January | 2011 | FML Outdoors.com

Archive for January, 2011

The Basic Instinct to Kill

Posted in Outdoors, Whitetail Deer, tagged Deer, Game, Hunting, White-tailed deer on January 27, 2011| 1 Comment »

Innate vs. learned

The basic relationship between predator vs. prey is well-known. There are laws of nature that we not only embrace, but take an active role in. This begs the question of some as to whether our hunting/gathering instincts and behaviors are innate or learned. I whole heartedly believe that it is innate. Now, I won’t argue with someone who testifies that certain behaviors can be learned or introduced and then further explored and fine tuned. There’s no doubt of that, but If you look at every single living organism on the planet, everything from an ant to an elephant, the shortest blade of grass to the tallest tree, and even bacteria, in and around us, along with all microscopic living organisms, our most basic purpose is the same and that is — to survive. I don’t care what living organism we’re talking about, we all inhibit the basic will and termination to exist. (more…)

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The State of Our State Lakes

Posted in Fresh Water, Hunting, Outdoors, Outdoors for Kids, tagged DNR, Parks, Travel and Tourism on January 19, 2011| 1 Comment »

It’s January and I say it’s never to late or to soon to “Think Spring” even though the St. Paul Winter Carnival Medallion is right around the corner! Finding those spring crappies and planning your next summer vacation starts at home. Now!

While on the Minnesota’s DNR Web site, I found some very good information.
If you’re not familiar with Public Recreation Information Maps (PRIM) or the Recreation Compass (An interactive mapping tool) I strongly suggest you get to know these tools. Listed are all 51 areas of Minnesota and the land available for sale from the DNR. Also valuable when planning a fishing trip are the sporting goods shops along the way and map stores to order large prints of your favorite lake.

For more maps: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/prim.html

For lakes check out: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/index.html

When you select DNR data — from hunting regulations to historical items or restoring shoreline, you can create customized maps. At the Minnesota’s DNR website it can be used to browse or find a lake and good structure to fish quickly. Shortcut tools enable you to find a particular lake, city or park fast. More maps can be found at ToMO (Tons of Maps Online): http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/tomo.html

Another great document to have on hand is the Minnesota State Forests at: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_forests/sft00046.pdf

For ariel photos go to: http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/airphotos/index.html

Ultimately, if you can’t find what you are looking for, call the DNR information hotline at 1-888-MINNDNR or 651-296-6157 in metro. Another option is to email them at info.dnr@state.mn.us. They have always responded to all my questions.

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DNR Looks to Raise Hunting and Fishing License

Posted in Outdoors, tagged Licenses, Minnesota DNR on January 12, 2011| 3 Comments »

“Whomever speaks the loudest…get’s the most attention!”

It’s about communication
Kids today are more entertained and made to feel as though they can live a more adventurous life online. Plus, most of the Outdoor Web sites speak to the avid hunter and fishermen who already own a boat, motor and trailer! The future lies with the next generation.

All this talk about raising the cost of licenses…Perhaps is needed — but is it the right time? I’ll give you an example: A local gun range raises their rates — consequently they are loosing members. Will they survive with less members?

What could they have done differently?

They simply could have shut down half of their trap houses and strategically promoted…perhaps Couples Night! to bring more value to their members. Instead, they go after the pockets of those who keep them in business.

It’s marketing 101.
Bring more value and your best advocates will love you for it! In turn, they will utilize your services more and invite others to join in — see where I’m going?

The kids on the couch and the parents who struggle with time need to find more value. Make it about the price of running the DNR and that’s all you’ll have…a bunch of officials looking across the table for money to sustain what they have already created.

On a side note: Never once have I ever been pulled over by the water patrol and asked, “Hello folks! Are you enjoying yourself today?” ”Just checking to make sure everyone is playing save.” See how I took a situation where many of us may have felt as though the officer was there to ticket you and turn a beautiful day into a rain cloud over your head!

I’ll say it again…Bring more value and you’ll attract more to the sport.

I know I may get flack from this email and I’ve broken a few of my own rules about blogging — but this is a time for all of us to concentrate our efforts in a good way. Whether you are a State Official or parent — it’s not about the cost of enjoying nor is it the rules governing Minnesota’s woods and waters, but rather — what memories can we create and what positive influences will we pass on so the next generation will find value in the Outdoors.