Lakes Area Outdoors

Lakes Area

OUTDOORS 2015

Do-ityourself elk hunt A look at local deer herds An Echo Press Publication | October 2015

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Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

inside this issue enter

our photo contest

page 14

This photo of Hunter Krebs of Alexandria was entered in the 2014 Echo Press “Hunt Down Your Photo” contest after Krebs bagged this drake wood duck on a hunt in 2014. See Page 14 for details on how to enter our 2015 photo contest.

The cover photo was taken by Steve Oehlenschlager Jr. of Elk River as a 10-point buck made its way through the Fort Snelling National Cemetery near Minneapolis.

Oehlenschlager won first place for this photo in the 2014 photo contest.

• • • • • Other 2014 photo entries can be seen throughout this publication.

Ghosts on the mountainside............................... 4 Revitalizing Minnesota’s pheasant hunting...... 6 Changes to 2015 regulations.............................. 7 A look at the local deer herd.............................. 8 Minnesota hunting and trapping seasons...... 11 Map of D.A.T.A Trails.................................. 12-13 Outdoor photo contest....................................... 14 Dining Guide................................................ 15-17 Vibrant fall colors............................................... 19 Mild winter, strong hatch helps pheasants.... 20 Donate deer hides.............................................. 21 Change up fall fishing....................................... 22 Jody Hanson, Publisher Eric Morken, Sports/Outdoor Editor­­ Lori Mork, Designer A publication of Echo Press, October 2014 225 7th Ave. East, Alexandria, MN www.echopress.com

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GHOSTS on the mountainside

Northfield’s Adam Rigge packs out the antlers of a 4x5 bull elk that he shot with a muzzleloader during the final day of a hunt in northwestern Colorado on September 17.

Eric Morken | Echo Press

Looking for a challenge? Do-it-yourself elk hunts offer that and a sense of accomplisment when it all comes together

T

he screams echoed through the pines and aspens of the Routt National Forest in northwestern Colorado.

It was down to the 11th hour on our final day of a five-day elk hunt near Yampa. After a quiet four days in the mountains, the bulls were finally sounding off as they moved along the ridges.

This was all public land, all do-it-yourself hunting for me and five other friends in Steve Leitch, Jacob Busiahn, Adam Rigge and Marv and Sam Kremin. Jacob and I had bows in our hands, while the others carried muzzleloaders.

It was a chance to do some rugged hunting with a few modern amenities. Two wall tents kept us dry through wet nights in our camp. A gas grill and three-burner stove top hooked up to propane made cooking at the end of the day an easy endeavor.

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Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

Our task of getting an elk within shooting distance would prove to be more difficult. It was like chasing ghosts for much of the week. There were times we could hear them.

Fresh sign let us know they were near, but seeing them was another matter.

Jacob and I hunted together, hoping to increase our shooting radius should we call in a cow or a bull. Our closest encounter through four days had been what looked to be a 4x4 at about 50 yards that spotted us as we saw him moving through the woods.

I tried making a few mews with an open-reed cow call, but the excitement of seeing my first elk in the wild left my hands a bit wobbly.

There was no use. I tried calming myself, but the sound that came out sent the bull the other way.

I was ready for a second chance as multiple elk bugled the afternoon away during our final hours on the mountain. Jacob and I climbed a

Eric Morken

OUTDOORS EDITOR

few hundred feet up from a creek as we tried to get on the same ridge as them.

One more shallow valley was all that separated us from two bulls that kept sounding off. Not wanting to bump them, we set up and called.

This wasn’t going to work. We had to get through the bright yellow aspens below us and onto that ridge.

Jacob and I made our way down the hill as silently as we could, only to find that our chances had already slipped away. We knew private land was close, but the fence marking the border still felt like a kick in the gut.

GHOSTS page 10

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Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

5

Pheasant hunting Dayton announces plan to revitalize the state’s tradition

F

By Sam Cook Forum News Service

ollowing up on the Pheasant Summit he called last December, Gov. Mark Dayton announced on September 14 a fouryear “action plan” aimed at revitalizing Minnesota’s pheasant hunting tradition.

The state’s pheasant numbers have tumbled in the past 10 years as grassland habitat has declined.

With crop prices high in recent years, many farmers have elected to take their grasslands out of federal programs and

put those lands into corn and soybeans, which are less-favorable habitat for the popular game birds.

The pheasant action plan outlines 10 “immediate and achievable steps,” according to the governor, that will make the greatest difference in improving pheasant habitat, pheasant numbers and hunting opportunities.

