Heartland Outdoorsman

Not enough alewives to support Lake Michigan salmon - Heral

Heartland Outdoorsman — Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

Author: Heartland Outdoorsman

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

Not enough alewives to support Lake Michigan salmon
Herald Times Reporter, WI - Jul 17, 2008
By Cindy Hodgson • Herald Times Reporter • July 17, 2008 Lake Michigan hasn't experienced the dramatic decline in salmon that Lake Huron has seen, ...
Fishing Report: Frigid waters freeze out Lake Michigan fish Herald Times Reporter
Economy, weather impact charter fishing Herald Times Reporter
Two Rivers looks for successful weekend at derby Herald Times Reporter
all 4 news articles

Lake Michigan (Chicago lakefront) *½ - Chicago Tribune

Heartland Outdoorsman — Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

Author: Heartland Outdoorsman

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

Lake Michigan (Chicago lakefront) *½
Chicago Tribune, United States - Jul 17, 2008
Shore fishing slow near Racine while trollers picking up a mixture of chinooks, rainbows, coho, browns and lake trout in 70 to 90 feet of water. ...

Breaking News: Western Wolf Hunts Shot Down

Field and Stream — Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

Author: Field and Stream

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

From the Associated Press: A federal judge has restored endangered species protections for gray wolves in the Northern Rockies, derailing plans by three states to hold public wolf hunts this fall. U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy in Missoula granted a...

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Source: Field Notes
Daily dispatches from the sporting world

Another Birthday Celebration

Dave Richey — Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

Author: Dave Richey

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

It was 69 years ago when I came kicking and squalling prematurely into this world, after whipping on my smaller twin brother George, for the right to be the first-born. We celebrated my birthday today, but the actual date is Tuesday, July 22.

Thinking back on it, it’s difficult to believe I’ve been drifting through this outdoor life for so long. My life has truly been blessed with not much money but the opportunity to choose my life style, and live life (within reason) on my terms.

There has been heartbreak, deaths (including my father, mother and twin brother plus both sets of grandparents), and through it all, a love for fishing and hunting has helped rule my life. I’ve fought long and hard for our natural resources, and that hasn’t always been an easy task although it has been a thankless one.

I began my writing career 41 years ago with a sale to Sports Afield magazine, and the first six free-lance sales were easy. Then it became much more difficult because I’d used up my best story ideas.

It took time, but learning to recognize good stories, learning how to edit my own copy, and how to out-work most writers became my stock in trade. I worked solo from 1967 to 1976, and when my wife Kay and I married in 1977, my income doubled because of her help.

We traveled six months a year (May through October), and wrote magazine copy and outdoor books the other six. The output of magazine copy was prodigious, and unparalleled by most outdoor writers. I once wrote nearly 400 full-length magazine articles and three full-length books each year for two years in a row. I could see potential magazine articles that other writers couldn’t see, and I capitalized on it.

For years, a photographic memory allowed me to remember what had been published each month in several different magazines over a five-year period. I knew when a certain type of article was needed by a magazine, and I’d propose the article a year ahead of time.

Many magazines considered me a “hole-filler,” a person who could write a feature-length article, based on my experiences, on demand. If Joe Blow wrote a poor story, or didn’t meet the deadline, they came to me and I filled their hole. Besides, such stories always paid more money.

Our travels crisscrossed North America for six months each year. We’d be in Quebec one week, and on the Kentucky-Tennessee border the next week. Get home, shower and wash clothes, and then we’d be off on another adventure. I’ve been from Mexico to Baffin and Victoria islands in Canada’s Northwest Territories, and from Hawaii east to North and South Carolina and northeast into Maine and Pennsylvania.

We’ve suffered through miserable trips where the fishing or hunting didn’t pay off, been lied to by guides, left up in the Idaho mountains by an idiot guide, had guides who were trustworthy and keen at their job, and had guides who stole some of my gear.

