July/August 2010 Vol.3, Issue 6
with the Dick Ellis Experts
Organic Pork The fast-moving white meat
Bears of Wisconsin The calm before the storm?
The ‘Up Nort’ Report When less is more
Gorging On Game Pre-fall freezer cleaning
Fly Fishing In Wisconsin String-slinging a streamer
An Eye For Parts Visually dissecting waterfowl
Waters Less Rippled A girl and her gar
Dog Talk Practicing for dry days
Wounded Warriors Action in Wisconsin’s wilds
Under Attack Only you can prevent invaders Dick Ellis Hunting, Fishing, Trapping, Travel & Outdoor Humor 2 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 3
DICK ELLIS On Wisconsin Outdoors Bear baiting diligence fills tags
Wisconsin bear guide’s work season for black bears. Last year at this begins months before the first time he was nowhere to be seen and Ahunter steps foot in camp for the then he just showed up on camera on September season. For Mike Foss of the same bait where we took the 639 Washburn near Lake Superior, diligent pound bear last year. I’m sure those two attention to making certain black bears battled based on the wounds we saw on habitually return to 38 bear bait sites both of them. We’ve taken bears over spread over 35 miles of rugged Bayfield 400 pounds on that bait, the Boone & County backcountry meant that hunters Crockett boar last year and Snaggle in 2009 realized a success rate of 95 Tooth has been a fairly regular visitor percent, with 100 percent shot just before dark. Not once have we seen opportunity. Included in the kill was a a sow or cubs on that bait. Those big 639 pound, Boone & Crockett boar boars would kill the cubs and the sows taken by Craig Cichanofsky of Green know it. I’m hoping Snaggletooth shows A black bear is captured by a motion camera mounted on a tree at one of the 23 Bay. Hopefully still out there in the up again this year.” Mike Foss bait sites on public and private land in Bayfield County. jungle somewhere is Snaggle Tooth, the Twenty-five hunters will come to monster bear watched by On Wisconsin Foss’s Northern Wisconsin Outfitters in Outdoors for three seasons from the early September carrying high hopes With the exception of using established population estimate of Foss camp thought to weigh as much as and, it is expected, the proficiency with a hounds, baiting is the only way to 13,000. The DNR website lists the 2010 700 pounds. Snaggle Tooth, so named firearm to quickly dispatch a Wisconsin successfully hunt bear. Until recently, bear population between 26,000 and for the long fang protruding from the black bear. One veteran bear hunter with many regular visitors to rural regions of 40,000 animals. side of his mouth probably due to a proven cool in “fever” conditions is Wisconsin have never even seen the shy Currently, bear hunters wait on battle injury incurred in younger years, chosen annually to wait…against the and often nocturnal black bear in the average seven to nine seasons to receive was captured several times on motion odds… on Snaggletooth. Hunters will wild. Increased northern Wisconsin a kill permit. More than 70,000 hunters camera mounted over one remote bait carry rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, sightings over the past several years and applied for and received either a harvest station placed by Foss in dense terrain compound bows, traditional archery 2010 human-bear encounters even in permit or preference point in 2010, the after tracking the old boar to the lair. equipment, and handguns. Regardless of Wisconsin’s southern counties verify highest numbers of applicants since the “Every year at this time I watch and that choice, each hunter is relying heavily that a two-year cooperative study of quota system was adopted in 1986. The hope that he’s still alive,” said Foss, who on Foss and his associate guides…right Wisconsin black bears coordinated by number of harvest permits has remained first saw the huge bear in broad daylight now… to bring bears to them via the the DNR is accurate; the population is relatively unchanged over the last several in 2005 on the hot trail of female animal’s tremendous sense of smell and probably about two times, or more, companionship. “This is the mating ferocious appetite in September. higher than what had been the long- continued on page 24
Wolves & Deer nother predator with certain which represents 168 hunting, fishing, populations in units where the herd is Aimpact on the deer herd is the trapping and forestry organizations in below established goals.” wolf, which is federally protected in the state. “This number far exceeds the The DNR with support of hunter Wisconsin. Although exact numbers of 100 wolf population goal set by the groups including bowhunters has the wolf in the state and specific federal government as the threshold for proposed eliminating harvest of numbers of deer killed per wolf delisting the wolf as an endangered antlerless deer by bowhunters in gun annually has been debated, it’s safe to species in the state of Wisconsin.” quota units that do not have antlerless say that most deer hunters will agree The DNR has with approval from permits available. that there are too many wolves taking the Natural Resources Board (NRB) For 2010, 46 DMUs are designated too many deer. designated 66 Deer Management Unit as Herd Control Units with deer herd The DNR has submitted a (DMU) as regular units with number estimated to be at least 20 petition, applauded by Wisconsin traditional nine-day gun hunts with percent above established goals. There hunting groups, to remove the gray buck plus antlerless quota rules. This is is an unlimited supply of antlerless wolf from the endangered list. an increase from 62 regular Units in deer harvest permits available in these Wisconsin’s petition joins similar 2009. According to the DNR, units, many in agricultural regions. action filed by Minnesota in March “Antlerless deer harvest is carefully Herd control units will also have an with Michigan following suit. managed by permits in regular units October 14-17 antlerless deer only gun “The Gray Wolf has been fully and 18 regular units will have no hunt. There are 22 DMUs designated recovered in the state of Wisconsin antlerless deer harvest permits as Chronic Wasting Disease A lone Wisconsin timber wolf apparently with the current minimum population available to deer hunters in 2010. This Management Units in 2010. These suffering from mange and seeking food of wolves estimated to be near 720 is up from 13 units with no antlerless units have unlimited earn-a-buck rules scraps is caught on motion camera at a animals,” said Jack Nissen, President of permits available in 2009 and is the and will be included in the October 14- O Mike Foss bear bait site. the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, fastest possible way to increase herd 17 antlerless only hunt. WO 4 May/June 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
JJ REICH The Reich Stuff Handling hogs with dogs: A conservation necessity
n the Southern states, wild hogs destroy 4. The dudes release a trained pit bull (ours Igood hunting and farming land. And once was named Texas Pete) to go in to a local population is established, it’s wrestle the hog down. impossible to completely eradicate them— their toughness, breeding rate and 5. The hog handlers flip the porker over undeniable survival skills (swimming across and end the adventure with a fast death strong rivers, charging to intimidate stab to the heart (we chose a Schrade opponents and just plain out-running Extreme Survival knife). predators) are absolutely amazing to witness. 6. The BBQ grill is ignited, meat is You really have only three options to prepared, beers are opened and the party control a booming hog population, with a begins. multi-facet approach: 1) baited hunting, 2) trap and eliminate, and 3) dog ‘em down Of the five-man group, our 6-hour and purge. adventure ended with four hogs in the OWO’s Managing Editor, Luke Hartle, freezer. Yes, I got the piglet, but when it and I got a chance to witness option No. 3. comes to controlling these damaging and We traveled to Roblyn’s Neck Trophy Club menacing wild hogs, every “little” bit in north-central South Carolina to a hog helps. The adventure was interesting and round-down with dogs. Here’s how it exhausting, not to mention a works: conservation necessity! Let’s all hope and pray Wisconsin does not soon have a 1. A group of smaller hounds (baying massively destructive hog population like hounds, usually Walkers) sniff out a hog, down there. chase it down, corral it and bark their For a southern adventure, Roblyn’s fool heads off. neck has a lot to offer: deer, turkey, hogs, 2. Some burly, tobacco-spitting “hog quail, dove and small game. Learn more O handler” dudes hear the barking canines at: roblynsneck.com. WO (or locate on GPS tracking collars) and we all run to the scene. JJ Reich is an outdoor writer who contributes product-related articles to several national 3. A bumpy and muddy ATV ride ensues, publications and is the author of Kampp and then a footrace to the scene of the Tales™ hunting books for children showdown. (www.kampptales.com).
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DON KIRBY Wisconsin Waterfowl Early scouting: waterfowling sweet spots uring mid-summer, it’s hard to be a time you spend now will seem like a share information. County personnel, Dwaterfowler. While fisherman are all great investment when you have state property managers and even over their game, and even Packers fans can waypoints in your GPS or know just WDNR Wardens might be able to start to watch the lads work out at training where the next bend in the trail is at 5 share valuable information with you. I camp, those of us who wait for the a.m. some day in November. can share two experiences: years ago, I whistling wings of October and November Fortunately, it’s never been easier to once questioned a Warden via e-mail can only peruse the latest outdoor catalogs’ get started on effective preseason about a particular lake I wanted to offerings, work on re-stringing last year’s scouting, particularly if you’ve got access hunt, that was within her area of tangles, patch up the holes our hunting to a computer. From very easy sites like responsibility. She was a huge source partners’ errant shots made in the decoys, Google Earth or Virtual Earth that show of information and guidance. More Being prepared and doing your home- and wait for the early goose season to start satellite imagery, to county websites that recently, I discovered a small, isolated, work now is the best way to ensure September 1. have maps of publicly owned hunting piece of county land that surrounds a success once the waterfowl season Rather than just waiting and fixing, lands and GIS maps that show owner- small lake, while reviewing maps on- opens this fall. what if you could make a real difference ship records of private lands—you can line. When I made a query of the in your hunting experience, by doing do a lot of “getting started” right in your county land office, the fine gentleman some legwork right now? It’s certainly own living room, before you get in the there even offered to have one of his possible. Any hunter with more than a truck. most experienced staffers meet me out house. Other times, you’ll find great few years of experience knows that good Once you’ve targeted an area using at the property, to show me around. things you want to be able to get back scouting is almost always the root cause whatever mapping assistance you find They even made it clear that the prop- to—that’s what GPS is all about. of success in the field. Although you on-line, then it comes back to the basics erty is very lightly used! Treated certainly can’t pattern the birds right of field work: respectfully, most of these folks are • Make notes. If you don’t keep a log, now (in many cases, they’re not here happy to help you get information. now’s the time. Record the place, yet), you certainly can explore new For Approaching Private conditions, key information, including • Remember, just because you’ve discov- places to hunt, both on public and names and phone numbers, etc. Landowners: ered a place for the first time doesn’t private lands. Believe me, once you’re over 40, you’ll • Never trespass. You do all of us as mean you’re the next Christopher I had a very interesting conversation appreciate being able to reference all hunters a disservice when you don’t Columbus. It’s hard to tell in July and with Kent Van Horn, migratory game this stuff, without having to remember request and receive permission to August what the usage patterns will be bird ecologist for the Bureau of Wildlife it! enter private lands, even before for a property in the fall, but by with the Wisconsin DNR (WDNR), last “having a look around.” utilizing contacts like those described winter. During our talk, he shared with Finally, consider involving a young above, you can get a feel for what me a number of tidbits of information. • Pick your times. You’ve heard it before, person in all of this preparation. Just might be going on, later. Be prepared One of the most compelling was the fact but approaching hard working farm think: Most of our younger folks are to share the resource, be respectful, that most waterfowlers on public lands folks when they’re in the midst of great with technology, so now you’d have and you might even make a new in Wisconsin are very sedentary. This harvest time, or when cows are the chance to connect some “on-line” friend. doesn’t mean you won’t get off the awaiting service, is almost a sure fire time with some “huntin’ time,” and both couch—it means that once you have a way to get the big “no.” Be respectful. • Know your boundaries. The saddest of you will benefit. You’ll find the exer- spot to hunt, you don’t move—ever. excuse in the book for any private cise of the whole process more Oftentimes, this reluctance to try • Be clear about what you’re asking for. landowner that abuts public lands is “I rewarding as you expose someone else to something new results in some areas that Identify yourself, who you’d hunt with, didn’t know” when they find someone the work, and the wonders, of waterfowl have a high degree of hunter traffic, where you’d like to utilize the owner’s that is trespassing off the adjacent hunting. while other public areas—sometimes lands, and for what. Even the most public lands. Be a responsible hunter, Now get going! All of us at the very nearby—get much less attention, protected deer-hunting properties do your research, and carry a paper Wisconsin Waterfowl Association are and pressure, from hunters. It also might not mind a few “golf course copy of the map with you – so that, if committed to education. Use this means that you could be missing out on geese” being culled during the early you do accidently stray, at least you’ll summer to learn some new things for some really great hunting, only because September season. yourself and make your fall hunting trips be able to take receive effective direc- O you’ve never explored anything else. tion on where the error was made. more successful and satisfying. WO • If successful in obtaining permission, Get Up Now be thankful. Respect the rules, follow- Have Your Tools Ready: up with landowners, don’t take advan- Don Kirby is Executive Director for the Nobody likes to miss a day in the tage of opportunities you didn’t ask • Before doing any actual on-the- Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. He blind in October, so what better time to permission for, and make sure to show ground work, be sure you’ve got your joined the group after 16 years as a Store research your next hunting spot than your thanks after the outing and/or maps ready, your compass and some Manager with Gander Mtn. in Wisconsin. right now? Sure, it’ll be pretty buggy now season. It does make a difference. binoculars to better see your Prior to his time with WWA, he did compared to during the season, but how surroundings. extensive outdoor media work on radio great will it be to know what that boat and TV. He has an MBA from UW- launch looks like, where the likely On Public Lands: • Better yet, learn to use your hand-held Milwaukee, and lives near Green Bay hunting spots will be and other key • Do your homework first. In the case of GPS, and bring it with you. Sometimes with his wife Kathy and their children. “comfort” factors when you go to hunt a many public lands, there may be you can even get waypoints to check Don has been an avid waterfowler for place for the first time next fall? The experts that are more than happy to out from your PC before you leave the nearly 30 years. 6 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
TERRY BITZ Outdoor Convergence Quantity can be quality
formed over the course of 15 years fishing local waters; however, there are some methods you can use to find these fish-filled waters without having to spend a decade looking for them.
Hunting For Lakes My first suggestion is to go online and download a copy of a DNR booklet called, “Wisconsin Lakes.” This document lists most of the state’s lakes and the major categories of fish in them. It then places those fish in population density categories of present, common or abundant. You will want to look for lakes that have your targeted fish species listed as Abundant. This indicates there you will likely find a big population of undersize fish that are just waiting to be caught. The DNR routinely updates the booklet, but you Sometimes catching a pile of small, aggressively feeding Download Wisconsin Lakes, at: fish is a therapeutic break from the emotional turmoil of may want to call your local biologist to confirm the constantly chasing rod-bending lunkers. information for a specific lake is up to date. dnr.wi.gov/lakes/lakebook I also recommend that you check in with your local bait shop. They might be able to offer advice on your lake choices and might suggest other waters to After the spinner bait, I will switch to a crankbait. try as well. Most often I will cast the crank into and along the “Sometimes it’s nice just to Once you narrowed down your lake choice, it’s weed edge. When the crank hangs up on the weeds, I time to make some decisions on tackle. When will give it a hard jerk to rip the bait out. This is often catch fish.” So says my friend choosing lures for this situation, I keep it very simple. I when the bass or pike will strike the lure and they will use a selection of soft plastic worms, small deep-diving do it aggressively. When I cast along the weed edge, I Bill anytime we decide to crankbaits, and spinner baits. will reel the crank handle very fast to get it deep fish for something besides When it comes to equipment, leave the heavy gear quickly. I will also occasionally stop the bait for a at home. I prefer spinning reels spooled with 8- to 10- moment which often allows a fish holding just inside muskies. pound monofilament for the soft plastics and a bait the weeds to dart out and smack it. Most of my fishing time is spent chasing a variety caster or spinning reel spooled with 20-pound braided If the cranks and spinners are not producing, I of species of large gamefish. The tradeoff of chasing line for the crankbaits and spinnerbaits. will switch to soft plastics. Most often this will be these big fish is that overall, I catch fewer fish. There various worms that are either rigged wacky-style or are times, however, when I just want to go out and Hunting For Fish Texas-style. I will cast the worms into weed pockets or catch a bunch of fish. This often occurs after my ego Locating these fish is generally easy; just look for will cast right to the weed edge allowing them to sink has taken a beating from going through a fish-catching weeds. Small bass and pike will sit in the weeds all for several seconds before moving the bait. drought. Not coincidentally, this drought often summer long while their larger brethren will often If I’m fishing at sunset, I will generally start happens during August when our waters are at their move to deeper water. Sometimes these fish will be on casting the worms on the inside weed edge and the maximum temperature and the big fish have seemed the edge of the weeds while at other times they will be shallows looking bass which are prowling for food. to pack their bags and headed somewhere north. lurking farther in. This can change on an hour-by- Often, bass will go on a feeding binge right around To repair my ego, I head to some favorite waters hour basis, so you need be willing to move shallower sunset lasting until it gets dark. where I know it’s likely I’ll be able to put a bunch of or deeper depending on the fish’s mood. If your ego has taken a beating, maybe it’s time to gamefish in the boat, even if those fish are relatively I will almost always start fishing with a spinner repair it by catching a load of small fish. It can be quite O small. In my area of southeastern Wisconsin, there are bait. These baits are an excellent choice for covering therapeutic. WO several lakes where small bass and northern pike are water and finding active fish. I will first cast over the readily available and willing to bite. tops of the weeds a short distance in from the weed Terry Bitz is a freelance writer who resides in Pleasant I’ve built up a short list of lakes close to home that edge. If I am not contacting fish, I will cast the spinner Prairie, WI. He can be contacted at [email protected], or are loaded with small gamefish. Much of the list was bait parallel to the deep weed edge. visit his web site www.outdoorconvergence.com.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR: MANAGING EDITOR: PRODUCTION & ADVERTISING: Dick Ellis Luke Hartle Karen Cluppert, Not Just Words [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Published bi-monthly by ON WISCONSIN OUTDOORS, LLC. Subscriptions are mailed first class. ©Copyright 2009 ON WISCONSIN OUTDOORS, LLC with all rights reserved. Reproduction or use without permission, of editorial, advertising or graphic content in any manner is prohibited by law. NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS: All advertising is subject to publisher's approval and acceptance without recourse. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility for the condition of the contents of advertising printed, and agree to indemnify Hunting, Fishing, Travel the Publishers of OWO for any and all claims and expenses arising there from. CORPORATE OFFICES LOCATED AT: 20240 West Rustic Ridge Drive, New Berlin, WI 53146 and Outdoor Humor Phone: 262.549.5550 Web site: www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com Postmaster: Send address changes to:20240 West Rustic Ridge Drive New Berlin, WI 53146 On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 7
DAVE SURA Shore Bets
Dancing to a salmon jig Nabbing salmon from the shore of Lake Michigan is an excellent way to experience some cool-water uring the past 20 years the methods 40s to the upper 50s is critical action when the weather is hot. Dfor catching Great Lakes salmon for successful trout and salmon and trout have changed. For years the fishing. Cold water brings bait main method was soaking live close, and of course, trout and salmon. alewives. More recently, it switched to throwing glow spoons at night. Now, Tactics And Tackle jigging plastics has become more Working plastics for trout and popular. Over the years I have caught salmon is easy; there are a few basic trout and salmon accidentally while techniques I’ve used to catch these jigging plastics for perch. I really fish. The first is the simple lift and never thought of using plastics drop. Cast the ½- to 1-ounce jig out, exclusively for salmon or trout until a let it sink to the bottom, lift and drop few years ago when I saw a fellow the bait as you work it back in. This fisherman successfully using plastics. I method works well anywhere along a began experimenting and found it break wall. “Without a doubt, nighttime is the right time works great under the right The second technique involves conditions. “swimming” the bait. Cast out the jig for fishing trout and salmon.” and let it sink to the bottom. Then, lift Timing And Conditions and drop the jig and use the current From my experience, fishing Lake found at the end of the break wall to Michigan from mid-June to mid-July swim the bait in or out of the gap. is the best 30-day period for summer The last technique includes snap been a great way to successfully catch Dave Sura has fished Wisconsin waters salmon fishing. This period has given jigging. As with the other techniques, fish. They are a great choice because for more than 25 years. He specializes in me the most consistent action for both cast out the jig, let it sink and they’re inexpensive and easy to use. shore and tributary angling for perch, trout and salmon. Other times of year aggressively jerk the bait back. This, This summer, when the water near steelhead and salmon on Lake Michigan. that are good are early spring for too, will work anywhere along the shore is cold and fishing for trout and Contact Dave at 262.930.8260 or Coho and fall for all species. break wall. Try all three as the fish’s salmon is hot, get out and try this [email protected]. As with most shore fishing on mood will determine which method technique; it’ll put more trout and O Lake Michigan, the best time to fish is they want on that day. salmon in your cooler. WO sundown ‘til sun up. Because of the A high-quality 9-foot medium- extremely clear water of Lake heavy rod combined with a reel large Michigan, salmon move in near shore enough to hold several hundred yards under the cover of darkness where of 10- to 14-pound braided line is they actively feed on alewives. perfect for this type of fishing. Make Without a doubt, nighttime is the sure the reel has a great drag as these right time for fishing trout and fish will put it to the test. salmon. There are several good baits that Although the time of year and will work well for this application. The time of day are important, the single flukes by Zoom, jerk shads by Berkley most important factor in catching fish and the new minnow baits by Trigger is water temperature. No matter the X will all work. Use these baits in the time of year, having near shore water 4- or 5-inch sizes. The best color temperatures ranging from the upper choice for plastics is pearl. Zoom makes one in glow as well which is great for night fishing plastics, although pearl works at night, too. Having the right jig head is also crucial for success. Standard jig heads don’t have a hook strong enough to land large fish. I personally like the saltwater bullet-style heads. They are available in the ideal weights and have a super strong and sharp hook.
