Outdoor Traditions Magazine - Summer 2012

Issue 2 • Edition 7

Featured in this issue

THE COMMON LOON BY: JUDD BRINK

PLUS MORE! • In The Red - And Loving It

By: Brian S. Peterson

• Fishing with Confidence • Wild Stories

By: Dave Csanda

Excerpts From Conservation Officers’ Weekly Reports

• Your Best Shots

Read Online: www.brainerddispatch.com or www.brainerdoutdoors.com

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Welcome

By: Mike Holst

SUMMMER THOUGHTS I drove home from St. Cloud a while back, heading directly into a spectacular sunset that was just an aweinspiring display of multi-colored red and yellow tinted clouds.The sun had dipped below the horizon, and it was as if Mother Nature, with this exciting twilight show, was saying to me, “I’m not done yet, buddy—let’s cap off this beautiful day with something really spectacular.

Now, watch the grand finale.”

Do you remember when we were kids, and we would look through that tiny hole in the end of a cardboard kaleidoscope, gazing at the vast array of colors from all of those little mirrors and pieces of glass.We would twist and turn it, and try to find the prettiest display, but by the time you found your favorite, the others had disappeared with no hope of recovering them. Then you had no comparisons, so you never really knew if your first choice was the best or not. I think it’s that way, to some extent, with sunsets, too. The ambient mood in your corner of the earth in that time frame, and in your frame of mind, play into it so much. It’s not just the stark beauty of nature alone, but how you perceive it, that paints the picture.

For me, it was the successful end of a long, exhausting but productive, day. It’s the kind of tired mind and body that one gets that says,“Well done,” and now it’s time to sit back, rest, and roll the credits. I shut off the air conditioning in the truck, so I could open the vents, and let the smells of summer waft in. Fresh cut alfalfa was lying in windrows, that brought to mind the farm fields where I grew up, and recollections of long past sunsets over the quiet rural horizons, framed by spreading woods and crooked silos.

The musty moist smell of the lakes I passed came in on the summer breezes, and more indelible thoughts of other long past sunsets came to mind. Sunsets that seemed to dip behind the shoreline across our lake—lasting just

long enough to cast their colorful reflections on the dark still water and give us a mirror image of their spectacular scenery. I recall flashes of song lyrics, sounding in my meandering mind, as I gazed across the lake.“Red skies at night, sailor’s delight,”“Red sails in the sunset, way out on the sea,”“Oh, beautiful for spacious skies.”

There are so many things in life that are awe-inspiring and beautiful, and literally, seem to take our breath away. But when that great choreographer, up above, paints the summer evening sky once more—and we’re in the right place and the right mood — well, we can’t help but notice it, can we?

It’s high definition and Technicolor, and our “World of Disney” all rolled into one awesome package. There have been so many clichés written about life, and how we perceive it, but sometimes, life is just what you make of it.Whether you’re in a pickup truck with your soul mate, heading home to God’s country at the end of a perfect day, or sitting in an old rickety chair on the business end of your dock at home, taking turns gazing up and down at an old floating bobber in the ripples, and that faraway painted horizon, it’s your own creative mind that actually puts the final touches on the whole picture.

M I K E H O L S T is a columnist and author from Crosslake, MN. He has just published his eighth book.

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Welcome ...................................... 3 In The Red - And Loving It ......... 5 Fishing with Confidence ............. 8 Restoring A Shoreline Will Make A Difference ............. 10 Treading Local Waters: Gull Lake .................................... 12 The Common Loon ................... 14 Wild Stories ................................. 16

The Common Loon Page 20

3-D Walleyes ............................. 18 Attract Summer Birds To Your Back Yard ...................... 20 Your Best Shots ........................... 23 Today In The Outdoors.............. 24

ATTRACT SUMMER

BIRDS

TO YOUR BACK YARD

506 James Street • P.O. Box 974 Brainerd, MN 56401 (218) 829-4705 www.brainerddispatch.com www.brainerdoutdoors.com Visit us on Facebook 4

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STAFF: Publisher .............................................Tim Bogenschutz Advertising Director ................................. Sam Swanson Copy Editor ............................................. Brian Peterson Marketing .....................................................Nikki Lyter Magazine Layout .......................................... Andy Goble Ad Design........................... Andy Goble, Jennifer Fuchs, Angie Hoefs, Cindy Spilman and Sue Stark Sales ......................................................... Dave Wentzel Online Sales Manager......................................Phil Seibel Outdoor Traditions is a trademarked magazine published by the Brainerd Dispatch, P.O. Box 976, Brainerd, MN 56401. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. ®2010 On the cover: “Loon Family” by Judd Brink.

CUYUNA LAKES MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS: ONE YEAR LATER

InAnd The Red Loving It

Getting The Dirt On A True Success Story THERE WAS A TIME WHEN THE REDDISH DIRT WAS A N U I S A N C E , an almost-impossible-

to-get-out indicator that you had, for some reason, been roving around the Crosby-Ironton mine pits.You couldn’t get it off your vehicle tires, mud flaps, hiking boots, even your clothing.

You were branded.

That started changing in a big way a year ago, when the highly anticipated mountain bike trails opened within the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area.

Now, with the second Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival this weekend (June 9; the fi rst festival kicked off the opening of the trails), red dirt is worn with pride on bikes, bike tires, clothes, knees, shins, elbows.

A sort of red badge of courage. Or, at the very least, of participation — that you had done the Cuyuna lakes mountain bike trails. And everything muddyred continues to turn to gold.

“All of a sudden we have something in the area, and not just in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, (CCSRA)” said Steve Weber, DNR park manager for CCSRA. “Now we’re the story.”

While in the works for years, the story ultimately began in late May 2011, when 14.2 miles of the 25-mile trail system debuted. But the grand opening came about two weeks later with the festival, when the remainder of the trail system opened.

And it’s been nothing but grand since then. Despite not getting started until late last May and a government shutdown that lasted for 21 days in July — while it didn’t shut down the trails it definitely hindered numbers, Weber said — the trails drew 15,552 bikers the fi rst year.

Photos provided by Brian S. Peterson / Brainerd Dispatch

Bike tires covered in reddish dirt are a thing of beauty on the mine pit mountain bike trails.

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This year, the trails opened March 24, and through mid-May, about 2,600 mountain bikers had already descended upon the trails. So don’t be surprised if last year’s number double. Or triple.With one full year under its belt, there’s really no telling.

Yes, the trails probably would have been good without much work. But there’s a system in place to ensure they remain world-class well into the future.

