Proper maintenance is the 'reel' deal
It’s important to conduct a little annual maintenance on your reels, and right now is a good time to accomplish that task.
Outdoor Wanderings by Mike Schoonveld
Replace the Buckthorn? Doubtful
Government agencies are constantly planning future budgets because each dollar they get has to pass through several filters and rankings before they actually get their funding. Not all agencies are created equally when it comes to getting the money for…
COVID shortages? Not just toilet paper
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, boat sales increased by 12% last year, which left showrooms short of inventory.
Cold finger defense
It’s easy to keep your fingers warm while fishing in cold weather if you follow these three tips.
A little fresh water goes a long way in keeping birds at your feeder throughout winter months
I’m an unabashed hunter and that includes both gamebirds and waterfowl. I’m equally an unabashed bird feeder and we have a bird feeding station at my home year-around. I also hunt squirrels and welcome them at my feeders, as well.…
Braided fishing line and duck decoys are a bad mix
Stick with traditional anchor lines when setting waterfowl decoys.
Discarded fishing line is a hazard to pets and wildlife
Recently, a kayaker was exploring a small island on the lake she was paddling with her two small dogs. One of the dogs ate a dead fish it found on shore and it also swallowed a hook and partially swallowed…
COVID-19 raises commercial fishing questions
Is commercial fishing in the Great Lakes an “essential service”?
How many carp does it take to tango?
New research reveals varying odds of Asian carp disrupting the ecology of the Great Lakes.
eDNA is more than just a carp-finding tool
The science of fisheries management has been around for well over a century. The science of eDNA may well be the biggest breakthrough in all that time – and will only become more important in the future.
Fishing line is more than just lifting rocks
Weighing all the factors that make up fishing line strength.
No relief for freshwater charters and guides
Freshwater fishing guides and charter captains have been overlooked in COVID-19 relief funding.
National Weather Service considers simplifying warnings for small craft advisory
Warnings, watches and advisories can be confusing to boaters.
Sure sign of spring, warmer weather is arrival of ruby-throated hummingbird
For some people, the sight of a robin hopping around in the yard is a sure sign of spring. I don’t believe a robin anymore than I believe the weatherman’s long range forecast. I’ve seen too many robins shivering in…
Climate change is not the only culprit
Loss of wetlands and an increase in asphalt, concrete, homes, factories and other impermeable toppings share part of the blame for record water levels on the Great Lakes.
A new type pf bioaccumulation
Man-made plastics appear to be building up in the stomaches of fish and fish-eating birds.
Using passes and pulls to set lines on the Great Lakes
Great Lakes anglers were, and still are, very successful without line-counter reels.
Citizen science reveals salty findings
High concentrations of road salt can be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems.
When catching Asian carp becomes profitable
If commercial netters eliminate Asian carp in Kentucky waters, what happens to the netting operations when the fish are gone?
Ebikes: egads or e-welcome?
The popularity of ebikes is creating some confusion for traditional bicyclists riding on public lands.
Indoor ranges are popular shooting venues
More than 15 million shooters across the country take advantage of indoor shooting ranges.
About This Blog
Mike Schoonveld has been a freelance outdoor writer for 25 years and has been a columnist for Michigan Outdoor News since the paper’s inception in 2000. Mike’s first love in the out-of-doors is Great Lakes salmon fishing, but he enjoys all kinds of fishing, is an avid hunter and trapper, and frequently participates in a variety of other outdoor activities.
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