Fun and frustration on the trapline
As a trapper, you never know what might lie around the bend.
Mike Schoonveld
Want a sharp knife? Don’t let it get dull
A sharp knife is a valuable tool, but what’s the secret to keeping your blade sharp?
Be septic smart
I was once told by a person who ran a “roto-rooter” type business that a septic tank at a private home would never clog up or wear out if the homeowner treated it right. Of course, he was in the business either because he was wrong or because homeowners were being abusive to their private sewage systems. Millions of homes…
Outdoors recreation is ‘big recreation’
This isn’t a blog about how expensive fishing, camping, hiking or participating in other traditional outdoor recreation has become. Compared to most recreational pursuits, it’s affordable. No wonder it’s so popular and its popularity is why it’s become “big recreation” in the same sense as big oil, big pharma or other big businesses. It’s easy to recognize most business categories…
Drone boats are needed for Great Lakes research
Using drone boats instead of research vessels could have a huge impact on cost effectiveness of Great Lakes fishery research.
Anti-trapping organizations are adapting
They’ve changed their tactics from legislative to legal challenges.
Fishing is a trendy thing to do
Participation in fishing across the country was up by nearly 2 million people last year, according to survey.
Contest seeking innovative solutions to eradicate invasive zebra, quagga mussels
Zebra mussels, like these, and quagga mussels are two of the most disruptive invasive species in our waters. (Photo by Mike Schoonveld)I recently wrote and reported on the giveaway of Michigan tax dollars to scientists, deep-thinkers and/or used car salesmen who could envision the best method of keeping those pesky Asian carp (now endemic in much of the Mississippi River…
Michigan boat-building school becomes accredited
If you have ever aspired to build your own boat, the Great Lakes Boat Building School may be just what you are looking for.
All wood is not created equal
If you use the best wood available, you’ll get the best campfire. (Photo by Bill Parker) I don’t think there is any kind of wood from any kind of tree that won’t burn. Want a campfire? Burn wood – use any kind of wood, it will burn. Some wood will burn fast, some slow, some will make great coals, some…
Grayling initiative gains more funding
Multiple organizations have joined forces in an effort to bring the Arctic grayling back ti Michigan.
It’s the time of year that we need to be reminded to leave wildlife in the wild
Crowded nests and fallen nestlings are normal in nature. (Photo by Mike Schoonveld)I don’t remember why George and I were playing together that long-ago spring day. He was a couple years older than I and not particularly enamored of fishing and outdoor pursuits like me. We were near his house, where an overgrown lilac bush was located at the back…
Yet another call to reduce government-mandated ethanol standards
Even in Iowa, which has a larger ethanol production infrastructure than any other state, consumers are growing weary of ethanol mandates.
How many is too many when it comes to rod holders?
When setting up your fishing boat for the Great Lakes, consider having a couple of spare rod holders in strategic locations.
Dealing with unbreakable dates
I have five brothers and five sisters. When people with fewer kids or siblings hear that, one of the first questions is, “How do (or did) you ever get anything planned?” Generally, they are talking about family outings (when we were all mostly children) or family get-togethers, now that we are grown. Believe it or not, the whole bunch of…
Throwing tax dollars at a sad situation
Politicians get behind the latest tentative plan to keep Asian carp out of the Great Lakes.
There’s more than one way to fillet a fish
Catching a salmon in the Great Lakes is only half the battle. Making a boneless fillet is just as important.
Stormy lessons at a fishing access site
Stormwater runoff into our lakes and streams is a big problem that deserves attention.
Research dollars flow to endangered species
The monetary value of an animal is no longer a criteria used to determine its worth to the world.
Solar power hits the water
Jim Greer recently returned home in his solar-powered boat after completing a 7,200-mile voyage running totally on solar power.
$1.5 million for a grant on how humans hurt the environment?
The headline read, “NASA Grants MSU $1.5 Million to Study How Humans Hurt the Environment.” This is wrong in so many ways, starting with the headline. I’m horrible at writing headlines. They are supposed to be a tease, not the whole story. Even my weak headlining skills could produce something like, “Millions for Environmental Grant.” Journalism aside, the next thing…
Save the sandhill cranes – make them legal to hunt
Opening a hunting season for sandhill cranes in Michigan would endear them to the support, power and money of Michigan’s hunting community.
‘Roadmap to Fishing Lake Michigan’ leaves angler with questions
The DNR effort left the author scratching his head, with more questions than answers.
Spotters and colored wads can lead to better wingshooting
“How’d I miss?” It’s a common question for shotgun shooters, whether at the range or in the field. Obviously, you shot too high, too low, too far in front, too far behind or a combination of these such as high and behind. A more important question is how can you tell? You can’t. A better answer is you shouldn’t be…
Regardless of their title, DNR workers dedicated to their professions
I used to work for the DNR. At the time, when I needed a short answer to the question, “Where do you work?” I’d just say, “I work for the DNR.” Almost all people knew what the initials, “DNR” stood for, but if the person continued the questioning for some reason, their next question was usually, “Oh, so you are…
Find the right balance for the picture of your fishing success
There are always options when posing for a picture with a freshly caught fish, including the new balancing act.
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