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Archive for the ‘Hunting’ Category

Grouse Numbers High For Minnesota’s 2010 Hunting Season

Posted in Grouse, Hunting, Outdoors, Small Game, Upland Gamebirds, Woodcock, tagged , , , , , , , , , , on October 26, 2010| Leave a Comment »


It’s pretty tough to beat a beautiful fall day on the grouse trail with great companionship in the likes of your best four-legged and two-legged hunting buddies. It’s even nicer when the birds are cooperating! Well that’s just exactly what many hunters across Minnesota are experiencing. For many hunters, ruffed grouse hunting is much like a right of passage. The sound of a flushing grouse is unmistakable and once heard — unforgettable! Many hunters can look back and recall the early years of their hunting career beginning with a pocket full of shotgun shells, walking along-side Dad down old logging roads and trails in hopes of bagging this elusive bird.

So far this season, wonderful weather coupled with birds at near peak population has kept many hunters returning to the woods and putting miles under their boots.

Successful reports are coming in from all over the state on both private and public lands.

Hunters are experiencing especially great numbers in the northland, with some local hunters near Duluth reporting upwards of 30 flushes a day! One popular hotspot seems to be the Canosia WMA, with many hunters reporting success on its extensive trail system. Those taking advantage of public trails along the north shore — all the way to Grand Marais are burning powder, spraying pellets and walking back to their vehicle feeling prosperous!

My golden retriever Gunnar and I have hit the trails in both St.Louis and Carlton county and haven’t had to put too much leg work in before flushing birds. We experienced great numbers of grouse and woodcock last season and so far this year is shaping up to be a good as well!

Considering the Ruffed Grouse ten-year population cycle and hunter success this season, now is the time to get out and enjoy the large constellation of upland birds!

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Dog Training Videos – Willow Creek Kennels

Posted in Dove, Duck, Geese, Grouse, Hunting, Outdoors, Pheasant, Pheasant, Woodcock, tagged , , , on October 19, 2010| Leave a Comment »


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The Dangers of Treestands Without A Safety Harness

Posted in Bear, Big Game, Elk, Hunting, Hunting Videos, Moose, Outdoors, Whitetail Deer, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on October 5, 2010| Leave a Comment »


With the archery season in full swing and the firearms season not far behind, a great number of deer hunters will be taking to the trees in hopes of bagging that big buck! Deer hunting is an extremely exciting pursuit, and it is easy to get caught up in all that excitement, preparation, and pursuit. While we focus so intently on the different aspect of the hunt, one of the most important things we cannot afford to overlook is safety!

An estimated 1 in 3 deer hunters will experience a fall.

If you are one of those hunters who risk climbing a  tree without a safety harness, perhaps you have already had a breathtaking experience? Thousands of hunters each year, all across the country, are involved in tree stand related injuries. These injuries can result in permanent paralysis and even death.

One of the most important and wisest investments a deer hunter can make is in a TMA certified, full body safety harness. Safety harnesses and vests have come a long way and now offer hunter’s a wide range of comfortable, easy-to-use models.

Research shows that the majority of accidents occur while climbing into or out of the stand. Many harness manufactures also make safety lines and devices geared toward preventing these types of falls as well. Safety harnesses are a great way for seasoned pros and youngsters alike to feel confident and safe!

Remember – it’s important to follow all manufacturer guidelines with all tree stands and safety harnesses as well.

So, in all the excitement that surrounds getting into the woods after that big buck, remember one of the most important aspects — getting home! So have fun, be safe and good huntin’!

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Bowhunting Practice: Field Testing For Better Preparation

Posted in Big Game, Hunting, Outdoors, Whitetail Deer, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , on September 28, 2010| Leave a Comment »


Prepare for real-world encounters

Now that Minnesota’s and Wisconsin’s bow hunting seasons are underway, thousands of archers will take to the woods in pursuit of North America’s most popular game animal — the whitetail deer! For those of us who just can’t get enough hunting, the bow season is a wonderful opportunity to take advantage of this time of year.