“For 60 years, I have enjoyed pheasant hunting in Minnesota,” Gov. Dayton said in announcing the plan. “The decisions we make today will determine whether future generations of Minnesotans will have those same oppor-

“For the pheasant action plan to succeed, we will need collaboration across agencies, with the Legislature, and with conservation organizations, farmers and landowners.”

Tom Landwehr DNR Commissioner

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Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

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tunities. We m u s t work together to increase the pheasant population in our state.”

Some of the actions outlined in the plan already are under way. The Legislature in its last session passed legislation that establishes vegetation buffers along rivers, streams and ditches that will help filter sediment.

Last month, the Department of Natural Resources received a $1.7 million grant for the hunter Walk-In Access program from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Conservation groups have submitted 13 proposals to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council totaling $128 million for grassland habitat protection and management.

Among other things, the governor’s plan includes efforts to: • Enhance and protect habitat in areas at least nine-square miles in size where at least 40 percent of the area can be permanently protected within four years.

• Increase the rate of enrollment and retention in short-term conservation programs and enrollment of permanent conservation easements by private landowners.

Thinkstock.com

• Increase education and marketing of private lands conservation programs through the Farm Bill Assistance Partnership.

• Increase management of habitat on both public and private lands.

• Accelerate acquisition of land to increase the amount of public land open to hunting across the state’s pheasant range.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive riparian buffer program.

• Improve roadside management to optimize pheasant habitat.

• Secure federal funding to sustain the WalkIn Access program in the pheasant range. The program pays farmers to allow public access to hunting on their lands.

The plan grew out of ideas generated by citizens at last year’s pheasant summit. A steering committee was formed, comprised of DNR, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation

PHEASANTS page 7

PHEASANTS from page 6 Minnesota has lost 153,492 acres of CRP land since last year and more than 247,000 acres of CRP since 2007.

Many more acres — 495,000 acres or more — could expire by 2018 if contracts are not renewed or new acres are not enrolled into the program, DNR officials said.

Corn and soybean prices have dropped since peaking in recent years.

“CRP, even though it’s down, is still the major contributor to pheasant habitat,” said Matt Holland, director of grant development for Pheasants Forever. “We’re also very lucky to have the Reinvest in Minnesota easement program and the Outdoor Heritage Fund and the Clean Water Fund. There are things we can do there.”

DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr also stressed the broad involvement the plan will require.

“For the pheasant action plan to succeed, we will need collaboration across agencies, with the Legislature, and with conservation organizations, farmers and landowners,” Landwehr said.

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Rule changes

Here is a look at some of the regulation changes for the 2015 hunting and trapping seasons.

GAME BIRDS

Field-dressed ducks may now be transported without a fully feathered head. All game birds may be transported with only a fully-feathered wing attached.

DEER HUNTING

A deer license purchased after the opening day of the season is valid the first day after it is issued.

Residents of veteran’s homes may take deer of either sex regardless of permit area designation during the firearms and muzzleloader seasons.

Residents who are 84 or older may take a deer of either sex regardless of permit area designation during any deer season.

Hunters age 60 and older may use a magnifying scope during the muzzleloader deer season.

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Districts, Pheasants Forever, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation and Hunting Works.

Increasing private land conservation is a key component of the Pheasant Summit Action Plan, said John Jaschke, Board of Water and Soil Resources executive director.

“We have the programs in place to make the plan a reality and look forward to accelerating our work with DNR, Pheasants Forever, other conservation partners and landowners to provide permanent habitat protection on private lands through the Reinvest in Minnesota Reserve program,” Jaschke said.

Agriculture Commissioner David Frederickson said the state’s farmers have a role to play.

“I urge all farmers and landowners to review the plan and to consider how you can do your part to help us boost the pheasant population in our state,” Frederickson said.

Habitat loss, driven primarily by high commodity prices in recent years and farmers pulling out of the federal Conservation Reserve Program, has driven the pheasant decline.

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Eric Morken | Echo Press

A couple nice bucks get a good look at a game camera on August 23 of this year. Bucks will be the primary target of many hunters this season with a still-limited number of doe tags available across much of Minnesota.

CONSERVATIVE DEER SEASON set in Minnesota

Alexandria areas have more options than much of the state

H

By Eric Morken emorken@echopress.com

unters are in for another conservative deer season across the state, but there are some options around the Alexandria area.

The Department of Natural Resources is continuing its quest to raise deer numbers for much of Minnesota, meaning there will be another season of limited antlerless tags available and one-deer limits across much of the state.

