • Ice
• Pizza, Chicken, Full Deli • Walk in Beer Cooler • Propane Filled on Site • RVs Filled on Site • Gas & Diesel
4971 E. M-55 Prescott, MI
989-873-3333
WE DELIVER PROPANE
Good Luck Hunters!
If the Car Gets the Deer... We Can Help!
West Branch Collision Your #1 Uni-Body Frame Specialist
Blinds a valuable tool while hunting By Kevin Bunch While it is certainly possible to go out hunting with little more than just yourself and a weapon, a popular technique among the hunting community is to use blinds for concealment. Blinds allow hunters to get a good shot in with less work, and luck, involved. Norm Wright, owner of Wright’s Sports Store in Au Gres, said prefabricated blinds are popular items that can run between $60 and $200, depending on the size and features. “With archery, you need to have some moving room in there with the crossbow,” Wright said. “If you want it big enough for more than one person, then you’re going to want more room,
Free Estimates Free Loaners Towing Available
See blInds, 18
THE PLUMBING DOCTOR Your Hometown Handyman with 15 years experience Winterization Available - Residential & Commercial Denis Droope Insured
• Custom Painting • Glass Repair • Windshields • Fiberglass Repair
and usually when you buy one, you’ll want one that you can open up on more than one side — or maybe all the way around — so you can close part of it up and look out at least two ways. That way you have some freedom to change from one direction to another.” He added hunters should also consider how lightweight a prefabricated blind is going to be, since they will need to carry it to wherever they plan on setting it up. Hunters know the value of good camouflage on their person, and Wright said making sure a blind has the proper camouflage for its location is important to keep it from being noticed. While
989-426-2513
Poole’s Meat Processing 3084 Grove Street Rd., Standish, MI 48658
(989) 846-6348
989-345-7230 Family Owned & Operated for 32 Years Gary Sancrant • M-F 8-5 Sat. 8-Noon www.westbranchcollision.com
• Custom Deer Processing • Venison Summer Sausage • Venison Jerky from your Deer • Cape Mounts Available • Open Sundays (In Season)
Page 10 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
Guides: Local men guide fishermen on Rifle, Au Sable FROM PaGe 4 al water down at McKinley and 4,001 access sites.” “The Au Sable also offers bigger water, all mayfly hatches, bigger fish and (it’s) easier to maneuver down with your drift boat,” Davis added. Bachelder said the river he guides on depends on his client. “Basically the width and depth of the rivers are the main differences,” Bachelder said. “The Rifle offers the solitude of a smaller stream and smaller fish, but there is more of them, and the Au Sable offers bigger fish and not having the worries of hooking a tree because it is a much larger river.” For Davis, fishing season starts April 1 and ends Oct. 1. “I have had my summer
home here for 22 years, and then go back downstate in the winter months and come back up here at the end of March through October,” he said. “During winter months I hunt with bow and gun –– whitetail deer down in southern Michigan on my own private property,” he added. “When that is done, to keep me busy I do all my fly-tying until I come back up here end of March to use for my trips, and I also tie for the Trophy Waters Fly Shop –– some of his hatches.” Bachelder said he offers trips all winter long. “The migratory fish in the river and in most trout streams in Northern Michigan are open year round for catch and release anglers,” Bachelder said. “I
will usually have one a week or two a month in the winter season –– definitely not as many as I have in the summer.” Davis said the biggest difficulties in being a river guide are getting your name out there and building your reputation as a good flyfishing guide. “My reputation gets built by word of mouth and getting repeat customers from year to year,” he said. “I have many repeat clients and (I’m) thankful for all of them, and many have become good friends through the years of guiding them down the river.” Bachelder said word of mouth advertising works best for him. “I was born and raised here,” Bachelder said. “Because of that and all the
2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 11
time spent on the rivers has helped me learn when the best time of the day and best area is to take a client. There are so many trout streams around that you don’t need to travel any farther.” Bachelder said if anyone is interested in booking a trip with him they can call him at 989-345-3234 for an appointment. Davis said if anyone is interested in booking him for a trip, they can call 313291-2914 from October through April 1. “After that, when I am up north you can call me at my cabin at 989-873-6547,” Davis said. “My wife monitors the website throughout the day, which is www.den nisdavisriverguide.com –– or email davis5988 @att.net.”