Led by the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Crew, a trail maintenance plan is in place that incorporates a director of trail maintenance, dirt bosses who are responsible for certain chunks of the trails as well as numerous volunteers who have adopted each portion of the trail, meaning they help with maintenance of those tracts. A full-fledged mountain bike patrol also is in place, made up of volunteers and an ambulance crew.

Also, the Crew is raising money to build Yawkey Overdrive, a technical skills terrain park designed for intermediate to advanced level mountain bikers, and the Trek Bicycle Corporation will match donations up to $10,000. Plans for Yawkey Overdrive include features such as wood skinnies, wood rollers, rock features and raised bridges. The technical aspects of the proposed trail could increase the status of the trail system, deemed a bronze-level Ride Center last year by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, according to the Crew.

“This terrain park will make the system more well-rounded.

A bike’s-eye view of the Cuyuna lakes mountain bike trails.

Signs warn of two-way traffic on rugged terrain on the Cuyuna lakes mountain bike trails.

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It will give intermediate-level riders a chance to build up their skills,” said Nick Statz, the Crew’s director of trail maintenance.

“The trails we’re planning for the future could include some pretty extreme terrain.Yawkey Overdrive will be a good introduction to the more technically challenging trails.”

The Crew hopes to raise $30,000 to build Yawkey Overdrive, and the Cuyuna Pumptrack, with a fundraising goal of $37,500, also is in the works. Also located in the Yawkey Unit of the CCSRA, the 2.6-acre site would include three pump tracks for beginner, intermediate and expert riders. A pump track is a continuous loop that can be navigated on a bike without pedaling. Tracks consist of a series of bumps (rollers) and banked corners (berms) that allow riders to gain momentum.

Parking areas also have been expanded to meet growth. At the trail head at the Pennington boat access, riders are now being asked to park in grass lots to the left of the entrance to the access, reserving the access for parking for anglers and boaters.

“What’s the next step? Trail heads that match the trails, better signage to get people to the right spot and build more trails and feature areas,” Weber said.“We don’t have a problem with land here.”

And that growth is extending into neighboring communities. Ironton plans to build a campground south of the Pen-

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nington mine to accommodate more campers coming to CCSRA because of the trails, Weber said, and Crosby-Ironton also is benefitting, he said.

Last year during the festival, the local Subway Station sold out of its featured sub and reportedly gave cookies as peace offerings. Other restaurants in town also ran out of food and a new furniture store in town had a run on queensized beds, reportedly selling one to a woman ... on a bike.

“What wasn’t envisioned was how it would transform a community. It (the community) is 100 percent on board,”Weber said.“It’s huge for us and the community — a community that has struggled. This turned it around for them. Businesses closed; now businesses have had record sales.

And it’s all a result of the trails.We’re the model of mountain bike trails (in the state). The word’s out that we have something pretty special.”

The reddish-dirt trails border breathtaking overlooks on the Cuyuna lakes mountain bike trails.

BRIAN S. PETERSON,

may be reached at brian.peterson@ brainerddispatch.com or 855-5864.

To follow him on Twitter, go to www.twitter.com/brian_speterson.

For his blogs, go to www.brainerddispatch.com.

Photos provided by Brian S. Peterson / Brainerd Dispatch

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FISHING WITH CONFIDENCE

Confidence Learning Center’s Annual Camp Fishing Classic Fishing Classic Tournament Format Four divisions: Walleye, Pike, Bass, Mixed Bag (1 of each species), with awards going to members of the top three teams by total weight in each division. Catch and Release format.

Registration Twenty-ninth Annual Camp Confidence Fishing Classic Saturday, June 16 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Madden’s Resort (on Gull Lake) Lagoon Three anglers per guided boat Register as a three-angler team: $350 Register as an individual: $150 39th Annual Camp Confi dence Golf Classic Friday, June 15 Madden’s 18-Hole Classic Course, plus a 9-Hole scramble format on Madden’s West Course 18-Hole: 1:30 p.m., 9-Hole, 3:30 p.m.

Four golfers per team Register as a team: $300 Golf and Fishing Classic registrations include the Mariucci Italian “Festa” at Confidence Learning Center on nearby Sylvan Lake, Friday, June 15, which includes dinner prepared by the Brainerd Sertoma Club, music, games, prizes and auctions.

Register by calling (218) 828-2344 For more information on Classic Events: www.campconfidence.com

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CONFIDENCE LEARNING CENTER—ORIGINALLY NAMED CAMP CONFIDENCE WHEN IT O R I G I N A T E D I N 1 9 6 7 —is a 501(c)3 nonprofi t corporation

dedicated to allowing persons with developmental disabilities to experience life to the fullest.

“Camp,” as it is affectionately known to its volunteers, contributors and participants, is nestled on the east end of Sylvan Lake, just west of Baxter, and serves more than 11,000 camper days per year—all without the aid of government grants or programs.

Funding for Confidence Learning Center comes from a variety of sources, with the largest by far being the annual Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza held on Gull Lake each January. Fast forward a few months, and on Father’s Day weekend each June, supporters gather at Madden’s Resort on Gull Lake for a two-day, two-pronged fund-raising event involving hundreds of anglers, golfers, volunteers and spectators galore. Whether you swing a club…or wield a fishing rod…it’s all for a good cause. And all in good fun.

In 2012, Confi dence Learning Center’s 39th Annual Golf Classic will take place on Friday, June 15, followed by the annual Mariucci Festa Dinner for all participants, volunteers and sponsors later that evening. On Saturday, June 16, the festivities continue with the 29th Annual Fishing Classic on Gull Lake, with boats departing Madden’s Lagoon promptly at 8 a.m. right after taking team photos.Anglers return later in the day for the celebratory weighin, awards, prize giveaways and to share a wealth of shoulda-could-woulda fish stories galore.

“Given the current economy,” says Jeff Olson, executive director of Confi dence Learning Center, “we weren’t sure what to expect for the 2012 season. But thus far, we’ve been pleasantly surprised. Right now, we’re booked for the highest golf turnout in 15 years. And 2012 could be the largest fi shing classic ever! That shows that we continue to enjoy great support, not just within the Brainerd area, but statewide.

“I can’t say enough about the fishing guides who support us every year,” Olson continues. “People like Gary Roach, Larry Bollig, Perry Good, Steve Quinn and many others who continue to fish with us, year after year. Which is remarkable, because as far as tournaments go, there’s no cash prize involved; only commemorative plaques and bragging rights. It’s not about beating each other; it’s all about having fun and supporting the campers.

“Nick Adams of Lindy Tackle first introduced the Fishing Classic concept to the fishing industry nearly 30 years ago. Since then, we’ve enjoyed widespread industry commitment, as well as both legendary and local angler support.