Archery season affords us the luxury of enjoying over three months of pursuing our passion — all the while, enjoying some of the best weather and scenery the year has to offer. Even though the season has begun, it’s important to reflect on the skills and preparation required, because you can drastically increase your chances of success by preparing for it properly.

Practice, practice, practice!

There is a big difference between target shooting and bowhunting. If you want to better your chances for closing-the-deal, you need to prepare specifically for those types of situations.

One of the most important and beneficial things to have in your archery arsenal is Confidence! The only way to achieve this is through practice and preparation! (more…)

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Whitetail Deer Food Plots For Management and Feeding Big Bucks

Posted in Big Game, Hunting, Outdoors, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on September 14, 2010| Leave a Comment »


Food Plots: What you can plant now for a great fall plot!

Food plots are a great way to improve property and to grow and hold more wildlife. By providing precious nutrients, and attracting a wide range of critters, food plots can be enjoyed by hunters and all nature enthusiasts alike!

Often grown to attract, and hold deer, different plots may be utilized by wild turkey, waterfowl, upland birds and other wildlife as well. By growing food plots we can provide animals like deer with the nutrients most beneficial to them specific for any given time of year. In short, this means we can tailor our plots for our herd’s specific needs. We can provide them with valuable protein during the growing stages of spring and summer, vital for body and antler growth as well as lactation and healthy fawn development.

Of course we can also plant things that will provide deer with the much-needed energy, carbohydrates and protein it takes to recover from the rut in the late fall into winter. So whether you’re trying to develop a healthier wildlife population, or create a hunting hot spot (or both), now is the time to plant for a great fall plot!

There are so many choices when it comes to choosing what to grow in your food plots, that if you’re new to the process it can be a bit overwhelming. Food plots really are a labor of love, and if you just take a little time before hand to do some research, you can save yourself a lot of frustration later.

Important Considerations:

  • Region and climate
  • Soil type – What to plant
  • Size
  • Goals
  • Equipment

Once these considerations are made, the best bet may vary from person-to-person, region-to-region. In my area of Northeastern Minnesota, as well as the upper Midwest the period of time from late August to mid September is the time to plant for fall plots. (more…)

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Minnesota’s Fast and Furious Dove hunting…Could It Be Better Than Duck Hunting?

Posted in Hunting, Outdoors, Upland Gamebirds, tagged , , , , on September 7, 2010| Leave a Comment »


Good Eats!

Back in September, 2008, Minnesota opened the first Dove hunting season. At that time, my daughter was 10-years old. September is a great time of year to get young children expose to the sport of hunting (especially before cold weather sets-in).

Now just think…You don’t have to:

  • Wake up at 4:30 a.m.
  • Fight for a spot in the cattails.
  • Invest in a boat, motor and trailer
  • Freeze your butt for one lonely Teal or Wood Duck

Simply stand in a grassy field or along a fence or wooded treeline. I use dove decoys. Clip them to a wire strung between two conduit poles or find a barbed wire fence or tree branch (make sure the fence isn’t electrified!) The decoys are much smaller and cheaper than duck decoys!

Doves will fly solo and in larger groups once migrating, which allows for some great shooting. Oh…and did I say they were fast?

Look for areas between small grain (wheat, sunflowers, switchgrass) and ponds. Gravel pits are a strong attraction because Doves eat grit to help digest the little seeds. They will travel between these areas starting around 9 – 10 a.m. then again after 3 p.m. until sunset.

Yes, it takes a few Doves to make a meal. I like to serve them as appetizers before a four-course meal of Pheasant, Grouse and Venison!

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Scouting for The Best Trail Camera?