Although typically used for panfish and bass, the author has discovered that Conclusion plastic baits can be lethal for trout and Fishing with plastics has always salmon. 8 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
DAN MOERICKE An ‘Up Nort’ Report When less is more
was fortunate enough to again spend Which brings me to my I10 days in May camping near “new” boat. The winter before last Boulder Junction at the 26th annual I got invited to do some ice Great Walleye Assault (GWA, for fishing in the southern part of the short) with my buddies. If you think state. When I walked into the back, you’ll remember those 10 days garage of the friend’s house I’d be as being the ones that broke up the staying at, I saw her … the boat two long stretches of great weather we I’d been looking for (even enjoyed this spring. It was beautiful though I didn’t know it until the day we set up camp and beautiful right then). It was love at first again the day we tore down … in sight. Oh, she was piled full of between we had snow, sleet, 4 straight stuff and a little dusty, but I days of stiff east winds, cold and rain. could see past all of that. And I You name it, we saw it. was more than a little excited But there was a positive side to when the owner told me that the less than beautiful weather. We he and his brother seldom didn’t have to deal with any bugs. Our used it anymore. To top it off, ice bill was low. The beer stayed he said he’d like to get it out of his cold—inside or outside of the coolers. garage. That was arranged. Minnows stayed alive a long time. So for about a year now I’ve been DICK ELLIS There were few other campers in the the proud owner of a 1970s vintage campground. We didn’t go thru much Grumman sport boat—a 15-foot On Wisconsin Outdoors sunscreen. It was easy to keep track square-backed canoe/row boat. It of all of our clothes because we were doesn’t have a motor, but I can easily generally wearing everything we’d clamp on an electric trolling motor Real Men Bleed brought. Also, the rain/snow meant when I choose. It’s probably not there was no fire ban and the nightly pretty to anyone except me, but I s we near the conclusion of three campfires were bigger than normal. think it’s beautiful. My wife has also Ayears of publishing On Wisconsin Since three of us have cabins ‘up taken a real liking to it since it is Outdoors, here’s a little insight into our nort’, the question has been raised roomier and much more stable than ongoing campaign encouraging people to more than once as to why we choose our regular canoe. Also, if I’m rowing, give blood. We call these public service to camp instead of enjoying the that means she isn’t paddling. It’s light messages “Real Men Bleed”, with the ads comforts of a heated cabin with enough for two guys to carry or one using our own outdoor writers and appliances, electricity and indoor guy to drag if necessary. I can get it guides to ask Wisconsin’s hunters and plumbing. While that route might into most any landing. With the low anglers to donate blood. make sense to a lot of folks, it just water levels we’re dealing with, that’s a It started as a personal journey wouldn’t be the same. Sometimes, less huge plus—less boat equals more long before OWO. I looked at my tax is more. The coffee just tastes better in lakes to fish. returns under “charitable donations” the morning sitting in a lawn chair, It doesn’t have live-wells, and immediately cursed my own looking out over the lake from the carpeting, pedestal seats, running “cheap-skate-ness”. Giving blood meant campsite. No TVs, less traffic, less lights, a radio or any of that. It’s that I could still help people who really competition at the boat landings, less simple. It works. It gets me to quiet needed help and every bit of the stress … it just makes the whole trip places. It rows like a dream. I have contribution goes to those that need it more enjoyable and more memorable. already caught a lot of fish out of it. most. And man do they need it. When Unrelated to Dick Ellis’ commitment to When it comes to boats, I think As long as I continue to wake up each you start to give regularly the people at donating blood, this “Reel Man” and the same is true. During GWA, I had morning, I anticipate that I’ll catch a the Blood Center of Wisconsin will OWO Publisher will be a recipient of the pleasure of spending a lot of time lot more. Could I fish out of a bigger begin to call you when you’re five week your generosity when he undergoes in my buddy Jack’s new fishing boat. boat? Sure. But sometimes, less is waiting period is up and ask, very heart surgery on July 1. It’s a beauty … lots of room, quiet 4- more. nicely, if you might donate again. stroke engine and dual live-wells. I See you on the water. Just They just called again this O liked it. It’s a lot more boat than I’m sayin’. WO morning. They need blood. So I’m used to. But as I look forward to going. I’ll meet good people there again Try it. You’ll like it. And this I summer, I start to get the itch to climb Dan Moericke is an avid and successful and be amazed at how much blood know. All the kids at places like into a much smaller boat. Those who Wisconsin fisherman from Wausau and some of them have given. Best of Children’s Hospital and all the know me or who have read this an occasional guest on outdoor fishing all…they’ll “make” me eat the chocolate Wisconsin people who really need your column previously know how much I programs. On the water, he always tells chip cookies, and all the other goodies help thank you...from the bottom of O enjoy canoe trolling for lake trout. us some version of the truth. before I leave. their heart. WO On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 9
SUZETTE CURTIS Ma Plog’s Fish Batter Recipes by Suzette By Dr. Ron Bruch, Wisconsin DNR Two eggs 1½ tsp. salt Cleaning out the freezer 1½ tsp. oil CORRECTION 1½ tsp. baking powder efore we begin a new fall full of hunting seasons in our household, I use this time 1 c. milk Bas the perfect opportunity to take inventory of our freezer contents. I don’t like to 1 c. flour (missing from recipe in last issue) waste anything, so I try to creatively serve up what are basically considered “leftovers” Paprika for color (trust me, there is no venison tenderloin left at this time of year). These are a few of my favorite ways to enjoy the previous seasons’ harvests in order to make room for what I Cracker Meal: O Blend salted saltine crackers in blender on lowest speed. always hope is a plentiful bounty to come! WO Beat all ingredients until smooth. Dip fish fillets in batter, and then Suzette Curtis of Oshkosh cooks for a family of hunters and fishermen, and says she roll in cracker meal. Deep fry in oil in a Dutch oven or a deep cast- tries to fill their menu with recipes for meals made with venison, upland birds and iron frying pan. fish. She does just that with great expertise. [email protected] • www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com •
Venison Meatballs Fisherman’s Stew by Suzette Curtis by Suzette Curtis I take whatever venison cuts we have left and grind them, along with a This is the recipe where you can “throw” in any type of fish you want. So, small amount of beef tallow I get from the butcher. Usually I combine whatever you have left in your freezer is fair game. But remember: Only about ¼-pound tallow per 2 pounds venison. firm fish will retain its shape during cooking; less firm fish will just add to the thickness of the stew. 2 lbs. ground venison (with tallow) ½ c. grated Parmesan cheese Two eggs, beaten ¼ c. chopped fresh parsley 4 tbsp. olive oil Two cans (28 oz.) diced tomatoes 1 c. onion, chopped 2 tbsp. chopped fresh basil 4 c. onions, chopped Two bay leaves ¾ c. dried bread crumbs 2 tbsp. minced garlic 4 c. celery, chopped 4 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 4 tbsp. flour 4 tbsp. chopped fresh basil Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray large cookie sheet or jelly-roll pan with 1 qt. chicken stock 4 tbsp. chopped fresh oregano nonstick cooking spray; set aside. In large bowl, combine all ingredients (I 1 qt. fish stock Fish, cut into bite-sized chunks take my rings off and mix everything together with my hands). Then, shape mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet. In large pot, heat oil and sauté onions and celery until softened. Add flour Bake for 15 minutes, then turn meatballs and bake another 10 minutes. and stir to combine. Gradually add chicken and fish stock, stirring constantly. Add all remaining ingredients except fish. Bring to boil. Reduce Serve with homemade tomato sauce: heat; cover and simmer 20 minutes. Remove cover and simmer an addi- 2 tbsp. olive oil One 14½ oz. can petite diced tomatoes tional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. ½ c. onion, chopped ¼ tsp. salt 1 tbsp. minced garlic ¼ tsp. pepper Add fish chunks to simmering stew. Cook and stir until fish turns opaque (depending on type of fish—approximately 10 minutes). Serve with crusty In saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and bread and cold beer! cook, stirring until onion becomes soft. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Pour over prepared meatballs and serve. • www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com • • www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com •
Pheasant Salad by Suzette Curtis
Two pheasant breasts, split & boned ½ c. feta cheese, crumbled 2 tbsp. olive oil ¼ c. finely chopped red onion One bag mixed greens 8 oz. chopped fresh mushrooms 1 c. dried cherries or Craisins Bottled raspberry vinaigrette 1 c. pecans, chopped Fresh ground black pepper
In large sauté pan, heat oil over high heat. Add pheasant breasts and cook until no longer pink in center. The key is to Recipes Online cook them quickly over the highest heat possible without scorching the oil. Remove from heat; let cool for 10 minutes. Slice each pheasant breast into thin julienne strips.
Meanwhile, mix salad greens, dried cherries, pecans, feta cheese, red onion and mushrooms in large bowl. Drizzle rasp-
onwisconsinoutdoors.com berry vinaigrette salad dressing over top and toss to coat. Divide mixture onto four dinner plates. Top each salad with
WILD GAME ¼ of the sliced pheasant breast and sprinkle with ground black pepper. • www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com • 10 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
JOEL DEBOER Wisconsin Angling Adventures Summertime smallies While this sentiment is not shared by experienced during summertime on and fish concentrations on or near these everyone to have ever picked up a rod Wisconsin rivers. During times of structures quickly grows. Look for the and reel, it’s gospel to the contingency of stable, even reduced flow, smallmouths bulk of the fish to be on the up-current anglers who passionately pursue this will tend to scatter along these side of structural elements, with bronze-backed adversary throughout structural elements, forcing anglers to smallmouth positioning themselves to the open-water season. search aggressively in order to locate face into the current. The same “search” Perhaps one of the finest times in fish. lures can now be utilized to get which to connect with smallmouth bass, presentations back in the strike zone as especially in river systems, is during the quickly as possible, allowing multiple summer months. It’s simple physiology SMALLMOUTH BASS casts to aggressive fish within a short really, being cold-blooded creatures, as period of time. the water temperatures increase, so does As one of Wisconsin’s Summertime smallmouth bass the smallmouth’s metabolism—and with more popular fish spend a fair amount of their time it the need to consume more food. All feeding aggressively; however, situations this adds up to fine action and excellent species, the smallmouth such as increased fishing pressure and angling opportunities for the bass is described as cold fronts can certainly slow the bite summertime smallmouth angler. down and make fish less aggressive and I’m fortunate to spend a great deal “Inch-for-inch and more finicky. When this happens, a of my time fishing on Wisconsin’s pound-for-pound, the change in lures and tactics is in order. hardest working river—the Wisconsin. For starters, retrieve speeds need to be The Wisconsin River—a virtual muskie gamest fish that swims.” reduced and more high-speed, and walleye factory—is also some of the —Dr. James A. Henshall commotion-oriented offerings should premier smallmouth bass water in the Book of the Black Bass be substituted for slower, more subtle upper Midwest. While the bulk of my lure styles. Swimbaits such as the 3½- river smallmouth fishing has been done inch Mister Twister Mister Shad rigged on the Wisconsin, the same trends, Searching for smallmouth bass on a Mustad Powerlock Plus are not tactics and techniques have produced entails utilizing lures that not only cover only extremely snag resistant, but fish for me from a myriad of other water quickly, but that bronzebacks find deadly on bass; tubes, such as the Mister Wisconsin rivers including the irresistible; fail-safe options include Twister 4-inch FAT Tube or 5-inch Tubo While other anglers are busy chasing Flambeau, Rib, St. Croix and Eau Claire lipless in-line spinners, crankbaits, are also exceptional choices for eliciting walleyes and muskies, the author enjoys Rivers. buzzbaits, and spinnerbaits. My strikes. Tubes can be rigged either the fight and subtle beauty of fishing for personal favorite, due to its versatility weighted or non-weighted, depending smallmouth bass. Dabble In The Details and ability to cover water quickly and on the depth of the water. You want to The key to finding summertime consistently score on smallies, is the in- use the lightest weight possible to river smallmouth is to first identify line spinner. The Mepps Aglia, Aglia ensure the maximum delay in your bait main river structure. Sand bars and Long and Black Fury are my go-to baits descending to the bottom, yet still ehold the glory of humps, undercut banks, snags, stumps when conditions dictate smallmouth landing on target and not getting and blow-downs, wing dams and even bass are scattered. I use the Aglia in washed downstream by the current. Bsummertime: campfires weeds will all draw fish during the shallow water, the Aglia Long for Another fine choice for targeting under starlit skies, the simple pleasure balmy months of summer. The best reaching deeper depths and the dark- less aggressive fish is popper or of an ice-cold glass of lemonade and structure tends to be in close proximity colored blade of the Black Fury during chugger-style topwaters. The beauty of some of the fastest fishing action of the to the main river channel, due in large low-light conditions. these lures is that they can be fished year. Wisconsin is home to arguably one part to the current available there as side When current increases, be it from incredibly slowly; work multiple pauses of the greatest collections of sport fish in channels and backwaters experience the storm run-off or gates opening at a dam, into your retrieve and let the fish tell North America. From the raw power of reduced current flow so often smallmouth activity tends to increase continued on page 30 drag-stripping king salmon to the simple charm of beautifully adorned brook trout—from the majesty of the WATERTOWN’S ONLY FULL SERVICE mighty muskie to the exquisite table fare HARTWICH’S BAIT & TACKLE BAIT & TACKLE SHOP of the walleye—as residents of this fine state we are privy to a host of outdoor experiences on the water. Everything You Need... Hook–Line–Sinker! Dr. James A. Henshall in his Hand Built Lures New & Used Rod & Reel Combo’s historic text, Book of the Black Bass, Custom Built Rods Gift Certificates described one of Wisconsin’s more Line Respooling Live Bait popular fish species, the smallmouth Rod & Reel Repair Soft Plastic Baits bass, as, “Inch-for-inch and pound-for- pound, the gamest fish that swims.” 1110 River Drive Watertown, WI (920) 261-1697 On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 11
PHIL SCHWEIK Lines From A Hooksetter Terror on Top ver the years I’ve had many encounters with occasion very overcast days with little or no wind. This Omuskies on top-water lures—from walk-the-dog bait is especially effective throughout the summer style lures like Jackpots and Dancing Raiders, to prop- months, but don’t overlook running it right away on style baits like Sputterducks and Top Raiders, to opening weekend. Of all the top-water baits, this has crawling-style baits like the Hawg Wobbler or the so proven to be the “big fish” bait. called Creeper. All of these baits have distinctive individual characteristics, but they also have one thing Prop-Style Baits in common—they produce explosive, unforgettable, These top-water lures have come a long way over mind-blowing strikes that will send water spraying the years, from the old “Globe” to what we now have into the air and children running for cover! with Top Raiders, Sputterducks and the many other Each style of top-water bait has a specific purpose varieties. They can come with multiple spinners and and function for its use. Over the years I’ve had many props, fancy color patterns, detachable bodies and opportunities to try different applications with top- many other options for the muskie-hunting enthusiast. water lures, and here’s what I have found best for each The primary purpose for prop-style lures is to one: spray water into the air while being retrieved, and to create a lot of commotion on the surface with its Walking The Dog churning and spinning props and blades to get the These lures will zigzag through the water with a attention of the muskie. These lures can be retrieved at tantalizing back-and-forth motion that can tempt a steady rate to imitate an animal or fish swimming somewhat lethargic muskies into striking. This motion across the surface, but to really get the attention of a “No matter if the strike is out 20 feet can run anywhere from 1-3 feet depending upon the muskie, try giving your rod a sharp jerk every so often individual lure and how you work the rod. On certain during your retrieve to really blow up the water with from the boat or right at your feet, a applications you can also get these top-water baits to your bait. The steady retrieve will create quite a strike on a top-water bait is one of the dive and pop on the surface by sharply snapping the commotion on the surface all on its own, but when rod tip while retrieving the lure. This action, at times, you give that extra sharp jerk on the rod, you might be most exciting and rewarding to any can entice lazy followers into becoming aggressive able to get the attention of a lethargic fish or entice a muskie fisherman on the water.” strikers. following fish into striking. I primarily use walk-the-dog style baits very early The best time of the day for running prop-style in the day or late in the evening, and on some rare baits is basically anytime. These lures will work at all hours of the day, but I’ve had my best luck running the world to eat it. The steady click clack back and these baits early in the morning up to around 10 a.m., forth motion and sound of this bait is often too much and then again during the evening hours and after for any muskie to handle, and when they strike this dark. They also have a special place if it’s overcast with type of lure it’s often very explosive and can sometimes a little too moderate wind, and especially if it is raining. be violent. These lures are great early and late in the day or Creeper-Style Baits during mid-day hours if it’s overcast with little to no wind. But, if I have an area that I know is holding fish, The lazy back-and-forth motion of this lure, and I will not hesitate to pull this lure out at any time of the the extremely slow retrieve, will drive you crazy. But day or during any type of conditions! not only will it drive you crazy it, will entice and tempt any muskie that it encounters! These types of lures have a specific place and purpose, and when used in All Top-Water Baits the right situation, can be absolutely deadly. These lures have their own unique properties and When I have an area that I know holds fish—an characteristics and work very well under their exact point on a weed bed or a specific log along a individual circumstances, but the one thing they have shoreline or maybe a sunken rock pile—I bring out the in common is the violent and explosive strikes they creeper-style baits. These are not the type of lures you can provoke. No matter if the strike is out 20 feet from want to use when “searching” for fish; these are lures the boat or right at your feet, a strike on a top-water you bring out when you know the exact location of a bait is one of the most exciting and rewarding to any O fish. muskie fisherman on the water. WO Maybe you had a recent blowup from a muskie but the fish missed the bait, or maybe you had a follow Phil Schweik owns and operates Hooksetters Guide on a bucktail or a jerkbait but the fish wouldn’t Service in Central Wisconsin. Phil is an also avid commit—this is the time to bring out the creeper-style tournament fisherman and seminar speaker. Phil and bait. The slow, tantalizing and enticing motion of these his clients put 125 muskies in his boat last year, with types of lures are usually more than any muskie can the largest one being 53 ½ inches long and over 40 take. You are basically throwing this lure right into Fishing top-water baits is not only fun, it has been pounds. Contact Phil at: 715-693-5843 or visit him at proved to produce some of the biggest muskies. their kitchen and giving them all the opportunity in www.hooksetters.biz. 12 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
LEE GATZKE Blood Brothers Outdoors The anxious bowhunter’s off season
Shooting carp during the summer months is a great way to keep your “archery muscles” flexed and your skills sharp.
