Jack Payne author with a large perch

by Jack Payne

This past week we started catching perch in the junk. Each year as the ice leaves the perch move in. Wednesday was the first day of ice free water on a local bayou. Just like turning on a light switch a few perch moved into the shallows.

Get a day with a warm sun and calm winds and schools of perch will move in. Cold windy days will find the perch on the deep points closest to the shallow water junk.

Shallow water junk is old weeds, decayed vegetation, areas where the wind has pushed leaves and clutter into. If there is any type of current available the better the shallow water location will be.

One of our favorite locations has a drain culvert leading into it. With spring run-off a constant source of current is found. The perch are often in the junk filled bottoms in a foot or two of water and where the culvert current blows morsels of food by.

Any lake or river system that has a shallow water area that during the summer might not be fishable is a good place to look for early spring perch. Some of these locations are the weedbeds that become impenetrable during the summer. With higher water tables in the spring you might have depths between 4-8 feet.

The water temperature will be warmer in these locations than any other spot on the lake. Many times this will be on the northern shorelines first. Sometimes you will find a canal or boat channel connected to this type of water.

These locations become red hot on perch and plenty of bonus bluegill and crappies. These canals and small boat channels are shallow and often have a mud bottom that warms up quickly.

Under poor weather conditions the fish might pull out but only to the first deep water point. This seasonal fishery might last six weeks or like last season, only two weeks. It starts the day the ice comes off and will last until the water temperatures get close to the 50 degree mark.

The productive methods used are very basic. A bobber or a float, a few jigs and plain hooks with a couple of split shots and a speed snell connector is it. This is not the time and place for a perch spreader rig. These fish are shallow and active and you as the angler need to fish quickly and cover water.

We use a slip float from Carlisle or Lindy Tackle with a Fin Jig tear drop from Stopper Lures or the Lindy Crappie Queen and a plain red number six aberdeen hook connected to our main line with an Arnold Speed Snap. The speed snap allows an angler to add or remove extra hooks or jigs without tying or cutting your line. The speed snap hooks to your main line in two seconds and your second or third lure onto the other end of the speed snap.

Add just enough split shots so that your float is half submerged. Your jig should just graze the bottom when drifting with the wind. Your second hook should be set a few inches higher and if you want a third hook, just a few inches from the second hook.

Minnows are an excellent choice during the ice out season. Hook your minnow lightly so that it stays alive and dances around. Some anglers hook the minnow in the tail and others lightly through the lips. You pick, just make sure that it stays alive.

Work the shallow water debris, watch for any areas of current or spots that the wind might push your float across and continue moving until the fish are found. If the action wanes then pick up and start the search all over. If weather conditions sour head out to the deeper water points and drop the anchor. Ice out perch fishing is easy and perch often bite through out the day so no need to be the first on the water.

Ranger Steve’s Nature Niche

By Ranger Steve Mueller

Wildlife has made headlines for three species this week. Rhinoceros populations have been eliminated from a wildlife preserve by illegal poaching because people want horns for aphrodisiacs. Elephant populations in parts of Africa have been reduced 50 percent by poaching for ivory. Wolves in the United States are posed to lose protected status across the U.S., including Michigan.

Many know that wolf protection on public lands in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem was already removed outside the national park. The wolf population suffered greatly as a result. Yellowstone National Park’s signature pack that was radio-collared and studied for years was killed because the park is too small and wolves must also use the surrounding national forest. An important wolf food is elk. The elk population during the 20th century grew excessively because of wolf elimination in the early 1900s. It reduced biodiversity and the natural checks and balances. Too many elk removed vegetation that supported many other animal species.

Wolf established in the Yellowstone during the 1990s reduced the elk population and it allowed species like beavers to repopulate because aspen grew. Beaver activity created wetlands and other animal species were able to reestablish. When wolves have the opportunity, they kill and eat beavers and other animals. That also keeps those species from becoming too abundant.

What naturally keeps a wolf population from becoming excessively large? Primarily it is food availability. When hunting is poor, wolves die and prey populations’ recover. Many people would like to see all species live without difficulty or death. This is not realistic in the physical world. Human religious views supports this idea so we look forward to life after death with no limitations on longevity and no need for food, water, shelter, or living space after physical death.

In the physical world we do not have that luxury. As human population expands into habitats of other species, they get crowded off the planet. “Creation Care” in religious circles is an effort where people are encouraged to care for all species in creation by maintaining yards with native plants to support native animals (our personal Arks) or to limit our family size so we do not destroy creation with human excessive population. Sociologically, it is socially responsible to keep all species important for maintaining healthy ecosystems essential for best functioning of the social-economic-industrial complex. In economics, it is protecting livelihoods by not losing inherent assets important to the land that supports us. That means soil, water, air, and the role of each for stable global life and food for our tables.