“Other charities involving theatre, music or cultural arts often enjoy some form of governmental financial assistance. Our funding comes from individuals and businesses that believe in and support our concept of outdoor recreation and education for people with disabilities, with a particular emphasis on those with mental retardation. And for the deaf and hard-of-

C o n f i d e n c e

Photos provided by Dave Csanda

hearing community for language and cultural expansion, support The day is all about catching fish while keeping one eye on the and education.” ticking clock and another on what’s accumulating in the livewell.

The Fishing Classic is open to all ages, with We adjust our strategies as the day progresses, friends and families often taking center stage. Volswitching target species if necessary to provide unteer celebrity hosts (aka fi shing guides) provide the best chance at earning a top-three finish in one boats, bait and tackle for two accompanying anof the four angling categories. Mostly, it’s all about glers, and the three boat partners fish as a team having fun, without the actual pressure associated for the day. A sack lunch is provided to each parwith big-money tournament competition. ticipant, along with a signature Classic shirt and a From a guide’s perspective, I’ve also found it a goody bag of angling accessories. rare chance for busy anglers involved in the fishAnglers and guides discuss fishing locations and ing industry to gather in one spot, rekindle old strategies, and target three-fish boat limits of wallfriendships during the pre-tournament team photo eyes, bass, pike or a mixed-bag combo (1 of each shoot, and catch up on recent events during the species). Each team is allowed to weigh in a maxiweigh-in festivities. The rest of the year, everyone’s mum of three fish.The top three teams in each divitypically off during their own thing. But come Fasion are awarded plaques, as are anglers who catch ther’s Day weekend in June, they’re back on Gull the largest fish of each species.

Lake for the annual get-together to benefit Camp While about 80 percent of the participating anglers fi sh with an Confidence.And in the end, whether you go home with a plaque or assigned guide, the other 20 percent opt to field three-angler teams not, everyone wins. that provide their own boat, creating yet another option that’s ideal for family groups.

D A V E C S A N D A is a veteran outdoor Speaking as one who’s fished the Fishing Classic with family and communicator/TV co-host who works at Lindner’s Angling Edge Television in Baxter. He is also presifriends many times over the years, we’ve enjoyed turning the weekend dent of the Brainerd Lakes Area Chapter of Let’s Go into a family gathering in Brainerd. Three of us hit the water at 8 a.m., Fishing (www.lgfwsbrainerdarea.com), a Minnesotaand the rest of the crew arrives later at the weigh-in to cheer us on, based non-profit volunteer organization that takes seniors, youths and veterans fishing for free. hopefully to preserve the family honor in good-natured competition.

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BEFORE

AFTER

AFTER

Restoring A Shoreline Will Make A Difference THERE’S A REASON PEOPLE REFER TO T H I S A R E A A S B R A I N E R D L A K E S . In Crow

Wing County alone, 102,000 acres are covered with water.

Statewide, there are 12,034 lakes of 10 or more acres (416 in Crow Wing County). Lakes are the reason so many people live (more every year) and vacation here. These lakes need the tender-loving care of lake shore owners and there are some simple solutions that individuals can take to preserve the character and beauty of these waters.

Three experts share what they’ve learned about shoreline restoration. In all cases, the ultimate reaction after a completed project echoed what John Landsburg, co-owner of Landsburg Landscape Nursery in Brainerd said, “Never have I had a person say ‘I’m sorry I did this.’ Every comment has been positive.” Heather Baird, DNR Shoreline Habitat Specialist based in Brainerd said,“Restore a shoreline and it’s amazing what comes back. It’s natural, wild and great for wildlife.”

Melissa Barrick, district manager for the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District said,“Once you restore shoreline, it’s cheaper to maintain and doesn’t take as much time.” Home owners who may have been reluctant to consider projects should know that 80 to 90 percent of all applicants receive some cost-sharing which averages about half the cost.

Shorelines have friends in high places, like Barrick, Baird and Landsburg, people who will advise and work with property owners to design plans and suggest courses of action. Barrick said the three biggest reasons people consider shoreline reclamation are: 1. New construction or addition on an existing lakeshore lot. With new county rules, water run-off must be mitigated depending on the percentage of the lot that is impervious, which refers to roofs, driveways, patios and sidewalks.

2. People have seen changes in water quality over the years. More nutrients flowing into a lake leads to more plant and algae growth which decreases clarity. “Decades ago, lakeshore owners made their yards look like they did back home, with grass to the water’s edge. That mind-set is changing.”

3. Wave action and boat wakes erode shorelines. People losing shoreline can address and fix the problem in most cases.

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Baird said she reviews about 80 projects each year, and said when she’s called to analyze a proposed project, she stands on shore and looks towards the house for erosion from above.

Then she checks water and wave erosion. “Where lawn grass grows to the water, there’s nothing to hold back the waves.

Typical lawns have roots only a few inches deep. Native blue stem grass grows roots down to eight feet. Most native plants grow deep roots, and that’s what holds the natural bank in place,” she said.

Many people start with a small strip of fi ve to 10 feet, but in a few years, after recognizing the effect, they expand to 25 feet or more. “Some homeowners just stop mowing, and let nature take over. I was asked to come to a Kimble Lake home where green orchids came up after a few years of not being mowed down. This is the simplest and cheapest fix there is. It also saves time,” the shoreline specialist said. “Limit beach and dock area; make the remainder a natural area.”

Buffer zones can be more advanced, including adding an erosion control fabric, staking it down and planting native plants.

Baird said,“The DNR wants to make it easy on the public to do this, and for most buffer zone work, permits are not needed.”

She did caution shoreline owners to contact her and the Soil and Water folks for advice and to have their plans reviewed.

For rip-rap boulders, to add fill, to re-slope banks, and similar work, permits are required. For planting emergent vegetation (bull rushes, lily pads, arrowhead and pickerel weeds) in the water, a free permit must be obtained. They serve as the first wave-break and dissipate wave energy, which helps contain the buffer zone projects.

The Soil and Water staff is a resource to help homeowners and contractors who do the work. Barrick said suggestions for do-it-yourself projects to major restorations come with information about cost-sharing. Grant money is available through the Clean Water Land and Legacy Amendment, targeting specific, high-priority waters in Crosslake and Breezy Point and Gull and Big Trout lakes. State dollars are available for any waters, and up to 75 percent of total project cost. Community Partnership grants are for lake associations or community groups.

Conventional wisdom shows preventing erosion is less costly than fixing eroded shorelines.

