Outdoor Adventures

Young hunter captures his first deer in Horton

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 19:08:33 UTC

With his dad at his side, 10-year-old Zack Wohlart of Pleasant Lake arrowed his first deer on private land in Horton during the youth hunting weekend. The 3-point buck weighed 145 pounds and was taken to JJ Meats in Horton for processing.

Courtesy photoWith his dad at his side, 10-year-old Zack Wohlart of Pleasant Lake arrowed his first deer on private land in Horton during the youth hunting weekend. The 3-point buck weighed 145 pounds and was taken to JJ Meats in Horton for processing.

Stockbridge man pursues and bags 25-pound turkey

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:53:38 UTC

My son and I drew the third hunt period of the 2009 turkey season, May 4-10. It was a hard time and a joyous time. The first six days were hard. I kept hearing a large tom gobble every day, but he would not come to any calls or decoys. He already had a group of hens with him....

Courtesy photoRoyal Tuthill of Stockbridge sits with the 25-pound turkey he shot on May 10 while hunting with his son, Michael.

A couple of days, I had a group of large jakes walk by, but let them pass. I wanted the "big boss gobbler" himself. The big tom and his hens would be about 150 yards away and wouldn't come any closer.

The last day of our hunt, I left my hen decoys in the car and all my calls. I decided to take one old jake decoy. We went in under the cover of darkness. I went to my same spot, and my son went 300 yards from my position, where he had seen a couple of turkeys the day before. I put my jake decoy about 25 yards in front of my position. Ten minutes after legal shooting hours, I loaded my Mossberg 500 and got settled in.

A few minutes later, I heard the boss tom gobble. He was to my left, but I couldn't see him. He gobbled again — he was close, about 60 yards. Then a large hen flew down about 40 yards from my decoy. Then the boss gobbler flew down next to the hen.

He was a huge turkey. His head was lit up like a light bulb. Then he turned and saw my jake decoy. He came on a dead run and started to whip the tar out of my decoy. When he had stopped, he stretched his neck to see where his hen was, my Mossberg 500 sounded and he was mine.

I unloaded my gun, punched my license tag and tagged the bird. My son heard me shoot, and came walking up and said, "Good job, Pop!" We went and had him weighed. He was 25 pounds, 10.5-inch beard and long-pointed spurs. I had stuck with it, and it paid off. My son did not get a turkey this year, but what a wonderful time we had in the Michigan outdoors.

Jackson boy takes second place in fishing tournament with big catch

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:06:19 UTC

Austin Eccleton took second place in the annual fishing tournament at Lake of the Pines in Clare County, Michigan. His largemouth bass weighed 4 pounds, 14 ounces. The winning largemouth bass was 4 pounds, 15 ounces. Austin's bass was 21.5 inches long. Austin is 15 years old and a sophomore at Lumen Christi High School.

Courtesy photo

Outdoor adventure: Bud & Lee Stevens

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:58:35 UTC

Bud and Lee Stevens of Jackson found a surprise on their front step on the morning of May 29. Here is their story: This little one was fast asleep until we were taking pictures and talking. It finally got up on wobbly legs and went to deep grass nearby to finish its nap.

Courtesy photo

Bud and Lee Stevens of Jackson found a surprise on their front step on the morning of May 29. Here is their story:

This little one was fast asleep until we were taking pictures and talking. It finally got up on wobbly legs and went to deep grass nearby to finish its nap.

Outdoor adventure: Bob Craft & Don Falk

Thu, 28 May 2009 20:48:29 UTC

Bob Craft, left, and Don Falk stand next to their successful catch, made on May 19. The two men, both of Jackson, caught these 18-pound salmon while fishing on Lake Michigan near Saugatuck.

Courtesy photo

Bob Craft, left, and Don Falk stand next to their successful catch, made on May 19. The two men, both of Jackson, caught these 18-pound salmon while fishing on Lake Michigan near Saugatuck.

Outdoor adventure: Brad Flory

Mon, 11 May 2009 14:58:48 UTC

Brad Flory, Citizen Patriot columnist, was hunting for morels behind his house in southern Ingham County on Monday when he startled a turkey hen off this nest of 16 eggs. After they hatch and grow up big and strong, Brad hopes to shoot one with his pump action Benelli 12-gauge shotgun.

