Up North Journal – Episode 115

Bad News

1. Boat Trailer
2. Buy New or Fix?

Charter Walley Fishing Trip

Kids and Bowfishing

1. Jake’s New Rig
2. Jake’s First Shot

Game Bag

1. New Bowfishing Items
2. How To Set Up Bow
3. Arrow Nocks

Food Plots Planted

Mikey And The Rifle Range

Important Notice To Michigan Bear Hunting Guides

Guides and outfitters in Michigan should take heed that beginning in 2010 there will be enforcement of the law that requires all commercial guides and outfitters to obtain a Special Use Permit if they intent to hunt bears on State Lands. For more information about commercial guide land use permits, see this link.

Update: June 1, 2010

It has been brought to my attention that commercial guides and outfitters who plan to use the National Forests are required to obtain special use permits from the National Forest Service.

Comparing Wisconsin’s And Michigan’s Bear Management Programs. Concern Over Michigan Bear Population Numbers

Guest post by Rich Hare.

I have an update for you contrasting conditions leading to Wisconsin closing their bear season in 1985, and conditions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula right now, in 2010.

Wisconsin’s bear season was closed in 1985 due to over harvest from 1981 through 1984. According to former Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Manager, Mike Gappa…biologists were concerned over the high percentage of bears 3 years of age and younger (48.5%) being harvested. Baits used for bear population census also identified a serious decline in the state’s bear numbers. They estimated the statewide population to be less than 7,000 bears. With full support from the Wisconsin Bear Hunters Association, WDNR went to the state legislature and got approval to close the bear season and revamp the state’s bear management program. Read the story »

Concerned Citizens Against Resource Exploitation (CCARE) Speaks Out

Photo from fOTOGLIF

Concerned Citizens Against Resource Exploitation (CCARE) is a newly formed pro hunting, Fishing, and Trapping organization. CCARE opposes the recommendation by MI DNRE Wildlife Division to issue 12,300 harvest tags for the 2010 bear-hunting season.

The Natural Resource Commission, at their monthly meeting scheduled for March 4, 2010, will make the final decision.

According to CCARE spokesman, Charles Markham, “This proposal is not based on sound science.” In a letter received by CCARE last month, the lead bear biologist for DNRE stated the MI black bear population was 11,100 prior to the 2009 bear season, a revision from the 19,000 bear estimate in the bear management plan signed by Director Humphries in June 2009. Read the story »

15 Spring Turkey Questions Answered By The Pros

By Scott Ellis

Spring gobbler season is now on the horizon and felt it was time to touch on some important questions that are asked frequently by turkey hunters across the nation. I have enlisted the assistance of two my friends Sadler McGraw and Chris Kirby to aid in answering the questions. We will all shed different light with our opinions on these commonly inquired about topics.

Sadler McGraw has established himself as one of the most prolific competition callers in the last decade. He is a member of the Woodhaven Custom Calls Sting Team since it‘s inception five years ago. His list of accolades includes, 14 Alabama state titles, Yellville National and Southern Open Champion. As well he has been runner up at the World, Grand Nationals, US Open and Grand America calling competitions. He is also no stranger to friction divisions winning the 2008 World, 2008 Yellville National and 2007 US Open. He has won or placed in over 50 contests, including owl hooting divisions. Read the story »