Both specialists suggested rain gardens to slow down runoff. Plans for these projects are available; they drain and fi lter

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water, and make a natural landscape feature. The goal is for only 10 percent of surface water to run into lakes. Slowing and filtering it helps lakes. A study has shown that a 25-foot natural buffer zone reduces 30 percent of phosphorus run-off. Fifty feet holds phosphorus back by 50 percent.

One of the shoreline contractors with many projects to his credit is Landsburg. He said, “Twenty years ago, it was not appealing to allow natural grasses to grow on shorelines. It was lawn to beach all around most lakes. That mindset is changing today. Most people want to do what’s best for their lakes.” He also cited the time factor – do it once, and it maintains itself. “They have seen erosion eat away, and have decided to stop it,” he said.

Each project is different, and where permits are needed, Landsburg said, “For most, this could be a lesson in frustration. After numerous projects, we understand and have worked with the county and state so we can navigate through the paperwork. It still takes about five hours for a typical reclamation project,” he said. He was not complaining, just stating a fact that when a professional is hired, the entire scope of the project is handled correctly. “I feel the state and county people trust us, so when we bring in a plan after consulting with the homeowner, we can secure the permit,” he said.

Landsburg said when several owners do a long shoreline stretch together, they could qualify for more funding and the price per foot would be more attractive. Not only that, but collaborating with neighbors builds great friendships. “When one owner does something, neighbors come over and start talking. Soon, more realize the benefits and it builds upon itself,” he said.

Resources cited here can be reached at the Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District: 218-828-6197; at the DNR: 218-833-8648; at Landsburg Landscape Nursery: 218-829-5519.

BEFORE AFTER

J I M K A L K O F E N has been in and around boats all his life.

He has been director of the largest walleye tournament circuits for two decades, and was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Photos provided by Jim Kalkofen

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TREADING LOCAL WATERS: GULL LAKE

‘The Best Way To Fish Gull Lake Is Whichever Way You Want’

The fishing pier at Gull Narrows offers “shore-fishing” options on a lake mostly navigable by boat.

GRIMACING, THE BOY STRUGGLED TO GET A HANDLE ON THE BIG PIKE.

No, in the grand scheme of things on Gull Lake, it wasn’t a huge pike. But for the 9-year-old boy, the 8-1/2-pounder was a monster.The biggest of his young lifetime.

On a lake that boasts a lifetime of unforgettable catches.

This most recent Minnesota fishing opener was no different. Besides providing a moment a boy will remember all his life at Gull Narrows, the lake again was alive with walleye and pike anglers. And when the largemouth and smallmouth bass seasons kick off later this month, expect much of the same.

Gull Lake, which spans the communities of Nisswa, Lake Shore and East Gull Lake, is regarded as one of the top multispecies lakes in the greater Brainerd area. At nearly 10,000 acres, it offers plenty of room to roam in search of pike, walleye, bass, perch, crappie and panfish and more. George “Coop” Cooper, known as one of the premier pike fishermen in the area, targets only large pike.That pursuit often leads him to Gull. Fishing icon Al Lindner has said the lake is one of the best multi-species fisheries around. And Brainerd area guides, whose job is to put clients on fish, ultimately end up on Gull — if they didn’t start there in the first place.

Gull also is home of the Brainerd Jaycees $150,000 Ice Fishing Extravaganza, which annually draws about 10,000 anglers to the ice on Hole-in-the-Day Bay. But it’s also regarded as the most popular summertime lake in the greater Brainerd area, both for recreation and fishing.

Tim Hanske is a professional guide for Leisure Outdoor Adventures, which compiles the Dispatch’s fi shing reports/Lake of the Week features. He grew up in the area and has fi shed

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Gull most of his life. His “lake report” on Gull: “Some traditional springtime spots on my list include the south shore of Booming Out Bay, Grassy Point and Polk’s Flat.

When fishing these spots, I use a two-pronged attack to help me read the fish. I usually have two people in the boat fishing a live-bait rig on the weedline and two people pitching jigs up into the shallows. I like to use the smallest jig possible, tipped with either a shiner minnow or a plastic tail. Once it has been determined where the fish are holding and roughly what depth, I refine my technique to focus on these conditions.

“Once summer really gets rolling, things change in the fishing world. An angler has the choice to fish walleyes, northern pike, bass and panfish. As a guide, people either want action fishing or walleyes. When targeting walleyes in early summer, I like to focus on area that contain green weeds and bait fish.

The weeds provide cover, the bait provides food and food is king. I use a variety of tactics, but a fireball jig tipped with a fathead minnow is usually a good bet.The best part about fishing in the weeds is that when you set the hook, it could be a 7-inch rock bass or a 28-inch walleye. Every fi sh in Gull Lake will be using these early summer locations because they provide basic needs: food and cover.

“In the heat of the summer, Gull Lake comes alive with recreational boaters and fisherman alike. Bass fishing on Gull this time of year is unreal. All you need is a light jig head and a Berkley Power Worm. Jig size depends on the wind speed, but again, use the lightest jig possible. I only carry three colors of power worms: black, motor oil and blue fleck. Keep your boat off the weed line, typically 15 to 20 feet of water, and cast the jig into the shallows. Fish it back super slow,

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dropping water temps trigger the fish to eat because they but fast enough to keep it out of the weeds. On days where need to gain weight for the winter months. Walleyes will be fishing is slow, a little trick is to cast the jig at an angle, let it located in three to 80 feet of water, so being sink into the weeds, and when you pick it up, flexible is the key to success. I rely heavily on sometimes there will be a fish on the line.This my electronics during this time of year. I will finesse approach is sometimes the ticket. cruise the breaklines looking for schools of “Walleyes during the mid-summer days can walleyes, and I typically will not fish a spot if be a challenge. However, if you hit the water I don’t mark fish. Once a school is located, I before sunrise or at sunset, you will have a throw a marker buoy to help with boat conbetter shot. Due to many factors, including trol, and I will either fish a jig with a rainbow the massive amount of bait fish accessible to minnow or a live-bait rig with a big creek chub walleyes and bright sunny days, walleyes feed or redtail. less during the day. When the lights go out, the “Gull Lake is incredible because it offers bait fish can’t see and the walleyes have the so much. And just remember, if one species advantage. During this time, I like using a livedoesn’t bite, switch gears and fish for somebait rig and a redtail minnow.The redtail will thing else.The best way to fish Gull Lake is be able to brave the warm water and they will whichever way you want.” stay lively. If you don’t want to spend the extra money for redtails, creek chubs can be a good The Gull Lake Chain substitute.The walleyes will start moving out encompasses almost BRIAN S. PETERSON, to main lake structures such as Center Bar,The 10,000 acres of water may be reached at brian.peterson@ Rock Pile, and The Bow Tie. Look for schools, brainerddispatch.com or for premier fishing in 12-25 feet, and use a trolling motor to hover 855-5864. To follow him on and recreational over the school.