When getting in amongst the deer for scouting purposes, it is important to use as checking your cameras, don’t think Bowfishing is another way to help much stealth as you would while hunting later during the season. you’ve gone undetected. A deer will be me tune up—and it’s a blast. Shooting at able to detect your scent trail for days carp that won’t stay still and that you after your visit, so you must place the need to sneak up on makes you uly and August is the time when hikers, and if I see any, I put down the cameras where they won’t cross your concentrate on making a good shot Jbowhunters start counting down the binoculars and pick up a map or other path. If a deer smells a human in an area when the opportunity arrives. Stump days until the opener in September. The prop to make it look like I’m lost and I that has been devoid of human scent for shooting and bowfishing are fun ways “off season” is waning, the weather is hot just pulled over to get my bearings. So, months, it will become alarmed and to tune up for bowhunting—which, and we’re trying to cool down any way we if you see a green Silverado parked might relocate to a place that is free of might I remind you, is just around the O can. Driving the back roads in the along a country road, check out the human scent, like the neighbor’s woods. corner. WO evenings with the radio on and glassing surroundings and you might discover Placing cameras on a food source or watering hole away from where they my hunting areas is a comfortable what I’ve been looking at! Lee Gatzke is a member of Blood Brothers pastime that pays dividends when bow Many times I need to hike into bed is a smarter choice than putting it Outdoors, creator of practical and tactical season finally opens. Many of the deer spots to be able to glass deer that are on a tree you wish to hunt from. Use deer hunting videos. Gatzke can be reached seen by glassing during the summer are spooky, or the field they are feeding in is scouting cameras with caution to avoid at www.bloodbro.com. the same ones that we will be seeing from not within sight from a road. Glassing educating deer. the treestand later in the year. on foot usually requires dousing myself Incorporating a variety of ways to Information gathered now helps to in bug repellent, wearing full camo and practice shooting your bow during the Explore Wisconsin develop a deer hunting game plan for the a headnet, and sneaking into and out of summer months also helps to prepare early bow season, which I feel is not often the spot I will be glassing from. This you for opening day of the archery deer County-by-county: given its due respect. type of effort usually is more effective season. Range shooting at known Hunting & Fishing Guides Early bow season is a great time to because, if done with care, the deer are distances lets you know how long of a tag a deer you’ve been watching all unaware they’re being watched. shot you can be deadly at under ideal Tourism Information summer because they have not been conditions, but stump shooting while Resorts & Lodging pressured and remain in their summer Always On Duty cruising the woods and shooting at ATV Trail Maps pattern for a while after the season moving targets will sharpen your Scouting cameras are excellent opens. A word of caution though: Be shooting skills for actual hunting tools that can expose the deer that are careful about tipping off other hunters conditions—and it makes practice more living in your hunting area. If used to “your” deer by being seen glassing fun. wisely, scouting cameras can be a real property that is accessible by them. If While stump shooting, I walk asset. Placing scouting cameras in you educate other hunters about a deer around and estimate the distance to the locations you can access without they might not have known are there, target and take my best shot. I find I pay alarming deer when you check them, is you’ll be inviting them to the party and closer attention to my form and have a must. If cameras are placed in a their company might spoil your best better concentration in order to make location that allows deer to hear, see or laid plans on a buck you’ve been my best shot. I also learn to get pretty smell your presence, they will have a keeping track of. accurate on estimating yardage without negative impact. Just because a deer As I glass, I’m also watching the the aid of a rangefinder or having paced doesn’t see or hear you placing and roads for other cars, bike riders or off the distance prior to taking the shot. www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 13
JERRY KIESOW Fly Fishing in Wisconsin Tying your own tackle: streamers
ast issue I told you about the first works in all waters, for a variety of Lfly I tied to the end of a rod—a species—at least some of the time. I popper to a cane pole, no less—and call it the “squirrel-tail streamer,” how that fly started me on my life-long because all it has is a silver tinsel body love of fly fishing. Today, you will learn and a squirrel tail wing. that the first fly I ever tied was a Most streamers are not that basic. streamer. Some have wings made only with hair, I started tying my own flies from a or only hackle or marabou. Some are kit my parents bought me for mixed and add peacock herl to Christmas. After checking out the indicate the lateral line. There are tools, material and accompanying streamers with hackle collars. Today manual, I proceeded to tie my first fly. many tiers use synthetic materials. I kept it simple. For a tail I used the tip Flashabou or Krystal Flash is often The author fishes with a wide variety of sizes and color of streamers, and has gone so of a grizzly hackle. For the body I added. Bodies can be floss, chenille or far as to create separate streamer boxes designated specifically for the various waters selected dark green floss, ribbed with wool. Many have tinsel ribs. where he fishes. silver tinsel. I used the same piece of One of my favorite streamer hackle—minus the tip—for the wing, patterns combines many of these which I tied flat over the top of the elements. As with the nymph pattern body. I’ve never fished that fly, but I two issues ago, it has no name. Maybe Tying a Streamer use it in my beginners tying class. I’ll call it “Perch.” (see sidebar at right.) That’s it. The “Perch.” Why not? It Why A Streamer? has the color of perch and the collar Hook: Long-shank streamer hook, size of adds the bulk needed for the proper your choice. I’m using a No. 4 Mustad Why did I choose a streamer as profile of a perch when the fly is wet. 79580. my first fly? Because I had learned by So it must be a perch. Welcome to the then that streamers catch fish. Thread: Black No. 6/0 UNI-thread. creative side of fly tying. Granted, my first streamer was not a Weight: Optional. I find weighting some Figure 1 This is the second perch pattern standard pattern, but it was simple streamers desirable because it keeps the I’ve created. My first was tied and made a good beginning split-shot off the tippet. This fly is primarily for northern pike. It has experience. weighted with just a strip of medium lead worked to a degree, but it’s more As we know, flies simulate natural tied—not wrapped—along the length of successful with smallmouth bass than bait more than any other type of lures. the shank. the pike. I’ll let you know how this Most dry flies are designed to match one does this year. Tail: None. If I tie this in a larger size, I the hatch, as are most nymphs. How do we fish streamers? Just might have to add a tail because otherwise Streamers are counterfeit minnows watch the minnows they represent. the profile might not be correct. and other small fish. Yes, some are Minnows often hold motionless. attractors, but not as much so as in Body: Strands of pale yellow and light Figure 2 When they move, they can drift other forms of fishing. lime, fine knitting wool with the strands slowly,or dart. All fish do the same, so Streamers come in a wide variety intermixed then twisted together before any size streamer you fish should be of recipes and designs. I have many wrapping around the shank. cast, let rest, then moved a few inches, boxes of them. One is for my No. 8s, Rib: Silver tinsel, widely spaced. (Figure 1) slowly and/or twitched erratically. If, 6s and 4s. Another holds the larger however, you see the predator No. 2s through 0/2s. One box is for Under-wing: A mix of yellow and olive approaching the fly, then strip it Lake Michigan, and I have a box of bucktail favoring the yellow below the quickly, as if your “minnow” has also just Clouser Deep Minnows. I also olive. (Figure 2) seen its nemesis and is trying to keep a few No. 12s in my nymph box. escape. It’s the natural way of things Collar: One deep red hackle, one yellow These selections cover me for that live in the waters of our state. hackle, one olive hackle. Palmer to the Figure 3 everything from trout (yes, I do like That’s it; let me know how this head one at a time in order listed. Note: streamers for trout), panfish, bass and pattern works for you. Next time? Red denotes gills. (Figure 3) pike. I even have a small, limited Salmon flies will be in the vice by number of really large streamers for Over-wing: Two yellow, and two olive then. muskies, although I have yet to take hackles tied on the side not the top. Tie Keep a good thought! OW one on the fly rod. Maybe someday. O yellow in first followed by the olive. Note: Obviously, I do not have a With a brown permanent marker, “stripe” favorite. However, several decades ago, Jerry Kiesow fly fishes in Wisconsin year the olive hackles before tying them in. I designed a streamer based on the round, and teaches fly tying and fly Head: Black tying thread. Whip finish, size and coloration of the minnows I fishing in the Grafton area. If you have and add head cement. (Figure 4) found in the stream I frequented quite questions about his classes, contact him Figure 5 often for trout. It’s a simple fly and still via email at [email protected]. 14 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
PRESENTS D A — Fishing Guide — SER V ICE Dave’s E S Turf and Marine DENNIS RADLOFF
DENNIS RADLOFF Running the reefs
lthough summer can be one of the more along those edges. Typical depths will be in the 15- Achallenging times of the season to find consistent to 30-foot range. Trolling speed can vary depending walleye patterns, the Green Bay system has a few on what you are using. When trolling crawler ingredients essential to some of the greatest trophy harnesses the most common speed range will be ½ opportunities of the season: big walleyes, and lots of to 1 mph. When trolling crank baits, 1½ to 2.2 mph reefs. will get the job done. With the clear water conditions in the Door Catching Consistency County region, the use of planner boards will help spread your lures apart and help target walleyes that Targeting the open water reefs of Green Bay in might “scatter” away from the boat. the summer is where you will find consistent Using a GPS system when trolling these reef walleye fishing. Open-water walleyes will spend complexes will enable you to save waypoints on most of the summer foraging on the schools of schools of baitfish and where you are catching fish, baitfish that are abundant on the numerous reefs making is possible to replicate productive trolling that are scattered through out the Door County passes. OW region of Green Bay. These reefs are easily located O by use of a good map or GPS system. Selecting which reefs to target is easily accomplished by Captain Dennis Radloff owns and operates Sterling driving along the main break-line of the reefs, Guide Service. He guides on the waters of Green Bay watching your locator for schools of bait fish. and Southeastern Wisconsin seven days a week April Even though it’s hot, big walleyes still have to eat during Once you identify the depth of the baitfish, you through November. Contact Dennis through his summer months. For the best success, the author can start trolling crawler harnesses or crankbaits website www.sterlingmusky.com or 262.443.9993. suggests following baitfish near deep-water reefs.