One yoyo stole a whitetail buck I’d killed at gunpoint, and I’ve faced down black and grizzly bears at spitting distance. I fell off a fire escape while taking photos and broke my back, and have been attacked by a pack of wild dogs. I stupidly jumped into quicksand once, and have tripped and floated, upside down and backwards, through many river holes. I’ve been in countless storms in a small boat, and managed to make my way to shore without becoming a statistic.

There have been some of the nicest people in the world who have worked with me, and a few who seemed certifiably crazy and didn’t warrant a second chance. I’ve never been on a trip where I wasn’t welcome to return sometime in the future, and second invites are sometimes difficult to attain in this business.

I’ve filled camps and lodges for a year with some of my stories, and other stories just never seemed to click with readers. There is no predicting what readers will like or dislike, and this weblog is a good example. Some will find it interesting, some will consider me a braggart, and others might wish I’d written about a fishing hotspot they wanted to learn more about.

I lost my beloved twin brother almost five years ago, and my life hasn’t been the same without him. I think of him daily, recount our thousands of fishing and hunting days together, and wish they hadn’t ended when they did. He had multiple forms of cancer, and when he died, I was happy for him because his battle was over.

Now, I fish and hunt whenever I wish, and look to buy books on fishing and hunting from my readers. I enjoy short emails from people, and answer as many as time permits, but an average of nearly 200 emails cross my desk on a daily basis. Some I won’t answer because nothing about them applies to me or my website.

Dad passed away almost two years ago, and his life was very difficult toward the end. We now look forward to future fishing and hunting trips.

So, if you’ll excuse me now, the Richey Clan and assorted friends and relatives, are gathering to help welcome this old codger into his 69th year. So, with a hearty thank-you to those who have passed on birthday wishes, and to those who could care less about my birthday thoughts, I bid you a fond adios for another day.

Stay well, and take care of each other.

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Source: Outdoors With Dave Richey

Understanding Michigan’s Wolves

Dave Richey — Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

Author: Dave Richey

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

Your love ‘em or hate them. Wolves have few people who are ambivalent about them

Discussing wolves in this state means people are either “for them” or “against them.” Wolves, somewhat like black bear numbers, have a certain human acceptance or tolerance level.

When animal numbers exceed the social carrying capacity in that area, the local human residents find themselves switching sides from “for” to “against” in very little time. So, managing either animal is as much about managing humans as the wild animal populations.

It appears there are somewhere between 500-550 grey wolves in the Upper Peninsula, and best-guess scenarios have the animals well distributed from north to south and east to west. The number climbs in the spring when wolf pups are born, and drops slightly during winter months as some wolves perish for a variety of reasons.

Wolves are fascinating creatures, and here are some facts about Michigan’s gray wolves that may be of interest.

*Key dates from 1838 to the present include: 1838 is when Michigan’s legislature enacted a wolf bounty; 1840 was when wolves disappeared from the southern Lower Peninsula; 1910 was when wolves disappeared from the northern Lower Peninsula; 1954-1956 was when the last original verified wolf pup was produced in the Upper Peninsula; and 1965 was when wolves were legally protected.

*Other dates of interest was 1974 when four wolves were translocated to the Huron Mountain Area in the U.P. All four wolves were killed within a year; 1991 was the first year when documentation of the first wolf pup was produced in the U.P. in nearly 40 years; 1996 was when wolves were believed to be present in all U.P. counties; 1997 was when Michigan adopted the Michigan Gray Wolf Recovery & Management Plan; 2002 saw Michigan reclassifying its gray wolf population from endangered to threatened under the Michigan State Endangered Species Act; 2003 saw the Federal government reclassifying Michigan wolves from federally endangered to federally threatened; and 2004 saw the first documented return of the gray wolf to the northern Lower Peninsula where one was accidentally trapped and shot by a person who thought it was a coyote.