Twitter, go to opportunities. www.twitter.com/brian_speterson.

“At the end of August, and through the rest For his blogs, go to of the open-water season, something magical happens on www.brainerddispatch.com.

Gull Lake:The walleyes wake up and they want to eat.The

J I M K A L K O F E N has been in

and around boats all his life. He has been director of the largest walleye tournament circuits for two decades, and was inducted into the National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Photo provided by Brian S. Peterson/Brainerd Dispatch

Map provided by Contour Elite

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The Common Loon

THE COMMON LOON (GAVIA IMMER) OR THE “GREAT NORTHERN DIVER” IS M I N N E S O T A ’ S O F F I C I A L S T A T E B I R D . The

American Goldfinch was the state’s first designated state bird but was changed to the Common Loon in 1961. The Common Loon is one of five species of Loons found in North America and is the only one that nests in the lower 48 states.

The Common Loon winters in the Gulf of Mexico and immature loons spend three-four years here before returning to breed. The other loon species are Red-throated,Yellow-billed, Arctic and Pacifi c, all nesting along the Arctic or the coasts.

Minnesota has the highest Common Loon population (12,000) outside of Alaska in the United States. The land of 10,000 lakes provides adequate habitat of clean and deep lakes for them to thrive. Having loons on our many lakes is an indicator of how clean and clear the water is. Loons are very sensitive to any changes in their environment; water quality is very important for them. Many of us are fortunate to live in an area where loons are commonly seen or heard during the summer.

The Common Loon is a large bird weighing 8-12 pounds with a 46” wingspan. Loons are very interesting in many ways, such as how far back their legs are on the body making it very awkward and difficult for them to walk on land (it’s nearly impossible). This land handicap is countered with exceptional diving depths and underwater speed for chasing and catching their prey, which is mainly fish. Another unique attribute of loons is that their bones are not

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hollow but are “honeycomb” in structure which allows them to sink or submerge without a splash or wake (like a submarine). When watching loons through a pair of binoculars you can clearly see this technique as they dive for food or escape danger. The Common Loon also has red eyes, which allow it to see under water. It is known for great diving depths with some measured at over 200 feet.

The Common Loon might be one of the most vocal of all of the water birds. It can be heard throughout the day, but is mostly known for its haunting calls during the night. The loon has four basic calls…the yodel, tremolo, wail and hoot.

The yodel is given only by the male to declare and defend its territory from other loons. The tremolo is an aggressive call and is used when it’s disturbed. The wail sounds like an eerie laugh and is used to find other loons nearby, so it makes sense that this is one call heard during the night. The hoot is less obvious than the others and is generally used between adults and young.

Loons arrive soon after ice-out; in most years it’s within days. This year the pair of loons that I have been watching arrived 18 days earlier than last year, which coincided to the unusual early ice-out. Soon after arriving to their breeding locations the first priority is to establish a territory that includes a nesting location. Larger lakes may contain several pairs of loons with each pair defending a specific size or portion of the lake within its territory from other loons.

Once a lake is chosen and a territory is established their attention shifts to nesting. With their feet set back so far it’s hard for them to nest away from water. Most loon nests are at the water’s edge so they can just slide off the nest and into the water. The nest is usually constructed by both adults with whatever is available around them, mostly reeds, grasses, rushes and mud. Almost all loon nests are found along natural vegetative shorelines along sheltered bays, peninsulas, islands, floating vegetation mats and constructed platforms. Loon

nesting platforms are sometimes placed captured and fitted with a special tracking at specific locations by the Minnesota device that measures and calculates their Department of Natural Resources (MN migration pattern showing the dates, locaDNR) or through some lake home associations and distances. You can follow one or tions to provide better protection. Loons more of these loons as they migrate to the usually lay two to three eggs that hatch Gulf of Mexico and back. To learn more about 30 days later. In June you can watch and track the loons, go to Google and the young chicks riding on the parents search for “loon migration”. back to keep dry and safe from predators.

Enjoy Minnesota’s waters, but please Because loons nest so close to the water’s remember to respect and share the water edge they are very susceptible to nest with our state bird. I would encourage failures that result from flooding or wave you to join the Loon Watch program for action. A rise of just a few inches can be your lake. It’s a great way to learn more detrimental to a loon nest and waves from about the Common Loon. Remember, havany powered motor craft can be deadly ing loons on our lakes is a good indicator Photo provided by the Big Mantrap Lake too. It’s very important to stay away from of how healthy and clean our lakes are.

Association Loon Nesting Program marked or known loon nesting areas.

Happy Birding!

The MN DNR started a volunteer Loon Watcher Survey Program back in the early 1980s to help monitor loon populations on our many lakes. The 2011 season included 352 J U D D B R I N K is the owner of MN Backyard Birds Loon Watchers on 385 lakes in 36 counties across the state. offering birdscaping packages using bird feeding stations A total of 1,847 adult loons and 482 chicks were reported for your enjoyment. We install and maintain bird feeding during the survey. Of the 235 loon nesting platforms, 128 (55 stations for commercial and residential customers in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Judd also leads bird-guided walks and percent) were used in 2011. For Crow Wing County 66 lakes tours in the area. He can be contacted at were surveyed by 60 Loon Watchers reporting 233 adults jb@mnbackyardbirds.com and 67 chicks. There are 51 nesting platforms in the county with 37 being used last year. I have contributed toward this program for the last fi ve years for my small lake. Pam Perry is the DNR Loon Watch coordinator for our area. If you would like to become a Loon Watcher please contact her via e-mail pam.perry@state.mn.us.

In 2010 the largest oil spill occurred in the Gulf of Mexico with over 5 million barrels of crude oil released into the gulf. This will have an everlasting impact on wildlife and its habitats. Many of us were greatly concerned for our wintering loons and for the juvenile loons that spend three to four years in this ecosystem. Some loons and many other birds were found dead or covered in oil unable to fly or fish.

From this disaster, a new study started to learn more about loon migrations. Several loons from the state were safely

Photos provided by Judd Brink

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Wild Stories

Excerpts from conservation officers’ weekly reports in 2012 (EDITOR’S NOTE: Reports appear as they were written by conservation officers.)

May 14 • CO Chris Vinton (Perham) reports that a turkey hunter called after killing two turkeys with one shot.The second bird was seized and gifted to an elderly couple.

