By: Jim Kushner. 2014 was my 43rd deer season here in Michigan. I live on 20 acres in northern Mi. and have enjoyed pretty good success deer hunting here in the last 20 years. My own son does not hunt (where did I go wrong) and neither does my younger brother who lives about 40 minutes from here. A few years ago my brother’s son John expressed an interest in deer hunting and I finally convinced him and his Dad to try the youth hunt weekend here at my place. Because of problems with … Read More
Do it! Hike it!
Spend a day or afternoon on a section of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) in the 500,000 acre Hiawatha National Forest. The NCT meanders through the Hiawatha “playground” for 82 miles. Pack your daypack, take water, and dress for the weather and season. Stroll along an ancient sand dune ridge. Wander under whispering red pines. Rest on the banks of a gurgling brook, or trudge beside the Niagara Escarpment outcrop. Enjoy the Lake Superior waves lapping the sandy shoreline along the Whitefish National Scenic Byway. Experience the amazing four seasons on the NCT. … Read More
Bear Prepared: Scouting Starts Today
We all know a successful outdoor experience begins with adequate preparation…or, ‘scouting’ as it’s called by most hunters. Scouting for bear hunting season is without exception. My brother and I, (both guides & outfitters) talked about how scouting has changed. Using Google maps, online topography, etc. along side of our traditional ways is now commonplace. Our “pre-scouting” before going out-of-doors is critical, thus, our efforts likely begin months ahead. Synergize our knowledge of the area with new technology and this gives us more than a visual of the area before our boots are on the … Read More
Deer Calling – “Marlene” Strikes Again.
By: Tom Lounsbury. I enjoy watching old black and white movies and one of my favorite actresses was the late Marlene Dietrich, who was born in Germany in 1904. She starred in quite a few U.S. movies during the 1930’s and usually had an opportunity to sing with her unique voice that offered a deep and sultry nature to it. With Marlene in mind, I try to imitate her inflection when I duplicate a doe call, and when it comes to calling deer, inflection I have found after over 30 years of deer calling, means … Read More
Take a Kid Hunting – The future to it all is there.
By: Tom Lounsbury. There is no question that the future of hunting relies on introducing (and mentoring – preferably one on one) kids to this wonderful outdoor pastime. It is the key reason I am a Hunter Education Instructor. I’ve always believed if you are going to talk the talk, you better be able to walk the walk. This also relates to why I fully support the special youth hunts as well as lowering (actually removing) the age requirement. I truly appreciate the Mentor Hunting license that allows kids age nine and under to … Read More
The Essence of Black Bear Hunting.
By: Tom Lounsbury. The May application period will be here before we know it with a deadline for applying for a Michigan black bear license (and elk license) being June 1st and I’m working on building up my points. I’m not expecting any miracles in getting an elk license but it is my goal is to harvest a Michigan black bear with a handgun, and I’m hoping I have enough points now. It has been a while since I’ve hunted bears in Michigan, although I’ve frequently bear hunted in Ontario, and I am looking … Read More
A High Calling – Managing Our Resources (w/3 part podcast).
This past fall was a successful and fun filled hunting season being able to build new friendships and developing my skills as a hunter and trapper in Michigan’s Great Upper Peninsula. I’m an Active Duty Coast Guardsmen, and last fall was my first time back in Michigan for the past three years. Stationed in Sault Ste. Marie I could not wait to get back into Beaver Trapping. Going through my traps that were left behind at my parents’ house for the past few years I decided to part with a few, and add some more … Read More
‘Twas bear season
This winter I had the privilege of chatting with Richard P. Smith, outdoor writer/photographer, just before he headed off to a speaking engagement at an outdoor hunting and fishing show. Most know Richard for being an expert hunter, scoring many book bucks and bears. Because of his time outdoors, I classify him as a bear and deer behavior expert…with a wealth of information. Gary L. Morgan (GLM): After hunting for over 50 years, scoring several book bears, what can you share with our bear hunters…whether a first timer or having hunted for years? Richard P. … Read More
Deer season with E.L.O.
Those few days in November are truly a special time of year! Over the last 27 years, I have had the privilege of making the trip with my Dad ( his 63rd trip), my son ( his 12th trip) and for the first time this year my future son in law. Every year is special and provides memories that will last a lifetime. We desired a change for the upcoming season and after a few conversations with Gary Morgan, we decided to book with East Lake Outfitters. And we had a fantastic trip! There was … Read More
Deer season was marked by three milestone events
This season marked my 60th consecutive season hunting Michigan whitetails. When i was twelve my dad convinced my mother that I was old enough to join him and my uncle in their annual hunting trip. was I excited! camping in a tent and sleeping on a bed of straw covered with a canvas tarp. My first rifle! Dad had single shot 16 ga. shot gun with an interchangeable .30-30 rifle barrel. I wanted a lever action Winchester like his but dad insisted that the single shot was a better choice for me. Dad stressed marksmanship. … Read More