*As of last year, Michigan’s gray wolf population was about 500-550 animals. The breakdown since 1989 is as follows: 1989 showed a state mainland total of two wolves; 1991 saw 17 wolves; 1992 saw 21 wolves; 1993 had 30 wolves; 1994 showed 57 wolves in eight packs; 1995 found 80 wolves in 12 packs; 1996 showed 116 wolves in 16 packs; 1997 showed 112 wolves in 20+ packs; 1998 had 140-150 wolves in 20+ packs; 1999 showed 174 wolves in 30+ packs; 2000 had 216 wolves in 30+ packs; 2001 had 249 wolves in 30-50 packs; 2002 showed 278 wolves in 60 packs; 2003 had 321 wolves in 68 packs; 2004 found 360 wolves in 77+ packsl and 2005 found 405 wolves in 86+ packs. It’s unknown exactly how many wolves are present this year as pups were born earlier in the year.

*It’s estimated that each gray wolf can consume 17-20 whitetail deer annually, states the Timber Wolf Alliance, a program of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute of Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin < http://www.northland.edu/soei/timber_wolf.asp >.

*Gray wolves (Canis lupus) are the largest member of the Canidae family. This family also includes coyotes and fox.

*Wolves do not necessarily require wilderness to survive. They can live anywhere there is an adequate food supply, enough suitable forest land to roam and, most importantly, human acceptance.

*Wolves are carnivores or meat-eating mammals that feed primarily on beaver and deer, but also add to this diet some birds, small mammals and snowshoe hares. There has minor depredation complaints from farmers, and all complaints are investigated by the DNR and/or Federal officials.

*A pack of wolves will cover at least 100 square miles or about three geographical townships. They can travel long distances quickly for short periods, but maintain a dog-like trot for 20 hours without resting.

*In 2004, wolves killed 17 domestic animals including five dogs in the Upper Peninsula.

*Wolves survive as families in a pack system with a strong hierarchical structure of members that include: the alpha or male and female leaders of the pack, juveniles from previous litters, individual wolves that may not be genetically related plus pups from the present year. They work together to maintain the survival of the pack which leads to the survival of the individual animal. Packs are very dynamic, developing and breaking apart depending upon circumstances such as the death of an alpha male or female. The average number of wolves in a Michigan wolf pack is four to five animals.

*Isle Royale, in northern Lake Superior, belongs to Michigan. It has held wolves for many years, and in 2005, 30 wolves lived on the island where their primary food source are beavers and moose. The entire island is a National Park, and no hunting is allowed.

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Source: Outdoors With Dave Richey

Instructional Video: Self-Defense

Field and Stream — Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

Author: Field and Stream

Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:02 pm

What with Justice Scalia deciding that it's OK for us to shoot bad guys on our premises and the recent case of the Texan who killed two men who were trying to burgle his neighbor, home defense is on a great many gun owners' minds. This instructional video was sent to me by Chuck Windsor, a retired film actor, and...

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Source: David E. Petzal - The Gun Nut
Rantings and ravings from Field and Stream's David E. Petzal

We're Moving!!

Mike Clifford — Sat May 17, 2008 7:23 pm

Author: Mike Clifford

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 7:23 pm

The current site is moving to a new platform shortly.
It is suggested you continue posting at the following domain, as new posts as of this writing will not be carried over.

http://www.heartlandoutdoorsman.com/smf/index.php

It is still a work in progress, but we need to bang it around to see how it performs.

Thanks!

Florida - South Indian River Fishing Report

fishtales — Sat May 17, 2008 2:25 pm

Author: fishtales

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 2:25 pm

May 15, 2008

INSHORE:

May has brought us some great fishing around the river and the usual conditions to test your fishing skills, too. I had to get out today in spite of what the weather predicted for winds. It was a mostly a scouting trip for redfish. Mornings aren't too bad to fish around the river and top water works well this time of year. Look to the islands to give you plenty of areas to fish and use the wind to your advantage. May will continue to give us warmer water and great fishing action on the Treasure Coast.

