Fall-Winter 2020-2021
Journal THE MINING
OUTDOOR GUIDE
Love to hunt and fish? What about skiing or wintertime camping? How about kayaking? This Outdoor Guide has something for everyone!
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide
WHAT’S INSIDE
Outdoor harvests, p. 4 Camping options, p. 7 Downhill skiing, p. 9 Fishing for fun, p. 10 Unless otherwise noted, photography throughout this special section originates from The Mining Journal Photography Department
Small game hunting, p. 12 Kayaking in winter, p. 13
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide
Opportunities abound for outdoor harvests By CHRISTIE MASTRIC Journal Staff Writer EGAUNEE — Conditions look good for the upcoming deer hunting seasons, and hunters can expect conditions that meet or exceed 2019, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources said in its deer season forecast. Hunters who have seen the 2020 Hunting Digest may have noticed quite a few regulation changes. These changes reflect the evolution of deer hunting in Michigan. "The last 20 years have resulted in dramatic and sustained declines in hunter numbers," said Chad Stewart, DNR deer and elk program leader, in a news release. "When combined with an abundant and resilient deer herd that
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continues to grow, and the added challenge of managing deer diseases, that shifting dynamic required some significant changes." The updated regulations take those three factors into consideration and are aimed at giving hunters rules that are easier to understand, improved flexibility in how deer licenses can be used and more value for their time and money. The Upper Peninsula deer herd seemed to fare well last winter, the DNR said. This, coupled with a good spring and excellent summer growing season, has most areas reporting more deer sightings than last year. Field staff is anticipating a slightly better hunting season. While soft mast such as berries and apples appears spotty across See Hunting p. 5
DOWNTOWN MARQUETTE
Mark Schroeder of Marquette is shown with the 7-point buck he shot in Marquette County on opening day of a recent firearm deer season.
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide Hunting from 4 the region, likely due to late frost conditions in spring, the hard mast such as nuts and acorns — particularly acorns — appears to be excellent in areas with oak trees. Hunters should be on the lookout for oak trees producing acorns and invest time determining if deer have trails near these areas. During the archery season, hunters now can take an antlerless deer with either a deer or deer combo license, except in deer management units 027, 031, 036, 042, 066, 127 and 131. Deer hunting season date Independence Hunt: Oct. 15-18 Archery: Oct. 1 - Nov. 14 and Dec. 1 - Jan. 1 Regular Firearm: Nov. 15-30 Muzzleloading: Zone 1: Dec. 4-13 Zone 2: Dec. 4-13 Zone 3: Dec. 4-13 Late Antlerless Firearm:
Dec. 14- Jan.1 Bear hunting Gwinn unit: second hunt period, Sept. 14-Oct. 26, and third hunt period, Sept. 25-Oct. 26; both bait and dogs are permitted Fishing Largemouth and smallmouth bass: catch-and-immediate release on all waters, for entire year; possession on all waters, including Great Lakes, May 23-Dec. 31 Muskellunge: catch-and-immediate release on all waters, for entire year; all Great Lakes, inland waters and St. Marys River, June 6-March 15 Northern pike and walleye: Upper Peninsula Great Lakes, inland waters and St. Marys River, May 15-March 15 Salmon and trout: Great Lakes, Lake St. Clair, St. Marys River, St. Clair River and Detroit River, open for entire year, five total in any combination, no more than three of any one species, except up to five coho, Chinook or pink salmon allowed; inland type 3 and 4 streams and type B, C, E and F lakes, open for entire year;
inland type 1 and 2 streams, April 25-Sept. 30; and inland type A and D lakes, April 25-Oct. 31. See Michigan Fishing Guide for size and possession limit. Channel catfish, flathead catfish, cisco, lake whitefish, round whitefish, smelt, sunfishes, white bass, yellow perch and other species: all waters open for fishing, for entire year. Lake trout and splake: Lake Superior-Big Bay, Marquette, Au Train, Munising, Grand Marais, Pendills Bay and Brimley State Park, open all year, minimum size limit 15 inches, daily possession limit not more than one lake trout 34 inches or greater. Frogs, toads and salamanders: last Saturday in May-Nov. 15, daily and total possession limits 10 in any combination. Snapping and softshell turtles: July 15-Sept. 15, 13-inch minimum carapace length, daily possession limit two in combination, no more than one of either species, and total possession limit four total in combination, no more than two of either species. All other turtles, snakes and