“The 2015 deer hunting regulations will be quite similar to last year, with one-deer limits in most of the state,” Leslie McInenly, big game program 8

Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

leader for the DNR, said in a DNR release in late July. “Hunters should check the 2015 regulations early, because in the majority of areas, hunters will need to apply for a permit to shoot an antlerless deer.”

Permit area 273, southwest of Alexandria, is a lottery area, which means firearm hunters need to apply for a doe tag. Areas 240, 218 and 213 are hunter’s choice zones where a hunter can take one deer but has the choice between a buck or a doe. Areas 214 and 215, which sit east and northeast of Osakis, are managed areas where hunters can take two deer, only one buck.

In 70 of Minnesota’s 128 deer permit areas, hunters must be chosen in a lottery to shoot an antlerless

deer. Only bucks can be hunted in 14 areas. In 29 areas, hunters have the choice of shooting a doe or a buck.

Bonus permits allowing hunters to shoot more than one deer may only be used in 11 permit areas and for some special hunts.

“Given the mild winter for most of the state and reduced harvest last year, we anticipate that hunters will be seeing more deer when afield, and we are already hearing from people that they are seeing more deer this summer,” McInenly said.

“We are continuing a conservative harvest approach in order to raise deer numbers consistent with our recent goal-setting process.”

DEER page 9

DEER from page 8 The 2015 season marks the second year of a management approach to rebuild deer populations based on goal setting and listening sessions that indicated a desire for more deer in many areas.

Northern Minnesota hunters will again feel the biggest impact of a bucks-only season.

In bucks-only areas, no antlerless deer may be harvested by any hunter, including those with archery or youth licenses.

Similarly, no antlerless deer may be harvested by any adult hunters in youth-only antlerless

areas. However, as a result of 2015 legislation, new this year is an exception allowing either-sex harvest by any hunter age 84 and older or by hunters who are residents of veterans’ homes.

Another change this year is the return of youth-only antlerless harvest for a few areas in southwestern Minnesota.

The measure is designed to increase populations into goal range in areas where antlerless harvest under the lottery system hasn’t been restrictive enough to increase deer numbers.

Northern Minnesota hunters

PERMIT AREA BREAKDOWN Bucks-only deer areas (one deer limit) in 2015 are permit areas: 103, 108, 111, 118, 119, 152, 169, 176, 177, 178, 181, 183, 199 and 203.

Youth-only antlerless deer areas (one-deer limit) in 2015 are permit areas 234, 237 and 286.

Lottery deer areas (one-deer limit) in 2015 are permit areas 101, 105, 110, 117, 122, 126, 127, 155, 156, 157, 159, 171, 172, 173, 179, 180, 184, 197, 208, 210, 221, 222, 224, 229, 232, 235, 238, 242, 246, 247, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 288, 289, 290, 291, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298 and 299.

Hunter choice deer areas (one deer limit of either sex) in 2015 are permit areas 201, 209, 213, 218, 219, 223, 225, 230, 233, 239, 240, 248, 254, 255, 256, 257, 264, 265, 277, 292, 293, 338, 339, 341, 342, 344, 345, 347 and 348.

Managed deer areas (two deer limit) in 2015 are permit areas 114, 214, 215, 227, 236, 241, 287 and 343.

Intensive deer areas (five-deer limit) in 2015 are permit areas 182, 346 and 349.

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Eric Morken | Echo Press

A mid-afternoon nap in the woods can help refresh the body after climbing in elevation all morning. Here, Minneapolis’ Jacob Busiahn sleeps in the grass with his backpack as a pillow before heading out in search of elk.

GHOSTS from page 4

A bugle gets the blood boiling The bulls continued to taunt us with their bugles as they moved away.

At that same time, Adam and Marv were experiencing much different luck. Our tactics had been similar all week – walk through the woods as quietly as possible before stopping to call, hoping for a response.

Adam and Marv sat down against separate trees a short distance apart to do some calling. A crack of a branch let Adam know something had taken interest. He continued to let out some soft mews on his Hoochie Mama call.

The tip of a horn was the first thing he saw as a 4x5 bull made his way in. Slowly but surely, he walked into an opening at about 20 yards. Adam steadied his aim and pulled the trigger as Marv looked over to see the puff of smoke.

The bull traveled no more than 30 yards before expiring.

From there, the work began.

Hours of quartering and carrying

out meat weren’t completed until well after dark.

The elk had been wary all week as we hunted at elevations of 9,00010,000 feet. Near 10-mile days resulted in a lot of fresh sign but few elk spotted. A quick glimpse of one through the trees or a bugle in the distance was all our group had to show for our efforts until the final day.