DICK HENSKE The ‘Trout’ Days of Summer Lake Superior lakers
our group of five went after a short caught them and their stomachs were Charters include all equipment time ago. We chartered a boat out of loaded with rainbow smelt. Lakers are and tackle. You’ll need a fishing Saxon Harbor, Wisconsin, which is 10 predaceous and will eat insects, plus license and a Great Lakes stamp. miles west of Hurley on Highway 2. small birds and animals as well as fish. Remember that weather can be We selected Star Kissed Charters, Our catch averaged between 4-7 unpredictable, so bring layers of owned by Charlie and Joe Maslanka. pounds. Lakers reach sexual maturity clothing. At this time, lakers are the Their 34-foot boat was great. They ran between 8-10 pounds after 10 years. predominant target, but you can catch 14 lines on the bottom using Our captain boated an 18 pounder browns, rainbows, Coho salmon and downriggers and planer boards, earlier in the week and claimed that other game species between May and trolling spoons of various colors. We his record was in excess of 46 pounds. October. You can also catch the beauty O f you want summer fishing action, worked 8 or 9 miles from shore in This slow growth means heavy of Superior country any time. WO Ihit the “big” lake. Lake Superior is about 100 feet of water with bottom fishing pressure can seriously deplete For an excellent trip on Superior, the largest body of fresh water in the temperatures of 46 degrees. the lake trout’s population. The fish contact Star Kissed Charters, at: world. It contains as much water as all We fished a half-day charter of 5 we caught were from natural superiorcharterfishing.com. the other great lakes combined, and hours and boated nine lakers and lost production; one had a sea lamprey most importantly, it has the only about four or five more. It was a very wound. These fish were just the right Retired principal Dick Henske of Manitowish stable population of naturally warm day and we enjoyed nature’s size for the grill and palate. Larger fish Waters hunts and fishes Wisconsin, Canada reproducing lake trout. largest freshwater air conditioner. are often less desirable as table fare and the western states. Rarely does he miss It’s this self-sustaining fishing that The captain cleaned the fish as we and end up in the smoker. a day in the field. On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 15
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TOM CARPENTER An Eye for Parts Focusing on feathers o matter your reason for being in observations, making an exact NWisconsin’s great outdoors, and identification becomes much easier. no matter the season, bird life always Make mental notes or, better yet, educates and entertains. Whether jot them down in a field notebook. A you’re fishing, hunting, hiking, biking, rudimentary sketch also helps. camping, boating, skiing, stalking morels or picking berries, it’s fun to take a little time to admire the birds Visual Dissection whose habitat we are visiting. Start at the top of the bird and Identifying different bird species work down. First, break the head is essential to enjoying this pleasant down into its critical parts. Does the diversion. But even dedicated bird have a crest, top knot, or crown birders—folks out there for the sole of a different color? The eyes and purpose of observing the birds—run surrounding markings are important. “When you want to know what species of bird into identification challenges. When How are any stripes or bars placed— you’re looking at, you need to break it down you want to know what species of bird above, through or below the eyes? Is you’re looking at, you need to break it there a ring around the eye? Is an part-by-part and study its pieces down part-by-part and study its pieces “eyebrow” present? instead of taking a broad look at the Study the beak. Is it short and instead of taking a broad look at the whole bird.” whole bird. stout, long and slender, pointed or Developing an eye for parts is as blunt? Note the beak’s color, and simple as remembering what pieces of define whether the upper beak and a bird to look at, in what order. Armed lower beak (mandible) are the same Look at the bird’s neck. Is there a bars across it or stripes along it. Are with this detail, and a few other key color or different. chin or throat patch? What color? Is it the outer tail feathers colored solid, streaked, or mottled? Study the differently than the inner ones? How back of the bird’s head and neck, does the bird hold its tail when known as the nape. Any colors or perching, walking and flying? Central markings to note? Don’t forget the bird’s legs. Color? Get a good look at the bird’s Are they feathered or bare? Are spurs breast—the chest (immediately below or other features visible? Are feet Wisconsin the throat) down to the belly and webbed or toed? underparts. What colors? Is this area Determine the bird’s size. Of Real Estate spotted? Mottled? Streaked? Barred? course, with live, wild birds we can’t ONLINE MAGAZINE Solid? These are all key identification run up with a tape measure to marks. pinpoint body length, wingspan, beak Observe the tops of the wings. size and other relevant dimensions. What color? Are they barred But you can make comparisons to (markings across the wing), striped birds you do know—sparrow, robin, (markings along the wing) or solid? redtail hawk, etc. Most field guides Maybe the primaries (outermost wing will give some reference to relative feathers) and secondaries (inner wing size. feathers) sport a different color than THE MASTER TEAM Teresa Mullenmaster THE PIETSCH TEAM the rest of the wing. Many ducks Tap All Your Senses Annilee Pietsch | Robert Helbing feature a speculum or color patch on Shannon Hyatt | Jarin Hyatt Beyond physical traits, observe the [email protected] Michael Pietsch | Pam Pietsch their wings; note it. www.TeresaMullenmaster.FirstWeber.com Jen Christie Pietsch bird’s habits, actions and behaviors. When the bird flies, watch the [email protected] How the bird moves is important. www.AnnileePietsch.FirstWeber.com wing. How are they shaped—pointed, Flight patterns are a natural place to rounded, long, short, slender, blunt, start, as are walking habits. Consider straight, or curved? Observe wing feeding clues. What is the bird eating? undersides and note any discernable Use more than your eyes. shading or coloration that can help Listening to a bird’s call and song will you secure a positive identification. provide valuable clues. Does it cackle, SCHROEDER, JAMES & ASSOC. Remember details about the bird’s cluck, gobble, trill, rattle, scream, sing, Kristine James tail and coverts (feathers that cover Spencer Schroeder JOHN EAGAN croak, hoot, chip or buzz? Are the the base of the tail) or rump patch. [email protected] [email protected] sounds soft or loud? Harsh or www.SpencerSchroeder.FirstWeber.com www.JohnEagan.FirstWeber.com What shape is the tail—pointed, blunt, pleasant? rounded, forked, fanned, or squared? www.fwgmedia.com/showcasebook/1048 Is it long or short? See if the tail has continued on page 29 On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 17
SUZUKI MOTOR CORP. New 2011 KingQuad 750 Models
uzuki is pleased to announce the trails, mud bogs or long hauls. Whether drive, and front differential-locked four- 2011 Slaunch of the 2011 KingQuad 750AXi, the job requires pulling stumps or wheel drive. The KingQuad’s KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering, hauling heavy equipment, the suspension is fully independent and KingQuad 750AXi KingQuad 750AXi Camo Edition and the KingQuad 750AXi can get it done. Not built into a high-tensile steel frame. KingQuad 750AXi KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering Camo only is the KingQuad great for work, For 2011 customers can choose Edition. This announcement comes just a but also if riders are into hunting, from four different KingQuad 750 Power Steering few weeks after Suzuki announced the fishing or exploring, the KingQuad models; the KingQuad 750AXi, early release of the 2011 KingQuad 750AXi has the comfort and KingQuad 750AXi Power Steering, 500AXi Power Steering. “We are convenience features to get them there. KingQuad 750 AXi Camo Edition and • Colors: Great Blue, dedicated to producing innovative and With the addition of Suzuki’s advanced the KingQuad 750 AXi Power Steering Champion Yellow, black, exciting products for the 2011 model Electric Power Steering, the KingQuad Camo Edition. The 2011 KingQuad 750 white and RealTree year.” said Steve Bortolamedi, Senior 750AXi Power Steering models offer is now available in 5 colors: Great Blue, Hardwoods HD Enhanced Communications Manager at American riders lighter steering and even more Champion Yellow, black, white and Suzuki. “The production announcement responsive handling than ever. RealTree Hardwoods HD Enhanced. of these four KingQuads re-confirms A single-cylinder liquid-cooled Wheel colors for the new 2011 • MSRP: KingQuad 750AXi Suzuki’s devotion to supplying our dealers DOHC 722cc engine powers the KingQuad are as follows: silver wheels (Yellow/Blk/White/Blue): and customers with excellent product and KingQuad 750AXi. The big bore for the black and white models and $8,199 we believe that the KingQuad 750AXi is facilitates abundant torque, especially in black wheels on the Great Blue, just the right machine to get our the low-to mid-rpm range. The fuel-air Champion Yellow and Camo KingQuad • MSRP: KingQuad 750AXi customers enthusiastic about buying mixture is delivered through Suzuki’s 750 AXi’s. All 2011 KingQuads come Suzuki ATV’s.” own patented fuel-injection system. The with a new wrinkle paint finish on the (Camo): $8,599 Perfect for tackling the toughest electronic fuel injection provides better racks and front bumper for increased jobs or the most daunting task, the throttle response and smoother engine durability and scratch resistance. With • MSRP: KingQuad 750AXi Suzuki KingQuad 750AXi offers an power than a mechanical carburetor. its high-arched fenders and sharp Power Steering (Yellow/Blk/ unmatched combination of exciting The KingQuad 750 boasts the ultimate headlights, the Suzuki KingQuad 750 White/Blue): $9,049 sport-utility and dependability. With power-delivery drivetrain and combines sporty appeal and utility O exceptionally strong low-end and mid- transmission with three drive modes strength. WO range torque, the Suzuki KingQuad available: two-wheel drive, four-wheel • MSRP: KingQuad 750AXi 750AXi is engineered to take on just Power Steering (Camo): about any terrain including twisty $9,449
• Available at Suzuki Dealers Summer/Fall 2010
PAID ADVERTISEMENT 18 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
BARRON COUNTY 52Miles Danbury, Grantsburg, Hertel, OF TRAILS Siren, Webster, Webb Lake Nature for Everyone
Playground Fish smallmouth bass in one RI:LVFRQVLQ¶VWZR1DWLRQDO ATV Parks. Enjoy a wilderness experience on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. The Cattail Trail heads out of Polk County, through Book an outfitter at www.burnettcounty.com/ Turtle Lake and ends at the Barron County “ATV recreation. Enjoy our 500 Playground” with nearly 40 acres of intensive use lakes too! Relax at night with casino enter- fun! The Trailhead for the Wild Rivers Trail is tainment at the new Hole-in-the- located in Rice Lake and will take you north Wall Casino. Opening July 30, 2010! Experience the new con- through Washburn and Douglas Counties. County vention center, lodging, and games including roulette, craps wide Trail Information: 715-637-4275. and poker!
Ride over 52 miles of ATV-UTV trails with connections to regional trails in northwest Wisconsin. Experience the Burnett County Forest on some of the finest trails in the state.
July/August Events July 10 100 Clay Bird Shoot-Grantsburg July 16±18 World Champion Snowmobile Watercross±Grantsburg August 5-8 Summerfest-Siren August 14 Summer Carnival-Webb Lake August 21 Oktoberfest-Danbury More Events at burnettcounty.com/events
Photos: Scott Hoffman, NPS, BC Tourism, WI ATV Association
800.788.3164 [email protected] Come, Stay & Play! www.burnettcounty.com On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 19
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Park Falls • Phillips • Prentice ... a natural landscape found 18,000 acres nowhere else in the world ... of water Flambeau River, Pike Lake Chain & Phillips Chain of Lakes and many more! Walleye, Musky, Bass, Pike, Sturgeon & Panfish Ross’s Sport Shop Ross’s
185 miles of ATV trail Flambeau Trail System, Tuscobia State Trail, Georgetown Trail, and the Flambeau River State Forest Trail Lynn Neeck Lynn Canoe • Kayak • Bicycle • Hike • ATV • Fish 340,000 acres of public land Paddleboat Tours • Railroad Excursions Chequamegon-Nicolet National ST. CROIX NATIONAL SCENIC RIVERWAY Forest, Flambeau River State Forest, INTERSTATE PARK– Price County Forest and MFL The Oldest State Park in Wisconsin White-tailed Deer, Ruffed Grouse, Bear & Turkey GANDY DANCER STATE BICYCLE TRAIL Old School Guide Service MORE THAN 400 LAKES! www.pricecountywi.net | 800-269-4505 20 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
Explore Wisconsin | County-by-County at www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com
water and more than 340,000 acres of with more than 26 miles of shoreline. public land, Price County offers plenty of Fish, boat, kayak in the 12,000 acres of opportunity to fish and hunt - away from state wildlife areas and state and county Keep on clicking! Spirit the crowds. Children will enjoy the parks. Click on Calumet County. Lake Kids Pan Fishing Contest on July 10, Sheboygan's lakefront is hot, and so while avid muskie anglers can fish for a Explore Wisconsin, it’s as easy as 1-2-3. is the fishing. Rainbows dance on the cause and win cash prizes during the 14th water and the king salmon absolutely heat Annual Charity Classic Muskie up as Sheboygan's sand beaches fill with Tournament on the Phillips Chain of Valuable resources for the outdoor enthusiast, families on vacations. Don't forget our Lakes July 17. Click on Price County. golf courses and the PGA this year just to listed county-by-county: Check out Clark County’s Fourth of our north. The Wolf Pack can book your July celebrations, community festivals, adventure! Click on Sheboygan County. County Fair, quilt shows, farmers’ Tourism Information Explore the 10-lake chain and 44- markets, museums, bike races, camping, mile Manitowish River, special events Hunting & Fishing Guides hiking, swimming, fishing, canoeing, See what our Explore such as the Independence Day kayaking and ATVing on the best trails in Celebration, outdoor movies, Taste of Resorts & Lodging Wisconsin partners are Wisconsin. Click on Clark County. Manitowish Waters, cranberry marsh ATV Trail Maps planning just for you. Boulder Junction, the Musky Capital tours, art show and tour, Dillinger Days, of the World®, offers more than just and much more. We’ve got it all! Click on incredible musky fishing. Find some of Vilas County. No sound is sweeter than the swish the top bicycle trails in Wisconsin, of your paddles when you canoe or kayak Summer is great for a wilderness Connect with sensational boating and paddling, fishing trip with family and friends on the the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. unmatched wildlife viewing opportunities 1 onwisconsinoutdoors.com St. Croix Scenic Riverway, one of only two Get tips on where the fish are biting from and a laid-back lakeside resort national parks in Wisconsin. Fish the park rangers when you visit the National atmosphere that will have you wishing Click on the tremendous smallmouth bass fishery on Park Headquarters in St. Croix Falls. View your vacation would never end. Click on the St. Croix River with a spinning rod 2 “Explore Wisconsin” page a free movie on the St. Croix River and get Vilas County. maps and help to plan your trip. Take in and reel or your favorite fly rod. We have the Pro-Bass Tournament on Balsam The lumbering heritage of Hayward outfitters to help with your needs. Click Click on any colored Lake July 17 and make time for fun family comes to center stage July 23-25 when on Burnett County. 3 county activities at Polk County Fair July 29 more than 100 top timber sports athletes Visit Washburn County for ATVing, through August 1. Click on Polk County compete in the Lumberjack World hiking, bicycling, fishing and many more Championships. Hayward Lakes: think exciting activities for everyone in the ADAMS COUNTY Spectacular mid-summer fishing woods, waters, and world-class events. family. You won’t want to miss the • Adams County Park & Recreation awaits you in Iron County, where an Click on Sawyer County. abundance of species swim in 300 Spooner Rodeo July 8-10 or the ASHLAND COUNTY pristine inland lakes including the Turtle, History sails into the Greater Green Birchwood Bluegill Festival July 16-18. • Ashland Area Chamber Flambeau, and Gile Flowages. If it’s big Bay area August 13-15 for the Baylake Click on Washburn County. water you seek, check out Lake Superior Bank Tall Ship Festival. The event features BARRON COUNTY Looking for an easy, yet beautiful, • Barron County charter fishing opportunities or launch 13 vintage vessels docked on the shores of place to go canoeing or kayaking? Try your own boat from Saxon Harbor, where the Fox River at Leicht Memorial Park paddling up the Pine River Flowage to BAYFIELD COUNTY you might also enjoy a long walk on the downtown. Come enjoy ship tours as well • Cable Area Chamber LaSalle Falls. After you pull to shore, walk sandy beach. For a break from sand and as entertainment, food, and drink. Click • Northern Wisconsin Outfitters downriver to view Pine River Falls. If water, the Iron County Heritage Festival on Brown County. you’re looking to ATV, ride up the Nicolet BROWN COUNTY offers many unusual and interesting Your northwoods family welcomes State Trail to Florence County. Click on • Greater Green Bay events from July 23 to August 15. Click on you to Chippewa County with endless Florence County. Iron County. BURNETT COUNTY outdoor fun. Enjoy two state parks, paved What happens when you mix • Burnett County Tourism Port Washington serves up New bike trails, more than 450 lakes and EXTREME and SERENE entertainment? England fishing village charm with streams, 32,000 acres of pristine forest CALUMET COUNTY You get the oxymoron “Hybrid Redneck.” • Calumet County Midwestern friendliness. During July & land, camping, ATV trails, the Ice Age Picture a Honda Prius with a gun rack August, you have much to choose from: Trail, and more. Try the overnight being crushed by a monster truck, parked CHIPPEWA COUNTY free outdoor concerts, a bountiful farmers’ Chippewa Rod and Gun Catfish • Chippewa County Tourism next to a pink van full of signatures to market, garden tours, and the best tournament July 10 – 11. Click on crush cancer. It happens at the Churnin' CLARK COUNTY Maritime Heritage Tall Ship Festival in Chippewa County. Dirt Nationals Truck and Tractor Pull July • Clark County Tourism the state. Fish Day, July 17 - the world’s July and August are the months to 23-24, taking place at the base of the largest one-day outdoor fish fry. Click on CRAWFORD COUNTY visit the lakes area for a family vacation, emerald hills and turquoise waters of Ozaukee County. • Grandview Motel with some of the best fishing action of Richland County. Click on Richland • Flyway Fowling - Todd Lensing Marinette County is nature’s the year. As a rule, the fish are hungry County. waterpark in the real north. There’s and aggressive then, and can be readily DOOR COUNTY Thousands of dollars and great prizes • Sterling Guide Service something for every outdoor enthusiast: caught on the deep weedline, using are offered in the Chequamegon Bay lakes, trout streams, rivers, flowages, even suckers or nightcrawlers. For guide Tagged Fishing Contest running through DOUGLAS COUNTY a self-guided waterfalls tour. For parties, contact Dave Duwe. Click on • Superior-Douglas County October 31. Catching the tagged lake untouched history and scenic beauty, Walworth County. Convention & Visitors Bureau trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern paddle the 11-mile Peshtigo River Trail. Calumet County is home to Lake pike, steelhead and brown trout can mean DUNN COUNTY Click on Marinette County. Winnebago, the state’s largest inland lake, as much as $1000 in your pocket, or free • Greater Menomonie Area CCVC With approximately 18,000 acres of On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 21