lizards, with the exception of protected species: open all year, daily possession limit three in combination, no more than two turtles and no more than one of any one turtle species, and total possession limit six, no more than four turtles and no more than two of any one turtle species. Waterfowl hunting North Zone Ducks: Sept. 26-Nov. 22 and Nov. 28-29 Coots: Sept. 26-Nov. 22 and Nov. 28-29 Mergansers: Sept. 26-Nov. 22 and Nov. 28-29 Dark geese, Canada, brant and white-fronted: Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Light geese, snow, blue and Ross’s, Sept. 1-Dec. 16 Scaup: Sept. 26-Nov. 9, Nov. 10-22 and Nov. 28-29 Statewide Common snipe: Sept. 1-Nov. 9 Virginia rail and sora: Sept. 1Nov. 9 Moorhens: Sept. 1-Nov. 9 The daily bag limit for ducks See Hunting p.6 906-475-7166 upof f road.ne t 91 Co. Rd. 480, Negaunee
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide
ď€ Turkey hunting Fall hunt unit M (Upper Peninsula): Sept. 15-Nov. 14
Coyote: Statewide, year-round Fox, red and gray: statewide, Oct. 15-March 1 Raccoon, statewide, Oct. 1-Jan. 31 Trapping Badger, Zone 1, Oct. 15-Nov. 14 Beaver, resident: Unit A, Oct. 25-April 30; Unit B, Nov. 1-April 23; and Unit C, Nov. 10-April 23 Bobcat Units A and B, Dec. 1Feb. 1; Units C, D, E and F, Dec. 10-20 Coyote and fox, red and gray: statewide, Oct. 15-March 1 Fisher and marten: Zone 1, excluding Drummond Island: Dec. 4-13 Muskrat and mink: Zone 1, Oct. 25-March 1 Otter: Unit A, Oct. 25-March 31, Unit B, Nov. 1-March 31; and Unit C, Nov. 10-March 31 Raccoon, statewide, Oct. 15March 31 See MIchigan Fur Harvester Digest for bag limits.
ď€ Fur harvesting Hunting Bobcat: Units A, B and C, Jan. 1-March 1
Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@min- Ben Dowdy of Waterford is shown with his 5-point, 2-year-old buck he shot ingjournal.net. this morning in Marquette Cunty on opening day of a recent deer season.
and mergansers shall be six ducks of any species. However, no more than four shall be mallards and no more than two of which may be hens. There also can be no more than three wood ducks, two redheads, two canvasbacks, two black ducks, one pintail and one or two scaup. Hunters may take five mergansers, only of two of which may be hooded mergansers. The possession limit is three times the daily limit for ducks and and mergansers. After Sept. 30, the daily limit for Canada, brant and white-fronted geese is five, only three of which can be Canada geese and one of which can be a brant.
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide
Camping a great option for many
Fall camping in small, rustic cabins is proving to be a popular pasttime for many residents and visitors alike.
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Special to the Journal ARQUETTE — Campgrounds in the Upper Peninsula and elsewhere in the state of Michigan have seen a surge of activity since the COVID-19 made social gatherings nearly impossible. Department of Natural Resources chief of parks and recreation Ron Olson said campgrounds have seen an uptick in reservations since they resumed camping activity in June. “It’s been going very well,” Olson said. “We have seen a 25% increase throughout the summer and on the weekends. and it has been up 40%
during the week. We have also seen an increase in day users. Very heavy attendance, which we believe is somewhat due to covid because our parks are generally large spaces where people can distance from one another. ”Those who plan to camp this fall should bring the proper clothing. A warm, moisture-wicking base layer, a variety of mid-layers, a water-and wind-resistant jacket, a rain jacket or poncho and rain pants, sturdy waterproof boots and a backup pair of sneakers or boots, several pairs of warm socks and a warm hat. See Camp p.8
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide Camping in teepees, which are replicas of Native American dwelling structures, is an option some people chose.