DNR warns against using invasive crayfish as fishing bait By Kevin Bunch The Department of Natural Resources has urged anglers across the state not to use red swamp crayfish as fishing bait due to fears the species could get loose and establish itself in the state. The crayfish are native to the southeastern U.S., but according to DNR Aquatic Species Regulatory Affairs Program Supervisor Nick Popoff, they have been found in drainage ponds in Wisconsin, which suggests they are capable of surviving in northern waters. “The state of Wisconsin had two drainage ponds in a suburban area infested, in 2009 and 2010. They drained the ponds and filled them with cement,” Popoff said. “Burrowing is why Wisconsin paved the ponds over — they can burrow up to 6 feet (deep).” According to a DNR press release, the crayfish are dark red in color, with raised, bright-red spots on the body and claws. They also feature a black, wedge-shaped stripe on the abdomen, and can be anywhere between 2 and 5 inches long. The crayfish can lay as many as 600 eggs at a time twice a year, and are known to migrate as far as three kilometers to find suitable habitats. The crayfish are often sold for human consumption, Popoff said, but the DNR has heard reports of people purchasing them at stores and using them for bait. While it is
Photo courtesy of the Department of Natural Resources
The Department of Natural Resources is reminding anglers not to use red swamp crayfish as bait, as it is considered an invasive species in Michigan. legal to trap and use native crayfish species as bait, Popoff said they are not commonly sold in bait shops.
See CRaYFIsh, 22
At Team Hodges we’ve got your target price on new and pre-owned vehicles!
k H c u u n L t d e r o s! o G Your Home Team Advantage
See our entire inventory at www.teamhodges.com Sales: Mon.-Fri. 8-6; Sat. 9-2 Service: Mon.-Fri. 8-5:30; Sat. 9-2
2265 South M-76 • West Branch Local 989-345-1022 • Toll Free 1-877-345-1022
Page 12 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
DNR helps fish populations by stocking bodies of water By eric Young Each year, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources stocks around 700,000 pounds worth of fish in around 700 ponds, streams and lakes around the state. While that may seem like a lot, DNR Program Manager Gary Whelan said not all bodies of water are stocked by the DNR. In fact, there are a four reasons why a lake would be chosen to be stocked. Those include: 1. To reintroduce extirpated species, 2. To improve and rehabilitate degraded fish populations, 3. To maintain ecosystem balance, and, 4. To produce fish because anglers demand diverse sport fish-
ery. “Most of the time, we do not stock waters that are self-sustaining,” Whelan said. “It’s almost always a body of water that needs help. Maybe it’s not a good spawning habitat, so fish can’t reproduce. For example, the Au Sable River in Mio. We don’t get a lot of natural reproduction. Or when harvest rates are too high. Walleye populations are good examples of that.” The fish introduced to those bodies of water are
See stOCkInG, 15 This map shows the six fish hatcheries that the DNR uses around the state. Courtesy of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources
For a successful hunt... Check out the new line
of archery equipment at
Including bows, compound bows and accessories. For sales, tuning & repairs see Geoff, Mike or Linda
Get your DNR hunting & fishing license here!
2106 S. M-76, West Branch 989-345-0020
Home of the $9.99 New Merchandise Propane Refill Arriving Daily
2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 13
Jonsered CS2255 Turbo Chainsaw
55.5cc Engine 3.5 HP 12.8 lbs. $
39995
with 20” bar
or
$
38995
with 18” bar
Prices starting at $199 Your #1 Sources for Powerful, Lightweight, Chainsaws, Trimmers, Brushcutters, Blowers, Landscape Equipment and More!