• CO Gary Forsberg (Pelican Rapids) focused enforcement efforts on angling activity and AIS law compliance. While speaking with anglers at a public access, a boater pulled his boat off the water and headed down the road with obvious vegetation hanging on the trailer. Forsberg stopped the driver and asked why he didn’t remove the vegetation, especially when he saw the officer there.The driver had a revoked driver’s license and panicked when he saw the officer, and was trying to get away.

• CO Sam Hunter (Park Rapids) took a call of a mushroom hunter that had driven down an ATV trail with his truck and got the truck wedged between two trees.The tow truck driver needed a chainsaw to retrieve the stuck vehicle.

• CO Jeff Halverson (Staples) investigated a bear killing livestock complaint.The bear was dispatched the next night when he returned for another meal and would not leave the area.

• CO Mark Fredin (Aurora) received a TIP call in the Babbitt station of anglers fishing and keeping walleye the Friday before fishing opener.The fishermen were located.They were tribal members and their season is open to members year around.

• CO Phil George (Rochester) encountered one angler having really good success and had caught many more crappies than he could keep and was throwing them up on the shore behind him. As he approached the man from uphill another person had warned him of my presence and he started throwing fish back into the lake. After a 200-yard sprint to the finish line the poacher was caught with nine crappies over his limit. Enforcement action was taken.

• CO Dan McBroom (Rochester): While approaching two fishermen on an area lake he could hear a puppy that was in great distress. One of the fishermen asked if I had pliers.

The young dog had a treble hook stuck in its mouth and the person holding the dog was having a difficult time controlling the puppy.The Officer instructed the second person to cut the two treble hooks off of the lure and then had the other person hold the dog’s mouth open.The hook was then removed and the puppy was freed.

May 7 • CO Marty Stage (Ely): One party was found spearing illegally one day from a bridge that had “area closed” signs in the wa-

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ter. When asked if they knew why the signs were there, the party said that they thought it was okay because it was after May 1t. The offi cer pointed out the large bold lettering following the “area closed” portion that read “May 1 to May 12.”

• CO Eugene Wynn (Pine City) followed up with numerous nuisance animal calls during the week. One of the calls was a first with a grouse “attacking” a small child.The caller was informed that the child probably got too close to its nest or young, and to steer clear of the area.

• CO Mike Martin (St Cloud) answered several TIP calls and misc. wildlife calls. One caller wanted “the DNR” to be aware that there is a black bear in rural Benton County. Another caller reported a coyote in a trap out in a field about 50 yards off of Co. Rd 75 in Stearns County. Offi cer Martin discovered that the “coyote in a trap” was in fact a coyote decoy used to keep geese out of the farmers sprouting field and informed the complainant.Three adult brothers were all cited for angling without a license at the same time while fishing on the Mississippi River in Stearns County. All insisted that they had a license but just didn’t have it with them.

• CO Mitch Boyum (Rushford) reports talking to a turkey hunter who shot and wounded a tom. After a lengthy chase involving finding different landowners, the hunter finally tracked the bird down on a fence line. Upon approaching the bird the hunter believed it to be dead. He was surprised when the bird jumped into the hunter’s face cutting his shirt and gashing his arm before off flying.The hunter, who was shaken, collected himself enough to put a finishing shot on the bird. The whole sequence started around 7:30 a.m. and ended around noon.

April 30 • CO Ed Picht (Montevideo): A dead armadillo found along a state highway drew questions from the public and media.

This would be the third dead armadillo found in five years in his station. Based on evidence from previously found armadillos it is believed that they either hitched a ride or were intentionally brought into the state.

April 23 • CO Dan Malinowski (Fosston): Calls for service included wolf depredation, burning/fi res, otter caught by beaver trappers, and a dead banded bird that turned out to be a racing pigeon from St. Louis.

April 16 • CO Jim Guida (Brainerd) patrolled the station for all-terrain vehicle and sport fishing enforcement. Officer Guida followed up on an illegal dumping complaint that occurred on state property. Officer Guida located Social Security cards of three children, a banking card, and numerous other very important documents.The owner was contacted and indicated that they were previously stolen. Numerous other items including televisions, mattresses, and appliances were unfortunately littering the area.

April 9 • CO Matt Miller (Lake Superior Marine Unit): Several TIP calls were received in reference to rather flagrant violations regarding migrating steelhead. However, in some cases the caller waited to report the violations until they watched it happen for two or three days. When officers received the information and worked the complaint, the suspects were then gone.

• CO Nikki Shoutz (Pine River): A dead eagle with a sucker clutched in its claws was found on the shoreline on the Pine River down from the dam. Foul play is not suspected and it appears that he may have dived into the high wire while fishing.

April 2 • CO Larry Francis (Remer) was contacted by a concerned party who thought that coyotes were so cunning that they would pretend to be injured, so they could draw you toward their pack and attack you. He advised that this behavior was not likely.

• CO Tom Hemker (Winona) checked a fisherman on one day and checked his backpack which contained fishing tackle and food.Two days later, he ran into the same angler at a different location where he said he did not have any fish. While chatting with the fisherman, Hemker observed the same backpack but this time it moved. It contained an illegal fish.

March 26 • CO Nikki Shoutz (Pine River) received a TIP call involving a man shooting his shotgun toward a pair of geese in front of his lake home.The suspect claimed he was simply shooting up in the air to scare the geese from making a mess on his beach and dock area and was not trying to kill the geese.

He was aware that waterfowl season is closed.

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• CO Karl Hadrits (Crosby): A concerned friend of wildlife conservation reported finding two bald eagles locked by talons, and fallen into thick brush in a manner where they could not free themselves or fly away.The man separated the eagles, one of which soon flew away.The second eagle, which appeared to be injured, near death, and unable to fly, was transported by the man to the nearest raptor rehabilitator. Enroute, the eagle revived and began to fly around in the man’s car as he drove. He stopped, let the eagle out of the car, and if flew away.

• CO Don Bozovsky (Hibbing) assisted the Hibbing Police Department with a day old report of a snowmobile that went down in an ice free urban lake. A patrol boat was used, but the sled could not be found in the lake.The operator was eventually found by following the drag marks to a nearby garage. Charges are pending for the water skipper.

March 19 • CO Joel Heyn (Plainview) worked mainly anglers during the week. Ice anglers were still out early in the week catching some bluegills. One angler fell through the ice on his way to go fishing and after ringing out his socks still managed to catch a few fish.

March 12 • CO Tricia Plautz (Henning) received a call from a citizen who upon checking an elderly person’s home, found a deer had broken through the basement window and struggled on the pool table before diving underneath a bed and dying. Plautz attended a youth boat and water safety event in Carlos and did a boat and water safety and AIS presentation.

