Lots of great outdoor news and information coming up this week on Outdoor Magazine Radio. In fact, I enjoyed my guests so much, I offered them all the “coveted third segment”. Usually I keep my interviews to just two segments, but if the conversation is strong enough, I’ll extend it to three. This weekend all the guests easily carry the extra time.
First, old friend Dan Donarski joins me. Dan is an expert hunter and angler from Michigan’s UP, who has branched out into pursuing his outdoor passions around the world. Dan’s African booking company, Hunter’s Horn Adventures, is a first class operation that promises to deliver the hunting experience of a lifetime. Dan and I discuss hunting in Africa, but we also talk about what’s happening on the hunting and fishing front right here in Michigan.
In the second hour Dave Rose joins me to talk about fishing. Dave is an outdoor writer and fishing guide from the Traverse City area. Dave and I talk about the fishing so far this summer, and what anglers can expect for the rest of the season. You can book a trip with Dave, and learn more about his operation on his website.
Next, Tony Hansen of MUCC joins me. Tony is very good at keeping us up to date on the latest outdoor news coming out of Lansing. This time he talks about a video forum featuring all the candidates for the Michigan Governor’s job and how they responded to several key outdoor related issues.
The third hour kicks off with Pete Jones of Superior Bear Outfitters in Ontario Canada. Pete talks about the bear population in his part of Canada and the best techniques for hunting them. Pete runs a first class guide service and I highly recommend him.
As always we wrap up with Chef Dixie Dave Minar. This week Dave has another tasty recipe.
A solid show this week with solid people. I hope you enjoy it.
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago at 2:58 PM. Add a comment
We kick off the show talking about crossbows with Laura Scharich of the Michigan Crossbow Federation. Laura tells us about three proposals being discussed by the Michigan NRC to make crossbows for accessible to all Michigan hunters.
Next, thirteen year old Alicia Oneill joins me to talk about a fundraiser she’s involved in for the Catch a Dream Foundation. Alicia will be hosting an event at the Flint Bowman’s club grounds in July.
Then, Randy Jorgenson of Woods-n-Waternews wraps up the hour. Randy is one of the founding members of that publication often knows as “Michigan’s Premiere Outdoor Magazine”.
In the second hour charter captain Dave James of Fish Hunter Charters joins me to talk about salmon and trout fishing out of Frankfort. Dave talks about techniques for catching light shy king salmon in clear water and also gives us some advice on fishing for big lake trout.
In our third hour long time friend Mark Martin joins me to talk about fishing. Mark is generally referred to as Michigan’s most famous walleye fisherman….and for good reason. He won the first PWT national championship back in 1992, and he’s been a leader in competitive walleye fishing ever since.
Chef Dixie Dave Minar helps close out the show with another tasty recipe. I hope you can join us.
Posted 2 months, 2 weeks ago at 3:08 PM. Add a comment
Another busy show this week on Outdoor Magazine Radio.
First, we check in with Michigan DNR wildlife biologist Brent Rudolph. Brent is one of the main guys behind Michigan’s new deer management plan. He tells me about that plan as well as the status TB in the state’s deer herd.
In our second hour we meet a new partner of Outdoor Magazine TV and radio…Jim Lombardi of Buck Fever Synthetic Scents. Buck Fever scents are not urine based and they don’t break down like traditional lures. You’ll be hearing lots more about Buck Fever on Outdoor Magazine over the next few months.
The hour wraps up with Tony Hansen of Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Tony recently completed the 30/30 project where he caught thirty species of fish in thirty hours to promote the history and tradition of fishing in Michigan, and how it’s threatened by the invasion of Asian carp.
The final hour kicks off with Doug Deming of the Fish Point Lodge. Doug is an expert waterfowl guide and walleye charter captain. This time, we talk about fishing for early season Saginaw Bay walleye.
An informative and entertaining show this week, I hope you enjoy it.
Posted 2 months, 3 weeks ago at 9:07 AM. Add a comment
Another busy show this week on Outdoor Magazine Radio.
First, I tell the story of my recent walleye fishing adventure on Saginaw Bay. I got into lots of fish and had some great action. You can read the details of that trip here.