Restrictions: FROM PaGe 3 “Even within Ogemaw County, it depends on the habitat and the hunting pressure,” he said. “There are parts of Ogemaw County that just seem to produce bigger bucks every year. You go to other areas, like the state land in the northwest area of the county, it seems like there’s fewer big, mature bucks.” Smith said 2,000 people in Zone 2, the deer management zone where Ogemaw County is located, would receive surveys about the proposed restrictions. A supermajority will be needed to approve the restrictions, Smith said. “A survey will be taken, and via that survey, at least 50 percent of the survey recipients have to respond, and of those that respond, at least 66 percent have to be in support of the proposal,” he said. For more information on the LPDMI, visit mideerhunt.org.
Did you have a successful hunt? Post your pictures on our facebook page. www.facebook.com/ ogemawherald
The Store That Saves You More! 136 S. 5th St., West Branch Next to West Branch Furniture Outlet
989-701-2500
Mon.-Fri. 10 am-6 pm; Sat. 10 am-5 pm; Closed Sun.
Hunting For a Great Deal on Tobacco?
Say no to more taxes ... DIY smokers pay less in taxes by rolling their own cigarettes. Want to know more?
Call Save More Tobacco Store
Each Building is Designed Specifically to Suit the Customer’s Needs.
• Commercial • Industrial • Agricultural Miller Construction & Equipment, Inc. 276 W. M-55, West Branch, MI
SAVE $1.00 OFF
SAVE 50¢ OFF
16 oz. bag of loose tobacco
6 oz. bag of loose tobacco
www.millerconstequip.com
With this coupon. Expires 12/31/13 Excludes sale priced tobacco.
With this coupon. Expires 12/31/13 Excludes sale priced tobacco.
*Family Owned Since 1973*
989-345-2499
Page 14 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
Stocking: DNR hatcheries plant 19 million fish per year FROM PaGe 13 raised in six hatcheries around the state, from as far north as Marquette to as far south as Wolf Lake, Whelan said. “Most produce cold-water fish,” he said. There are 22 different types of fish raised, including 11 species and one hybrid. Whelan said most of the fisheries only have between six and eight staff members, yet they are responsible for $40 million to $100 million worth of economic activity in each hatchery. “They are very sophisticated systems,” he said. “And they have a lot of substantial hurdles they have to pay attention to.” Those hurdles include genetics and fish health. “We have to pay attention to fish health all the way through out there,” Whelan said. He said the DNR uses 17 different trucks to move the fish to their new locations, but the DNR does not determine what fish will go where — it’s up to the managers of those areas. “Our managers tell us what they want and where they want it,” Whelan said. “We do not tell them what to stock. We’re like the factory.” During the year, the DNR stocks around 19 million fish, traveling approximately 138,000 miles. For more information about the DNR’s fish stocking program, and information on what bodies of water are stocked with what species, visit www.michigandnr.com/fishstock.
WANT TO HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO?? READY TO GET OUT OF THE RAT RACE DOWNSTATE?? HUNTING FOR A BUSINESS AND A HOME? YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL!! OWNERS ARE RETIRING AND READY TO SELL AND ARE OFFERING LAND CONTRACT TERMS ON THE “SONGBIRD MOTEL” AND “O’BRIEN’S RESTAURANT” 320 S. MORENCI AVE. MIO, MI 48647 IF YOU ARE READY TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE, CALL
989-826-5547
Evolved Habitats Food Plot Seeds & Attractants
Primos & Flextone Game Calls & Products Ameristep Bone Collector Brotherhood Tree Stands
& HARDWARE Mon.-Fri. 7 am-5 pm Sat. 8 am-3:30 pm Closed Sunday!
WE DELIVER!
We Carry American Made Products
693 E. Kittle Rd., Mio, MI 48647
989-848-8000
2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 15
SIDING • WINDOWS • DOORS Huge Selection of Vinyl Siding In Stock! Vinyl Windows
Steel Roofing
Exterior Doors
Quarry Ridge Stone
(standard & custom sizes)
Call us for all of your building supplies.
