The unique and amazing black bear

Tom LounsburyBucks n Bears, Friends of ELO, Game Species Profiles

                The American black bear has long proven to be highly adaptable to an ever-changing world. Unlike its less adaptable North American cousins, the polar bear and grizzly, black bear numbers are on a steady incline and in some cases, especially due to dedicated bear management efforts these days, are even extending their typical range, making it the most numerous bear species on this continent. This means humans and black bears frequently share the same ground which at times can lead to conflicts, even in urban environments, and black … Read More

When Pigs Fly

Rebecca MorganConservation & Wildlife Management, Hunting Stories & Adventures

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

Rebecca MorganConservation & Wildlife Management, Hunting & Outdoor Lifestyle, Hunting Stories & Adventures

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

Pursuing wintertime bushytails

Tom LounsburyHunting & Outdoor Lifestyle, Hunting Stories & Adventures

When winter finally rolls in, I automatically begin pondering squirrel hunting, and there is little doubt in my mind that a highly underutilized outdoor pastime is pursuing wintertime bushytails. Personally, I thoroughly enjoy every opportunity to go squirrel hunting, and I have my favorite spots on both private and public land, not only in my home Thumb area, but also elsewhere in the state. A beauty about squirrel hunting is that you don’t have to travel far to find ample opportunities anywhere in our great state of Michigan, and with plenty of public land available, … Read More

Turning trophies from the field into ‘Art’

Tom LounsburyConservation & Wildlife Management, Hunting & Outdoor Lifestyle, Product Guides and DIY Projects

Being an outdoor writer has taken me to many places and adventures, but the best part of it all is the people I meet who readily share their special outdoor-related niche. While many of the folks I meet often entail planned adventures, I am never surprised when things happen in a very fortuitous manner, and I meet someone totally out of the blue. And nope, folks, I’m none too shy at all about striking up a conversation with total strangers! Such was the case while I was recently picking up packaged venison at Outback Meats … Read More

Shortcuts – Friend or Folly

Rebecca MorganConservation & Wildlife Management, Friends of ELO, Hunting Tips & Techniques

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

Sometimes Lessons Need To Be Relearned

Robert WellerFriends of ELO, Hunting Ethics & Safety, Hunting Tips & Techniques

Well folks I don’t know about you but we had a decent deer season for 2024. A total of 6 deer were taken off the property we hunt this year and every one of them by yours truly. Not for lack of effort by my son or the landowner (Steve) and his daughter, but I just seemed to be the one blessed with the most opportunities. The old saying goes, I’d rather be lucky than good any day. Not to discount the skill and knowledge that are needed to successfully hunt a mature whitetail, but … Read More

Ode to the magnificent rimfire “Double Deuce”

Tom LounsburyFriends of ELO, Hunting & Outdoor Lifestyle, Hunting Tips & Techniques

There is little doubt that the most popular rifle and handgun cartridge in this country is the .22 rimfire round. Annual ammunition sales also state that it is the most fired round in America, and it is extremely versatile for being used from target shooting and simple plinking, to small game hunting and even personal defense. The fact that it isn’t overly loud with its report and lacks any noticeable recoil causes the .22 rimfire to be the perfect round to introduce new and young beginners into the shooting pastimes. Having shot the .22 rimfire … Read More

Diehard – A Battle of Wills

Rebecca MorganBucks n Bears, Friends of ELO, Hunting Stories & Adventures

The following article is about an extraordinary hunt as told by our nephew, Derek. Derek Harrison experienced the hunt of a lifetime on opening weekend of gun season 2024.  It all started on the second day of the hunt, November 16 on his father-in-law’s property in Hillsdale county. It was a fluke of a site, as a few weeks earlier he’d set up his hunting spot in the dark. Heading out on the morning of the hunt, and running late, Derek reflects on saying to his brother-in-law, Kenny, “I know there are big deer, we … Read More

ODE TO JOE – A Faithful Companion and Friend

Rebecca MorganHunting Stories & Adventures

Anyone who has ever owned a dog can appreciate the immense sense of loyalty a canine friend provides.  This bond may be intensified when dog and man spend countless hours together in the great outdoors.  Perhaps there’s no better example of this than upland bird hunting, when this finely tuned duo work in tandem to tag team their winged prey.   This story is about Joe, a beloved German Short-hair Pointer (GSP).  His owner, Barb, cared for him, or more likely spoiled him, and graciously allowed her husband, John, to be his hunting buddy.  She said, … Read More