Posted in Big Game, Hunting, Outdoors, tagged , , , , , , , , on August 26, 2010| 3 Comments »



I’ve been chasing this particular buck for a number of years now, and I’ve never quite been able to close the deal with him. Had a number of close calls. (notice my stand about 20 yards behind the deer!) This pic was taken when the buck was 3-1/2. He’ll be 5-1/2 years old this year, so I’m sure he’ll be as big and cagey as ever! We have a number of bucks around that definitely carry the same genes….trail cams are so much fun!


Camera Crazy

If you’re a deer hunter, you’d have to be living under a rock not to have noticed the trail camera craze of recent years! Because of their unparalleled scouting benefits trail cams have made any self-respecting whitetail addict’s gear bag incomplete without them.

Scouting cameras have evolved from simple trail counters to 35mm cameras, and into today’s efficient and advanced digital trail cameras with a multitude of features.

The simple fact is that trail cameras have truly revolutionized the way we hunt and scout. Because of them, we can keep a keen eye on the prize 24-hours a day, 365 days a year!  If you haven’t yet taken advantage of both the fun and the benefits of trail cameras, you’re missing out!

Where do I begin?

There is no question that because of increased popularity, an ever-increasing amount of companies within the hunting industry are throwing their hats in the ring.  There are so many manufacturers and different features it’s easy to experience camera confusion and making a choice can be overwhelming.  There is a wide range of varying features and as you can expect, prices.

As I outline a handful of popular models, my advice is to consider what’s important to you and keep in mind the aspects of different features in relation to your specific application. (more…)

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Keep Venison and Frozen Fish Safe by Taking Preventive Measures

Posted in Big Game, Fishing, Hunting, Outdoors, Small Game, Upland Gamebirds, Water Fowl, tagged , , , , , , , , , on August 16, 2010| 1 Comment »


IMPORTANT! THIS MESSAGE IS TO ALL HUNTERS AND FISHERMEN.

Whether you have an upright or chest-like freezer — NOW is the time to protect its contents from melting and spoiling in the event you lose power or someone accidentally leaves the door open.

A Lesson Learned the Hard Way.

It’s was a very sad day — we just came home after a week vacation to an awful smell. We searched the house, sniffing the garbage can and refrigerator. We found some old moldy oranges. Thinking that was the odor…but as soon as I opened the door to the basement the stink grew more intense!

As I walked downstairs to the basement, I quickly found the source of the foul stench. I could see the freezer door open, as the light inside illuminated the adjacent wall. “Oh know!” I thought to myself. I opened the freezer door to find bloody venison and numerous fish fillets floating in their bags. Dripping on the floor and overflowing the drain — it was clear that the freezer door was left open for a whole week!

We had a lot of food packed into the freezer. There were days when it was hard to close the door. The door could have simply popped open allowing all the cold air to escape. Even with the freezer running constantly, it could not keep up with the warm air entering. If you find that your freezer is not working and the inside is above 40 degrees and you know it has been at that temperature more than two hours, then the food probably is not safe.

A Major Investment in Time and Money.

Here is what we lost:

  • Last years venison I had cleaned and cut-up and packaged within a 2-hours of shooting it.
  • Pheasants sought after in 2-feet of snow, hundreds of miles of driving and walking in -27º below temperatures.
  • Grouse flushed over my dog Abby just before getting stuck by a porcupine.
  • Walleye’s caught 12 miles out after traveling over a foot of water on top of the ice (scary).
  • And early spring crappies after waiting months for the ice to go out.

ALL A COMPLETE WASTE! (more…)

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My Memories…Are My Trophies

Posted in Big Game, Hunting, Outdoors, tagged , , , , , , on August 6, 2010| 3 Comments »


I’m pleased to welcome Jacob McIntosh as our contributing writer. Jacob has extensive hunting and fishing experience and will write about his adventures living in Northern Minnesota. I hear he has video and his family are great cooks! I’m looking forward to reading what Jacob comes up with! — FML Outdoors Editor, Scott Nelson

It’s That Time of the Year

With summer already on it last leg for the year and fall right around the corner, many outdoor enthusiasts are beginning to switch gears. Although there is still plenty of time to enjoy the warm weather, open water and all the fun that summer offers, I’ve noticed many (including myself ) starting to transition from summer mode to fall mode. Our thoughts and daydreams have gone from watching bobbers disappear beneath the water and tight-lining walleyes to falling leaves, cool temperatures, migrating waterfowl and if you’re a deer hunting fanatic like me, of course, big mature whitetail bucks chasing does up and down ridges on frosty November mornings.