Northwoods Building Products, LLC 5130 S. M-13 • STANDISH, MI 48658 northwoodsbuildingproducts.com
1-800-323-7434
Linwood Cycle Sales
1517 N. Huron Rd. Pinconning, MI 48650 989-697-4425 www.linwoodcycleonline.com
From Storage Barns to Cabins... We Have A Variety Of Options To Fit Your Budget. Rent to own now available! Call today!
Proposal: FROM PaGe 6 fees in the nation. The proposed fee structure would allow Michigan to remain price-competitive with neighboring states. According to the DNR, additional license money would provide an increase in education, outreach and public safety contacts by hiring additional conservation officers, technical assistance for fisheries habitat improvement on cold-water streams, creel surveys and assessments on inland lakes and streams, and outreach to anglers who fish for perch, bluegill and bass. The increase would also provide an increase in the rearing and stocking of fish by addressing infrastructure needs in hatcheries, provide grants to stakeholders to increase fisheries habitat in inland lakes and streams, increase acres of public game areas receiving habitat management and maintenance and provide grants to stakeholders to do so, according to the press release. Additionally, it would work with MEDC to enhance marketing of recreation opportunities and design mobile applications, enhance the retail sales system to create a better license-buying experience, expand natural resource education programs, expand recruitment and retention programs for hunters and anglers, open additional service centers to the public and increase hours that service centers are open to the public. It would also increase acres of state forests receiving wildlife habitat management or maintenance, provide grants to stakeholders to do so and pay property taxes to local governments for access to public lands.
DEER HUNTERS Now Booking Daily Doe Hunts $100 3-Day Hunts $500 8 Pt. Rules Apply Record Bucks Taken!
Enjoy a Great Experience!
989-745-1015
Many sizes and options available. Call or stop by for more details.
Northstar Storage Barns, LLC
3 miles North of Mio on M-33 398 N. Mt. Tom Rd. • Mio, MI 48647
Good Luck Hunters! Check Out Our Website www.fernelius.com
989-826-1000 LICENSED BUILDER
113 S. Bennett, Rose City, MI 48654 989-685-2401
Page 16 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
Wolf license sale postponed Wolf hunting licenses sales — originally scheduled to begin Aug. 3 — have been pushed back until Sept. 28. The Department of Natural Resources announced the postponement July 30. A press release stated the action was taken to ensure that license-sales technology is able to handle the expected high demand. “We anticipate that there will be a lot of people trying to buy a very limited number of licenses in a short time frame,” said Adam Bump, DNR bear and furbearer specialist, in the release. “This is a first-come, first-served purchase, unlike other limited-license hunts that require an application and drawing process, so it presents a new challenge for our retail sales system. We want to make sure the system is equipped for the high volume so sales go smoothly and everyone has an equal chance to get a wolf license.” Once they go on sale, a total of 1,200 wolf licenses will be available
over the counter and online. A license will cost $100 for residents and $500 for nonresidents. Bump said that, in addition to ensuring that technology is up to speed, the DNR is working to put adequate Saturday staffing in place to make the license-buying process as fair and efficient as possible. The licenses are for a wolf hunt this fall in three areas of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. According to the press release, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission named the wolf a game species in the state July 11, and approved a limited public wolf harvest in three distinct regions of the U.P. The hunt will target a total harvest of 43 wolves in three wolf management units (WMUs), located in areas where wolf-human conflicts — including depredation of livestock and pets and human safety concerns — have been persistent despite employing a number of control measures.
Hunting for a Great Deal? See the experts at Dean Arbour
The
According to the DNR, the 2013 wolf hunt will open Nov. 15 and will run until the target harvest is reached or Dec. 31, whichever comes first. The three WMUs are located in portions of Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon, Gogebic, Luce and Mackinac counties. The bag limit is one wolf per person per year. Firearm, crossbow and bow hunting will be allowed on public and private lands. Trapping will not be allowed as a method of take. Hunters must have purchased a hunting license in the past or taken a state-approved hunter safety education course to buy a license. Michigan’s wolf population has grown significantly since 2000, with a current minimum winter population estimate of 658. The DNR does not expect the target harvest to affect the overall wolf population trajectory, based on published scientific research. To learn more about the state’s wolf population and wolf management plan, visit www.michigan.gov/wolves.
