WHITETALES Building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION

SUMMER PRACTICE MAKES FOR CONFIDENT SHOTS BY PETE ROGERS

WHITETAIL WATERHOLE STRATEGY BY TODD DAVIS

SELECTING A DEER CARTRIDGE BY ROY WELCH

HINGE POINTS IN PUBLIC LAND HUNTING BY TERRY T. CLAPP

SUMMER 2022

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From the

Editor

Teamwork makes the dream work�

Among the barriers non-profit conservation organizations such as MDHA face are those outdoorspeople whose “intentions are good” (“Don’t Let Me Be Understood,” The Animals, 1967), but their focus is either single-issued or they are unwilling to compromise and abide by a group’s consensus. Simply put, although they love deer and deer hunting, some deer hunters are not MDHA members basically because they are “not getting their way.” If you are looking for past and present examples, consider these issues: timber wolves, baiting, recreational feeding, rifles in farmland, antler point restrictions, “party” hunting (cross-tagging), TIP, trespass laws, CWD, early youth seasons, crossbows, amounts of money chapters can retain, food plots, baiting… the list goes on. Sadly, albeit realistically, the list also contains not only many of the reasons why dedicated hunters do not join MDHA, but also leave us. What we must understand about this non-joining or not renewing is, as the old anonymous saying goes, “There is no �I’ in teamwork,” and, without a team very little gets done. Like leadership author John Maxwell once wrote, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” Defined, teamwork is nothing more than a collaboration with goals and objectives, like MDHA’s pledge “to build our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education, advocacy and legislation.” There are, of course, many examples of collaboration, ranging from teaming up at home to do chores to problem-solving to work-related issues. There are also varying forms of collaboration: networking, joining forces for a common mission where every team member shares the overall goal and direction, understanding each’s complementary strengths and forming a wholeness to pursue that common mission. As a case in point, to reference an example of MDHA’s commitment to collaborate, look on pages 6-7 of this issue where MDHA Grants Coordinator Kim Washburn excellently chronicles MDHA’s involvement in the Minnesota Moose Collaborative. It is an eye-opening account of what MDHA and others are doing to save our dwindling moose herd. Regarding deer hunting and hunting, trapping and fishing overall, because their futures actually go beyond the biological, reaching into sociological with the pro-animal, anti-hunting movements, and diminishing hunter participation, especially among the young, rather than being concerned, we also now see in the outdoor community a creeping apathy over that decline. Not to be an alarmist doomsayer, but if we who have hunted, trapped and fished for many moons stand idly on the sidelines and do not “collaborate” by joining organizations that are dedicated to protecting our outdoor traditions, we will be an example of what John Stuart Mill said in 1857, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” Therefore, whether you are a Ford vehicle person or not and although he had some philosophical demons, Henry Ford was right when he said, “Coming together is a beginning, staying together is progress, and working together is success.” To ensure our hunting, trapping and fishing’s futures, we need actually come together rather than just talk about it and work for the betterment of not only deer and deer hunting, but our priceless outdoors and world in general. As prominent American minister and Yale professor H.E. Luccock once said, “No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.” Whitetails forever, Rod Dimich, Editor Whitetales is the official magazine of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association, a tax-exempt, non-profit organization dedicated to improving Minnesota’s whitetail deer population. The MDHA is exempt under section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code. Whitetales effectively communicates MDHA’s chief purpose “building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy.” Articles and photographs portray the beauty, value and importance of whitetail deer while relating to the thrill of hunting the species. If you have a service or a product that appeals to deer hunters and enthusiasts, Whitetales is the best advertising medium available. The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association is pleased to present a variety of views in Whitetales magazine. The intent is to inform readers and encourage healthy discussion of important wildlife and conservation issues. The statements and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the view of Whitetales or MDHA. Likewise, the appearance of advertisers or their identification as members of MDHA does not constitute an endorsement. The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association welcomes contributions from readers. All materials: manuscripts, artwork and photography must be electronically sent. Send all material to [email protected]. Material should be a maximum of 150 words, articles a maximum of 500 – 800 words. If a reprint from a newspaper is submitted, permission must be obtained and an electronic copy must be sent. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited materials.