Courtesy of Brad Flory

Outdoor adventure: Sherman & Kyle Berkeypile

Wed, 06 May 2009 17:59:01 UTC

Sherman and Kyle Berkeypile, of Michigan Center, shot two turkeys on April 30 around 8 a.m. in Wexford County, near Boon, Mich., after four days of hunting. Sherman Berkeypile shot his turkey first, and Kyle Berkeypile followed. Kyle Berkeypile called them with a slate call.

Courtesy photoSherman, left, and Kyle Berkeypile with their turkeys.

Outdoor adventure: Bob Priest

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 13:43:53 UTC

Bob Priest braved the chilly waters in southeast Michigan, and came up with a big catch. Here is his story.

Photo courtesy of Bob PriestBob Priest shows off his impressive catch.

Bob Priest braved the chilly waters in southeast Michigan, and came up with a big catch.

Here is his story.

I decided to try some walleye fishing on the Detroit River last Friday, March 19. I launched at Erie Metro and went up river toward Elizabeth Park.

I saw one other boat catch a walleye after about 2 hours of fishing, but I had not had a hit. It was very cold and the water temperature was 38 degrees. I moved up river further and fished a steel wall in 21 feet of water and caught a 30 1/2, 10 1/2 walleye! She hit a 3/8 fire tiger jig head with a 3-inch Berkley Gulp chartreuse grub with a live minnow.

Outdoor adventure: Kristen Wilkerson

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:45:57 UTC

Kristen Wilkerson of Jackson got quite a surprise when she let her dog out on a recent morning. Here is her story: We live just west of the Jackson Airport, adjacent to a corn field, but in a small subdivision. On Sunday, Feb. 15, about 8 a.m., I let my dog, Penny, outside for her morning ritual.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KRISTEN WILKERSONKristen Wilkerson snapped some photos of two coyotes that approached her dog at home.

Kristen Wilkerson of Jackson got quite a surprise when she let her dog out on a recent morning.

Here is her story: We live just west of the Jackson Airport, adjacent to a corn field, but in a small subdivision. On Sunday, Feb. 15, about 8 a.m., I let my dog, Penny, outside for her morning ritual.

She startled and barked at a deer, which subsequently ran off. Penny ran out after it but was surprised to wind up face to face with two coyotes.

When I first saw the creatures I thought they were small wolves and grabbed my camera to document the encounter. The coyotes proceeded to stare at Penny and soon began running toward her.

When they were about 10 feet away from my dog I hollared at the coyotes and they sauntered off. In the five years of living in this house, I had never before seen coyotes until this past weekend.

This male and female pair were beautiful, but as I thought more about the incident I realized how close I came to losing my beloved pet. I hope that others in the Glasgow Road area will watch out for these coyotes and keep their pets safe.

Outdoor adventure: Brenda Perry

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:27:34 UTC

Brenda Perry of Michigan Center shares the outdoor adventure shared by her husband, Jack, and their son, Boomer. Here is their story: My husband, Jack, took our son, Boomer, (age 7) out to sit in his deer stand with him for the first time on Thanksgiving weekend.

Jack Perry and his son, Boomer, pose with a deer they shot on Thanksgiving weekend.

Brenda Perry of Michigan Center shares the outdoor adventure shared by her husband, Jack, and their son, Boomer.

Here is their story: My husband, Jack, took our son, Boomer, (age 7) out to sit in his deer stand with him for the first time on Thanksgiving weekend.

Jack said that he could hear deer moving around in the brush, but Boomer was having a little trouble sitting still. They were just about to come in for the night when a deer stepped right out in front of their stand.

Both were excited about the nice 7-point. They are already looking forward to next season.

Outdoor adventure: Josh Kelly

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:56:51 UTC

Josh Kelly of Jackson had an exciting first hunt on opening day of this past deer hunting season. Here is his story: On opening day of deer season, I took my son Josh out hunting for the first time. I got him all set up in our double tree stand.