Comins
MARKET Welcomes all wild goat hunters, let us supply all your needs! Thanks, Bob & Randy Open Every Day 7 am - 8 pm
Comins, MI • 989-848-5900 Best Little Store In Town!
The
CARRIE JAMES of Pinconning
3520 N. Huron Rd., Pinconning, MI 800-610-3779 www.deanarbourfordjeep.com
Restaurant Hunters... stop in for a great home cooked meal! Open Every Day 7 am - 8 pm
Comins, MI • 989-848-5500 www.facebook.com/TheCarrieJamesRestaurant 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 17
Blinds:
Cherry Creek Farm
FROM PaGe 10 prefabricated blinds usually have camouflage patterns already on them, Wright said some hunters prefer to make their own permanent blind — in those cases, camouflage is up to them. In forests, he said blinds — as well as tree stands — are most successful when they are a mix of greens and browns to blend in with the trees. He suggested avoiding the color black where possible, as it absorbs the sun’s rays and will cause the interior to get unpleasantly hot over time. At the same time, Wright said hunters should avoid reflective materials as well, as they can give away the blind’s position to animals. Wright also suggested adding natural camouflage to the area around a blind or stand, using leaves, brush, sticks and any other materials from the surrounding area. “I know I’ve been out goose hunting, and we cut down some red willows, held them out in front of us and moved across the field, and it camouflaged us well enough to get closer,” Wright said. “I wouldn’t dare try to walk out there without some sort of camouflage.” He added that screen camouflage is available to cover the windows on a blind, and, when used properly, allows hunters to see out but makes a blind harder for animals to spot. Wright also suggested using burlap camouflage for areas like cornfields or nearer marshy areas, like the Saginaw Bay. When hunting near the water for ducks and the like, he said different camouflage should be used to blend in with the reeds and marsh grass, and natural items like cattails should be used. Picking an effective spot to set up a blind is also vital, and Wright said everyone has a different idea on where the best places are. “Some like the edge of woods looking into the field, and in archery season some people like to set up on a runway and wait for deer to come down the runway,” he said. Finally, he recommended packing fairly lightly for a day out in the blind to avoid making multiple trips through the area. He said hunting supplies, a lunch, and a compass should do for most people.
The Best Kept Secret in Northeastern Michigan • Needing a weekend getaway with the family or planning a fall hunt? We offer over 500 acres of secluded property just waiting for you to enjoy.
• Our cabin rentals include all linens, satellite TV, full kitchen, fireplace, catch and release fishing for the kids, campfire area, and most of all an experience that will make memories for a lifetime.
• Now booking fall trophy white tail deer and game bird hunts.
Call or email us today for more information.
Trophy White Tail Deer & Game Bird Hunts Fishing • Lodging
524 Miller Road Mio, Michigan 48647
Ph: 989-848-5411 Fax: 989-848-2431 www.cherrycreekfarm.com cherrycreekfarm@aol.com Page 18 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
Table courtesy of the DNR –– Page numbers reference the DNR’s 2013 Michigan Hunting and Trapping Digest
Looking for Hunting & Fishing Land or a Hunting Lodge? Check out these Local Realtors! ATLAS
New Name...New Look Same Great Service! Real Estate Sales and Property Development Rose City
989-685-2414
St. Helen
989-389-2121
www.BenjaminRE.com info@BenjaminRE.com
Hale Office 3160 North M-65 Hale, MI 800-495-2540 West Branch West Branch M-33/M-55 Office Loop Office 1953 S. M-33 2575 S. I-75 Bus. Loop West Branch, MI West Branch, MI 800-535-6520 866-345-0315
2814 Greenwood Rd. P.O. Box 32 • Prescott, MI
989-873-3601 www.atlasstatewide.com Maple Ridge area, 10% interest in a 1264 acre hunting club with manufactured home on lake and club house. Asking $198,900
Malcolm’s Tackle Box Fishing and Hunting Supplies David C. Malcolm Owner
Skidway Lake area, 60 acres on Rifle River. Asking $179,000 East Tawas area, 60 acres hunting land. Asking $130,000
This Business For Sale!