Explore Wisconsin | County-by-County at www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com FLORENCE COUNTY • Wild Rivers Interpretive Center lodging and dining in beautiful Ashland every species of fish exists in our waters. Wisconsin, just north of Wisconsin Dells, County. Click on Ashland County. One of our lakes, Lake Owen, was offer camping, fishing, boating, FOND DU LAC COUNTY recently named Wisconsin's healthiest swimming, and hiking located on • Green Lake Country Visitors Whether you prefer rustic camping lake by the DNR. The Cable area is home Wisconsin's second- and fourth- largest or running water and electricity, Langlade GREEN LAKE COUNTY to one of the largest trail systems in bodies of water. Parks offer modern hot County has a site for you at one of our • Green Lake Country Visitors Wisconsin – for your ATV, mountain showers 24 hours a day. Click on Adams • Green Lake Area Chamber sixteen campgrounds–great for bike, or feet! Click on Bayfield County. County. inexpensive family vacations or quiet IRON COUNTY trips for two. Click on Langlade County. Don’t miss the Birchwood Bluegill Looking for a place for the entire • Iron County Development Festival July 15 - 18. You’ll find great family to enjoy the water? Come up and Over 20 NEW waterfront listings JUNEAU COUNTY games, great food and great shopping check us out. Beach the boat and swim on from First Weber. Click on Waushara • Juneau County around our great fishing that never goes bars all along the Wolf or take advantage County. away. Big Chetac Lake has received the of outstanding summer river fishing from KENOSHA COUNTY Yes we have water! Fishing and designation of “The Bluegill Capital of northern pike to bluegills and crappie. • Wildlife Visions everything else you might like to do on Wisconsin.” Relax at Big Chetac Resort. Our weekend nightly entertainment LACROSSE COUNTY the lake is in full swing now. You’ll find Click on Sawyer County. alone is worth the visit. Click on Waupaca • LaCrosse Area Visitors Bureau Treeland Resorts on the Chippewa County. When fishing musky and walleye in Flowage. Come on up! Click on Sawyer LANGLADE COUNTY peak summer patterns, primary location Four great rivers, 90,000 acres of • Antigo/Langlade Chamber County. will be main lake structure like reefs, public lands, numerous trout streams, MARATHON COUNTY Calling all bikers, bird watchers, islands, and humps. You can also find miles of trails, and plenty of great lakes • Hooksetters Fishing Guide boaters, cyclists, fishermen, hikers, nature these fish suspended in adjacent open await you in Rusk County. River fishing lovers, train watchers, and everyone in waters, offering the opportunity to get for bass and musky means action and MARINETTE COUNTY between. Enjoy the Great River Road in away from the crowds to target some of scenery. Click on Rusk County. • Marinette County Tourism • A River Guide (Jason Guarke) Ferryville, where the Mississippi is three the biggest fish in the lake. Contact Enjoy ATV riding in Wisconsin’s miles wide. Take it all in when you visit Dennis Radloff at Sterling Guide Service. largest county forest. More than 1,200 MONROE COUNTY the Grandview Motel. Click on Door County. • Sparta Area Chamber miles of roads and trails wind and loop Thinking about duck hunting the Topwater action for muskies is through the 272,000-acre forest and Mississippi? Check with guide Todd OZAUKEE COUNTY heating up as we work our way into the surrounding properties. Motorcycle • Port Washington Tourism Lensing for available dates. Click on summer months. Contrary to popular enthusiasts, the new five-mile-long Crawford County. POLK COUNTY belief, this really is a great time to bag a looped Straight Arrow Off-Highway • Polk County Information Center Bayfield County has 944 named trophy. Click on Marathon County. Motorcycle Trail system meanders bodies of water, many of which are through a variety of terrains and directly PRICE COUNTY Adams County parks in Central inland lakes in the Cable area. Almost connects to the 20+ mile OHM trail in the • Park Falls Area Chamber MN Nemadji State Forest. Click on • Price County Tourism • Wounded Warriors in Action Superior-Douglas County. RICHLAND COUNTY Our beautiful area comes to life with • Hybrid Redneck Events live music, festivals, and traditional events from Cookie Daze Aug. 7 in Ripon RUSK COUNTY to August Art Month in Green Lake. • Rusk County Don’t miss the famous Princeton Flea SAUK COUNTY Market every Saturday morning – get • Birchcliff Resort there early! Let the fun begin this summer in the Berlin, Green Lake, SAWYER COUNTY Markesan, Princeton and Ripon area. • Hayward Lakes Visitors Bureau Click on Green Lake County. • Treeland Resort • Big Chetac Resort Enjoy four days of fun during the SHEBOYGAN COUNTY 58th Annual Flambeau Rama July 29- • City of Sheboygan Tourism
Chippewa August 10: free live music, plus food, a • Wolf Pack Adventures carnival and activities including the St. VILAS COUNTY Croix Rod Casting Contest, a chalk • Manitowish Waters Chamber drawing contest, Family Fun Day games, • Vilas County kiddie parade, arts and craft fair, Road Walk/Run, car show, fireworks, parade, WALWORTH COUNTY and more. Click on Price County. • Dave Duwe’s Guide Service Canoeing/kayaking opportunities WASHBURN COUNTY • Washburn County Tourism abound. The Yellow River from Necedah to Castle Rock Lake, The Lemonweir WAUPACA COUNTY River from New Lisbon to beyond • Fremont Area Chamber Mauston, and the Baraboo River, the • Manotak Lodge , Ontario longest undammed river in the nation, • Wolf River Outfitters Resort all this on top of two of the largest lakes WAUSHARA COUNTY in the state, Castle Rock and Petenwell. • First Weber Real Estate Come explore! Click on Juneau County. 22 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
TOM CARPENTER DON’T LET THIS BE Cubs Corner Grow a monarch this summer bottom (egg) side up, on damp paper YOUR NEXT CATCH! towels. Dampen the towels daily so the leaves don’t shrivel up. The egg will get dark when it is ready to hatch. A new caterpillar is tiny—maybe a quarter inch long and about as thick as a thread. Cut out the section of leaf the caterpillar is on, and put him in your bug box (kids need help here!) with s summer hits its peak and flowers fresh milkweed. Abloom everywhere, graceful monarch butterflies waft across the Feed Caterpillars landscape. Did you know you can raise Monarch caterpillars eat your own monarch butterflies? It’s easy, constantly, but they take occasional and it’s a great project to do with kids. long breaks to rest. Monarch You don’t need many special caterpillars create droppings constantly, materials. You’ll learn together about so you’ll have to clean out the container butterflies and how they reproduce. every other day. Stock it with fresh And it’s fun to let the new butterflies fly milkweed leaves, put the caterpillar away to start the long journey back to back in on its old leaf, and it will crawl their wintering grounds. to the new ones. Have kids do these Here’s how to grow a monarch. chores. Gather Materials Provide Perch You’ll need a container to hold When a caterpillar gets about two caterpillars and the chrysalis’ they inches long, and fat like a French fry, it become. Make sure it’s clear-sided (so will begin looking for something to INSPECT bboats,oats, trailerstrailers andand equipment.equipment. you can see what’s going on), and has attach itself to for transformation into a air holes in the lid. Bug boxes work chrysalis. Monarch caterpillars will perfectly. A jar is great, especially one attach themselves to the roof or lid, but RREMOVEEMOVE pplants,lants, aanimalsnimals aandnd mmud.ud. with a wide opening that kids can get they prefer climbing up on a stick or their hands into. twig, so prop one in the container. DRAINDRAIN waterwater ffromrom bboat,oat, mmotor,otor, lliveive wwellell Locate Milkweed aandnd baitbait containers.containeers. Observe Chrysalis Every species of butterfly depends The caterpillar attaches itself and on a specific type of plant, called a host forms into a hanging “J” shape, then DDON’TON’T MOVEMOVE livelive fifishsh a wawayay f rfromom a a plant. Milkweed is the monarch’s host wwaterbody.aterbod y. plant. Monarchs lay their eggs on Continued on page 33 milkweed leaves, and monarch caterpillars eat milkweed leaves to grow BUYBUY minnowsminnows ffromrom a WisconsinWisconsin bbaitait dealerdealer big and fat. aandnd reusereuse themthem oonlynly uundernder certaincertain cconditions.onditions. Find Eggs SSeeee websitewebsite fforor mmoreore information.information. Search for single eggs on the underside of milkweed leaves. A monarch egg is about the size of a www.dnr.wi.govwww.dnr.wi.gov pinhead, shaped like a football that is flat at one end, and is creamy-yellow colored with ridges. It’s tiny—only STOPSTTOP AQUATIC AQUAATTIC about two millimeters long. Collect leaves with eggs, and bring them home. HITCHHIKERS!HITCHHIKERS! (If you find a white-, black- and yellow- striped monarch caterpillar, bring it Prevent tthehe spread ooff invasive species and tthehe fishfish diseasedisease VHSVHS.. home on the leaf it is eating, and put it directly in your bug box with fresh milkweed leaves.) Hatch Eggs Lay the milkweed leaves out, On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 23
GARY ENGBERG Gary Engberg Outdoors Shore fishing with children on the Madison Chain of Lakes populations of most species, and many fish can be caught from shore most of Tips for Kid-Friendly the year. The weeds have been growing Fishing quickly with the warmer weather, but many of the weeds are “good” weeds for fish such as coontail, cabbage and sand • Practice safety by wearing life grass. The invasive weed, Eurasian jackets, sunglasses for eye protec- milfoil, is not favored by fish if they tion, hats and sun block. have a choice. But, milfoil can also hold fish if there is not another alternative on • Keep things simple and let the the lake. child or children have their own The time is right for taking the rods, not yours. family out for a day or even an • The most important thing is to afternoon of fishing. Try to make it a day of it with a picnic basket of food have action and numbers; size and goodies, some games and activities and species are not important to to play during lulls in fishing, and a 5- children. gallon pail to take a few fish home for a • If things are slow, don’t stay too tasty meal. The water is warm enough long—but go again soon. Fishing where you can wade without waders as long as you gained lake access through is better in the summer in low public property or a place where you light conditions when fish are have permission. more apt to move to shallow Mendota and Monona, but there are a equipment. For most panfishing, use water. few good spots. Babcock Park, near light line in 4-pound test because it Lake Mendota the locks in McFarland on Lake will catch more fish. • Be sure to bring some snacks, Some good shore fishing Waubesa, is a good location to fish— Also, always use light floats or fruit and drinks because hungry locations include: the rocky shoreline as is the Lake Farm boat landing area bobbers. The fish can pull them under children get bored. near the locks; Tenney Park break wall and pier. Two good spots on Lake easier and not let go. When and lagoon; the Lake Mendota Kegonsa are the boat landing and pier panfishing, use ice fishing jigs with a • Have some other activities to do shoreline from the University to James at the Fish Camp launch near Lake piece of nightcrawler or a wax worm if the fishing is slow like looking Madison Park; the inlets at Mendota Kegonsa State Park and all along the that can fit into the fish’s mouth. for frogs, skipping stones or County Park; and the public pier near park’s shoreline. This is great area for Another simple and effective playing games. the boat landing at Captain’s Bill’s, bluegills and crappies. Lake Wingra technique is to take a small hook, Governor’s Island, the lagoon at has a fishing pier near the dam, split-shot and nightcrawler. Cast the • Always bring a camera. The Warner Park, and the Highway 113 fishing around most of the lake near rig out and slowly retrieve it. You’ll disposable cameras are great Bridge. the Vilas Zoo, and the Vilas Park have a chance to catch about anything and a digital camera can be put lagoon which is always good for some on this simple rig. Check the line in your bag. Praise the children’s Lake Monona panfish. But, there still are a few regularly for nicks and always cut off a catch and photos. largemouth bass and muskies that can few yards of old line whenever you You can find good shore-fishing be caught along the shore at the pier fish so you don’t loose the big one! • Always try to teach ethics, opportunities at Brittingham Park; off and launch on Knickerbocker Street, This is a good primer for those obeying rules and regulations. the pier at the boat landing and along and in Murphy’s Creek that runs into who fish from shore and would like to the Olin Park shoreline; Monona Bay, Lake Monona. take the children and or family out near the M.G. and E. discharge and Many of these locations offer fishing and catch a few fish. Ask the regularly talk to people who say they’d along the Monona shore to the camping areas, fishing piers, bait shop owner or sales person if they love to go fishing more, but they don’t Convention Center; Law Park; Yahara playgrounds, hiking spots and dog have any tips or know where the fish Ihave a boat, regular access to one, or Park; the Olbrich Park break wall; and walking areas. These locations offer are biting. They are in constant touch many friends who fish. The way the the Winnequah Road lagoon. There anything that a shore angler could with people who are fishing and can economy is now, about the only thing are tried-and-true locations that have want while giving them the chance to usually help if asked. You may always selling at boat dealers are smaller, entry- produced fish for decades (when I was catch some fish for release or the contact me and I’ll try and help you in level boats from 15 to 16 feet with a 20- or in college and poor) and continue to frying pan. Try to keep enough for a anyway that I can at: 25-hp motor on them. But there is an this day to be good fish producers. few meals, but don’t be a fish hog! garyengbergoutdoors.com. Have fun O answer to this dilemma—fish from shore! Remember is to get some good, fishing! WO The Madison Chain of Lakes is Lake Waubesa, Lake quality equipment. You don’t have to comprised of Lake Mendota, Lake spend a fortune, but buy decent Kegonsa and Lake Wingra Contact Gary Engberg at 608.795.4208, Monona, Lake Waubesa, Lake Kegonsa equipment because it is worth the or [email protected] and Lake Wingra. All of these lakes have These lakes don’t have as many added price. Teach your children to or visit www.garyengbergoutdoors.com very good fishing with diverse fish shore fishing locations as Lake’s take care of their rod, reel and for good fishing information. 24 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
Find MORE Outdoors online: Visit our website for more outdoor columns from these Ellis Experts: Dave Lemke–Playing with Perch Tom Luba–I Walk the (Weed) Line Mike Yurk–Bassology: Sun Screens for Bass www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com