• CO Tim Collette (Pequot Lakes) worked with a neighboring officer on Leech Lake where one angler, after fighting a large muskie for an hour on 6 pound test line, had the fish break the line as the fish was finally coming up the hole in the ice and get away.The angler was tired and disappointed, but now at least has a good fish story to tell.

March 5 • CO Mary Manning (Hovland): On family of anglers reported they had 10 beautiful fish sitting in front of their lake cabin earlier in the day, but when they returned from trying to fill their limit they discovered all the fish missing and a very satisfied looking eagle nearby.

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3-D Walleyes IT WOULD BE EASY FOR ANGLERS TO FALL VICTIM TO THE NOTION THAT THE WATERY WORLD BELOW IS TWO-DIMENS I O N A L . The water’s surface is flat. Lake and river

maps are flat. Your sonar screen is flat. But down below, the bottom consists of peaks and valleys just like the dry world above.

Changes in bottom contours are called structure and understanding how structure affects fish behavior is the key to angling success. The trick is to train our minds to translate two-dimensional images from a map, your sonar screen, or GPS into mental images with three dimensions. A technique called visualization can help you with this task.

Many professional athletes have used visualization within their respective sports. When Tiger Woods lines up a putt, he “sees” himself stroking the ball, follow the breaks, and watches it roll into the cup. When Michael Jordan played basketball, he saw himself hitting nothing but net time after time. Fishermen can practice the same method by taking information from the tools they have to visualize every subtle break and fish-holding feature below the boat.

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The importance of this skill cannot be stressed too much in the case of walleyes. Walleyes that relate to structure are catchable fish. With the exception of spring spawn, they are there most of the year for just one reason – to eat. Walleyes which are suspended in open water are often there one day and gone the next. On the other hand, walleyes lurking on a point or hump will take up residence as long as food is handy and weather is stable.

Fish utilize the breaklines on structure as migration paths and will often congregate where the breakline makes slight changes along the way. This is the 10 percent of the water which often holds 90 percent of the fi sh. Your challenge is to understand where those contact points are and how to fish them.

But how many of us take the time to analyze our favorite fishing holes in order to understand why they produce time and time again? Think of one of your best spots. How is it shaped? Where are the points, the sub-points off the main point, and the inside turns? Some of these are known as the ”spot-on-a-spot” and each one may hold fish.

What is the bottom composed of? Is the grey line on the Photos provided by Ted Takasaki

bottom of your sonar screen thick, which indicates hard Toss out marker buoys at critical spots to help visualize what bottom, or thin which means a soft bottom? Transition areas lies below. from hard to soft can offer a variety of food for fish to eat, so Using a jig or the weight on a live-bait rig, whether a botthey stay. Same is true for other changes on the bottom, such tom bouncer or a Lindy sinker, are also great tools to learn as places were pea gravel meets larger rocks. more about what lies below.

Where are other feaStart fishing with quick tures? Are there weeds? presentations to cover How is the weedline water and find aggresshaped? The weedline’s sive fish. Nothing? Go points and turns are improgressively slower. portant fish locators for Use your bow-mounted the same reason structrolling motor to move tural points and turns are. along the break from They hold fish. Where do shallow, down the edge weeds change from one to the base and back up kind to another? This again. Keep a 45-degree often signals a subtle angle between your line change in the bottom and water’s surface. Pay content. attention to what your jig Practice “seeing” every or rig is telling you about detail in your mind. Just the bottom content. They like having x-ray vision, will telegraph details you should eventually like the position of small be able to use your tools gravel or rocks on a soft Rigging your boat with useful electronics gives you the tools to look down and “see” bottom, where weedlines it takes to ‘see’ how the bottom of the lake lays out. But it’s the structure. Once you starts, etc. If unsure about up to you to learn to use sonar, maps, and other tools well. can visualize them, fish what you sense through Here, Ted Takasaki is looking things over with the help of his the “something differHumminbird sonar and GPS mapping device. Another unit is the rod, an underwater cameras can confirm ent” - the hard to soft mounted in the bow, where he often fishes. what you are fishing. bottom areas, the turns, the points, the weed patches, or the rock piles. Each one may Note the depth and particular kind of structural element prove to be a fish magnet. when you begin to contact fish. Use the map to find similar One of the most important tools of structure fishermen is a spots. The goal is to discover a productive pattern including contour map. A map and an understanding of seasonal move- structure type, depth and presentation.

Don’t fi sh blind. Practice visualizing structure, and see your ments can eliminate unproductive water fast. The closer the success soar. contour lines, the sharper the break is. Weedlines or mid lake humps are productive during the summer, but deep and sharper structure breaks are good in the in fall. Be aware of changes in wind direction which will push plankton and pursuing baitfish to one side of the lake or the other.

T E D T A K A S A K I is one of the country’s top pro walleye fisherman and a former PWT The need for good electronics, like a Humminbird 1198c, champion. Not only has Ted won many fishing is critical to the process. Once on the water, use your sonar tournaments, he is the CEO of Lindy Little Joe, and GPS to of a point or hump. In the case of mid-lake Inc. maker of fine fishing products. humps, try motoring over and around it to locate the top.

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R i c h a r d s o n 19

ATTRACT SUMMER

BIRDS

TO YOUR BACK YARD

How do you suppose the rose-breasted grosbeak got its name? The colorful birds can be attracted to your yard by filling a feeder with sunflower seeds.

MANY HOMEOWNERS STORE AWAY THE BIRD FEEDERS ONCE WARM WEATHER ARRIVES.

That’s a mistake. and other fruit-loving birds. If you’re really lucky, scarlet Summer birds can provide just as much or more pleasure than tanagers might visit your yard to dine on your fruit offerwinter birds.The males of the various species are dressed in their ings. Don’t forget the nectar feeders for hummingbirds summertime best, and their glorious calls seem to emanate from and the fruit-eating species mentioned above. all directions.

2. To dispense an assortment of feed, several types of feedA backyard that is adequateers should be used. Suet can ly landscaped and outfitted be placed in a wire basket to with a variety of bird feeders attract woodpeckers, nutand nesting boxes will attract hatches, chickadees and even many more species of birds catbirds and rose-breasted than will winter feeding. For grosbeaks. Sunflower seeds instance, on any given sumwork well in a standard mer day I can easily count gravity-type feeder and will 20 different species of birds lure birds such as finches, using my backyard. jays, blackbirds, grosbeaks Follow the simple steps and cardinals. A tube feeder below and you can entice a is the best for dispensing variety of birds to your yard. thistle, which attracts finches, 1. To attract a variety of sparrows, buntings and othbirds, you should provide ers. Ground-feeding birds like an assortment of feeds. mourning doves and sparSunflower seeds, thistle A brilliant male indigo bunting is feeding on bird seed rows prefer to feed from a seeds, millet, corn and tray-type feeder that is low to placed on the ground. suet are all good choices. ground, or you can sprinkle Be sure to place several orange halves and a small conseed directly on the ground. Cracked corn and a finch tainer filled with grape jelly to attract orioles, catbirds mix will attract those birds, plus others.