989-389-2100 Tues.-Sat. 8am-5pm Sun. 9am-3pm Closed Monday
776 N. St. Helen Rd. St. Helen, MI, 48656 mtacklebox@charter.net
We want to see your hunting and fishing photos! Send them to info@ogemawherald.com 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 19
SPORTSMEN: Hunting for a bite to eat or a place to grab a drink? Aim for these local places.
HANK’S of Alger
Daily Specials
Friday Fish Fry
Homemade Soup & Salad Bar Sunday All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet 8am-Noon Old Fashioned Turkey Dinner Full Restaurant and Bar Menu 844 N. M-76 989-836-5286
WELCOME HUNTERS!
Open Daily Home Cooking • Cold Beer Great Atmosphere Daily Specials Hunting Widows— want a good meal you didn’t have to fix?
503 W. Houghton Ave. West Branch, MI Raudy
989-345-7505
Bunch
Home of the World Famous Burger or Brat & Beer for $1.25 Sunday • Noon-5 pm Wednesday - Beer $1.75 Tues. & Thurs. Open to Close 8oz New York Strip only $2.99 a la carte Every day - all you can eat Fish $12.99 Happy Hour • Mon.-Thurs. 3-5 pm $1.75 Beer
989-846-4602 • Standish
• Pizza • Bakery • Ice Cream • Daily Specials • Specialty Cakes
989-685-3111
114 N. Williams Rose City, MI 48654
• Fountain Soda • Snacks • Cappuccino • Coffee • Gas & Diesel Fuel Mon.-Thurs. 7:00am-8:00pm Fri. & Sat. 7:00am-8:30pm Sun. 8:00am-8:00pm 1945 Miller Rd. • Fairview 48621
989-848-2407
Beer • Ice Liquor • Wine Gas • Diesel New Restaurant Opening Late October! Full Menu 2355 S. M-33 • West Branch
Sun.-Thurs. 11am-10pm Fri. & Sat. 11am-2am
Bring your BUCK in & hang it on our BUCK POLE for 2 hours and get a FREE BURGER & BEER on us!
...in beautiful downtown Clear Lake • Sports Bar • Keno • Full Menu
2212 Clear Lake Rd. West Branch • 989-345-1155
SPORTSMANS BAR 116 S. State St. (M-65) 989-867-4774
2015 S. M-33 Corner of M-55 & M-33 West Branch, MI
989-345-5590
ior Super ty Quali
.M
Af for dab Price le s
ike’s Pi
a zz
989-473-2472
989-685-9096
valleymistvineyards.rosecity @gmail.com
Hours: 9 am - 2 am
Best Burgers Around! Free Pool on Sundays Karaoke On Wed. 8pm-1am Entertainment on Fri. & Sat. Nights 9pm-2am Serving your favorite bar food until 1 am d! ysThe games are always on!
Page 20 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
&
1005 Wiltse Rd. Lupton, MI
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri. & Sat. 11am-5pm Sun. Noon-5pm 2742 Townline Rd. Rose City, MI
GE RAE MINI MART
THE
• Hunting & Fishing Licenses • Packaged Liquor • Beer • Wine • Bait • Groceries • Candy We accept EBT
Welcome Hunters & Hunting Widows
p
On the Grill New York Strip & Ribeye Steaks
Pull Tab s
O KEN
Brad Moore Owner/Vintner
Mr
Fri. & Sat. Starting at 5pm Slow Roasted Prime Rib
Randy’s Restaurant & Bakery
Sa ndwich Sho
Pizza & Sandwiches You’ll Love... We Guarantee It!