Adam’s bull wasn’t a giant, but any elk that ends in an up-close encounter on public land feels like a trophy. With all the meat back in camp, we ate and celebrated with some drinks before climbing into our tents.

We knew our success rates were not great heading into the week.

Jacob and I had never been elk hunting before. Starting with a bow hunt might have been a little lofty, but once you’ve been bit by the archery bug it’s hard to go back to a firearm.

This trip was never about filling a tag. That was the goal, but not

Contributed photo by Jacob Busiahn

There is no shortage of beautiful scenery in elk country. Here, a sunset fades through the aspens as Eric Morken gets one last look before heading back to camp on the final day.

the priority. I set out to learn a little bit about elk hunting and enjoy a week spent in beautiful country with a great group of friends.

One doesn’t have to release an arrow to appreciate elk camp. Simply hearing one is enough to get the blood flowing.

Those bugles are all I need to sustain me as we anxiously await our return to the mountains in a couple of years.

Eric Morken | Echo Press

A 14x16 wall tent was part of the base camp for the hunting party. A tarp protects the kitchen area from rain as Marv and Sam Kremin sit with Jacob Busiahn at the end of the day.

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Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

M I NNES OT A 2 0 1 5

hunting & trapping seasons SMALL GAME

Rabbit and squirrel Ruffed and spruce grouse, Hungarian partridge Sharptailed grouse Mourning dove Pheasant

Sept. 19 - Feb. 29 Sept. 19 - Jan. 3 Sept. 19 - Nov. 30 Sept. 1 - Nov. 9 Oct. 11 - Jan. 4

FALL WILD TURKEY

Oct. 3 - Nov. 1

DEER

Archery Sept. 19 - Dec. 31 Muzzleloader Nov. 28 - Dec. 13 Firearms 100 series Nov. 7 - Nov. 22

(Northeastern Minnesota)

200 and 300 series Nov. 7 - Nov. 15

(Most of Minnesota excluding

northeastern and the metro deer management area)

Season 3B Nov. 21 - Nov. 29

(Only valid in southeastern Minnesota)

WATERFOWL

Ducks (central zone)

Sept. 28 - Oct. 4; Oct. 10 - Nov. 29

Geese (central zone)

Sept. 26 - Oct. 4 Oct. 10 - Dec. 28

FUR BEARER HUNTING & TRAPPING

Raccoon, fox, badger, opossum Oct. 17 - Mar. 15

(North)

Oct. 24 - Mar. 15

(South) Beaver (North Zone) Oct. 24 - May 15 Beaver (South Zone) Oct. 31 - May 15 Mink and Muskrat trapping (North Zone) Oct. 24 - Feb. 29 Mink and Muskrat trapping (South Zone) Oct. 31 - Feb. 29 Coyote, Striped Skunk and other unprotected Continuous

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6 Leaf Valley Mercantile 320.834.2532

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To pinpoint your business on the map, contact Izzy at the Echo Press, 320.763.3133.

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6

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4 1

11 18 5 18 10 13 14

3 17 12

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The Douglas Area Trails Association maintains 370 miles of snowmobile trails (shown in yellow) in West Central Minnesota.

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Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015 2013

13

Hunters and anglers,

send us your photos!

T

he Echo Press is sponsoring the annual “Hunt Down Your Photos” contest.

Hunting and angling themed photos are welcome. Prizes will be awarded as follows – first place, $100 gift certificate from The General Store in Osakis; second place - $50 gift certificate from Randy’s Men’s Wear in Alexandria; third place - $25 gift certificate to Cub Foods.

Send us a photograph, along with information about the

subject, including the name of the photographer, those in the photo, where they are from, the location and when the event occurred. The photo may become ineligible if any of this information is missing.

Deadline is November 30.

Select photos will be published in the Lakes Area Outdoors special edition printed in the Echo Press in the fall of 2016.

Winners will be selected based on sharpness, lighting, setting and overall impact.

2014 contest photos

Almost 20 photos were submitted in the 2014 Echo Press Hunt Down Your Photos contest. Above, Elk River’s Steve Oehlenschlager Jr. photographed this 10-point buck in the Fort Snelling National Cemetary near Minneapolis to win first place in the contest. The third-place photo (left, top) of Alexandria’s Adam Oehlenschlager making his way to the river for a duck hunt near Nimrod was taken by Steve Oehlenschlager. The second place photo (left, bottom) was captured by Alexandria’s Anthony Roadas as a flock of geese took flight from the Alexandria Area High School property on September 25, 2014.

SUBMIT YOUR PHOTOS

Entries may be mailed to: Echo Press, Hunt Down Your Photos, P.O. Box 549, Alexandria, MN 56308; dropped off at the Echo Press office at 225 7th Avenue East in Alexandria or emailed to emorken@ echopress.com (be sure to send at a high resolution).