ELLIS BEARS, from page 3 years. In 2009, approximately 7,300 harvest permits was baiting his 37 sites on public and private land this were available and hunters responded by harvesting year April 17. He will initially bait once or twice per 3,900 bears, the highest bear harvest documented in week, but increase the routine to four times weekly Wisconsin history. one month before the season, and five times weekly Any discussion of bear populations in 2010 must two weeks before the season. travel to deer numbers. The Wisconsin black bear is With plans as always to report on the Foss bear thought by a growing number of experts, including camp in September as an observer with the hopes of Wisconsin bear guides and hunters, to have a meeting Snaggle Tooth, I accept invitations to also bait significant impact on the deer population through the with Foss in early summer. This reporter also was predation of fawns in the spring. It is a fact that the among 15 hunters who helped pull out the 639 pound carefully monitored Wisconsin elk herd at Clam Lake Cichanofsky monster in 2009. The baiting work is has not been able to increase numbers as hoped in hard and hot in thick foliage with swarms of large part due to the predation of calves by black bears mosquitoes also ready to answer the dinner bell. Foss and wolves. carries bait and a can of bear spray in the highly Although the bear harvest was the highest in unlikely event of an attack. But, even when trailing a history, the statewide success rate of 53 percent in hit bear during the black of night in thick vegetation, Wisconsin four hunting zones fell below the three year regulations also dictate that he carry only spray and average of 59 percent. The questions still needs to be not a firearm for protection. asked; if the bear population is as high as 40,000 “Don’t worry Mike, I’m right behind you,” I will animals and they are significant predators of fawns, is tell the guide again during the regular season harvesting approximately 10 to 20 percent of the bear especially near the Snaggle Tooth haunt. “I mean… population annually enough? Or, should additional I’m way behind you.” bear harvest permits be issued? Our circuit of several bear sites was traveled on “I saw my first fawn up here this week,” Foss said, two ATVs, courtesy of OWO sponsor Suzuki. We Bear Guide Mike Foss completes baiting another site by the week of June 15. “There are very few deer up then parked, and walked into each bait site with Foss rolling logs over the sweets that will prevent deer or scav- here.” carrying a pail of goodies to replenish the bait pits. engers from raiding the bait but which can also easily be In 2010, hunters over bait in September will have Inevitably, the sites had been hit by bears, with logs thrown aside by a hungry bear. first crack at bears, and hunters with dogs begin their used to seal the meal from deer and scavengers season later. Seasons in Zones A, B and D where scattered around like toothpicks. After the bait was hunting with dogs is allowed run from September 8-14 set, the logs were replaced and we would move on. with aid of bait and with other methods not utilizing Cameras mounted on trees and fixed on the bait conflict with humans,” Foss said. “They get in garbage dogs; September 15- October 5 with aid of bait, dogs sites add to the fun. Motion triggers the photo, and we and bird feeders for example. And once a nuisance and other methods, and October 6-12 with aid of dogs then are able to view how big the bears are that are bear, always a nuisance bear. Even if they are trapped only. Season in Zone C where dogs are prohibited visiting. With 300 pound plus bears and bigger and relocated, they’re going to get into trouble again.” runs September 8 through October 12 with aid of bait harvested annually in the Foss camp and monstrous Foss also sees trouble ahead with the current state and other methods not utilizing dogs. Wisconsin bears out there roaming, viewing the bear hunter’s system and specifically the number of Due to the increased number of applicants, photos offers its own kind of excitement. Recently, in applicants waiting for kill permits before being part of hunters now need four to nine preference points addition to the bears a lone timber wolf apparently the pool of hunters selected to hunt. “A lot of guys depending on zone before they receive a Class A with mange seeking scraps at one site was also can’t find an outfitter,” Foss said. “In addition to the 25 permit to actually hunt. Regardless of the number of captured. hunters in my camp, I had to go out and find quality bears or permits issued, working to replenish bait sites Foss said that the Wisconsin bear season is a guides for hunters calling me that I can’t take this year. with non-animal or animal bi-products like pie filling, necessary management tool within a precise A lot of hunters are from southern Wisconsin and they pastry or candy treats like gummy bears is necessary to management program that prevents the population can’t be running up here to bait. I’m telling you, it’s O bring the animal to the hunter. Guides and individual from exploding. With high bear numbers, he said, going to be a great big problem.” WO hunters alike are working hard to bait and re-bait in more and more bears not dominant in certain Contact Northern Wisconsin Outfitters at these summer months before the season opener. territories migrate to central and southern regions of www.northernwisconsinoutfitters.com or 715.373.0344. Bait hunters could legally begin baiting bears on Wisconsin where they would not be under more April 15, almost five months prior to the season normal conditions. Those areas are often urban and This Dick Ellis syndicated column originally appeared on opener, and continue through the end of the season. heavily populated by humans. August 18, 2008. Read Dick’s column archives online at Most hunters do not begin to bait that early, but Foss “That means we see more nuisance bears in www.onwisconsinoutdoors.com. On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 25
TODD BOHM Wounded Warriors in Action was founded in 2007 by retired Army Lt. Colonel John McDaniel with the purpose of providing world- Brothers In Arms class hunting and fishing opportunities for veterans who had been Wounded warriors in Wisconsin wounded in combat in the Iraqi or Afghanistan combat theaters. were returned to fight another day, but number of businesses that donated enough crappies were kept to provide a services including: The Grand Lodge couple of Wisconsin fish frys. by Stoney Creek who donated all of the Following an outstanding dinner at rooms, Log Cabin Restaurant, the Log Cabin restaurant in Schofield, Marathon County Game Warden Ben the veterans hit the rack in preparation Herzfeldt and Gander Mountain for a repeat schedule on Sunday. Sunday Manager Tom Keenan. Offering guide morning allowed the veterans to choose and cooking services for the weekend from turkey hunting or fishing. Two of included Bill Gibbs of the Silver Pump the veterans chose to turkey hunt, and I Farms, Tony Kopchinski of the Mosinee had the pleasure of spending the Sportsman club, Chef Luke Coenen and morning on the Wisconsin River with Gander Mountain sales associates Justin Nick Schoon chasing walleyes and Petroske and Eric Biezek. smallmouths. Nick loves to fish, and it Many great memories and was obvious why: Soon after launching friendships were made on the Wounded the boat, Nick was landing walleyes, Warriors in Action Central Wisconsin crappies, smallmouth bass and catfish. “cast and blast” weekend. It was truly an Because their planes were leaving early honor to host these American heroes. in the afternoon on Sunday, the fishing Plans are already being made for spring and hunting was called off by late 2011. Anyone interested in joining or morning and our veterans left central helping give back to our veterans should Daniel Smith, Nick Schoon and Nick Colgin took part in a turkey hunting/fishing O Wisconsin with a lifetime of memories contact Todd Bohm. WO event hosted by Wounded Warriors in Action and the author. and new friendships. Nick Schoon said, “This is replacing bad memories with Todd Bohm is a lifetime educator and good memories. I will look back on this principal in the D.C. Everest School District. weekend and remember it forever.” He is an avid fisherman and hunter who ho says that America doesn’t have The three veterans who Special thanks goes out to the guides the waters of Central and Northern Wany heroes anymore? During the participated in the Central Wisconsin veterans who have sacrificed so much in Wisconsin specializing in all species of fish weekend of May 21-23, I had the program arrived at the Central defense of the freedoms that we enjoy including trout. Contact Todd online at opportunity to host three veterans from Wisconsin Airport on Friday, May 21. here in the United States. This event www.wisconsinanglingadventures.com or the Wounded Warriors in Action Although the three veterans had never would not have been possible without a call 715.297.7573. program for 2 days of turkey hunting and met, within minutes the common bond fishing in central Wisconsin. Combat that only combat veterans can know veterans who participated in the program soon had the men talking and sharing included: Daniel Smith from South stories. Following a Wisconsin style brat Carolina, wounded in Iraq; Nick Schoon fry and get-together at my home, the from Texas, wounded in Iraq; Nick veterans hit the rack in preparation for Colgin from Wisconsin, wounded in the Saturday morning hunt that would Afghanistan; and founder of the program, begin at 3 a.m.. John McDaniel. As dawn broke on Saturday and Wounded Warriors in Action was Sunday mornings, the four members of founded in 2007 by retired Army Lt. the organization found themselves Colonel John McDaniel with the scattered around southeastern purpose of providing world-class Marathon county hunting turkeys with hunting and fishing opportunities for four guides who had volunteered their veterans who had been wounded in services. Although no gobblers were combat in the Iraqi or Afghanistan shot during the two mornings, all of the combat theaters. A native of Wisconsin hunters had opportunities to see and and 20-year Army veteran, McDaniel hear toms. has split time between his home in Following the Saturday morning Florida and Phillips, Wisconsin. hunt and a brief lunch, the veterans Focusing on the healing powers of the were back in action as they hit the water. outdoor experience and new friendships Lake Wausau was our lake of choice and that would be developed, McDaniel’s within short order, the veterans were program has provided veterans putting fish after fish into the boat. By opportunities for guided saltwater the end of the evening, anglers had fishing trips, alligator hunts, duck hunts, boated dozens of walleyes, northerns, turkey hunts and whitetail hunts. perch and crappies. Most of the fish 26 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
www.checkpointcharlies.com Personal viewing by appointment only Checkpoint Charlies Waupaca, Wisconsin 715-258-GUNS (4867) Wisconsin’s Best Online Store for Antique Firearms & Firearm Collectibles
3 WALTHER PPK C/N #959XXX W/VG BROWN 107 LUGER 1906 AMERICAN EAGLE 4 3/4.30 UNLIMITED, APPEARS NEW, NO BOX $795.00 CRACKS IN WOOD, PAPER WRAP BUT NO TOOLS AKAH HOLSTER, 90-95% $875.00 LUGER, GRIP SAFETY, MATCHED, 85-90% 324 JAP. T99 SER.30 W/AA SIGHT, MATCHED, IN BUTT $2,450.00 5 TTN OLYMPIA (NAVY ARMS WALTHER CLOAN) $1,499.00 NO MUM, SANDED STOCK & GRAY METAL 396 MAUSER 98K DOU45, RC IMPORT $399.00 .22LR TARGET/SPORT PISTOL W/GERMAN 118 SWD MAC 11 9MM W/SCOPE MOUNT & HI- $210.00 403 REMINGTON MOD.11 20 CYL. 12GA. POST-WAR RETALER 'FRANCONIA JAGD- CAP MAG, 97% $329.00 325 AM.ARMS VALTRO (HIGH QUALITY ITALIAN) U.S.PROPERTY #464XXX, 99%, APPEARS GERMANY E/N' MARKINGS, HAVE 5, ALL LOW 123 MAUSER C96 BOLO BANNER #684XXX, TACTICAL 88 12GA. 20 SHOTGUN W/PISTOL UNFIRED $1,425.00 TWO DIGIT SERIAL NUMBERS $279.00 MATCHED W/STOCK, 80% $995.00 GRIP STOCK, DETACHABLE MAG & CHOKE, NIB 404 WINCHESTER 54 .30-06GOVT. #51XXXA 7 INGLIS HI POWER MKI 9mm #5T6XXX, 95% 124 TAKU DOCKYARD C96 7.63MM LARGE RING, $629.00 W/EARLY WEAVER 4X SCOPE, LONG BOLT $875.00 MATCHED, GOOD BORE, RESTORED TO PERFEC- 327 H&R M1D SNIPER #5789XXX W/M73 SCOPE, HANDLE & PAD ADDED, GOOD BORE, 85% 8 LUGER LP08 DWM CARBINE W/16 SOLID TION W/STOCK $1,499.00 MINTY RIFLE BUT 85% SCOPE, NO PAPERS $795.00 RIBBED PENCIL BARREL, EXPRESS SIGHTS & 126 CHINESE (MAUSER BROOMHANDLE COPY) $1,795.00 408 NEF (H&R) TRACKER II SBI 24 12GA. UNNUMBERED STOCK, 95%, 9MM, 1920s ERA C96 #7XXX W/STOCK, 4 1/2 BBL., LG. GRIP AND 331 RUSSIAN NAGANT 91-30 7.62X54r WWII SMOOTHBORE W/SIGHTS, 99% $129.00 GERMAN GUILD GUN W/BRASS PLATE MARKED DIAMOND SHAPED BOLT STOP, PATINA $539.00 SNIPER W/1942 DATE SCOPE & 1965 REISSUE 500 WALTHER PPK VG-EXC. UNMKD. BROWN CURT WALTER, LOWENBERG/SCHLIES., EXC. 140 KINBER STAINLESS .22LR CONVERSION KIT DATE, VIETNAM CAPTURE, NO IMPORT MARKS, WWII BREAKAWAY HOLSTER $79.00 RIG $4,150.00 ONLY FOR 1911 TYPE AUTOS, NIB $299.00 NO PAPERS, 80-85% $1,399.00 503 LUGER P08 VG-EXC. BLACK WWII MILITARY 19 MAGNUM RESEARCH BFR 10 STAINLESS 141 COLT GOVT. SER.70 .38 SUPER #70S25XXX, 335 COLT MATCH TARGET LIGHTWEIGHT .223 REWORK HOLSTER $169.00 .500 S&W MAG W/SCOPE MOUNT, AS NEW IN MINTY, NO BOX $1,275.00 W/COLLAPSABLE STOCK, RED DOT SCOPE, 507 WALTHER PPK AKAH/DRGM VG-EXC. BOX $875.00 142 COLT GOVT. SER.70 .45ACP, NICKEL, NEW, MOUNT & EXTRAS, 98% $1,050.00 BROWN DRP MARKED HOLSTER $425.00 22 COLT SAA 7 1/2 .45LC #36XXX, 1877 NO BOX $1,225.00 338 REMINGTON PEERLESS 26 12GA. 513 LUGER P08 HZA PROOFED VG-EXC. SCARCE PRODUCTION, SMOOTH GRAY FINISH, NICE 143 COLT SUPER .38 AUTOMATIC #10XXX, 98- #RP004XXX (1ST YEAR PROD.), 98% IN BOX NAZI REWORK HOLSTER $199.00 MARKINGS, MATCHED $2,000.00 99% W/PRE-MICRO SIGHTS, FACTORY FITTED IN W/HARDCASE $929.00 535 LUGER P08 VG BLACK BULGARIAN MILI- 28 FREEDOM ARMS MOD.83 7 1/2 STAINLESS THE 1950s $2,295.00 339 WINCHESTER 1886 26 RD. 38-56 #98XXX, TARY HOLSTER $49.00 .475 LINBAUGH W/SPECIAL ORDER TUNED 144 COLT NATIONAL MATCH .45ACP #10XXX- 1895 PRODUCTION W/FOLDING TANG SIGHT, 577 LUGER P08 1915 DATE BROWN VG-EXC. ACTION, SPECIAL ORDER CUSTOM GRIPS & NM, 99% IN EARLY RED/WHITE/GRAY BOX ORIGINAL, 40% $2,299.00 HOLSTER $225.00 SWIVEL STUDS, VERY LOW SERIAL NUMBER, W/PAPERS & ACCES. $1,999.00 341 WINCHESTER 1886 26 OCT. 45-70 #40XXX, 600 MAUSER C96BOLO WOODEN THIS IS THE 12th .475 EVER PRODUCED, MINTY 145 COLT COMBAT COMMANDER .45ACP SATIN 1890 PRODUCTION, EXC. BORE, SMOOTH GRAY STOCK/HOLSTER, EXC. QUALITY WWII CHINESE IN BOX $1,895.00 NICKEL SER.70 #70SC43XXX, 98-99% $1,165.00 FINISH, NICE ORIGINAL RIFLE $3,350.00 PROD. CLONED DOWN TO MAUSER BANNER, 30 PARA-ORDNANCE P12-45 LIMITED COMPACT 146 COLT GOVT. PRE-70 BRIGHT NICKEL .45ACP 342 JAP. ARISKA T99 LAST DITCH NAGOYA HAVE A FEW $199.00 .45ACP HI-CAPACITY W/NIGHT SIGHTS, BLUE, #334XXX-C, 98-99% $1,195.00 SER.10, MATCHED, 90%, GROUND MUM $199.00 804 BROWNING A5 LIGHT 12 26"12GA.VR BBL. 99%-NEW, NO BOX $599.00 147 COLT GOLD CUP NAT'L. MATCH .45ACP 343 JAP. T38 6.5MM TRAINER, 95% $159.00 W/CHOKESBROWNING A5 LIGHT 12, 26" VR 34 EAA EA9 HI-CAP 9MM SEMI-AUTO SERIES 70 #70N76XXX, 97-98% $1,349.00 344 COLT SPORTER COMPETITION HBAR .223 12GA. BARELL ONLY WITH CHOKES, 98- W/MUZZLEBREAK, APPEARS NEW, NO BOX 148 COLT GOVT. SERIES 70 .45ACP BRIGHT #CH019XXX FLAT-TOP W/DETACHABLE HANDLE, 99%$350.00 $329.00 NICKEL #70B49XXX W/BLUED TRIGGER & GRIP 4X12 NIKON SCOPE, MOUNTS, MANUAL & 805 REMINGTON CIVIL WAR ERA CAP&BALL 38 WALTHER P38 ZERO SERIES #011XXX, SCREWS, 99% $1,199.00 MAGS., NO BOX, APPEARS NEW $1,199.00 PISTOL FLASK REMINGTON .36 OR .44 CAP & RESTORED, MATCHED EXCEPT MAG & GRIPS 160 S&W 29-5 CLASSIC 6 1/2 BLUE #BNK1XXX, 346 NEW ENGLAND FIREARMS (N.E.F.) SB2 28 BALL ORIGINAL CIVIL WAR ERA 'DOG' BRASS $1,595.00 SMOOTH GONCALO ALVES TARGET GRIPS, SPL. 10GA. 3 1/2 SINGLE BBL. SHOTGUN, NEW POWDER FLASK, EXC., SLANTED SPOUT, HAVE 45 BERETTA 92FS 9MM STAINLESS ORDER #2281, NIB $729.00 UNFIRED, NO BOX $149.00 2$450.00 #BER172XXX W/NIGHT SIGHTS & 2 FACTORY 173 EAA WITNESS STAINLESS .45ACP 350 WINCHESTER 1894 26 OCT. 38-55 #97XXX, 807 JAP. WWII NORTH CHINA EXPEDITION HI-CAP MAGS, MINTY, NO BOX $695.00 W/TARGET SIGHTS, NEW, NO BOX $429.00 1897 PRODUCTION, MINTY BORE, 93-95%, SCARFJAP. WWII NORTH CHINA EXPEDITION 47 EAA EA22T (BERETTA TYPE) 6 .22LR HEAVY 300 WINCHESTER 1890 SOLID FRAME .22SHORT GOOD COLOR CASE $4,350.00 LARGE SILK SCARK W/TRANSLATION, BBL. TARGET W/EXTRA MAG, APPEARS NIB #4XXX, 70%, EXC., ORIGINAL BUT REPLACED 351 WINCHESTER 1894 26 OCT. 30-30 #48XXX, EXC.$229.00 $299.00 SIGHTS, GOOD BORE $6,000.00 1896 PRODUCTION, 65%, GLOBE FRONT SIGHT & 809 WWII GI AIR FORCE PILLOW COVERWWII GI 50 RUGER NEW MODEL BI-CENTENNIAL BLACK- 301 SAKO AIII LIGHTWEIGHT RH 24 .375H&H, FOLDING TANG REAR $1,549.00 U.S. AIR FORCE PILLOW COVER W/AIR CORPS HAWK 6 1/2 .357, 99% $369.00 WALNUT, MINTY $899.00 361 MAUSER 98K S/147 1936 KRIEGSMARINE, DETAILS & FRINGE, PX PURCHASE, EXC.$29.00 52 LUGER P08 DWM 4 3/4 9MM FINNISH 303 COLT SPORTER TARGET MODEL R6551 .223, EXC. BUT MISMATCH $699.00 810 MOSSBERG 500 12GA. 24" FULLY RIFLED CONTRACT W/ORIGINAL WWII DISC CUT GRIP, 1990s CLINTON BAN GUN, NIB $1,199.00 365 RUSSIAN NAGANT 91-30 WWII SNIPER SLUG BARRELMOSSBERG 500 12GA. 24" FULLY SA MARKED, REWORK, 90% $1,049.00 306 CETME (PORTUGESE C.A.I.) .308 SEMI- W/ARSENAL REWORK MATCHED SCOPE, ALL RIFLED SLUG BARREL, 98%$139.00 54 S&W SIGMA SW40F .40S&W HI-CAP, NIB AUTO #C39XXX, MINTY W/ACCES. $729.00 WWII $799.00 811 HK RAK PIST 78 FLARE PISTOL W/ACCES.HK W/ACCES. $425.00 307 C.A.I. SAR1 7.62X39 AK TYPE SEMI-AUTO, 371 COLT SPORTER MATCH HBAR .223 26.5MM RAK PIST 78 FLARE PISTOL W/POUCH & 58 MAGNUM RESEARCH DESERT EAGLE 6 AS NEW W/TEST TARGET $469.00 #MH050XXX W/ANPVS4 ($1200) INFRARED ACCES., NEW$125.00 ELECTROLIS NICKEL .44MAG., APPEARS NIB 308 RUSSIAN SVT40 , 1940 DATE, MATCHED SCOPE, 30 RD. MAG, FLASHFIDER & SLING, 98- 706 UZI 9MM 32RD. MAG.UZI 9MM 32 ROUND $929.00 EXCEPT MAG., PURCHASED FROM WWII VET, 99% $1,950.00 MAGS., MINTY, HAVE 6 $19.00 59 STEYR SPP 9MM #22XXX, AS NIB W/2 MAGS. MISSING STOCK (DISGUARDED BY VET), EXC. 375 MARS ZEHLA MEHLIS 115 WWII .177 CAL. 708 RUGER MIN-14 30RD. MAG RUGER MINI-14 $750.00 RIFLE, COMPLETE EXCEPT STOCK $850.00 BB GUN TRAINER, 90% PLUS BUT REPAIRED 30 ROUND EXC. UNMARKED MAG $15.00 61 STAR A CARBINE, 7.62X25, 1920s CHINESE 309 COLT SPORTER LIGHTWEIGHT .223 DUFFLE-CUT $395.00 709 RUGER MINI 14 FACTORY ORIGINAL 20 CONTRACT W/CHINESE GRIPS & REBLUE, NO #SL025XXX, NEW $949.00 376 REM. 11-48 12GA. FACTORY CUT-A-WAY ROUND .223 MAGS, HAVE 4 $39.00 STOCK $495.00 310 BROWNING BROADWAY TRAP 12GA. USED AS SALES SAMPLE BY FACTORY REP. 847 M60 BELT-FED DEMIL DUMMY GUN 67 S&W M629-3 STAINLESS 8 3/8 .44MAG. #67XXXS7, 95% OLD PROFESSIONAL REBLUE IN ARNOLD CATENHOUSEN, EXC. $429.00 W/VEHICLE PEDISTAL MOUNT & BELT OF .308 #BFF1XXX W/2X L.E. SIMMONS SCOPE & BROWNING LUGGAGE CASE, SQUARE KNOB, 378 VALMET 71S .223 W/ORIGINAL SLING, DUMMIES, EXC. $1,999.00 LEUPOLD MTS., MINTY $625.00 SHORT TANG $1,149.00 MINTY $1,299.00 859 WWII GERMAN SA DRESS DAGGER 80 CIMARRON REM. 1858 ARMY 8 .44 ANTIQUE 313 THOMPSON-CENTER .45CAL SENECA SIDE- 382 WINCHESTER 37 16GA., EARLY, EXC. BORE, W/HANGER, "CHRISTIANSWERKE" MAKER MKD., FINISH, MATCHED PAIR OF TWO PISTOLS HAMMER BLACK POWDER MUZZLE-LOADER, 85-90% $195.00 VG $395.00 WALNUT PRESENTATION CASE W/ACCES., NIB APPEARS UNFIRED $599.00 387 POLISH TANTAL AK 5.45X39 W/FOLDING 861 WWII GERMAN SINGLE DECAL LUFTWAFFE $625.00 316 WINCHESTER 94 BIG BORE #BB013XXX, STOCK, FLASH-HIDER, BAYO-LUG, FIBER HELMET W/GOOD CHINSTRAP & LINER, 90-95% 92 LUGER P08 S/42 1936 9MM #3XXXk, .375BIGBORE, 98% $825.00 STOCKS & 3 MAGS., 99% $699.00 PAINT & DECAL $550.00 MATCHED W/MATCHED MAG, TOOL AND 317 BERETTA S 686 ESSENTIAL 26 12GA 3MAG. 395 GERMAN K43 AC44 #3XXXn, MATCHED, 95% MATCHING NUMBERED 1934 DATE HOLSTER, MATTE FINISH W/CHECKERED WALNUT STOCKS METAL, GOOD WOOD BUT NAME CARVED IN GOOD BORE, 97% $2,995.00 & SCREW-IN CHOKES, 1 OF 850 DUCKS LEFT SIDE, EXC. BORE, WOOD HANDGUARD, NO www.checkpointcharlies.com On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 27
S.WILKERSON Surplus Firearms Curios and Relics
“Had there been an Internet in the early 1990s, I could have learned that my friends were full of the berries and I would now have one heck of a gun collection Yugoslavian Model 48s were cheap and plentiful a few years ago. Prices on these very bought on the cheap.” desirable and accurate rifles have dramatically increased as availability has decreased.