989-345-1818 Plaza East • West Branch
Hunting: Sportsman’s club offers hunter safety classes FROM PaGe 8 hunter safety classes. “Right now, we don’t have the funds to go out and buy treestands for the students to set up,” Collins said. “But we show them a movie with the knowledge that they may need, as well as set up harness demonstrations on how it works and show them the right way to take a firearm up the treestand.” Collins said at the end of the class, students receive an orange vest and patch along with their certificate. He said the club usually gains four to five new members once the classes are finished. “It’s $30 per year to join,” Collins said. “We are also hosting our annual gun raffle on Sept. 15 –– that is open to the public. We offer a lot of different events at the picnic, such as shotgun shoots, 50/50 raffles and auctions.” The Eastern Arenac Sportsman’s Club is located at 2392 W. Main St., Twining, MI 48766. Anyone interested in joining the club or participating in classes can contact Mike Collins at 989-873-3530.
Starts quicker. Runs quieter. Stops smoother.
The new Kubota RTV500 compact utility vehicle has all the comfort, technology and refinements of a larger utility vehicle—but fits in the bed of a full-size, long bed pickup. Available in Kubota orange and Realtree®* camouflage, the four wheel drive RTV500 is ready for work or play. Visit your local Kubota dealer to test drive the only utility vehicle of its kind.
MISCISIN BROTHERS 3768 South Huron Rd., Standish, MI 48658 989-846-9281
Large and smallmouth Bass fishing dates open Apr. 27- May 24 on catch-and-immediaterelease on Lower Peninsula waters, including Great Lakes
R
ty RV Cent i C e er os
Get Ready for Winter! Make Your Appointment for Winterizing Now! Large Selection Travel Trailers, Fifth Wheels, Fold-Downs, Truck Campers, Fold-Down Rentals Full Parts & Service
989-685-3461 1-800-295-3461 2228 South M-33, Rose City Closed Wednesdays www.rosecityrv.com 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 21
Crayfish: DNR advises awareness
Courtesy photo
Successful hunter Craig Jackson of West Branch shows off the eight-point buck he shot in Klacking Township during the special disabled firearms hunt on Oct. 21, 2012.
T H H
We want to see your hunting and fishing photos! Post them on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/ogemawherald
KEN’S PARTY STORE & CAR WASH
Country Crafts Barn
The Area’s Only 28o Beer Cave
Many Gift Ideas for
K Crafters & Beginners A Beads & Rubber Stamps, Wood Shelving, B Signs, Birdhouses & more O O 989-685-2067 S Hours 10 am-6 pm 4785 M-33 E Fri., Sat., Sun. & Holidays
FROM PaGe 12 He said as an invasive species, the red swamp crayfish would be able to outcompete the native species for food and living space. Popoff added that the rusty crayfish, an invasive species in its own right, is already hurting native crayfish. Since the red swamp crayfish is also capable of burrowing, Popoff said the species can be extremely difficult to extirpate. “Since there is a strong commercial market to import these crayfish for human consumption, the DNR is asking anglers and residents to be on the lookout for this species in bait stores,” said DNR Fisheries Division Chief Jim Dexter in a statement. The DNR is requesting that anyone who sees red swamp crayfish being sold in a bait shop contact the DNR at its hotline, 800-292-7800, or by email at DNR-fisheries@michi gan.gov. “The purpose is to educate anglers on paying attention on what they use and what they’re putting in the water,” Popoff said. “Invasive species are threatening not only aquatic but terrestrial environments, so it’s important for our vigilance.”
4 miles north of Rose City
We also carry a large selection of liquor, mixers, party needs and ice.