If photos are to be returned, a self-addressed, stamped envelope must be included.

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Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

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Food Served Until 11 pm Full Service Bar For more information call 320-834-2532 or 218-267-2726 during club hours.

320-763-3877

FAST & FRIENDLY Casual Friendly Dining Serving Breakfast & Lunch 7 days a week Mon-Fri 7 am - 1 pm Sat 7 am - 1pm • Sun 8 am - 1 pm

Get a Taste

Since 1925, Alexandria’s Recommended Family Dining

of the

Open 7 Days a Week

Lakes Area

Visit us at travelersinncafe.com

•••

FOOD &

HOSPITALITY

It’s just like going to Grandma’s Serving Breakfast • Lunch 320-524-2453 107 Central, PO Box 456, Brandon Mon-Sat Breakfast 6-11am Lunch 11am-2pm Sun 7am-1pm Breakfast only Right off the DATA & Bike Trail

…the art of wine

The Area’s premier wine bar, restaurant & live music venue Appetizers & Soups • Sandwiches & Wraps Pasta • Salads • Burgers • Poultry Fresh Fish & Seafood • Steaks & Ribs

Weekly Specialties!

Tuesday: Build Your Own Burger 2 of ‘em for $12.95! 5-9 pm Friday: Pasta Buffet 5-9pm

Create your own pasta dish & see it sautéed on the spot!

• 70+ wines by the glass • Specializing in unique craft beers • Now serving lunch • Live music every Thursday, & most weekends

Tues-Wed 11-10 • Thurs-Sat 11-11:30 sixthavenuewineandale.com

• Full Menu from Omlettes & Pancakes, to Walleye & Prime Rib • Known for Great Breakfasts: Egg Dishes, Omelettes, Pancakes, Waffles, Biscuits & Gravy • Breakfast Specials Mon - Sat. ‘til 10am • Homemade Soups & Daily Specials • Deli Sandwiches • Area’s Best Salad Bar • Caramel Rolls, Homemade Pies

511 Broadway - Historic Downtown - 320-763-4000 Mon. - Thurs.

7am - 5pm Fri. & Sat. 6am - 5pm ETabs Available!

Breakfast, Noon & Dinner Specials BAR & GRILL HOURS 9am - Last Call - 12:45am Full Food Service In Bar Until 10pm DANCE FLOOR with complete speaker system In-House Catering for any size

Anniversaries | Birthdays | Reunions Business Meetings

Sunday: Prime Rib Brunch 8am-2pm

Breakfast & lunch favorites including prime rib & glazed ham, omelette station, fresh rolls, fruit and biscuits & gravy!

320-762-1124 • www.arrowwoodresort.com 2100 Arrowwood Lane NE, Alexandria

Breakfast served All Day

Seating up to 300 - Decorations allowed Reservations requested for menu - groups over 8

115 6th Ave. E, Downtown Alexandria • 320-759-2277

320-852-7170 | 211 Main Ave, Carlos

Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

17

Starland Archery

Show us your best hunting trophy and earn a chance to win

Your authorized dealer for Bear Bows Minnesota Deer Hunters REPLY COUPON

Hours: 9-9 Mon-Sat.

Association – 35 Years • • • • • Telephone: ____________________________ Local Chapter – 25 Years 320-763-4002 Include the date and place your picture was taken: • • • • • ______________________________________ MDHA Pays for Gun Safety ______________________________________ Classes in the Area www.mndeerhunters.com Name: ________________________________

Despite that reality, hunting and fishing are often denounced as cruel, unnecessary, and even as a sport for bloodthirsty and brutal people. The critics of these activities couldn’t be more ill-informed.

ught to you by the following businesses :

LIQUOR STORE Friendliest Little Liquor Store in CAMERA DouglasSTORE County!

ATV DEALER 320-834-4547

AR HUNTERS’ BUTCHER SHOP

e y

PHOTOS: JUPITERIMAGES / APPLE TREE HOUSE / THINKSTOCK

IZING G OOTS

While the behaviour of some hunters and fishermen does not follow established etiquette and common morality, and while poachers do exist, the majority of people who engage in hunting and fishing do so for good reasons.

These people respect the rules surrounding the sport, including guidelines and laws governing the preservation of animal species.

11336 CR 21 SW Alexandria 320.762.1968

“Hunt. Shoot. Fish. Share the pride!” is the slogan for this year’s National Hunting and Fishing Day, which takes place on September 27, 2014.