Redfish was my target this week and I found several small schools feeding around on the flats. Look in the shallow water this time of year. They will most likely not show themselves and slip off unseen, but whenever the opportunity for sight casting come up.....it's a very exciting way to fish! I lost one upper slot redfish near the boat and watched three lazily swim in front of the boat and boated one 28" redfish while sight casting to them. I only stayed a couple hours, but did find my target to try this weekend. I like to use smaller soft baits, like the DOA CAL grub tails when fishing shallow. The fish are rooting around on the bottom and these lures can entice them into a strike. May and June have traditionally been very good for redfish on the river. Stealth and patience can provide some good rewards!

This 28" redfish was suckered by a DOA CAL grub tail on the shallow flats south of Fort Pierce this week.

Snook feeding on the many baitfish around the river. Watch for bait being chased and it will more than likely be a snook, trout or jack creating the havoc on the flats. Only a short time left this month to catch that slot snook! There have been some snook taken around the bridges and inlet at night, but with the weather it has been a little quieter this week out there. Live pinfish or mullet has been a good choice for bait.

Another recent redfish that was fooled by a DOA CAL shad tail around the Fort Pierce docks...

Trout have been caught up around Queen's Cove and Round Island. I spoke to an angler at the ramp who had caught several nice trout on top water at first light. Watch for nervous baitfish on the flats. There is usually something lurking around them! Top water early and jerk baits as the sun rises will give you a good chance at a hookup.

Bridges have been slow this week. Some sheephead and snapper, but a quiet week for fishing those areas. Jetties have held mackerel, bluefish and jacks. The Surf has produced whiting ,bluefish and a few scattered pompano when fishable. As the winds finally die off for the summer, look for fishing to continue to improve around the river. I love this time of year on the river!

Tip of the Week:

I plan each trip around weather, tides and winds. I set up the equipment for my first two stops on the water. Always a top water, soft bait and suspending lure ready for any opportunity that presents itself. You already know where you plan to start fishing and being ready for that first cast can save you valuable fishing time. When I am done fishing an area, I have the gear set up for the next place I plan on fishing. Certain colors or lures for redfish flats and different set ups for trout flats. A little preparation ahead of time can give you more fishing time on the water. Have a great May out there!

As always, remember, fishing is not just another hobby....it's an ADVENTURE!!

Good Fishing and Be Safe,
Captain Charlie Conner
www.fishtalescharter.com

email: captaincharlie@fishtalescharter.com

772-284-3852

Big Pond

pegsguy — Sat May 17, 2008 9:55 am

Author: pegsguy

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 9:55 am

Don't understand all this seasickness. I usually spend one day a week on Lake Michigan in any condition from calm to 4 footers and have yet to get sick. The worst part is trying to use the head in rough weather. That bowl is awfully small when you and it are going in opposite directions.
I used to describe Salmon trolling as riding around on the boat while the captain caught fish and let me reel them in. Then I hooked up with a guy who owns a boat rigged for the lake and included me in the whole process from lure selection to rigging and netting. That turns the trip into a fishing trip instead of just catching. It's a lot more fun than a charter. My buddy and I went out on the 10th and in 4hrs boated a lomit of coho and steelhead(rainbow). All in all,not a bad way to spend a spring morning.
Tom

Get 'em While You Can

TexIndian — Sat May 17, 2008 12:08 am

Author: TexIndian

Posted: Sat May 17, 2008 12:08 am

I laughed till I cried. Get your official Bosnian sniper bullet fired at Hillary "rhymes with witch' Klinton. Place your bids HERE.