Sustainability has a triple bottom line that is Social, Environmental, and Economic.

So, why would society allow rhinos, elephants, and wolves to be reduced to numbers too small to carry out ecological roles? First we do not know the tremendous economic role of each species and the ecological services provided. We do not realize the financial costs to replicate nature’s services. One example is the role of elephants in creating water holes by sloshing about and enlarging them. That is an essential activity that allows many bird, mammal, amphibian, and invertebrate species to survive in Africa that would not otherwise find adequate bodies of water. Another reason is unfounded fear.

Where I lived out west, ranchers took cattle to the national forest and left them for the summer unattended on public land and returned in the fall to get them. If wolves are allowed to roam, it means domestic livestock would need monitoring. Out west public lands are used for both wildlife and domestic animals. Some people do not want predators sharing pubic lands and some do not want unattended domestic animals in public wild lands. Here in Michigan we keep livestock on our own land. Ask yourself, “Do you think rhinos and elephants should be protected in India and Africa but wolves should not have protection here?” The difficult challenge is how to live in a manner that shares neighborhood nature niches with other species endowed to us in creation.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at the odybrook@chartermi.net Ody Brook, 13010 Northland Dr, Cedar Springs, MI 49319-8433.

Last week the Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) approved a limited public wolf harvest in three distinct regions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The decision followed a process of dedicated conversation with the public and experts, along with a thorough review of the pertinent science.

“The recovery of Michigan’s wolf population has been a remarkable success story,” said Natural Resources Commission Chairman J.R. Richardson. “Today’s decision by the NRC supports ongoing scientific management of this game species, just as voters intended when by an overwhelming margin they approved Proposal G in 1996. The public harvest proposal approved by the commission ensures the long-term presence of wolves while providing a valuable tool for managing conflicts between wolves and human populations. This is a thoughtful, science-based decision.”

The commission adopted the regulations during its regular monthly meeting, held in Roscommon. The regulations establish a limited harvest of 43 wolves in three areas of the Upper Peninsula where wolf-human conflicts—including depredation of livestock and pets and human safety concerns—have been persistent despite employing a number of control measures.
Michigan’s wolf population has grown significantly since 2000, with a current minimum population estimate of 658. The target harvest is not expected to impact the overall wolf population trajectory, based on published scientific research.

“This decision was the culmination of a long and thorough process by the NRC,” said Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Keith Creagh. “The DNR will continue to work closely with the commission to be certain that Michigan’s wolf population is managed according to the principles of sound science.”

The regulations create three Wolf Management Units (WMU):

WMU A in Gogebic County in the far western Upper Peninsula – target harvest of 16 wolves;

WMU B in portions of Baraga, Houghton, Ontonagon and Gogebic counties – target harvest of 19 wolves; and

WMU C in portions of Luce and Mackinac counties – target harvest of eight wolves.

The 2013 wolf season will open Nov. 15 and will run until Dec. 31 or until the target harvest for each WMU is reached. The bag limit is one wolf per person per year. Firearm, crossbow and bow-and-arrow hunting and trapping (foothold traps only, with an outside jaw spread of 5.25 inches to 8 inches) will be allowed on public and private lands.

Hunters will be required to report successful harvest over the phone on the day of harvest. Once the target harvest is met for a management unit, the entire unit will be closed for the season. Licensed hunters will be required to check daily by phone or online to determine whether any management units have been closed.

Successful hunters must present the carcass to a DNR check station within 72 hours of harvest. DNR staff members will seal the pelt and collect a tooth, female reproductive tracts and harvest location information.

A total of 1,200 licenses will be available for over-the-counter purchase, on a first-come, first-served basis, starting Aug. 3, 2013. Licenses will be valid for all three WMUs until each unit is closed. As established by the Legislature, the cost of a wolf hunting license is $100 for residents and $500 for nonresidents. In order to purchase a license, a hunter is required to have either purchased a previous hunting license or taken a state-approved hunter safety education course.
In developing its recommendations for a public wolf harvest, Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologists gathered a variety of input and data. Actions by the DNR and the NRC included:

Completing a wolf population survey;

Reviewing documented wolf conflicts and the effectiveness of nonlethal and targeted lethal control measures;

Meeting with the Wolf Management Advisory Council, a diverse group of stakeholders, to discuss a possible wolf harvest aimed at resolving conflicts;

Providing public input opportunities, including four public meetings in March; and

Consulting with tribal governments through four meetings.