hen brand new circa least 50 years old or older in order to didn’t want drunk friends sleeping these are the same people who, I’m 1950 Polish TT33 pistols qualify for C & R status, which on the coach or front yard, but was pretty certain, still believe you should Wcould be bought for $225 included just about every gun I had none too keen on the idea of never use the front brake on your about 10 years ago, I didn’t buy ever wanted. strangers coming into the house at all motorcycle because you’ll go over the one. Same with East German Many dealers bought the same hours of the day or night—at least handle bars and bought a dozen AK reworked Lugers. Didn’t buy any guns back then and, as they do now, not until she had time to vacuum the magazines because they were sure of those either, even though they often marked them up excessively rugs, clean the sink, dust the they would fit their SKSs. only cost about three large bills. high. Knowing that I could get a MK furniture and put on her makeup. Had there been an Internet in Model 40 Russian Tokarevs could IV Enfield for $100 through Shotgun Women had never lined up at the early 1990s, I could have learned be had for about the same, and News or Gun List kind of soured me my front door because they found that my friends were full of the Argentine 1911s were even less, to the idea of paying $200 for one me so appealing, so I decided it was berries and I would now have one but I passed them by like a bad from my local gun dealer. So I went best not to jeopardize even heck of a gun collection bought on habit. without. infrequent romance by cheesing off the cheap. Instead, I have a gun It wasn’t like I didn’t have the Why? Because, according to my the Old Lady. In short, I did not get a collection that cost a small fortune, money or was particularly stupid. In gun “expert” friends and C & R because I was afraid of my at least by my standards, because I fact, I was better off financially then acquaintances, possessing a C & R wife. bought many of the guns I coveted in than I am now and hadn’t lost quite license was just inviting my own All that changed one fateful day the 1980s and ‘90s for a lot more as many brain cells to old age. No, personal Waco. These experts about 5 years ago at a Bob and Rocco money during the new millennium the fault lies with the Internet and “knew” that BATF agents could come Gun Show in Milwaukee where I saw with my C & R. uninformed friends and to my home any time of the day or a former co-worker for the first time acquaintances. night to check my paperwork. If in years—Toothpick Jim. Even Missing The Golden Age All of the rifles and pistols anything was amiss, they would though he had put on a few pounds Even though I missed the mentioned above were available confiscate my guns and put me in and lost some hair, I still recognized “Golden Age” of surplus arms in the through the mail cheap back in the jail. I was pretty sure I could keep my him. (Felt better about myself, too, 1980s and 90s, I do still find some day to those who possessed a Federal paperwork straight and it wasn’t like ‘cause I was, comparatively speaking, bargains out there, which you can Curios and Relics (C & R) Firearms I had a meth lab in the basement that more svelte and hairier.) During the read about in this column, at least License. For a lousy $30, Uncle Sam I was afraid of BATF discovering. No, course of discussing who among my until I run out of guns to test which issued a 3-year license to those who what I had was a wife who, not only former workmates got married, will happen soon. There are also could pass a thorough divorced, died or was now in jail, the some deals that can be found at gun back ground check that topic of M1 Garands came up. I told shows and I found one recently from opened up a flood-gate of TP I would buy one of the Lend- another C & R holder, a Yugoslavian highly desirable firearms Lease Army bring-backs from the Model 48 A rifle in 8mm caliber. at dealer prices. The Civilian Marksmanship Program, but Built on a “small ring” Mauser Model applicable guns, generally didn’t want to get the necessary C & 98 action, the one I bought was built speaking, have to be at R license for the reasons stated sometime in the early 1950s and above. immediately put into storage where it remained for over 40 years. The Toothpick Jim Yugoslavians took meticulous care of A C & R holder for years, TP their stored weapons back when informed me that this was just an there was a Yugoslavia. The guns urban legend and BATF had to have were routinely examined and re-oiled Checkpoint Charlie's (see a reason to come to your home and and put back into storage where they facing page) has thousands had to call ahead of time before they remained until the Yugoslavians of collectible and other did so. In other words, my wife finally decided that they had enough firearms for sale, like this would have time to put on her AKs in stock to finally let go of the Walther P38 and United lipstick and my friends were, once multitudes of 48s, SKSs and K98s States Army Model 1911. again, wrong. Big surprise there; Continued on page 29 28 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
NATALIE BEACOM The Grand River A girl and her gar s the temperatures warm and state record for short and long-nose gar Asummer in the Midwest arrives, it’s have been earned on the Wisconsin hard not to hear the call of the open road. River in Richland and weigh near the For anglers, all roads lead to water, and 21-pound range. Gar prefer 80- to 90- my inner voice was leading me straight to degree water temps; however, on the Mississippi. This Grand River surely average they begin to become active and evokes romantic Twain-like images. Pure, spawn in 60-degree water. lazy river days watching the continuous While anecdotal and not proven flow of water rambling downstream and biologically, it’s said the gar’s roe is the relaxing sound of its rush. Along 250 poisonous and considered toxic if eaten. miles of Wisconsin’s western border, the The long-nose tends to feed nocturnally winding river roads lead you around on fish and invertebrates, but aren’t too picturesque bluffs and passes near sandy picky. With their sharp alligator-like shorelines. A perfect fishing destination jaws that overlay each other, they will to relax and enjoy, but I had more intent often bite through line. In the end, these with my choice—I was on the road with a fish are not easiest to prepare, nor are purpose. I wanted a gar. they the tastiest, either. But I still The upper Mississippi River, itself a wanted one. fraction of the Mississippi River System Although understanding your which is the largest in North America, fishery, the fish and its habitat are keys supports more than 140 species of fish. I to having successful results, sometimes was only concerned with one: the long- what can drive us more than the
“ ...both the state record for short and long-nose gar have been earned on the Wisconsin River in Richland
and weigh near the 21-pound range.” like always, what hits me looking at any hour brings something new. There are natural environment is that it’s all so crowds of odd islands, bluffs, prairies, much bigger than me. The Mississippi’s hills, woods and villages—everything brown water and strong current look so one could desire.” I found that to be nose gar. You’ve seen them hovering “science” is the want or challenge of a powerful. I found a nice spot, perhaps true. With my strong journalistic rod-like in the big tanks at the zoo or situation. For me, I wanted first the tug not a hotspot, but my spot. I rigged ethics and no access to PhotoShop, I Cabela’s. Their prehistoric swordfish- of the line as a gar is taking my line out my line with a rope lure and readied can’t end this story bragging about the like chops full of sharp teeth, each fish and then the fight—bringing him in— for a bite. I fished the entire day size and length of my gar. However, floating confidently in schools, fearing followed by my smiling face next to a away—dawn to twilight. With each out there on that Grand River, I know no predator. respectable-sized Jurassic-looking gar. cast, it began to be less about the my quest for my gar will continue. Although I’ve never seen a gar So with the spirit of a true river rat and species of fish and I relaxed and outside of an aquarium, it occurred to the impatience of a city girl, I saddled enjoyed the sway and the breeze and Natalie Beacom is a librarian and me that I might have difficulty catching up, loaded my gear in the wagon and the smells of the river wafting over freelance writer residing in New Berlin one of these fish, so I did a little headed westward to the frontier that is me. and enjoys spending time hunting and research. Finding home in many of our the Mississippi. In fact, like Twain has written, fishing throughout Wisconsin. Email Wisconsin rivers and lakes, both the I reached the Mississippi River and, “Along the upper Mississippi every [email protected].
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TOM CARPENTER Badger Birds American goldfinch
oldfinches come close to songbird perfection. A goldfinches descending on a Gbright male goldfinch makes a striking summer feeder is stunning indeed. sight with his neon yellow plumage, dandied up with a Attract goldfinches several bold black cap and black wings barred with white. ways. Hang special thistle Though less spectacular, a female’s olive-yellow feathers feeders or sacks filled with nyjer display a refined elegance all their own. Bright and thistle seed. Offer black oil beautiful goldfinches make the Wisconsin countryside sunflower seed in tubes or o n home all summer, and they are easy to attract to your trays. Plant sunflowers and leave yard. “Wild canaries” (as they are sometimes fashioned) them up through fall and winter. And always display high energy and good cheer. offer plenty of water year round, for Listen for goldfinch calls: A lively chew-chew- goldfinches love to drink, splash and bathe. chew triplet of notes when flying, and a happy Did you know that Wisconsin goldfinches don’t per-chik-oreee when feeding. nest until late July and August? Goldfinches are Look for goldfinches’ undulating, up-and-down, dedicated seed eaters, and by this time a bounty of roller-coaster flight, which is designed to confuse seeds is available for feeding the young. Parents pass avian predators. Goldfinches often travel in groups, along “goldfinch porridge” that they bring back to a Native son Tom Carpenter writes about the outdoor O and the sight of eight or 10 intensely yellow tightly woven nest built deep in a shrub. WO world for a variety of national and regional publications.
BIRD IDENTIFICATION, SURPLUS FIREARMS, from page 16 from page 27
Count the number of notes in a they had been hoarding. I had a winner when, at 25 yards, it Don’t make the mistake I did. bird call or song, and get a feel for My 48 A is a handsome bugger. put four shots in an area slightly Get your C & R and get it now. They the rhythm used. Most field guides The barreled action has a larger than a dime. Windage was are still only $30 for 3 years. It might offer a verbal description of birds’ commercial blue finish nicely set off perfect and, since the rounds hit the be years before another assault calls and songs by which you can by a bolt still in the white. As is target at 6 o’clock, I knew it would be weapons ban goes into effect, but the sometimes identify the maker. Better sometimes the case with these guns, in the black at 100 with the potential sources of importable surplus arms is yet, get a CD featuring wild bird calls there is chip out of the heel of the to shoot good groups. drying up rapidly. Russia, Vietnam, and songs. elm wood stock where it meets the If only I owned this gun 25 years China, and Iran have them in great Use high-quality binoculars of 8- butt plate, but it isn’t too noticeable ago when I could still see its barley numbers, according to legend. In the to 10-power in the field. Invest what and doesn’t affect the functionality of corn sights. Even with my Merit case of Russia and China, many of you can in a name-brand pair that the gun. The slightly pitted bore also optic aperture affixed to my glasses, I their surplus firearms have been gathers a lot of light and won’t does not affect accuracy. Shame had difficulty seeing the front sight. banned by presidential executive exhaust your eyes. Good binoculars about the bore, too. The lands, rifling Despite that, and the fact that it had order. The chance of them flooding will last for decades. and crown are absolutely sharp a rather heavy and gritty trigger pull the country again with SKSs and Finally, a good field guide is edged and the bore shines bright, and the baby butt smooth butt plate TT33s are about nil and it’s doubtful essential. A Peterson Field Guide is despite being slightly frosty. didn’t want to stay on my shoulder, I that a trade agreement with the best, because detailed paintings That frost is the result of one of did manage to get a three-shot group Iranians will occur in our lifetime. emphasize parts of the bird that will its previous owners firing corrosive of less than one and three-quarters On the other hand, who would help you positively identify the ammunition and not cleaning it inches at 100 yards. A better shot have thought that we’d ever see species. Field guides with photos are properly. A word to the wise: could have done better. Finnish Lugers, Garands, or Eastern nice, but the illustrations will call out Corrosive ammunition will pit a bore Front veteran P38s imported again, key identification factors. within hours if it is not cleaned and Riding The Waves as they have been recently? Be a Boy It’s rewarding to figure out what totally ruin it in less than a week. Scout. Be prepared. Buy a C & R and kind of bird you saw. Maybe it’s your The slight pitting and chip in the Yugo 48s, like many surplus buy some guns while there are still first redstart, a stunning indigo stock made this a $200 gun instead of arms, have become more desirable some surplus guns to buy. bunting, a secretive fox sparrow, or a $300 gun. By the way, 5 years ago, and valuable over the years. There And if you have anything cheap an active red-breasted nuthatch. brand-new Model 48 Yugos fresh out are still some nice surplus guns out for sale, contact me via email at On there for sale, like the Swiss 1911s O Making a solid identification on a of storage cost less than $160 to Wisconsin Outdoors. WO new bird is always rewarding, no those who bought them through the that have recently been imported and matter what activity has lured you the Yugo 24/47s. They are not often mail with a C & R. S. Wilkerson is an award-winning O seen at gun shows or dealers, which out to Wisconsin’s great outdoors. WO Any Model 48 with a decent Wisconsin journalist, firearms expert and barrel will shoot well with good is why a C & R is a necessity if you student of the Second Amendment. Native son Tom Carpenter writes about ammunition. Mine sure does. Armed want to collect guns or simply take Contact him by email at the outdoor world for a variety of with 1970s vintage Yugoslavian M70 advantage of a deal on the internet or [email protected] national and regional publications. 187 grain sniper ammunition, I knew gun magazine. 30 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
KEVIN MICHALOWSKI Dog Talk
Manners afloat make hunting safe and fun DEBOER, from page 10 hat’s that old saying? “There’s no and out of the craft, while at the same don’t let it get out. If the dog tries to you what cadence they require. I’ve Wtime like the present.” That means time rocking the gunwales a bit to get up and get out without your had days when I have waited longer now is the right time start teaching your mimic some of the instability common permission, immediately command, than 10-15 seconds between twitches dog to sit still while in your boat or on the water. Getting the dog in and “No. Sit.” When the dog sits, heap on of the rod tip—do not attempt to canoe. This is important stuff. Your gear, out of the craft is easy, but the most the praise again. If need be, you can impose your will on the fish, let the your hunt—even your life—can depend important element is to instill a use the vibration setting on your e- bass tell you how they want their on it. comfort level. You’ll notice right away collar to get the dog’s attention. But dinner. Out in a boat, and especially in a that the dog will be confused and do it carefully. You don’t want to In addition to increased current canoe, you need complete control and anxious the first few times in the boat. cause any issues with fear of the flow, insect hatches can be absolute a rock-steady retriever. There’s not It’s your job to reassure the dog, point canoe. catalysts for increased fish feeding enough room in a boat for dog to be out the place where you want the When it comes time for the dog activity. Although short-lived in the pacing around and a canoe is nowhere animal to sit or lay and calmly lead the to get out of the boat, that action overall picture of summer, hatches near stable enough to put up with a lot dog there every time. must be done ONLY on your offer exceptional windows in which of that nonsense. For the record, I While repetition is the key to any command. You simply cannot have a to find large numbers of active don’t recommend hunting with a dog training, the single most important dog that breaks in a boat. The best aggressive fish in concentrated areas. in a canoe. If you must have a dog in a thing you can do while training a dog way to accomplish this is to Topwater lures tend to work wonders canoe, the craft should only be used to to be still in a boat is to remain calm. command the dog to sit in the boat or during hatches as due lures which transport you, your dog and your gear, Anger and rough training will only canoe and hold its collar. Then, toss a attempt to “match the hatch,” such as to and from the hunting location. make the dog uncomfortable. Calm retrieval dummy a short distance dry and wet flies, and in-line spinners Shooting a duck, and then sending a words and positive reinforcement will away. But still hold the collar. If the like the Mepps Thunder Bug. dog on a retrieve from a canoe, is a work much better than harsh dog even tries to move, give the “No. Equipment for summertime recipe for a dunking. Just don’t do it. corrections and a booming voice. The Sit.” command and hold tight to keep smallmouth, outside of the lures Be safe so you can be able to hunt goal is to make it fun for the dog. You the dog in place. Praise the dog for mentioned prior, include medium- again another day. want the dog to enjoy sitting in the staying put, and then send the dog to light to medium-action St. Croix If you are going to have a dog in a boat. You want the dog to jump into fetch the dummy. Again, gentle spinning rods in the 7- to 7½-foot canoe or a boat, you must introduce the boat happily, rather than be afraid stimulation from the e-collar will length coupled with a high-quality the dog to the new surroundings well of what will happen when it gets to help with this. spinning reel such as the Abu Garcia before you get out on the water. The the gunwale. Ideally, your dog is very well Cardinal series. Spool the reel with 6- best place to do this is, of course, on Don’t rush this. Encourage the trained in the basic commands before to 12-pound test Sufix Elite dry land, where there is no danger of dog with happy talk, whistling and you start this, but this new monofilament fishing line, depending anyone taking a swim. By placing a even treats. Just get it to hop into the environment will be a big distraction. on the size of the fish available and canoe on the ground in your backyard boat or canoe on his own. Once the You will need to train through it the amount of cover you will be you can easily teach the dog to get in dog is in, give it lots of praise, but thoroughly. fishing in proximity to. Nets, while All this is best taught through often scorned in the bass community, daily repetition. Always give the dog are valuable tools to both the fish and the opportunity to get it right. As you fisherman. Products such as the continue the repetitions you should Frabill Pro-Formance and increase the amount of time you keep Conservation series not only make it the dog sitting waiting for the fetch easier to land a large, unruly bass, but command. Once the dog is solid on also fish that are lightly hooked, or the commands on land you can move have multiple hooks protruding from to shallow water. Get a dog ramp and their mouth area as is often the case start using it right away. Teach the dog in crankbait fishing. to always get in the boat via the ramp. Summertime is a time of beauty, Constant and correct repetitions and few things are as picturesque as a will teach the dog the correct way to boldly marked smallmouth exploding act in a boat. Unless you want to be from the water with your lure in its testing that new floating gun case, mouth. Enjoy the heat, and enjoy the O you’ve got to get this right. WO bass. O I’ll see you on the water. WO
Kevin Michalowski is author of “15 Joel DeBoer owns and operates Wisconsin Minutes to a Great Dog” and “15 Angling Adventures guide service, and Minutes to a Great Puppy” (Krause specializes in muskie, walleye and small- Publications, $12.95 each) and has been mouth bass, based out of the greater training dogs for 10 years. If you have Wausau area. Visit his website at questions or comments on dog care, www.wisconsinanglingadventures.com Good manners in a boat is no accident. It takes some training and encouragement to email Kevin at [email protected]. or call 715.297.7573. have the dog sit still. Photo courtesy of Howard Communications. On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 31
FROMTHEDESKOFTHE BOARD OF DIRECTORS In honor of our nation’s birthday and in preparation of the November elections, the Board of Directors offers the following quotes, by patriots and those who would suppress freedom, for your consideration. The greatness of our forefathers is that the ballot has always made spilled blood unnecessary.