Wide Variety of Tobacco Lottery • ATM • Air Pump Debit/Credit or EBT Cards Daily 7:30 am-11:00 pm Fri. & Sat. 7:30 am-Midnight Sun. 8:00 am-11:00 pm
FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED SINCE 1962
WEST BRANCH
& AUTO SERVICE CENTER
AUTO REPAIR 8-5 M-F OIL CHANGE 8:30-5 M-F
Welcome
COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR Hunters COMPUTER DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE
“IT COSTS NO MORE TO HAVE A SPECIALIST DO THE WORK” FOREIGN & DOMESTIC AUTOMOBILE REPAIR
• CERTIFIED MECHANICS •
AIR CONDITIONING • RADIATOR FLUSH • ALIGNMENT BRAKES • MUFFLERS & EXHAUST SYSTEMS • GAS TANKS AUTOMOBILE ELECTRIC SERVICE COMPUTERIZED FRONT & REAR ALIGNMENTS & TIRE BALANCING
3149 W. HOUGHTON • WEST BRANCH (1/4 MILE WEST OF M-30)
345-4410
Page 22 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide
1943 Greenwood Rd. Skidway Lake
989-710-2559
Pheasants: Youth program offers hands-on wildlife activities FROM PaGe 2 looking to start a mentoring program to offer youth hunting opportunities. “The mentoring program will be for those interested in small-game hunting,” Schafer said. “We have a small shooting preserve that they will go out on. We want to give kids who might not have an opportunity or anyone to take them hunting a chance to go out and learn the skills they need.” “We offer hunters safety and give them a hands-on experience with outdoor needs,” he said. “We get a lot of youth
that come out with an interest in wildlife and habitat that may not have had an opportunity for a hands-on experience.” Schafer said members like to give the youths who come out that chance. “We have made several projects, such as wildlife species birdhouses, nesting projects or making a brush pile for wildlife opportunities,” Schafer said. “Last year we did a tree planting in the spring, and in the winter we cleared out some areas to make brush piles for small game and small birds to use for nesting.” Schafer said one of the aspects he likes
to incorporate is identifying different species and how they respond to the habitat. “We have been doing most of the work at my farm, with the help of Amy Zettle, who is on the committee for youth activities,” he said. “The Pheasants Forever motto is ‘No Child Left Inside,’ and we want to do our best to get them outdoors and engaged in the habitat and wildlife.” For more information on how to get involved with the local Pheasant Forever Youth Program contact John at 989-9653462.
www.ogemawherald.com www.arenacindependent.com www.oscodaherald.com
TONY’S DEER PROCESSING
TROPHY ROOM Taxidermy & Wildlife
Boneless Cut Caping Available Smoked & Fresh Meats Jerky
N. American • African • Exotics
Over 20 Years’ Experience
• Game Heads • Life Size Mounts • Upland Birds • Fish & Rugs
Lee Vanpetten, Wildlife Artist Visa, MasterCard, Discover
989-345-7454
989-654-3484 6431 Sterling Rd., Sterling S.B. I-75 & Sterling Rd. - Exit 195
1400 Joy Bell Ln. West Branch, MI 48661
Deanna’s Serenity Oasis Salon
Bryan’s Processing Custom Meat Processing for Farmers and Hunters Owner Bryan Fritz 439 N. Morrison Rd. West Branch, MI 48661
Phone: 989-225-9100 5 miles south of Rose City Beef • Pork • Venison
136 S. Fifth St. 989-345-5326 “The Outlet Store that Saves You More” Mon.-Fri. 10 am-6 pm; Sat. 10 am - 5pm; Sun. 11 am -3 pm
Doe’s Special 10% off
SMALL TOWN SERVICE BIG TIME VALUE Call or visit your local retailer for details
VISIT YOUR
Local Expert
Hair • Nails • Tanning
QHP Internet LLC
3640 Rifle River Trail, Prescott 989-873-1470
135 N. Williams Rose City, MI 48654 989-685-8016
with this ad. thru Dec. 15, 2013
Open late Tues. & Thurs.
2013 Hunting & Fishing guide — september 11, 2013 — Page 23
Page 24 — september 11, 2013 — 2013 Hunting & Fishing guide