Wisconsin fishing report - Wausau area

Joel the Muskyman — Fri May 16, 2008 6:20 pm

Author: Joel the Muskyman

Posted: Fri May 16, 2008 6:20 pm

Anglers looking to cash-in on excellent multi-species action should consider wetting their lines in the Wausau area right now. Crappie fishing has been terrific the past week with excellent numbers of fish available. As they continue to make their way toward spawning areas, look for high concentrations of fish holding in deep water adjacent to these grounds. Slip bobber and minnow combinations are a fine choice for these deeper fish as are small countdown style crankbaits. With the continued warmer weather, the crappies will continue to slide shallow, frequenting downed trees, stumps, and log jams as they look to spawn. Again, live bait is an excellent choice as is fishing small in-line spinners or spinnerbaits in and around cover.

The top-notch smallmouth fishery that is the Wisconsin River system is also producing large numbers of quality smallies as they also look to spawn. Key on shallower hard-bottomed areas and explore them with lipless crankbaits or in-line spinners until fish holding sections of shoreline are located. Tubes rigged Texas-style are a fine choice once numbers of fish are located, and may be utilized to thoroughly work a spot to contact as many fish as possible.

Northern pike are greedily attacking lures fished over and through the newly emerging weeds found in many of the backwaters and bays of the Wausau area. Water temperatures are such that many of trophy female specimens are still shallow and active before making their hiatus for deeper water as surface temperatures rise to summer conditions. Look for sunny days to produce the best action right now, with the bite best often during mid-day hours.

Walleye fishing has been consistently good, with more fish showing up in their deeper water haunts with the post-spawn transition completed. Slip-bobbers have been accounting for many walleyes as has the reliable jig-and-minnow combination. Stretches of river channel containing sharp irregular breaklines or submerged wood are excellent places to start. Don�t be surprised if you boat several bonus slab crappies as they have been frequenting many of the same areas.

Next Saturday begins the 2008 musky season for Northern Wisconsin and should again begin in a banner way in the Wausau area. Unlike many deeper, clearer lakes to the North, the Wisconsin River system in and around the Wausau area will have temperatures that should find the king of freshwater actively chasing down a variety of presentations. Good starting points are the newly emergent weed beds and shallow to midrange depth wood cover on the lakes with the aforementioned structure types adjacent to current breaks good on the Wisconsin River itself.

Joel DeBoer

St Joe Challenge

MrBass — Thu May 15, 2008 8:30 pm

Author: MrBass

Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 8:30 pm

Al Mudhill wrote:

The Joe has some HUGE Flathead Cats Mr. B, thats my guess!

Your probably right Al..We did talk to a local who was fishing off his dock for small gills to use for bait later in the afternoon. He told us he had caught a 26 pound Flat Head right off the end of his dock a couple of days before using a Bluegill for bait.
There's also more than a few good sized Channel Cats in that section too.

Site Decision Time.....

Mike Clifford — Thu May 15, 2008 5:58 pm

Author: Mike Clifford

Posted: Thu May 15, 2008 5:58 pm

Is the template I'm currently using a little easier on the eyes?
http://www.heartlandoutdoorsman.com/smf/index.php

Al-
there is a latest posts feature, right on the index page near the bottom.

Have yet to migrate all of the posts from here (if we even can at this point), but the feature is shown there.

If you have Kids, know your Neighbor!

Cheech — Wed May 14, 2008 3:22 pm

Author: Cheech

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 3:22 pm

Here's the site address if you want to maximize the screen.

http://www.familywatchdog.us/

Global Cooling?

MT Net — Wed May 14, 2008 7:40 am

Author: MT Net

Posted: Wed May 14, 2008 7:40 am

First it was the threat of Global cooling. THen hte inventer of the internet sold many on global warming. Now we are back to global cooling once again. Sort of like watching world cup soccer. The ball is passed around to both zones of the field, but not a whole lot of scoring is going on.

As of today, May 14th, many lakes in northern Minnesota have not declared ice out. Simply too much ice on the lakes. It would appear that we are recycling the weather patterns from the 1950's where ice out dates were later than average.