The NRC’s Policy Committee on Wildlife and Fisheries presented a recommendation to the full commission that included a review of the experience of other states currently engaged in public wolf harvest and testimony from experts in the field with respect to wolf hunting issues, wolf biology and wolf population matters.

“We anticipate that this limited public harvest could both change wolf behavior over time, making them more wary of people, residential areas and farms, and reduce the abundance of wolves in these management areas that have experienced chronic problems,” said DNR Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason. “We’re aiming to decrease the number of conflicts and complaints while maintaining the long-term viability of the wolf population.”

In January 2012, wolves in Michigan were removed from the federal list of endangered species. In December 2012, wolves were declared a game species when Gov. Rick Snyder signed Public Act 520 of 2012. State law authorizes the Natural Resources Commission to determine the method and manner of take for all game species in Michigan.
To learn more about the state’s wolf population and Wolf Management Plan, visit www.michigan.gov/wolves.

With Memorial Day approaching, Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ conservation officers remind Michigan residents to practice safety when boating.
May 18-24 is National Safe Boating Week, an effort to remind people to follow some boating safety tips. The DNR encourages Michigan residents and visitors to:

Wear a life jacket. More than 80 percent of drowning accidents in the United States are due to people not wearing their life jackets.

Make sure your boat is properly equipped and your equipment is in good working order. In addition to all legally required equipment, such as life jackets and fire extinguishers, always carry a first-aid kit, nautical charts and an anchor. Make sure your navigation lights are working properly.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Nearly half of all boating accidents involve alcohol. Studies show that passengers are 10 times more likely to fall overboard when they have consumed alcohol.

File a float plan. Always let a family member or friend on shore know the who, what, when and where of your trip and when you are expected back. Give them phone numbers for the local sheriff or U.S. Coast Guard in the event you don’t return when expected.
Maintain a sharp lookout. Stay alert for other boats, swimmers, skiers and objects in the water. This is especially true when operating in crowded waterways, at night and during conditions of restricted visibility.
Carry a marine radio or cell phone. Be prepared to call for help in case you are involved in an accident, your boat becomes disabled or you otherwise need assistance. Program the phone numbers for the county sheriff or U.S. Coast Guard in your cell phone. Make sure your cell phone is fully charged, but be aware that there are often gaps in coverage on the water.

Sgt. Al Bavarskas of the DNR, the marine safety specialist for the Law Enforcement Division, emphasized the use of life jackets.

“In most of the drowning accidents in the United States, people have life jackets on board their boats, but they just aren’t wearing them,” Bavarskas said. “Life jackets must be Coast Guard-approved, must be in good and serviceable condition and properly fitted to the person wearing it.”

In Michigan, anyone 6 years of age or younger must wear a life jacket when on the open deck of any vessel. But wearing a personal flotation device (PFD) is recommended for everyone.

“Every study shows that using life jackets saves lives,” said Lt. Andrew Turner, boating law administrator for the DNR’s Law Enforcement Division. “Life jackets have been redesigned in recent years so that they come in styles that are comfortable and easy to wear. Having a life jacket on prevents the search for one during a boating emergency.”

For more information on safe boating, visit the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Resource Center at www.uscgboating.org.

The American Woodcock

By Ranger Steve Mueller

At dusk the dancing begins in earnest. The American Woodcock’s age-old mystery of mate attraction occurs in field and overhead. Most people never notice. That suits the woodcock perfectly. Its intent is to woo a mate and not to draw undue attention from other species. In the 1980’s and 90’s I led woodcock workshops at Howard Christensen Nature Center (HCNC).

Annually groups come to Ody Brook Sanctuary to observe the spring foot stomping, instrumental wing twittering, and vocal display. Just before dark I’ve heard what sounded like a wood frog call in the field and momentarily from that location a woodcock began peenting. I have not found others that have noticed this frog-like call. The woodcock is making the sound. I have pointed it out to people but I still have not seen it described in scientific literature. New discoveries await avid nature niche explorers.

The bird’s peenting is most notable. A peent is a nasal buzz-like sound repeated several times while the bird is on the ground before it takes aerial flight where it then circles high in the sky. The bird at height becomes a dot and often disappears in white atmospheric moisture. Soon a clicking sound starts and one knows the bird is descending toward Earth. It is necessary to keep a broad scan on the landscape to see where the bird returns at low angle for another round of ground peenting and aerial flight.