To discover more about these activities, which are an integral part of our history, visit www.nhfday.org.

Clients to visit - HUNTING AND FISHING STORE - HUNTERS’ BUTCHER SHOP - STORE SPECIALIZING IN HUNTING AND WORK BOOTS - SHOOTING RANGE - MECHANIC’S SHOP - TRAVEL TRAILER DEALER - BOAT DEALER - SPORTS SHOP

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC - PROPANE GAS SALES - BIG BOX STORE

- HUNTERS’ BAR • Trap Range • RV Park - PARTS DEALER - OUTFITTER •- ATV Banquet Facility DEALER - SMALL MOTORS SHOP

- TAXIDERMIST 6533 Co.DEALER Rd. 87 SE - TRUCK Alexandria, MN 56308

320-763-5315

The contest rules and prize giveaways on our contest pages are suggestions only.

Please verify that they meet your region’s requirements and laws.

2014 / NEWSPAPER TOOLBOX

Money raised in Douglas County stays with our chapter

- Adult and Youth Leagues

- Banquet Room fits 250

- 19 Trap Fields

- 146 RV Sites

DEAN KREBS, PRESIDENT for info. please call

-1 Skeet Field

*Water & Electric

320.762.8585

check us out on Facebook

Come join one of Minnesota’s most productive sportsmen’s clubs!

www.alexandriashootingpark.com

www.vikingsportsmen.org

PHOTOS: COMSTOCK / JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK

BRANDON MUNICIPAL

Also looking for kids to join!

In fact, hunting and fishing helps to keep many wild animal populations under control. In addition, these activities offer an ideal opportunity for friends and members of the same family to get together and spend quality time doing something active.

And it should not be forgotten that the vast majority of hunters and fishermen eat what they catch, without wasting anything.

PHOTO: JUPITERIMAGES / THINKSTOCK

Before the advent of agriculture, human beings hunted and fished for their food. Even after agricultural practices had been established, hunting continued to occupy an important role in sourcing out food for survival and trade. Still today, hunting and fishing are important food sources for many people.

RULES : Send us a picture of you at your camp or with your kill before (insert date) and earn the chance to win a photo camera offered by the participating businesses. Send us your picture by mail to (insert address) or by e-mail at (insert your email address). If you send your picture by e-mail, remember to mention your name and phone number as well as the date and place where the picture was taken. The draw will take place on (include date). Participants must be 18 and over. Employees of the newspaper and their families are not eligible to participate.

TORE

Call for Winter League Start

Hunting and fishing: noble activities

HERITAGE PRESERVE Hunting, Fishing, Clays & More! www.elklakepreserve.com PO Box 422, Hoffman, MN 320-986-2200

Call for Reservations!

THESE MERCHANTS ARE PLEASED TO RECOGNIZE LOCAL HUNTERS & ANGLERS FOR THEIR ROLE IN CONSERVATION 001294217R1

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Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

vibrant colors expected this fall

By Eric Morken emorken@echopress.com

F

all is one of the most beautiful times to be outdoors in Minnesota, and the Department of Natural Resources expects that to be the case even more so this season.

“Current weather conditions indicate we’re on track for a great fall color year,” Patricia Arndt, communications and outreach manager for the DNR Parks and Trails Division, said in a DNR release on September 10. “With the exception of dry weather in Northeastern Minnesota, most of the state has had close to or above-average precipitation, making for healthy, green trees going into fall. If we continue to have adequate rainfall as nights become longer, the autumn display should be spectacular.”

The extent to which the colors pop each fall

depends on the weather.

Temperature, sunlight, precipitation and soil moisture all influence how bright the world looks around us come October.

Wet springs, followed by dry conditions in late summer and sunny days and cool nights in the fall are a recipe for beautiful colors.

Colors typically peak between mid-September and early October in the northern third of Minnesota, between late September and early October in the central third, and between late September and mid-October in the southern third of the state.

Peak fall color typically lasts about two weeks, but that can vary widely, depending on location, elevation and weather. Trees at higher elevations are the earliest to show color change.

To help travelers plan their fall hikes, bike rides, paddling trips and scenic drives to coincide as

Last year was an especially colorful fall season. At the top, a red oak tree shows off plenty of bright red color in Alexandria.

Looking for fall colors?

Find them at

www.dnr.state.mn.us/fall_colors

closely as possible with peak color, staff at Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will update an online fall color finder every Thursday, starting September 10 at www.dnr. state.mn.us/fall_colors.

This online trip-planning tool includes a map show-

ing where to find peak color across the state, a link to fall color programs and special events, a slideshow and a photo uploader that provides an easy way for people to share their favorite fall color images.