My Obsession for Nature

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved nature and being outdoors. Like so many outdoorsman, I particularly love to hunt and fish. In fact, I will openly admit that I am a full-blown, 100% whitetail obsessed addict! Couple this with the deep passion for bowhunting and it really turns into a year-round pursuit. Lucky for me, my brother shares the same passion that I do!

Introduced to the outdoors by our father, we grew up in the woods and on the water and were hooked from the words “Bobbers-down!” Still, I don’t think that even my dad, or us for that matter, could have predicted the love we would have for it all and the wild obsession that it would grow into!

(more…)

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Dennis Hopper Is No Easy Rider When Fishing with John

Posted in Fishing Videos, Hunting, Outdoors, tagged , , , , , , , , on June 3, 2010| Leave a Comment »


“This is weird” — Dennis Hopper

You may recall Dennis Hopper, in his best known performance, riding alongside Peter Fonda in the classic movie, “Easy Rider” but how many have ever seen the documentary footage of Mr. Hopper fishing in Thailand for the elusive giant squid?

In an expedition to be the first to catch this deep-sea creature, host John Lurie, fishing alongside Mr. Hopper are very entertaining as they prove to us…they know nothing about fishing in the contemporary film “Fishing with John.”

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Tantalize the Tastbuds with Award Winning Pheasant Chili!

Posted in Outdoors, Recipes, Upland Gamebirds, tagged , , , , , on April 14, 2010| 1 Comment »


First Annual 2010 Chili Cookoff
was a great success!

This years 2010 Annual Chili Cookoff winner is…

FML Outdoor Editor,
Scott Nelson

15 couples attended this years event with 11 crockpots full of dangerously good chili!

I had my sites set on winning this event!

Each crockpot was given a number as guest sampled and voted on enormous amounts
of tasty chili.

Within our group of fire eaters — to my surprise,
none of the chili was very spicy?

Pictured Above: Scott and Kevin
enjoying their favorite chili.

Click here for this and other FML Outdoors recipes!


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The Best Way to Care for Outdoor Clothing

Posted in Camping, Canoeing, Fishing, Hunting, Outdoors, tagged , , , , , , , on January 18, 2010| 1 Comment »


Preparing For Hunting Starts at Home

The hunting season has ended and it’s time to collect piles of camouflage and blaze orange laying on the floor and behind the seat of your truck. You’ve listen to complaints from your spouse all season-long, and finally — you decided it’s time to pick up your gear! Sound familiar? This scene is repeated daily in many hunting households.

Hunting apparel is an investment

Before you purchase your next jacket, I want to share with you simple advice that will keep your investment long-lasting and in great shape. (more…)

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Outdoor Photography

Posted in Hunting, Outdoors, tagged , , on December 31, 2009| Leave a Comment »


“Life Is About New Experiences.”

While walking in the woods hunting Grouse, my daughter and I discovered
this log—displaying bright yellow clusters of fungi. It was a great
opportunity to discuss life’s opportunities and how nature
can surprise even the wisest of souls.

Fat Man’s Landing, MN

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2009 Deer Hunting

Posted in Hunting Videos, Outdoors, tagged , , on November 13, 2009| Leave a Comment »


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Posted in Hunting, Outdoors, tagged , , , on November 12, 2009| Leave a Comment »


rickdeer

“Personal Best!” (Archery)

It was mid-afternoon, the day before opening rifle season, when Rick connected with a nice 6-point buck. At deer camp, everyone was anxious for Saturday’s morning hunt. Congratulations Rick!

Makinen, MN

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