Then, Lake St. Clair musky guide Don Miller joins me to talk about his quest to catch trophy fish. Don is one of the lake’s most respected professional musky anglers and he has some great advice on catching the fresh water giant. Click here to see Don’s website.
The hour wraps up with Tom Campbell of Woods-n-Waternews. Tom and I discuss great summertime fishing opportunities in Michigan.
We kick off another hour with my good friend Bill Pyles of Ohio Bowhunting Outfitters. Bill offers bowhunts for giant whitetails in Central Ohio, in fact Knox and Licking Counties…two of the best counties in the country for big bucks.
Bill and I discuss his operation, and he announces a special promotional price for listeners of the Outdoor Magazine radio show.
Tony Hansen of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs is next with details on their 30/30 campaign. That’s a quest to catch thirty species of fish in thirty hours to bring attention the the asian carp invasion. Tony also talks about how the fight against that invasion seems to have stalled, and how the 30/30 project might be able to get it rolling again.
Our final hour kicks off with Derrick Poet of Jay’s Sporting Goods. Derrick talks about some of the new products coming out for the 2010 archery season.
Bill and I were talking about his operation in central Ohio and why Knox and Licking Counties are such a hotspot for big bucks. For proof of that check out the success pictures from last year’s hunters.
We also discussed how Bill’s hunts are structured, and how much they cost. Pyles usually charges $1,950 for a fully guided hunt. That’s a pretty competitive rate, but when you consider it includes meals and lodging, it becomes a very good deal.
Now here’s the surprise. Bill told me on air he’ll drop the price to just $1,650 for folks who mention Mike Avery or the Outdoor Magazine radio show. I didn’t know he was going to do that, but I sure appreciate it.
Bill knows these are tough times for many families and he doesn’t want the price tag to keep an avid hunter out of the woods, and possibly from shooting the buck of a lifetime.
I know $1650 is a significant expense for many of us, but I’m confident you won’t find a better hunt for the money. To make it even easier, Bill is willing to take that amount in payments…as long as you’re paid up when you arrive in camp.
I’ve hunted with lots of outfitters over the years and developed a respect and friendship with many of them, including Bill Pyles. Bill works hard for his hunters and does everything possible to ensure a good hunt.
I appreciate the discounted rate for my listeners and encourage you to take a serious look at this offer if you’re at all interested in hunting Ohio’s big bucks.
Usually by this time of year, I have several Saginaw Bay walleye trips under my belt. This year, because of a busier than usual work schedule, my Starcraft Islander didn’t hit the water until today.
It was a trip that was definitely overdue…but the wait was worth it.
A surprisingly strong northeast wind greeted me as I cleared the mouth of the Saginaw River. With that in mind, I decided to head out deep rather than fish my beloved shallow water. I figured the run to the “Spark Plug” would get nothing but worse if the wind picked up later, and I could always head back to shore with the waves following me if conditions got too bad.
Turned out, the wind later died and the waves turned flat. I’ll take those conditions over the famous “walleye chop” anytime.
I started out east of the Plug in about twenty feet of water trolling spinners (nightcrawler harnesses) and bottom bouncers on Offshore in-line planer boards. After some experimentation, I discovered the best presentation to be ounce and a half bouncers 32 feet behind the boards. I also ran ounce and three eighths bouncers at 27 feet.
Copper blades were the best, especially the proven “Confusion” color. I don’t think you can go wrong fishing for walleye with Confusion.
I’m not a big crawler fan, but I have to admit they can be very productive, and it didn’t take long to catch a dozen or so nice walleye.
The day was still young so I decided to try another technique…this time, one of my favorites.
I tried a variety of lengths from 20 to sixty feet back, but found the most productive sets to be 50, 55 and 60 feet. Again, copper….and especially Confusion were best.
In all, I caught probably 25 to thirty fish from fourteen to 23 inches. Not bad for my first time trolling this year.
Fish on!
Posted 3 months, 1 week ago at 9:42 PM. Add a comment
People often ask me how I can talk about the outdoors for three hours each weekend. The truth is, it’s easy. There’s always lots going on in the world of hunting and fishing…and this weekend’s Outdoor Magazine radio show examines several aspects of that lifestyle.