The first week of May, a class of 20 master naturalists came to observe. We entered the dancing grounds at 9 p.m. and waited. After five minutes, the first woodcock flew low overhead and landed 100 feet from us. Peenting began and we watched several rounds of the dance. Twice a bird flew and landed within twenty feet of us. We all played statue. It was getting dark so only our silhouettes revealed our presence. The bird made several repeated quiet hick-up sounds (the frog-like sound mentioned above). I suspect it wondered what these new inanimate objects were at the edge of its dance floor. It departed to land elsewhere in the field.

Twice on return from high sky circling, it flew low on a landing approach and made a guttural gurgle before aborting landing. I think it saw us. Perhaps it left from fear or maybe just caution. After landing at greater distance, it peented before taking flight again. As darkness increased, the woodcock was on the ground longer and peented more times before taking flight. On this night two woodcocks were active in the shrubby field opening.

Twice it landed close to us where we watched it take a few steps and peent. Sometimes it remained almost stationary stomping its short legs and turned in circles. When facing away from us, the peent sounded soft but when it faced our direction the sound magnified. The beak of a woodcock is nearly as long at the bird and gives it a strange appearance. It feeds in mud along streams, flood plains and swamps where it probes with its long beak for invertebrates. Its body is plump robin sized. They often nest on the ground in young aspen forests.

Visit the Howard Christensen Nature Center to view a century old bird display of two American Woodcocks. Frank Rackett mounted bird specimens between 1876 and 1936. Please become a member of HCNC to help support nature education programming and then participate in activities.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at the odybrook@chartermi.net Ody Brook, 13010 Northland Dr, Cedar Springs, MI 49319-8433.

The birds are back; learn all about them at a Beaks and Binoculars event May 11.

In honor of International Migratory Bird Day, the Department of Natural Resources is hosting Beaks and Binoculars, with a full schedule of programs at DNR visitor centers throughout the state on Saturday, May 11. Learn about the different species of birds that migrate to Michigan each spring, take a guided walk, and learn about the different styles of birdhouses and how to identify different bird calls. Each location offers its own unique program; please check the details on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrcalendar.

Saginaw Bay Visitor Center at the Bay City Recreation Area in Bay City:

12:30 p.m. – Banding Birds

2 p.m. – Bird Watching 101

Hartwick Pines Visitor Center at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling:

10 a.m. – Birdhouse Building

Gillette Visitor Center at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park in Muskegon:

8 a.m. – Birds of the Dunes

11 a.m. – Native Plantings for Birds

1 p.m. – Native Art for Children

Ludington State Park in Ludington:

10 a.m. – Bird migration guided hike along Lake Michigan

3 p.m. – Bird migration guided hike along Hamlin Lake

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Ontonagon:

10 a.m. – Beginning Birding

Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise:

8 a.m. – Guided bird walk

Eddy Discovery Center at Waterloo Recreation Area in Chelsea:

9 a.m. – Birding and Breakfast

Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center at Mitchell State Park in Cadillac:

3 p.m. Beginning Birding and a guided hike

Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center in Mattawan:

11 a.m. – Guided nature walk

DNR visitor centers are located throughout the state. Centers feature nature exhibits and are staffed with full-time educators who manage nature programs for individuals, families and school groups. Learn more about each location at www.michigan.gov/visitorcenters.

Beaks and Binoculars events are FREE; however a Recreation Passport is required for each location above except Wolf Lake Hatchery Visitor Center.

The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $11 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, nonmotorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can enjoy real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($30.50 annual; $8.40 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.

The Rockford Sportsman’s Club is proud to host its 3rd Annual Michigan Ruger® Rimfire Challenge competition on Saturday, May 18, 2013.

The Ruger® Rimfire Challenge is designed to offer both novice or experienced rimfire shooters a fun, exciting, and low cost competition in a friendly and low-pressure environment. This event is open to shooters of all experience and ages, although minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The match is conducted with safety as the first priority, including stage design, firearm handling, and safe areas. All shooters will be accompanied by qualified Range Safety Officers and Assistant Range Officers throughout the entire course of fire.

The match will consist of 6 stages (3 pistol and 3 rifle) firing at all-steel targets. Shooters will need a minimum of 150 rounds of .22 Long Rifle ammunition. Only  .22 Long Rifle ammunition is allowed.

Prizes will be awarded by random drawing, and will include several firearms and many other shooting related items. Plaques will be awarded for the top shooters in each class.

The match will be held at the Rockford Sportsman’s Club, 11115 Northland Drive, NE, Rockford MI 49341 on Saturday, May 18, 2013.

Entry forms are available at on-line at www.rockfordsportsmansclub.com, at Gander Mountain Firearms Super Center in Grandville and other area businesses. Additional information about this event can also be found at http://www.ruger.com/micros/rugerRimfire/.

