No one makes a Grand Entrance quite like Ross Chambers. Gary and Ross were to meet up to pregame for bear hunting season, with much preparation to be done. His first trip to East Lake was a memorable one as around midnight he turned off East Lake Road with his red Ford Ranger pickup, which Ross affectionately referred to as his DeRanger, and proceeded to go down the boat ramp directly into East Lake with a Sploosh! In his defense, it was dark out and with no artificial light, it does get a lot darker … Read More
While You Were Sleeping
Did you ever stop to think about what goes on in the great outdoors at night? Thanks to trail cams, we have at least a hint of a notion. This is especially true of nocturnal creatures, or as the 1972 debut record album by the rock band, Edgar Winter Group title says… They Only Come Out At Night! So fine dining is definitely a moonlight activity for these creatures. My dad had plenty of stories to share about his efforts to protect his garden during the night hours. Living on the edge of the woods … Read More
The Chamber of Flashbacks – coming soon!
If you’ve ever been to a WGD hunting camp, you may be familiar with the name Ross Chambers, affectionately known as Palley. Though a highly skilled guide, Ross is also known for providing comedic relief in camp from time to time. The cost of admission to his show? It will cost you a highball! But perhaps most entertaining is the legend of Ross himself, as he and his antics become the stuff of lore! Countless stories have been shared over the years, so many in fact, that we’ve decided to feature a weekly column for … Read More
I Wonder As I Wander
Sounds like a Christmas Carol, right? That’s not what I’m going for here. Afterall, we just celebrated The Resurrection. It will be a few months before we celebrate His birth again. Let’s enjoy this season and the wonders it entails, such as… Can the pursuit of Morel Mushrooms in Michigan inspire one to answer some of life’s thought-provoking questions? I’d like to think that indeed it can. While I enjoy a few mushrooms in various foods, the real draw is the challenge of the hunt and the feeling of satisfaction when success is finally achieved. … Read More
Duck… Duck… Goose… Spring is Finally on the Loose!
Oh, what sweet relief as the undeniable signs of spring arrive. From the distant gobble of a turkey and many bird songs, to the bulbs surfacing in my garden. One can’t help but smile, especially after such a challenging winter, with the ice storm of a century now just five weeks behind us. But perhaps one of our most pleasing encounters has been the almost daily stream traffic of ducks. We’re amazed at the unique details each possess. The distinct differences between male and female mergansers, at least at first glance, might lead one to … Read More
Nice Ice Baby!
In Northern Michigan, we are currently “Under Pressure” as ice surrounds us on all sides. It’s beautiful but deceivingly dangerous. At moments you find yourself amidst the ultimate winter wonderland as ice glistens in minute detail. Pine needles, branches, and even each blade of grass hangs in their own ice cocoon. One can’t help but marvel in God’s creation at this spectacle. But then you hear the crashing of numerous trees falling from a distance, and some very close by. Your heart rate increases briefly at the ominous danger of it all. During the … Read More
Bottoms Up!
This story started with its title, or more accurately, an observation that led to its title. The snow filled and chilling past week has kept Michiganders inside, for the most part. The most outdoor activity I’ve engaged in is bringing more wood into our cabin home to keep us toasty and cozy. So was I ever surprised when I glanced out between the steep snowbank lined creek to see 5 Mallard duck couples. And to my delight, it was Valentine’s Day! Of course, my husband was in the U.P. with Bobcat hunters. With my … Read More
When Pigs Fly
For a hunting outfitter pursuing Bobcats, this may actually be a reality. And as such, it could be the answer to the question: When is Michigan’s bobcat hunting season? Kinda feels like we’re playing jeopardy, doesn’t it? Let me explain. Scene one of this phenomenon is set in Falmouth, Michigan at their famous Ebels General Store Meat Processing. If you’ve never been there, it may be worth the trip. They have an enormous selection of fresh meats in their store. Individuals and livestock businesses from all over utilize their well known butchering services. Many hunters … Read More
Spousal Date Redefined
About this time of year, it seems winter begins to wear out its welcome. Though I’ve enjoyed the beauty of the snow, especially during a recent snowshoeing adventure, the activity of wildlife slows. The birds who’ve been left behind, namely Chickadees, Nuthatches, Pileated Woodpeckers and Sap Suckers, provide the majority of wildlife sightings. We see the Bald Eagle near the creek looking for a defenseless victim, likely an unsuspecting Mallard Duck. Deer come and go as their dietary needs arise. After that, any other wildlife viewing is likely by way of trail cam. With … Read More
Shortcuts – Friend or Folly
We’ve all taken shortcuts at one time or another. Many live by the shortcut. Some, if we were to admit, have fallen by the shortcut. In a world where we want everything stat, patience is not only a virtue but a rarity. We live in an instant society where most of the time we can get answers in a moment with a google search, or alexa inquiry. Let’s face it, we don’t like to wait. But when it comes to nature, this may not be the best way to glean success, at least in the … Read More