Josh Kelly of Jackson shot this 7-point buck on his first day of hunting this past opening day.

Josh Kelly of Jackson had an exciting first hunt on opening day of this past deer hunting season.

Here is his story: On opening day of deer season, I took my son Josh out hunting for the first time. I got him all set up in our double tree stand.

It was about 7:15 that morning when Josh told me that he saw a deer in the edge of the woods across the field about 300 yards. I said I couldn't see one but he said, "Right there, Dad, in the edge, and it's a buck!"

The deer started running across the field when I saw it so I started making grunting noises to draw it in. It stopped and looked toward us so I kept making the noises.

It started running in our direction so I told Josh to point his gun toward two trees that were in front of us and take the safety off. When the deer got in between the two trees I made the grunting noise again and and it stopped, so Josh shot at it once and it went down.

It was a 7-point buck, and Josh couldn't have been any happier.

Outdoor adventure: Joe Childs

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 15:29:27 UTC

On Nov. 15, 2008, my son Matthew and I headed out for his first opening-day deer hunt. Matthew endured a long 12-hour day that was rainy, windy and cold without a complaint.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE CHILDSJoe Childs of Hanover poses with the buck he shot while hunting with his son, Matthew.

Joe Childs of Hanover shot a buck while hunting with his son, Matthew.

Here is his story: On Nov. 15, 2008, my son Matthew and I headed out for his first opening-day deer hunt. Matthew endured a long 12-hour day that was rainy, windy and cold without a complaint.

At 5 p.m., two bucks came in at about 120 yards out but they stayed in some thick foilage and vanished. Fifteen minutes later, this 9-point walked out of the thick at 80 yards broadside.

I told Matthew to get ready and take the shot when he could, but he was unable to find the buck in his scope. I told him that he had to find him in his scope because this was a nice buck, but he was still unable to find him.

By this time I was kneeling with my gun out the blind window and the buck was walking out of range. I told Matthew that he could not shoot then I would take him, and he said, "Take him, Dad."

I dropped him at 105 yards. He scored Green and Gross at 146 and weighed 170 pounds. The next day all our hunting gear was stolen off the hilltop we were hunting on, but that is another story.

I will never forget Matthew's and my first deer hunt together.

Outdoor adventure: Matt Snyder

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 11:53:35 UTC

My first instinct was that I didn't kill him and that he got a burst of energy, but once I got closer I saw the deer I had shot lying on the ground. The other buck had taken off.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MATT SNYDERMatt Snyder, right, poses with the buck he shot Nov. 16 and his grandfather.

Matt Snyder of Brooklyn made up for a slow opening day by getting this nice buck the following day.

Here is his story: I have been hunting for many years. I went out hunting on Nov. 16 to give it another try. I didn't see a single deer on opening day so I was hoping and praying things would be better the next day, and it was.

I hunt on my grandpa's property, which is located in Norvell Township. I was sitting in my tree stand as the sun began to rise. At that point all that I had seen was my breath, but about 7:20 a.m. I saw some movement out in the field in front of me.

I put my scope up to my eye and was shocked to see a buck and a few other deer, but I could not make out what the other deer were. I shot at the buck and he ran about 30 yards and went down. I waited about 20 minutes before going out to investigate.

As I was walking toward the deer, I shot another buck that was standing near him. My first instinct was that I didn't kill him and that he got a burst of energy, but once I got closer I saw the deer I had shot lying on the ground. The other buck had taken off.

I was so excited that I could hardly catch my breath. The buck I shot was a non-typical 10-point that was dressed at 165 pounds. In the picture shown, my grandpa, left, had to work that day so he put me, right, up to the task of hunting the BIG ONE!

Outdoor adventure: Richard P. Smith

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 13:00:00 UTC

Richard P. Smith, a well-known author of outdoors books, shot a 10-point buck in Keweenaw County. He'll be in Jackson on Wednesday for a book-signing from 6 to 8 p.m. at Waldenbooks in the Westwood Mall.

RICHARD P. SMITHRichard P. Smith, a noted Michigan outdoor writer, shot this 10-point buck while hunting with friends in Keweenaw County.

