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
Fine memories of handgun hunting adventures with “Lorraine”
Cover Pic: Author and his 1987 Thumb 8-point buck he shot with “Lorraine” on the first opening morning handguns were allowed for deer hunting in Michigan’s Shotgun Zone. In 1974 I travelled to Williams Gunsight in Davison with the goal of purchasing a .44 Magnum Ruger Super Blackhawk revolver, having the intention of using it for big game handgun hunting adventures. I had already enjoyed hunting rabbits and squirrels with a Colt .22 single-action revolver and was hoping to take a step up for bigger game animals, such as deer and black bear. I soon found … Read More
2023’s Highest Scoring Bears
Russell Waypa from Menominee shot the highest scoring black bear entered in state records maintained by Commemorative Bucks of Michigan during 2023 seasons and he got it in Menominee County. The bear that Waypa shot on September 24, 2023 had a skull that measured 21 11/16, easily qualifying for a spot in alltime national records kept by the Boone & Crockett Club, too. Black bear skulls must score a minimum of 21 to make the alltime list in national records as opposed to 18 for state records. At least three more bruins taken during 2023 … Read More
The unique and amazing black bear
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
Turning trophies from the field into ‘Art’
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
.41 Great Lakes – a new and truly amazing straight wall cartridge
When Michigan’s Shotgun Zone became the Limited Firearms Zone in 2014, it would completely change the complexion of deer hunting in southern Michigan, and other midwestern states with shotgun zones would soon follow suit with similar formats. A key feature is that only straight wall cartridges .35 caliber or larger, with a minimum case length of 1.16 inches and maximum case length of 1.80 inches are allowed. This is a straightforward approach which is easy to understand, and I do appreciate it. This would easily allow handgun-related calibers to be used in rifles, and I … Read More
From Forest to Table – It’s All Good
Few things bring people together more than food. The table is where conversations start and relationships begin. In families, this simple pastime is too often bypassed as a result of crazy, busy lives with little relief in sight. Yet this act of bonding is actually biblical, as frequently demonstrated by none other than Jesus! And how about the spirit of celebration He ignited through His first miracle! So we’ve established, food brings us together. How might that conversation be heightened when there’s a story behind the food, as in the challenge and victory of the … Read More