Camp from 7 Whether you stay in a rustic cabin, take your RV to a park, or hike in with your tent on your back, he said COVID-19 has changed the experience somewhat. “What’s different is that you have to maintain social distancing,� Olson said. “We have signs to remind people to wear a mask.�
Before going camping, people should be prepared, he said. “Bring your masks, be prepared to separate from people. Be patient with people, give people space and use good common sense within the rules. A lot of those behaviors are exactly the same as you would find in a park.� Olson said. “We do find that people gather, and we are saying that you’ve got to stay separated. He said bathroooms are cleaned
and sanitized in compliance with Centers for Disease control guidelines at least once per day. “But bring your sanitizers, he said. “We are asking people to think throug the kinds of things they need to ensure their kids and themselves has a comfortable and safe experience.� Park staff, are relying on campers to practice common courtesy, he said.
“We want people to know that our staff are people too,� he said. “We do not have the bathroom police out there to enforce common sense. We just want people to obey the rules in a public park just like you would in a grocery store or any other indoor space.� To learn more about camping options in Michigan visit https://www2.dnr.state.mi.us/park sandtrails/.
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide
Region has wide variety of ski choices By CHRISTIE MASTRIC Journal Staff Writer ARQUETTE — Where there’s snow and terrain, there’s likely to be skiing, and the Upper Peninsula has several popular spots for this popular pastime. Downhill skiing and snowboarding are the focus at the Compound, a ski and snowboard shop located at 1202 Division St. in Marquette that handles the recreational and racing aspects as well as maintenance work such as waxing and sharpening. “A lot of what we focus on, though, is families and getting folks into the sport,” Manager Brandon Croney said. “I try to provide affordable pricing and making sure that everyone feels like they can enter the sport without paying a ton of money because as you get more and more involved you get excited and you want to go more
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often and spend more money.” Croney said one spot in the Keweenaw Peninsula by Lac La Belle is getting particularly popular. “Mount Bohemia, to be honest, has brought the most excitement to our sport recently,” Croney said. “It’s all for powder and bumps and tree-skiing and stuff, and what that’s done is it’s provided a new clientele to experience that terrain, and then they want to buy new equipment to go along with it,” Croney said. “And you’re finding more and more than older folks can get into some of those terrains without being intimidated because around here, our trees are very tight and very intimidating, but up there, it’s wide open terrain.” The Marquette Mountain Ski & Bike Area, located off M-553 in Marquette, offers a variety of ski trails, from beginning to intermediate to expert as well as a terrain park. The mountain has attractions with names like Boneyard, the
Twilight Zone, the Fun Bubble, the Jungle, the Rocket, the Shaker and the Oh Zone. Not everyone, though, prefers to ski on a downward slope. Fortunately for them, the Noquemanon Trail Network offers many miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiers. Its network includes the North Trails, South Trails, Forestville Trails, Big Bay Pathway, Saux Head, Fit Strip, Valley Spur and the Hiawatha Water Trail. The NTN also operates the new Loop 1-Sweet Pine, part of a partnership between the NTN and the Powell Township Parks and Recreation Committee. The loop represents the first purpose-built nonmotorized singletrack in Big Bay. Another place to cross-country ski is the Blueberry Ridge Pathway in Sands Township, managed by Van Riper State Park. The pathway, named for the area’s jack pine forest blueberry patches, has 13.67 miles of trail open to
crosscountry skiing and hiking, including 1.7 miles of lighted trails and a warming hut managed by the Superiorland Ski Club. The trail is groomed annually from Dec. 1 to March 31, weather permitting. For people wanting to get in a little air time, the Suicide Hill Ski Jump, located in Negaunee, is a 90-meter ski jump and part of the Ishpeming Ski Club. The jump is in a small valley called Suicide Bowl. However, it also has the Norman Juhola Trail System for cross-country skiing. The red loop is considered easy, while the green loop is moderate in difficult. The blue loop, though, is considered hard, with connector trails labeled easy to moderate. Christie Mastric can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide
Fishing a connection to nature
At left, Michigamme resident Butch Wiljanen displays “a nice lake trout” after a fishing trip on Lake Superior. At right, Ishpeming resident Raelyn Hicks displays the first walleye she has ever caught during an outing this summer. By LISA BOWERS Journal Staff Writer SHPEMING — In a world where most men spend their lives doing things they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion; because trout do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed or impressed by power...” Local author and Michigan Supreme Court Judge John Voelker once wrote. Fishing is a way to connect with nature, whether you are a fly fisherman like Voelker, prefer to fish from a small boat or kayak, ice fishing, or enjoy the challenge of a bigger body of water like Lake Superior. An angler can use a simple cane pole with a line tied to the end when fishing in shallow water, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, but fishing aficionado’s who are serious about the pastime are also serious about their gear. There are a variety of different reels and poles that can be used,