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3.

Provide water for your yard birds if you can. A simple birdbath works fine, but even better is a small wildlife pond. Pond liners can be dug into your yard and an electronic circulating pump can even provide a waterfall. You won’t believe the number of birds that will use a water fixture to drink and bathe.

4. Feeder location can be important. If possible, place your feeders in a spot that is out of the wind and away from heavy cover where predators such as house cats and birds of prey can hide. Most people feed birds for enjoyment so locate your feeders where you can see them from a window. It’s a good idea

Photos provided by Bill Marchel

No back yard is complete without a hummingbird feeder. Orioles can be attracted with nectar feeders, too, and occasionally other bird species will sip from the feeders.

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You can attract Baltimore orioles to your backyard by placing orange halves. The dazzling orange birds have a liking for grape jelly, too, as do catbirds, tanagers, thrashers and other species.

Thistle seed is best dispensed in a tube-type feeder.

Expect goldďŹ nches, like these colorful gems, and other members of the ďŹ nch family to visit a thistle feeder placed in your backyard.

to place your feeders in different locations so if large, intimidating birds use one feeder, smaller more skittish birds can use another. For example, blue jays and grackles like corn and sunflower seeds better than thistle seed. So, by locating your thistle feeder a distance away you allow birds like goldfinches and indigo buntings a chance to feed undisturbed by the larger birds.

The number of birds and the variety of species you will attract to your yard by placing feeders will vary according to the habitat surrounding your home. The more diverse the habitat types, the greater number of bird species you can expect to draw.

Landscaping for wildlife is popular these days. A birdattracting landscape project can be as simple as planting a fruit-bearing tree or two, or as elaborate as manipulating every nook and cranny of your yard in such a way as to attract and hold a medley of birds.

Include the entire family in your summer bird feeding efforts. Get the kids involved by making it their responsibility to keep the feeders filled. Buy a field guide to birds (or a birding app for your smart phone) and challenge the family to identify as many bird species as they can.

Enjoy the colorful birds of summer.

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Birds

B I L L M A R C H E L is a wildlife and outdoors

photographer and writer who lives near Fort Ripley. His work has appeared in many regional and national publications and he writes a monthly column for the Brainerd Dispatch. He can be reached at bill@billmarchel.com

To

Your

Back

Yard

Photos provided by Bill Marchel

Your

Best Shots

Ethan Waytashek our bird feeder on our deck and up We love to ďŹ ll watch the birds return.

Joy Smith On a recent walk behind my hou se, these two geese came across the lake wh en I got really close to their nest.

Karen Zetah I captured this eagle photo with my trail camera on the Long Prairie River near my home. I really wasn’t expecting such a great close up photo.

Rose Zak Chipmunks LOVE peanuts!!

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23

Outdoors

today in the JUNE

8 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 8-10 Take A Kid Fishing Weekend 9 Brainerd Lakes Area Outdoor Youth Expo, Lakeshore Conservation Club 9 Outdoor Recreation Day, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 9 Side-by-Side Shoot, Deep Portage, Hackensack 9-10 Second annual Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival, Crosby-Ironton 9-10 Outdoor 3D Archery Tournament, Brainerd Archery Club 10-15 Forkhorn I Deer Hunting Camp, Deep Portage,

Hackensack 15 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 16 Confidence Learning Center Fishing Classic, Gull Lake 16 Archery in the Park, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 16 Crow Wing State Park canoe and fur-traders event 17-22 Forkhorn I/II Deer Hunting Camp, Deep Portage,

Hackensack 22 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 24 Geocaching 101, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 29 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

JULY 6 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 8-13 Forkhorn II Deer Hunting Camp, Deep Portage,

Hackensack 13 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 14 Archery in the Park, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 20 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 22 Geocaching 101, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 22-27 Forkhorn I Deer Hunting Camp, Deep Portage,

Hackensack 27 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 27 Application deadline, fall turkey

AUGUST 1

Bear license purchase deadline for successful lottery applicants 3 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 4 Bass tournament, Gull Lake 4 Universe in the Park, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 5-10 Forkhorn I Deer Hunting Camp, Deep Portage,

Hackensack 10 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 11 Remarkable Reptiles, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park 17 Application deadline, Camp Ripley archery deer hunts 17 Bear baiting season begins 17 I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

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19 24 25 31

Geocaching 101, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Archery in the Park, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park I Can Fish! Fishing Fridays, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park

SEPTEMBER 1 1 1 1 1 6 8 15 15

Early Canada goose season opens Bear season opens Mourning dove season opens Rails and snipe season opens Hunters of the Sky, Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Application deadline, antlerless deer/special hunts Tour of Cuyuna bicycle ride, Crosby-Ironton Archery deer season opens Grouse, gray partridge, rabbit and squirrel seasons open 21 Early Canada goose season ends 22 Waterfowl season opens (tentative) 22 Woodcock season opens 22-23 Take A Kid Hunting Weekend

FEATURED PRODUCTS

Your

Best Shots Joy Smith Love the mushrooms growing on this stump along with the backdrop of a setting sun.

Joy Smith These ducks sought refuge on our pile of wood in our backyard.

Joy Smith g Gettin down to Earth, it is amazing what you will ďŹ nd growing there.

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Your

Best Shots

Ethan Waytashek s return. on our deck and watch the bird We love to ďŹ ll up our bird feeder

Joy Smith On the last snowy day, this squirrel stopped to enjoy his ďŹ nd on our tree stump.

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Joy Smith The robin seemed a little upset at all the snow falling around him.

Do

you have a

Striking photo you would

like to see included in the next

?

Send us Your Best Shot! anything that is related to the great outdoors, of course...

Photo submissions along with photographer’s name and description of photo can be sent to: Nikki Lyter • 506 James Street • Brainerd, MN 56401 or nikki.lyter@brainerddispatch.com (digital photos provide the best quality for print) Glossy_Summer_12.indd 4

Deadline for submission to be included in the Fall 2012 Issue: Wednesday, August 22, 2012 5/24/12 3:04 PM

Glossy_Summer_12.indd 4

5/24/12 2:55 PM