“When the people fear the government, you have “You cannot bring about prosperity by discour- tyranny. When the government fears the people, aging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by you have freedom.” –Thomas Paine weakening the strong. You cannot help the wage ) earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by encour- “A man who has nothing for which he is willing to aging class hatred. You cannot help the poor by fight, nothing which is more important than his destroying the rich. You cannot keep out of trouble own personal safety, is a miserable creature and by spending more than you earn. You cannot has no chance of being free unless made and kept build character and courage by taking away man's so by the assertions of better men than himself.” initiative and independence. You cannot help men –John Stuart Mill ) permanently by doing for them what they could and should do for themselves." –Abraham Lincoln Rex Rodsalotta “I apprehend no danger to our country from a ) foreign foe…our destruction, should it come at all, will be from another quarter. From the inatten- “The United States should get rid of its militia.” tion of the people to the concerns of the govern- –Joseph Stalin ment, from their carelessness and negligence. I ) must confess that I do apprehend some danger.” “The very purpose of the 1st Amendment is to –Daniel Webster ) foreclose public authority from assuming a guardianship of the public mind. Every person “Progress in thought is the assertion of individu- must be a watchman for the truth, because the alism against authority.” –Oscar Wilde forefathers did not trust any government to sepa- ) rate the truth from the false for us.” –Thomas Collins “Our job is to give people not what they want, but ) what we decide they ought to have.” “Democracy and socialism have nothing in –Richard Salant, CBS News President common but one word…equality. But notice the Hunter Daily ) difference; while democracy seeks equality in “Mr. Salant wrote the book on integrity, ethics and liberty, socialism seeks equality is restraint and excellence.” –Dan Rather CBS News Anchor servitude.” –Alexis de Tocqueville ) )
“Compassion is the use of public funds to buy “Disobedience is the true foundation of liberty. votes.” –Thomas Sowell ) The obedient must be slaves.” –Henry David Thoreau “Corruptisima republica plurimae leges.” (The ) more corrupt a republic, the more laws) –Tacitus ) "I almost caught a fish once..." –Dick Ellis “Reader, suppose you were an idiot. And suppose ) you were a member of congress. But I repeat myself.” –Mark Twain Conibear Smith 32 July/August 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
TIM LENCKI Investing in Wisconsin’s Youth Adventure Lodge Kids White Bass Round-Up would want to leave when the fish are Fish On! biting? At 1 p.m. the tournament fishing The morning began with all boats pulled up anchor and raced back guides reporting for check-in at 6:30 to the landing (some literally) to get a.m. to the smell of fresh coffee and first bragging rights on their livewell donuts for their volunteer guide full of fish. By 2 p.m. all the boats meeting. Shortly thereafter eager kids where back and the fish stories were with big smiles began pouring in to flowing. The smiles on the kids’ faces register and collect an array of free told the whole story. They had fun participation gifts such as fishing and couldn’t wait to see who caught poles, tackle boxes (loaded with lures, the most fish! jigs, and hooks), Yogi Bear’s Jelly Prizes were given for the heaviest Stone Park coupons and life jackets. stringers of white bass and the two Thanks to the generous donations of heaviest white bass. Kids with the three more than 20 area businesses, all these heaviest stringers where given bIn gifts were made possible. After a short honor of our nation’s birthday, and in safety meeting the volunteer guides preparation of the November elections, led their kids to one of 22 fully rigged White Bass Round-Up are already boats loaded and ready to go. being considered by organizers. The excitement and energy level Adventure Lodge Kids will was high as the kids loaded up their continue to offer fishing and hunting fishing gear and joined in the opportunities via their web site after entourage of boats headed down to the tournament. If you are a Gill’s Landing. With 22 boats plus sportsman and would like to other non-tournament fisherman occasionally volunteer your time, looking to launch, it was quite a scene equipment and know how to provide at Gill’s. By 9:15 a.m., all boats were in exciting introductory experiences in the water and heading out to their the outdoors for kids, please contact secret (or not so secret) fishing holes. Scott at Adventure Lodge Kids at “Once the kid gets in your boat Guides could take their kids to (715) 412-1268. Also, contributions to any place on the river. The official end help fund professionally guided trips and the fishing starts, of tournament fishing hours was at 1 for kids are welcome via the website at p.m. This gave adequate time to find all of your attention is on the kid and AdventureLodgeKids.org. OW the “hot spots” and load up on white O trying to find fish for him or her.” bass. For young kids, 3-4 hours of fishing proved to be just the right Tim Lencki is an author/speaker in the amount of time. All participants were fitness industry who also has a passion for encouraged to bring a sack lunch to the outdoors. He can be reached at eat while on the water. After all, who [email protected].
he Adventure Lodge Kids 1st ALK officially launched TAnnual White Bass Round-Up on operations on May 15, 2010, with a the Wolf River was everything a young white bass fishing tournament on the fisherman could ask for. With temps Wolf River. Each of the 22 kids were in the 70s, little wind and sunny skies, paired with a professional or the stage was set for a day loaded with experienced volunteer guide along fun. with a parent/mentor for an exciting Adventure Lodge Kids (ALK) is a day of fun and fishing. Local new non-profit organization in the community organizations were asked Waupaca area. Its purpose is to to nominate one kid and a encourage parents to participate in parent/mentor to participate in this outdoor sporting activities with their free tournament. Organizations such kids. ALK is an outlet that provides as Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the equipment, locations and guides, and Fox Valley and North Central encouragement to kids 8-16 years old Wisconsin, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, along with a parent/mentor to enjoy Students against Drunk Driving and successful hunting and fishing various local churches all got involved adventures together. and sponsored a child. On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 33
DIANE SCHAUER Protecting Wisconsin Only you can prevent forest invaders Wisconsin, the campaign to request that people voluntarily stop moving firewood and to clean camping gear between sites began in earnest. Since the confirmation of the emerald ash borer (EAB) in Newburg, Wisconsin, in 2008, things have escalated. Though it’s still a voluntary decision not to move firewood through most of the state, wood is quarantined in 11 counties where EAB has been found: Brown, Crawford, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, Milwaukee, in right-of-ways throughout the state. More than Racine, Sheboygan, Ozaukee, Vernon, Washington and 30,000 gypsy moth traps will be hung in 45 counties by Waukesha. You cannot move firewood out of the listed July 1. These traps are either orange and triangular, or a counties. Additionally, if you are moving clean bright green and milk carton shaped, depending on the firewood from outside the quarantined area to another, current level of known infestation. They are designed you cannot stop in a quarantined area for longer than it to lure the male gypsy moth in to the trap, never to takes to refuel your vehicle. escape. Consider these traps as census takers for In an effort to protect their own properties, the insects; they will help the state determine location and Emerald ash borer traps are becoming as common a state enacted a law effective June 1, 2010, preventing densities of the populations of these invasive species sight in Wisconsin as white-tailed deer. visitors from entering any Wisconsin DNR managed around Wisconsin. property with wood from more than 25 miles away. Are the restrictions on moving firewood largely This really is serious stuff. voluntary? Yes. Can you continue to move firewood h, the crack of the fire, the pop of the wood. What’s So why all the rules? The emerald ash borer is around outside of the quarantined areas? Yes. Should your favorite part of a campfire? Is it the smell of the nearly always fatal to ash trees, which are a significant you? Probably not. Each year additional populations of Aburning wood? Feeling the warmth of the fire versus component of most of our forest systems statewide. EAB and gypsy moth are found in Wisconsin. Will the the cool air on your back? Watching the flames flicker and the The EAB eggs are only about 1mm in size, and the next population be found in your county? Do you want embers glow? Or listening to the snapping and popping larvae burrow under the bark for one to two years. to risk being the one to transfer destructive tree-killing sounds? While under the bark, the larvae eat away in the soft insects to your favorite place outdoors? I would hope Whatever your preference, there are few things we wood and disrupt the tree’s ability to transport water not. like better than a good old campfire on a summer and nutrients up the tree. Visual inspection of wood When planning your next campfire, please buy the night. Often, it’s my favorite part of vacation. doesn’t always show the presence of this invasive wood where you want to burn it—and burn it all; don’t The good news is that we can still enjoy our species. move the leftovers to your next campgrounds. campfires. But the movement of firewood around the Expect to see a lot more evidence that the state is Encourage others to do the same. And don’t forget to O state—and in fact the entire Midwest—has changed. taking invasive insects seriously. Nearly 9,000 deep pack the s’mores. WO This change began years ago with the arrival of the purple EAB traps will be hung in all 72 counties in gypsy moth, which defoliates and stresses many trees, Wisconsin. These traps are 3 feet tall, 1-foot wide and Diane Schauer is the aquatic invasive species coordinator for especially oaks. When that invasive insect arrived in sticky. Most of you have seen them hanging from trees Calumet County.
CUBS CORNER, from page 22 transforms into chrysalis. To do this, chrysalis changes begin, a new for solo flight. Take the bug box the caterpillar “unzips” its skin, butterfly will burst forth. The chrysalis outside, open the lid, let the butterfly wiggles out, and wraps itself in an shell splits, and a new, wet butterfly is crawl onto a kid’s finger. He will fly Day By Day acorn-shaped pouch. This is where the left hanging there. Once this hatching when he’s ready, often fluttering to a new butterfly develops. A chrysalis is process starts, it happens fast, so don’t shrub, tree branch or flower for a little Here’s approximate timing for the beautiful with its pleasant light-green miss the show. more rest before flying off for good. stages of raising a monarch. color and a “zipper” of golden dots. Be Patient and Gentle Conclusion • Egg to caterpillar: 1-5 days Watch Changes Give the new butterfly plenty of Raising monarch butterflies is a Study the chrysalis together every time for its wings to unfold rewarding summer project for adults • Caterpillar to chrysalis: 10-12 day to look for changes, or you might completely, and dry out. The young and children alike. From gathering days miss a very magical performance—the butterfly will begin pumping its wings. eggs to watching caterpillars grow and thrill of watching a butterfly bust out. This is just exercise: He is not quite seeing almost-magical transformations • Green to clear chrysalis: 10 days When the butterfly is about ready in ready to go. Don’t touch the wings from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis to • Clear chrysalis to butterfly: 1-2 10 days, the chrysalis pouch will now, or ever. This is a good time to butterfly, you get a real inside look at become clear and look dark as you see take pictures. Just put a finger next to he monarch’s fascinating life history. OW days O the black-and-orange wings of a new the butterfly’s feet and it will cling. monarch butterfly folded up inside. • Wet to dry butterfly: 3-4 hours Set It Free Meet Butterfly Native son Tom Carpenter writes about • Total: 22-29 days Three to four hours after it the outdoor world for a variety of One to two or three days after the hatches, your butterfly will be ready national and regional publications. 34 May/June 2010 On Wisconsin Outdoors
JJ REICH Product 6-Pack Great gear for the woods, fields and waterways
ere’s the rundown on six hunting version of a natural tick repellent ABU GARCIA As you probably know, a Hand fishing products that you found in chrysanthemum flowers. The VENDETTA RODS ThermaCell portable mosquito might find useful in the woods, fields odorless and invisible repellent- For $50, these one-piece spinning repellent device is very effective at and waterways. We did. technology is bonded into fabric fibers, or casting rods are shutting out insects when sitting in one and is U.S. EPA-approved. Garments factory tuned and place for a long time. This lantern BARRONETT includes a button-up shirt, five-pocket balanced for better operates in the same way; it’s great for BIG MIKE BLIND pant, baseball cap and more. sensitivity, campfires and snacking at the picnic For $149, the Big Mike from Over the years I’ve visited the performance and table! Barronett blinds features a tall and clinic three times because of infected comfort. It features ThermaCell.com slim profile that allows you to set it up tick bites. Tests on ElimiTick clothing 30-ton graphite in smaller, more confined spaces; five- show garments are 97.9 percent construction strength, effective on ticks, even after 70 hub pop-up system with no loose and high-quality MEASURETT-N-RELEASE poles; replaceable three-panel shoot- washings. I tried it last spring—my frame guides and reel TRAY hunting buddies had several ticks on seat. Its split-grip thru mesh windows (good for From $18-$20, these fishing- them and I had none. No trips to the handle is made from fixed-blade broadheads); bow hangers, measuring cradle trays are made from ER for me. high-density EVA gear pockets and ground stakes that rugged polyurethane, strong enough to GameHide.com with strong anodized- are included; and the new “Blood hold your big catch and durable aluminum lockdowns. Trail” camouflage pattern. enough to withstand frigid Several length and temperatures during the ice fishing strength versions are SHOOT-N-C PRAIRIE CHUCKS months. They come in two sizes, 20- or offered. For $9, this six-pack of prairie dog 30-inches long. I like the new targets is made of corrugated black style and design of plastic; these targets are tough and these rods. They do their job well and long-lasting, and bullet impacts reveal look good doing it. Plus, that price is bright yellow. Each target stands 71/2- hard to beat for a rod with both inches high and includes a mounting strength and good sensitivity. From a stake for easy set up. Simply reuse brand like Abu Garcia, I trust rod will target by slapping on a new prairie- last me for many years. chuck target sticker. AbuGarcia.com Many archery ground blinds on A user-friendly measuring device the market have “seating room only,” is always a good idea: You definitely so it’s tough to stand up and take your THERMACELL OUTDOOR don’t want a DNR fine for a misjudged shot. But not this one—it’s definitely LANTERN keeper. And, this cradle tray is an easy for the big and tall. But what I like For $32, this outdoor lantern way to avoid the mess and of a most are the convenient backpacking- provides up to 98 percent protection flopping fish bouncing on the floor of style carry case and super affordable from mosquitoes, black flies and no- your boat, not to mention reducing the price tag. see-ums. It provides a 15-square-foot risk of injury to the fish by quickly and barronettblinds.com insect-free zone while also casting a safely handling and releasing your soft, comfortable light from eight long- catch. lasting LED bulbs. A butane cartridge MeasurettNRelease.com GAMEHIDE ELIMITICK heats replaceable repellent mats which emits a synthetic copy of a natural GARMENTS JJ Reich is an outdoor writer who For $70-$80, ElimiTick garments Want some summer fun but can’t insecticide. contributes product-related articles to use Insect Shield Repellent afford a full-day car ride Out West to several national publications and is the Technology, which is a man-made wipe out an entire prairie-dog town? author of Kampp Tales™ hunting books Sharpshooter Prairie Chuck die-cut for children (www.kampptales.com). targets feature a realistic shape to test your long-distance shooting skills. Just head to the rifle range with a six-pack CHECK OUT PAST of these babies and pretend you’re PRODUCT 6-PACK shooting at the real thing. COLUMNS ON OUR ARCHIVED BirchwoodCasey.com ISSUES PAGE, ONLINE AT: onwisconsinoutdoors.com On Wisconsin Outdoors July/August 2010 35 36 14751July/August WIOutdoors_PL.ai 2010 4/19/10 2:38:33 PM On Wisconsin Outdoors
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