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the DNR site states. And then there is tackle, not the kind on a football field, but equipment like hooks, sinkers, bobbers and artificial lures to put on the end of your line to make sure “the big one” does not get away. And although fishing is thought of as a solitary sport, COVID-19 public health and safety guidelines should be followed, the site states. Be sure to make a fishing license part of your gear. All anglers 17 or older must have a fishing license. And fishing It is important to remember practice proper social distancing at least 6 feet away from people who do not live in your household, keep a face covering handy and frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer DNR officials say. According to the site, a good angler always practices safety in and around the water; always lets someone know where they are going and when they will be back; respects other sportsmen and
doesn’t crowd where others are fishing; respects private property and never trespasses; keeps only the fish they want or need and never wastes fish, never litters or pollutes; follows all fishing and boating regulations; doesn’t release bait or any other fish into the water unless it was just caught; and properly releases fish imme-
diately without harming them if they are not to be kept. For more information on the sport, or to apply for a license online visit Michigan.gov/fishing. Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242. Her email address is lbowers@miningjournal.net.
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide
Small game: What you should know By RYAN SPITZA Journal Staff Writer ARQUETTE — Opening day of deer season is considered by many a national holiday, but if you’re looking to scope out your hot spot for bagging some bucks in advance, small game hunting season can present the perfect opportunity to do so. There are many dates to be aware of when small game hunting. Certain species can be hunted year-round, while several others open up through September and October. Fox and gray squirrel, rabbit, hare, ruffed grouse and turkey hunting seasons all kicked off on Sept. 15 while woodcock season began four days later.
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Sharp-tailed grouse, male pheasant and quail seasons all kick off in October while crow season comes to a close Sept. 30 and reopens Feb. 1. Waterfowl season dates vary by zone and species. Year-round small game hunting has no bag limits and include coyote, opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, skunk, ground squirrel, woodchuck, Russian boar, feral pigeons, starlings, and house sparrows. Small game hunting requires a base hunting license from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, and in order to hunt woodcock, pheasant and sharptailed grouse, hunters must also obtain a free woodcock and pheasant/sharp-tailed grouse stamp. The See Small p.13
Hunters enjoy nature at the Halifax Grouse Enhanced Management Site in Luce County. {Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide Small from 13 woodcock stamp also includes registration with the federal Migratory Bird Harvest Information Program Turkey hunters must obtain a fall turkey hunting license while waterfowl hunters must purchase a waterfowl hunting license, duck stamp and HIP endorsement, which is automatically included with the waterfowl license. DNR wildlife technician Caleb Eckloff, who works out of the Marquette Customer Service Center, said small game hunters should be aware of dates and regulations as they get shuffled around every year. “Consult the DNR website for correct bag limits, seasons and regulations,” he said. “Season dates change from year to year. Sept. 15 is the hard start for most standard small game species such as squirrels and rabbits. Woodcock and waterfowl start on any given weekend each year, the particular date isn’t consistent.” Eckloff offered his projections for a few of the different species to keep an eye on this year. “Grouse is one of the big ones,” he said. “Expect grouse season to be similar to last year. Moderate to good is my forecast of what hunters will see there. Bird sizes have been on the smaller side this year due to the fairly wet June we experienced, but I’ve seen a good number of grouse so far and so have my co-workers from across the Upper Peninsula. “Rabbit season should be better this year if the last several are any indicator. Duck season will be interesting with the unique weather we’re seeing. We’ve had cooler
temps in September and we’ve seen earlier migrations of geese and ducks coming through the area. “Hunters should watch the forecast and stay tuned. They should be willing to hunt at a moment’s notice depending on the weather, especially if they’re looking for an opportunity to get out.” DNR customer service centers and field offices remain closed to the public due to COVID-19, but Eckloff said there shouldn’t be any affect on small game hunting. “There aren’t really any major impacts to small game opportunities due to COVID,” he said. “None of the species so far require to be registered at any local DNR office. However, if folks are interested in pursuing big game in addition to small game, consult the regulations book to see particulars about what offices are open, changing hours and availability. Look ahead of time before dropping by. A lot of our staff are still working from home. We try to respond to inquires by appointment only. “I hope folks are able to get out during this unusual time and enjoy the outdoors. Be safe in the field, consult the regulation book before going into the field to ensure all regulations and laws are being followed when pursuing small game. Beyond that, be safe in the field and enjoy your time outside.” For more information on small game hunting, license information, season dates, rules and regulations and the DNR’s COVID-19 response, visit www.michigan. gov/DNR.