Entry fees are $40 for adults, $10 for junior and youth. Lunch will be available at a nominal cost. A significant portion of the proceeds will be donated to a U.S. Veteran’s group to be determined.

The purpose of this event is to promote competitive shooting as a safe, fun, and family sport. Shooting sports activities can help develop responsibility, maturity, and a sense of true sportsmanship in all who participate, regardless of age—and it’s fun!

By Ranger Steve Mueller

The Michigan Botanical Club host a Spring Foray with field trips and great speakers every Memorial Day Weekend. Different Chapters from around the state host the event and this year our local White Pine Chapter is the host. You can join with minimal weekend travel distance.

Judge Ed Post will present Birds and Blooms on Friday evening 24 May at 7:30. If you have never seen his work you should treat yourself. He is one of West Michigan’s best nature photographers. Saturday evening Dave Warners will present Loving Our Downstream Neighbor: Plaster Creek Stewards Watershed Restoration Initiative. This program will have information we can apply to Cedar Creek as well. Sunday evening Al Steinman, Director, Annis Water Resources Institute will present: Climate Change and How It Will Affect the Great Lakes and the Surrounding Area.

Field trips will visit many areas within easy access to the foray meeting location. Calvin College on the East Beltline is the hub for programs and lodging for those coming from around the state. Saturday morning field trips will explore Aman Park, Calvin College Ecosystem Preserve, or Seidman Park. In the afternoon visit Aman Park, Black Oak Barren, or learn about growing Native Plants and Establishing Natural Habitats to Restore an Urban Watershed.

Instead of half day field trips, there will be three all day trips: W.G. Jackson boat trip into Lake Michigan to sample aquatic life with the addition of a visit to Lost Lake, freshwater lake sponges, and a tour of the Muskegon Lake Nature Preserve. Other all day trips are to Lindquist/Kitchel Dunes Preserve and Rosy Mound Park or Hemlock Crossing and Eastman Bayou Ottawa county parks. Knowledgeable leaders will guide.

Sunday morning trips include Spring Park Fen and the Paul Henry Trail, Hudsonville Nature Center, or Ody Brook Sanctuary here in Cedar Springs. Ranger Steve will present an indoor program on Saturday morning about Wildflower Life Styles, Colors, and Survival before he leads the outside field trip portion at Calvin Ecosystem Preserve. Then on Sunday morning he leads a wildflower discovery at Ody Brook Sanctuary near Cedar Springs.

Sunday afternoon trips are to Maher Bird Sanctuary, GVSU Ravines and Molecular Lab, or Fern Grotto and Sandhill Farm and the TenHave Woodlands near Rockford.

Monday morning trips go to Meijer Gardens or Saul Lake Bog.

Detailed field trip descriptions and weekend registration information are available at the Michigan Botanical Club Web Site: http://michbotclub.org/.  Once at the web site scroll on the left to 2013 Spring Foray.

The Spring Foray weekend is a wonderful opportunity to meet some of Michigan’s noted botanists and to spend time with people that share an interest in nature’s bounty of native wild plants.

Natural history questions or topic suggestions can be directed to Ranger Steve (Mueller) at the odybrook@chartermi.net Ody Brook, 13010 Northland Dr, Cedar Springs, MI 49319-8433.

Derek Rose, age 14, bagged his first turkey on Saturday, April 27, while hunting on private land near Sand Lake. The bird had a 10-inch beard. Derek is the son of Pete and Cherri Rose.

Congratulations, Derek!

The recent weather has brought about heavy rain, wind, ice and snow throughout lower Michigan. This has created impassable conditions at several pathways, snowmobile and ORV trails, and forest roads maintained by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in the Lower Peninsula. As a result, the DNR is warning trail users that parts of some trails may be closed due to excessive amounts of standing water and flood conditions, as well as downed trees.

DNR staff is working to assess the worst trail areas, and will work with local trail grant sponsors and volunteers to best mitigate trail impacts.

“It is difficult to identify all of the sections that were affected by the heavy spring rains,” said trails analyst Amanda Matelski. “We ask that trail users exercise care when approaching these areas, and realize flooded trail crossings may be deeper than they appear. Our users will also need to have patience while our trail sponsors, volunteers and staff remove downed trees.”

Trail conditions are expected to improve moving into the summer season. It is important to note that maintenance to all designated off-road vehicle trails will be completed by Memorial Day.

If riders have questions regarding specific areas, or come across areas in immediate need of attention, please contact Amanda Matelski at the Roscommon Operations Service Center at 989-275-5151, ext. 2044.