Lowell Anderson | Echo Press photo

iNTRODUCING . . . a few of

our friends!

Open to the Public!

Samples Available Gift Shop Tours Daily!

NOW AVAILABLE IN LOCAL LIQUOR STORES

300 East Pike Street, Osakis www.PantherDistillery.com | 320-859-2256 pantherdistillery@gmail.com

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Distillery Hours: Monday-Thursday 10am-4pm Friday-Saturday 10am-6pm Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

19

Ideal weather helps bump

pheasant

s r e b num

DNR roadside survey shows an increase, but habitat loss remains a concern

P

By Eric Morken emorken@echopress.com

heasants in Minnesota were due for some ideal weather conditions during winter and nesting seasons and it appears they got those heading into the 2015 hunting season.

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released its annual roadside survey on September 8 that reported a 33-percent increase in the number of Minnesota pheasants compared to last year at the same time. That’s a step in the right direction, but the 2015 pheasant index is still 39 percent below the 10-year average and 59-percent below the long-term average. Habitat loss continues to be the main culprit in the long-term decline, according to the DNR. “Habitat loss still poses serious threats to pheasant populations and other grassland wildlife,” Nicole Davros, a DNR research scientist, said in a release. “The short-term increase is good news that results from a mild winter and relatively

PHEASANT HUNTING

favorable weather during the nesting season, conditions that led to increases in the roadside index for many farmland wildlife game species.”

The roadside survey is conducted by DNR wildlife managers and conservation officers in the farmland region during the first half of August. This year’s survey consisted of 170 25-milelong routes with 151 of those routes located in the ring-necked pheasant range. Observers drive each route early in the morning and record the number of species of wildlife they see.

All regions across the pheasant range showed increases from the 2014 roadside counts, except for the south-central region. That area stayed the same.

The highest pheasant counts by number of pheasants were in the southwest, west-central, which includes Grant, Douglas, Stevens and Pope counties, and east-central regions. Observers reported 46-76 birds per 100 miles driven in those areas. The central portion of the state saw a 44-percent increase from its 2014 numbers.

The DNR says good winter conditions led to higher overall winter survival of hens, which were up 32 percent from last year. The number of broods spotted in 2015

Eric Morken | Echo Press

Ole, a 3-year-old yellow lab, poses with some roosters he helped bag on a hunt in 2014.

increased by 35 percent from 2014, with the average number of chicks per brood staying similar to where it was a year ago.

The DNR says the median hatch date of nests was June 9. Near-normal temperatures and precipitation in June and July led to some beneficial conditions for nesting hens and young chicks.

That’s all good news for pheasant hunters hoping to see a few more birds in 2015, but the DNR says habitat loss continues to be a big concern for the long-term health of the population.

Minnesota has lost 153,492 acres of CRP since last year and more than 247,000 acres since 2007.

“The future trend for pheasants, and all grassland-dependent wildlife, does not look good unless we can find ways to keep habitat on the ground,” Davros said.

The Minnesota pheasant hunting season opens on October 10 and runs through January 3, 2016.

The daily bag limit is two roosters through November before switching over to three roosters on December 1. The possession limit is six roosters and increases to nine roosters on December 1. Shooting hours are 9 a.m. to sunset.

20

Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

Donate deer hides

Deer hides a way to help local projects

By Eric Morken emorken@echopress.com

D

eer hunters who bag a deer this season and process their own meat have plenty of places where they can drop off their hides around the Alexandria area.

Once deer hunting season is under way, Viking Sportsmen hide collection boxes can be found in Alexandria at the Eagles Club, Cenex, Woodsmen Power Products and Christopherson Bait, as well as at the Carlos Gas Mart, Miltona Gas Mart and Jim and Judy’s on Highway 29 North of Alexandria.

By donating their deer hides, hunters can help fund local projects through the Viking Sportsmen’s Club.

It’s an effort that has been going on around the area through various clubs for almost 20 years now.

Fleet Farm also takes hides throughout the deer season.

Gus Gustafson of the Viking Sportsmen said the group earned about $2,500 through the 2014 season after collecting about 390 hides. Gustafson says there was a time when the local club could raise $10,000 worth of hides during a season. He says the money raised still

We have many USES USED FISH HO In Stock!

makes the project worthwhile for the amount of time put in.

“I think it is worthwhile because one guy can do it,” Gustafson said. “There used to be a group of 10, 12 guys that had to salt and store. It’s gotten to be so simple now that one person can do it. I’ll do it as long as I can make $2,000 on it a year.”