Richard P. Smith of Marquette shot this 10-pointer to add to an impressive hunting career.

Here is his story: I'm a longtime resident of Marquette. I shot the 10-pointer at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, on land open to public hunting in Keweenaw County as he was following a doe.

Book signing

Well-known Michigan outdoor writer Richard P. Smith from Marquette will be doing a book signing from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17, at WaldenBooks in the Westwood Mall in Jackson. He has 10 books in print, seven of which deal with deer hunting, two are devoted to black bears and the final volume is a guidebook to animal tracks and sign. As usual, Smith bagged a buck during the 2008 firearms season while hunting land open to public hunting. It was a 3 ½-year-old 10-pointer. He also enjoyed success during the 2008 bear season. For more information about his books and book signing schedule, refer to his Web site: www.richardpsmith.com.

I was hunting out of a tent camp with five friends. Five out of the six of us shot bucks and they were all taken on public hunting land. The bucks were all at least 2 1/2 years old. My 10-point was 3 1/2. The biggest buck taken by our party had 12 points and was 4 or 5 years old.

I've been deer hunting for more than 40 years, mostly in Michigan, but I've hunted whitetails all over North America. Hunters who want to learn how I consistently take mature bucks can find out by reading my books listed at www.richardpsmith.com.

Trophies of the week for Nov. 9

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:55:32 UTC

Trophies of the week shot by area outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen.

Fitch's Taxidermy
Justin Zebarah	8	182
Jack Marsh	8	180
Danny Keith	7	135
Vernon Schuler	11	180
Duane Staker	14	200
John Parkinson	10	190
Jerry Tingley	10	215
James Altenberger	8	180
Knutson's Recreational Sales
Mike Zachary	12	217
Mick Silkworth	11	179
Ron Hilliker	6	165
Jeff Wacker	8	170
Don Mccumbbins	8	136
Kevin Stirling	10	174
Patrick Clark	8	170
Robert Bethel	6	124
David Stirling	10	168
Art Gibson	7	135
Isaac Bivens	8	107
Kyle Cudworth	8	149
Carson Mead	6	138
Perry Schloff	8	200
Denny Tison	10	159
Jeff Vernut	13	124
John Meski	12	189
Biundo Lorenzo	7	167
Greg York	8	145
Allen Moore	12	176
Mark Barden	8	140
Ken Willis	8	144
Pat Pangborn	8	174
Dan Myers	10	145
Todd Hardcastle	7	149
Zak Bahlau	6	104
Nina Czinski	6	155
Tim Abbot	11	194
Ed Robinson	7	150
David Springer	6	121
Ron Trachet	12	192
Douglas Harvey	4	113
Robert Harvey	7	118
Eric Stoel	9	146
LeeAnn Robarge	3	124
Mick Schryer	8	109
Mikailla Best	5	114
Andrew Burch	10	180
Olen Burch	8	148
Matt Stahl	10	138
Jim Naif	8	159
Matt Schonsheck	8	131
Anthony Perotti	4	145
Danny Ivan	10	145
Matt Hall	11	191
Matt Logan	11	151
Garry Applegate	7	118
Jerry Wilson	10	164
Brad Foster	9	144
Robert Decoster	9	154
Tim Westbrook	10	155
Brandon Hudgins	8	149
Dale Perry	8	159
Brian Masters	8	134
Laura Crisp	8	150
Tim Hanson	8	140
Wesley Wetherby	6	128
Richard Corgis	11	129
Kevin Vandergriff	8	175
Tyler Golembiewski	7	109
Micheal Usher Jr.	7	109
Jim Hicks	8	145
Robert Smilowski	8	151
Jerami Smilowski	3	101
Kelly Foster	1	80
Brian Lips	8	213
Steve Curtis	6	110
Ben Boldt	4	103
Dan Stockwell	8	184
Luke Yager	8	175
Clark Hayden	10	149
Jerry Meinka	8	160
Shane Sherwood	4	120
Brian Enbody	5	115
Wesley Goodwin	8	159
Chris Abke	8	165
Mark Jusick	8	147
Micheal Fugate	4	113
Billy Belanger	5	110
Matthew Snyder	10	165
Martin Suwinski	5	132
Rick Wobrock	8	124
Lynn Miller	2	65
Crystal Brickner	8	169
Keith Oneil	8	120
Scott Randall	7	120
Dennis Ray	5	130
Shaun Swetland	8	165
Kevin Carlton	8	171
Josh Jewell	8	147
Dusty Kelly	10	121
Chad Cunsford	10	217
Mike Himes	9	137
Nick Ives	12	165
Pat Keene	4	119
Mark Marusza	10	154
Don Koveleski	8	166
Kevin Binion	10	159
Jeremy Richardson	12	185
Jeff Swar	10	134
Ben Dixon	5	120
Aaron Lindeman	8	142
Tim Moore	8	170
Al Young Jr.	9	135
Kirk Wysock	7	146
David Curtis	11	187
James Stewart	12	145
Matt Trader	7	181
Joe Gutierrez	8	165
Scott Gibbs	9	187
Jerrett Hall	6	124
Jacob Schreiner	7	118
Samual Schram	4	113
Dennis White	14	158
Jered Cunningham	10	149
Dustin Rosenberger	8	138
Bob Scheik	7	141
Jeff Caler	9	154
Stephen Potbury	11	142
Randy Robinson	7	110
Mary Rokicsak	7	138
Bob Johnston	8	141
Jorja Johnston	4	90
Jody Johnston	6	100
Ralph Knott	8	142
Tracy Richardson	11	167
Dalana Trumble	6	117
David Steller	6	117
John Reed	8	104
John Young Jr.	8	157
Justin Johncox	9	165
Wade Robbins	6	150
Jeff Lynn	10	135
Gordon Gotz	8	137
Bob Cudworth	5	108
Erin Hildebrand	9	155
Steve Lawson	8	107