First, Terry Webber of Michigan Stinger lures joins me to talk about his company and products. Stinger is a leader in trolling spoons and Terry explains why spoons are some of the most versatile lures for salmon, trout and walleye.
Then Tom Campbell of Woods-n-Waternews joins me. Tom tells me what to expect in the June edition of the magazine.
Next, Doug Reeves joins me to talk about bear, elk and whitetail fawns. Doug is the Assistant Chief of the Wildlife Division in the Michigan DNR.
We wrap up the hour with Tony Hansen of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Tony brings me up to speed on some key issues coming out of Lansing, including a plan to increase the cormorants killed to protect Michigan’s fish population. Tony also talks about his plans to catch thirty species of fish in thirty hours to bring attention to the asian carp threat.
Walleye expert Lance Valentine is my guest in the third hour. Lance is a fishing guide and the man behind Walleye 101. Walleye 101 is a series of programs designed to teach anglers how to catch more fish. Lance is also known as an electronics expert, so I made sure to ask him about getting the most out of a sonar unit and gps system.
The program wraps up with Chef Dixie Dave Minar. This week Dave and I shoot the breeze about a number of topics, including Dave’s efforts to control cormorants on his pond (with the appropriate permit of course).
Another busy show this week. I hope you enjoy it.
Posted 3 months, 2 weeks ago at 7:45 PM. Add a comment
It’s a very special bowhunting show this week on Outdoor Magazine Television.
First, I pick up a Darton Lightning Crossbow and head to the field for the early Michigan turkey season. This is my first time hunting with that high tech piece of archery gear.
Then, we switch gears and go back to the roots of modern day archery, and an interview I did with the legendary Fred Bear back in 1985.
In that conversation Fred talks about his experiences bowhunting across the world, the beginning of Bear archery and the comparison of gun hunting vs. bowhunting.
You won’t want to miss this edition of Outdoor Magazine television. You can see the program on broadcast stations across Michigan and nationally on Sportsman Channel.
Air times on Sportsman are Sunday 9PM, Thursday 7PM, Saturday 7:30AM, Wednesday 8:30AM and Friday morning at 1AM.
Posted 3 months, 3 weeks ago at 7:22 PM. 2 comments
Lots of great outdoor news and information this week on the Outdoor Magazine radio show.
First, we get a fishing report from Michigan’s thumb provided by Bryon McLain of Archers and Anglers. The water off the thumb can provide some great fishing, but it’s often overlooked. Bryon tells us where to go for salmon, trout and walleye this weekend.
Then, Chris George of the Ieuter Insurance Group joins me to talk about boat and RV insurance. He says it’s important to coverage for liability as well as the contents.
The second hour kicks off with old friend Tom Lounsbury. Tom is a veteran outdoor writing and recent radio host. It’s always a pleasure to check in with Tom and see what he’s up to. By the way, Lounsbury promises to have his new website up and running soon.
Tony Hansen from the Michigan United Conservation Clubs helps wrap the hour up. This time Tony tells me about an interesting project to bring attention to the asian carp threat by catching thirty species of Michigan fish in thirty hours.
The final hour brings in another favorite guest…Richard P. Smith.. Richard talks about his close interaction with an injured whitetail doe over the winter months and also Michigan’s biggest whitetail buck.
Chef Dixie Dave Minar wraps up the program with another tasty turkey recipe.
Another busy show. I hope you enjoy it.
Posted 3 months, 3 weeks ago at 2:15 PM. Add a comment
Here’s your chance to fish a fun walleye tournament for Saginaw Bay walleye….
BCYC Sunday Walleye Tournament
Weigh-in at BCYC
On select Sunday afternoons from late May thru June, there will be a friendly walleye tournament out of the mouth of the Saginaw River in Bay City. The purpose of the contest is to create a competitive environment amongst local fishermen that enjoy fishing the Saginaw Bay and its tributaries. If there is enough support, the Bay City Yacht Club (BCYC) will be open for a light menu and drinks during the weigh in time – TBD.
Time:
Starting at the mouth of the Saginaw River – just east of the channel of the island-at 4:00 PM, no sooner! Please stop by the BCYC by 3:45 to pre-register, if not already completed. Boats out fishing prior to that time on contest day, will have to return to the starting point and have wells/cooler examined by another boater. Let’s keep this friendly and avoid these types of hassles. All boats will have to be in by 8:00 PM sharp- to the starting point -or weights will be cut in half. Weigh-in will commence immediately at the BCYC, just NORTH of the Patterson Road DNR launch.