Gustafson views more competition for hides, fewer people processing their own deer and the fact that there are fewer deer being harvested because of more conservative regulations as the primary reasons that the numbers have dropped.

Financing Available!

3405 Dakota St | Alexandria

(320) 219-7846

ICE CASTLE E!

Complete Line of Fish House Accessories!

SA L

8’x16’ Lake of the Woods Bring Your Trade-In!

We may accept fish houses, campers, trailers, boats, motorcycles, ATVs and lawn equipment. Call for more info on what we may accept during this event!

Contributed

Alexandria’s Lauren Krebs is all smiles after taking a nice doe during the 2014 firearm season.

Ice Castle Fish Houses

4,395!

starting $ at just

Honda Generators Available!

Including the “Super Quiet” EU Series

paulssmallengine.com

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Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

21

Change it up

this fall

S

By Mike Frisch Fishing the Midwest

ad to say, but the summer of 2015 is in the rearview mirror. On the bright side, however, the cooler days of fall often mean great fishing.

If you like chasing walleyes, here are some thoughts that may just make your fall days spent on the water more productive.

Oftentimes in the fall we think of fish holding in deep water that are susceptible to vertically-fished jigs and minnows or slip-sinker live bait rigs, again baited with minnows, slowly pulled through the fish. Those techniques certainly work, but some of the other techniques we use during summer will often produce fish too. The last few falls, in fact, some of my summer techniques have out-produced the tried-and-true jig and rig methods.

Early fall of 2013, for example, found guide clients and me experiencing good success pulling spinner and bottom bouncers along weedlines. One day, I decided it was fall and that it was time to break out the jigs. Well, the fish didn’t want jigs and minnows so we went back to spinners and crawlers and got back to catching fish.

That particular pattern ended up lasting well into October.

Similar results were experienced last fall. Plain snells fished with leeches and/or nightcrawlers fished behind bottom bouncers was my go-to technique for catching late summer walleyes. Not wanting to stop a good thing, and remembering the year before, I stayed with that technique into fall and it continued to produce fish throughout October.

I hardly think the fish the past two falls that we were catching were any different than fish from previous autumns. What changed was that I was not programmed into trying to force fall walleyes to eat minnows fished on jigs and/or rigs. In fact, I now believe that continuing to fish a bit quicker and cover more water with bottom bouncer techniques may make my fall fishing more successful.

When using a bouncer, whether fished with a spinner or plain snell, I keep a couple key items in mind. First, I go with heavy bouncers so that I can maintain a near vertical approach. For example, much of my plain snell fishing, often done in water depths from 15- to 30-feet, utilizes 2-ounce bouncers. Fished around a mile an hour, I can keep a bouncer of this size ticking nicely

22

Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

Contributed

The author, Mike Frisch, holds up a nice walleye he caught on a recent fishing outing. along bottom without hanging up very often on bottom debris while maintaining a nice stuttering bait action.

Spinners fished in these depths are often fished a bit quicker, so I often go up to 3-ounce models.

An important factor for fishing with bottom bouncers of this size becomes choosing the right rod. Some folks use spinning rods, but the heavy weight of a bottom bouncer over-powers most spinning rods.

I have found that a medium-heavy baitcasting rod around 7-feet in length to be ideal. My favorite is the 7-foot MH Fish Eagle 50 rod from Cabela’s as it offers the backbone I need to stand up to bouncers in the 2-to-3-ounce size range, yet has a sensitive tip for detecting light bites, and it is very affordable, as well.

A baitcasting reel spooled with braid as the mainline with a monofilament snell completes the set-up.

The braid allows for good sensitivity and hook-setting power, while the monofilament snell offers a bit of stretch when battling a big fish and has lower visibility.

Whether trying to catch big fish or a bunch of eaters, fall often offers good walleye fishing opportunities.

Changing up and giving some of the tips just presented a try might make those opportunities even better this year.

••• Mike Frisch is co-host of the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series and a western Minnesota fishing guide. Visit www.fishingthemidwest.com to learn more.

Always pack an extra snack, you never know when the perfect shot will come along SMOKEHOUSE MEATS

*Hickory Beef Jerky *Maple Beef Sticks *Mild Beef Sticks *Mild Venison Sticks *Smoked Chicken Jerky *Smoked Turkey Jerky *Spicy Beef Sticks *Spicy Pepperjack Beef Sticks *Spicy Pepperjack Venison Sticks *Sweet Chipotle Beef Sticks

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320-763-3446 • www.ELDENS.com | Corner of 3rd & Nokomis, Alexandria Only store in town that is LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED. Lakes Area Outdoors | Oct. 2015

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