Above, small game hunting is a great way for both new and experienced hunters to take advantage of their base hunting license. Several species are open for year-round small game hunting. Below, hunters walk a path at the Plum Creek Grouse Enhanced Management Site (GEMS) in Iron County. There are 13 GEMS located throughout the Upper Peninsula. (Photos courtesy Michigan Department of Natural Resources)
Ryan Spitza can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is rspitza@miningjournal.net.
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The Mining Journal Fall/Winter 2020 Outdoor Guide
Kayaking can be year-long activity By RYAN SPITZA Journal Staff Writer ARQUETTE — Paddling is often viewed as a summer activity, but there’s no reason you can’t get out on the waterways this fall and even into winter. Most Yoopers may be biased when telling visitors about the world-class outdoor opportunities the Upper Peninsula presents, and in most cases, they’re not wrong. Kayaking is no exception to that. Lake Superior will obviously be a paddler’s largest option in the area, but there are plenty of inland lakes and rivers to choose from as well. “The Upper Peninsula is basically a world-class paddling destination,” said Bill Thompson, coowner of Down Wind Sports in Marquette. “You have Lake Superior’s beautiful shoreline that stretches from Sault Ste. Marie all
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the way to Ironwood, and there’s a lifetime of paddling opportunities where you can paddle next to 200 foot cliffs, waterfalls, white sand beaches and beautiful, fresh, clear turquoise water. “Besides that, there are numerous inland lakes and rivers that offer solitude and wilderness camping. If the big lake is too rough to be padding on, there are plenty of opportunities to move inland and enjoy sea kayaking or regular kayaking as well.” Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most popular paddling destinations in the U.P., along with the 16.8-mile long Au Train River. Both, located in Alger County, have multiple local paddling businesses along the shoreline and riverbank to help get you out on the water with rentals or guided tours. Although Pictured Rocks is on the bucket list of every adventurist,
Thompson said there’s so many other beautiful waterways across the entire peninsula. “Pictured Rocks is the one people are most familiar with, because it gets so much press,” he said. “There are so many other places to paddle. On the Marquette shoreline, there are so many islands and rocky cliffs to paddle around. In Baraga you have the mouth of the Huron River with some nice beaches to paddle to along the way. There’s also the rocky shores of the Keweenaw Peninsula and we haven’t even mentioned Isle Royale National Park.” In a normal society, Down Wind offers kayaking demos and encourages people to come in and try before they by. Due to the pandemic, they’re unable to offer such a service this year but hope to get back to helping customers get out on the water next year. “In a non-pandemic year, we do
demos,” Thompson said. “We want you to find an appropriate boat for what you’re dong. If you’re paddling on Lake Superior, you’re going to want a kayak that has two bulkheads so if you get into trouble and tip over, the kayak won’t fill up with water. That’s what two bulkheads are going to do for you.” Down Wind Sports in Marquette is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Down Wind also operates two other locations in Munising and Houghton. Face coverings are required if entering a store, but you can also shop Down Wind’s online store at www.shopdownwindsports.com or call the store at 906-226-7112. Ryan Spitza can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 248. His email address is rspitza@miningjournal.net.
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