Rules:
1. Entry Fee Each week is $40 per boat.
2. Payout is 80% of nightly entry fees, 15% kept for highest running total over all nights the tournament is ran paid on last night of tournament. Largest fish and heaviest basket(#1 basket) of 5, will each get 35%, 2nd basket will get 20%, and 3rd basket will get 10% of nightly payout. No payout will be larger than $300. If slated to be higher, then payout will start at $300 and go down, adding more places to pay.
3. A Team can win both the #1 basket and big fish.
4. The number of boats participating may be limited by tournament directors.
5. Maximum of 6 lines/rods per boat. No limit to the number of occupants (min 2).
6. Each boat will weigh up to 5 fish for nightly basket total.
7. There will be a big fish prize each night; the big fish cannot be entered in the basket catch. You figure out how you are going to weigh and sort 6 fish and in what combination.
8. There will be a running total for each week for up to 6 fish and this running total contest will be paid on the final night – June 27.
9. Participants are expected to follow the highest standards of courtesy, safety, angling etiquette, and a strict adherence to game and fish laws. All Michigan Fishing regulations apply.
10. Teams must be declared at the first event fished by a boat – This is to identify running totals. At least one member of the original team must be present to add to the running totals of the original team.
11. BCYC and Tournament Directors assume no liability with tournament program or activities.
12. If high winds/waves are present, tournament may be conducted in the Saginaw River or cancelled. We will use weather data from 1&2 and experience to make the call. Safety is our top concern.
13. Only BCYC members are allowed to utilize BCYC boat launch, no exceptions. BCYC has memberships and docks available to those interested. We will be guests of the BCYC, please respect the premises. The gate will be open for weigh-in.
14. Upon registration, each boat will be given a laminated sheet with a number on it to identify the boat or team. Please have this readily available when leaving or returning at the mouth.
15. Prior to any team fishing their first night, all teams must pre-register by completing the registration and sign this acknowledgement of rules and release of liability.
16. If needed – to limit the number of boats, teams fishing previous weeks will have the priority.
17. Rules of the program are subject to change, to enhance the program.
18. Tournament directors have the right to terminate any team for any reason in the competition.
19. Radio communication is allowed, channel 69 will be standard tournament channel.
20. Email- miagron@aol.com , cell phones of director 989-245-9945 – leave message if not answered
Liability Release- In signing this agreement, I hereby release the Walleye Mavericks, BCYC, its associates, its employees, its sponsors and their agents from any and all damages, claims, demands, costs or expenses relating to injuries, death, theft, fire, or any loss of any persons or property which I may sustain and/or which I may cause by reason of participating in or in the connection with this tournament. I further release the Walleye Mavericks group, for all damages relating to the adverse weather conditions while participating in this tournament. It is my responsibility to seek safety should adverse and/or unforeseen weather conditions occur (prior to, during, or after the tournament). I signify by my signature that I have read, understand, and agree to the above.
• Meet at Buoys 23/24 at 4 pm and 8 pm to check in and out with Team Number
• Channel 69 on radio will be monitored
• If you have motor/boat problems please announce on the radio immediately. Or call Scott at 989-245-9945.
• You must be at the river by 8:00 pm, IF you are more than 5 minutes late you will lose 10% of all weights, if you are more than 10 minutes you lose 50% of weights, and if more than 15 minutes late you will lose 100% of weights.
• Once you check in at the mouth, feel free to trailer your boat and come to BCYC to weigh in or stop in at BCYC to do a dock drop for a quick weigh in.
• Weekly results will be posted at www.openairmavericks.com
• Tournament officials shall have sole absolute final decision to resolve any and all disputes, arguments, or concerns that may arise.
• Cancellation due to weather will be made at 3 p.m. on Sunday. Weather data from noaa bouy 1 will be used for Northern winds, small craft advisory is automatic cancellation.
• Good Luck Fishing
Posted 3 months, 3 weeks ago at 6:53 AM. Add a comment