Outdoor adventure: Jeff Caler

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 15:33:50 UTC

I crowned the hill and the very dark-chocolate-colored doe and this beautiful buck very calmly walked into the woods. He stopped and looked back. I now have the crosshairs on the buck's vitals.

Jeff Caler of Hanover poses with the 9-point buck he shot on Nov. 18.

Jeff Caler of Hanover dropped this beautiful 9-point.

Here is his story: On Nov. 18, I pulled into my hunting spot at 2:45 p.m. and could not believe what was standing right in the middle of the field next to a bedded doe.

I parked where they both could not see me. I got out and grabbed my trusty 12-gauge, and the hunt was on.

I crowned the hill and the very dark-chocolate-colored doe and this beautiful buck very calmly walked into the woods. He stopped and looked back. I now have the crosshairs on the buck's vitals.

He is just out of my comfort zone, so I let him walk, hoping the doe would return to feed with the buck hot on her tail. From past experience, I sat at the opposite end of the field. Within 20 minutes, the doe appeared out in front of me at 50 yards. The buck was not far behind.

I watched the buck walk up over the hill near the doe. I made a perfect shot. He only went 50 yards. I was very excited when I walked up and latched on his horns: a mid-130 class, 9-point.

I thought to myself, "Wow, what a year!" My wife, Tricia, and my son, Chance, and the rest of my family were so very happy for me. I later connected on the same doe with my .44-magnum handgun.

Thank you again, J&J Meats in Horton: You guys are the best! Thanks again.

Outdoor Adventures

Young hunter captures his first deer in Horton

Stockbridge man pursues and bags 25-pound turkey

Jackson boy takes second place in fishing tournament with big catch

Outdoor adventure: Bud & Lee Stevens

Outdoor adventure: Bob Craft & Don Falk

Outdoor adventure: Brad Flory

Outdoor adventure: Sherman & Kyle Berkeypile

Outdoor adventure: Bob Priest

Outdoor adventure: Kristen Wilkerson

Outdoor adventure: Brenda Perry

Outdoor adventure: Josh Kelly

Outdoor adventure: Joe Childs

Outdoor adventure: Matt Snyder

Outdoor adventure: Richard P. Smith

Book signing

Trophies of the week for Nov. 9

Fitch's Taxidermy

Knutson's Recreational Sales

Outdoor adventure: Jeff Caler