2 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

WHITETALES MNDEERHUNTERS.COM

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Craig Engwall > [email protected] PRESIDENT Denis Quarberg > [email protected] VICE PRESIDENT Denny Lemler > [email protected] SECRETARY Robin Vogen > [email protected] Kim Nelson > [email protected] TREASURER Garth Albers > [email protected] MEMBER AT LARGE Jim Vogen > [email protected] REGIONAL DIRECTORS REGION ONE Stuart Weston >

REGION EIGHT Dustin Shourds >

REGION TWO Josh Salisbury >

REGION NINE Scott Minks >

[email protected]

[email protected]

REGION THREE Dale Irish >

[email protected]

REGION FOUR Dano Crandall >

[email protected]

REGION FIVE Diane Britton >

[email protected]

REGION SIX Curt Brazier >

[email protected]

REGION SEVEN Mark Nohre >

[email protected]

[email protected]

REGION TEN Terry Alfson >

[email protected]

REGION ELEVEN Brent Thompson >

[email protected]

REGION TWELVE Jim Vogen >

[email protected]

REGION THIRTEEN Marc Schwabenlander >

[email protected]

[email protected]

MDHA STAFF MERCHANDISE/MARKETING COORDINATOR Dean Jacobs > [email protected] EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Kim Dobberstein > [email protected] FINANCE COORDINATOR Renee Thompson > [email protected] GRANTS COORDINATOR Kim Washburn > [email protected] DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Mercedes Akinseye > [email protected] MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Heidi Lindquist > [email protected] PUBLISHER > Minnesota Deer Hunters Association 460 Peterson Road | Grand Rapids, MN 55744 800.450.DEER (MN) / p: 218.327.1103 / f: 218.327.1349 EDITOR > Rod Dimich > [email protected] LAYOUT, DESIGN & PRINTING > Brainerd Dispatch, A Forum Communications company www.brainerddispatch.com | Brainerd, MN ADVERTISING > Dean Jacobs [email protected] / 218.999.4617 EVENT & PUBLICATION COORDINATOR Bri Stacklie > [email protected] �Independent Contractor

Whitetales Building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION

Contents

SUMMER 2022

SUMMER PRACTICE MAKES FOR CONFIDENT SHOTS BY PETE ROGERS

WHITETAIL WATERHOLE STRATEGY BY TODD DAVIS

SELECTING A DEER CARTRIDGE BY ROY WELCH

HINGE POINTS IN PUBLIC LAND HUNTING BY TERRY T. CLAPP

SUMMER 2022

ABOUT THE COVER

Two whitetailed bucks with velvet antlers in an open meadow.

Departments

14

IN EVERY ISSUE

From the President’s Stand .... 4 The Outlook................................ 5 MDHA $$$ At Work .................. 6 Capitol Comments .................... 8 Around the State ..................... 20 Honing Your Outdoor Skills .. 26 MDHA Marketplace ................ 28 What’s Cookin’? ....................... 41 Deer Hunting Memories ........ 42 Tips & Treasures ...................... 48 Gizmos, Gadgets, Garments & Gear..................... 53 Hidden Object Contest .......... 54 Daylight in the Swamp ........... 56 IN THIS ISSUE

The Minnesota DNR’s “Cone Reforestation Effort” ............... 18 Troy Holcomb

Carbon Markets – Are They Right for You? ......... 38 Stan Grossman

Loss of the Outdoor Generalist.................................. 40 Mark Norquist

Member Story: Where Have Our Traditional Family Values in The Outdoors Gone?......................................... 50 Dr. Michael Brooks

FEATURES

10

Summer Practice Makes for Confident Shots

14 30 34 44

Whitetail Waterhole Strategy

By Pete Rogers

By Todd Davis

Selecting a Deer Cartridge By Roy Welch

DIY Permanent All-Weather Elevated Blind By J. Wayne Fears

Hinge Points in Public Land Hunting By Terry T. Clapp

MDHA affiliates:

Clover: A Good Choice for Summer Food Plots ................ 52 Jim Sobolik

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 3

From the President’s Denis Quarberg / MDHA PRESIDENT

PROMOTE, RESPECT, PROTECT…

As I crest the hill overlooking the cornfield, I am happily surprised. Three bucks are feeding along the tree line. It is nice to see some velvet covered antler growth and that the corn is almost to the point of hiding the deer. This deer viewing, however, is more than just scouting, it is all part of the excitement leading up to opening day. Seeing my food plots being used is truly rewarding because I know I have helped keep our deer herd healthy and strong. Some may question, “Why would I be concerned about food plots in the land of corn and beans?” To answer that, let me point out that farming practices have changed greatly over the years. For one thing, farm machinery is much more efficient today. Take combines for corn and bean harvesting, for example. Twenty years ago, it was not uncommon for a machine to leave 4 to 10 bushels of corn on the ground. Plus, fall tillage was not as popular as today. This created a pantry of food for our wildlife. Today’s machines leave less than two bushels per acre. Then, add in that fall tillage has become much more popular. When all of this happens, there is virtually no food left for wildlife. For these reasons, food plots have become very important. I have discussed the importance of food plots with the MN DNR and they now have also incorporated food plots in many WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas). This is also definitely something that can be done in areas from the northeastern Minnesota’s big woods to the southeast’s driftless areas. No matter where, food is an essential part of wildlife survival. And, it is not just to have food during the winter months. It is important that these animals are ready for their basically winter starvation time. And, yes, deer do go into a starvation mode during winter. If you have not used MDHA’s Conservation Seed or the Apple Tree program, by the way, do so. They are a start to hunting’s full circle. However, keep in mind not every member is going to plant a food plot or an orchard. That

4 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

is not the intent. But, every food plot or tree planting you do benefits all the wildlife in that area. That said, what can you do if you hunt the big woods? Simply be aware there is a great benefit in planting little “honey hole” plots that are ¼ acre and smaller. Believe it or not, food plots do not need to be multiple acres to be beneficial. To find out more, there are many YouTube videos out there on “how to” create these “honey holes.” Moreover, ATV & UTV attachments are now affordable and efficient. Doing so will expand your hunt to a year around activity. On another exciting note, our early spring banquets were very encouraging! I know for sure my own chapter had a very good turnout and people were very excited to be out enjoying the activities. I was also able to attend a few other banquets and they too were very well attended. On a high note, as of April 1st, our membership numbers were on the way back up, plus there were several more scheduled banquets at this writing so I am confident our numbers will continue to grow. We all know that the membership is the core to MDHA. On another summer hunting prep note, safety-check your stands. If you are using a homemade or store-bought stands, make sure they are safe. If you left your ladder or hang-on stands out over the winter, take them down and replace the straps. It is also very important to loosen the straps in the off-season to prevent tree damage. I once saw a stand, in fact, that someone had strapped down with a chain and the tree grew around it so the chain was under the bark. I have also seen limbs and even the whole tree die from straps. Another high note is our Forkhorn Camps are underway! Although this is kind of a rebuilding year for most of them and they will have some challenges, the camps’ futures are bright. I hope you were able to get some of your youth to a camp. Sad to say, but due to the limiting of dates, some families that

procrastinated were probably left out. As a side note, your chapter might need to start promoting these earlier to make sure there are camps for the kids to attend. As I continue on my observation route, I am seeing some twin fawns in the beans and the does look to be in very good condition. I also freshened up my mineral sites (note: make sure you are not in a restricted area before putting out lick sites). My camera sightings have shown me these sites need to be replenished at greenup as peak activity is from late March through the end of July. I normally try and add some mineral to the site every month. This also gives me an opportunity to change my camera cards and install new batteries if needed. I also try to take someone on every scouting trip. Yes, whether I change cards, add minerals or are just going for a drive, I bring a friend or a youngster. It is not only nice to have some one to visit with, the excitement recruits more hunters. This is my way of introducing someone into the outdoors, something we as good sportsmen and women need to do more of. Why would we not bring someone? Maybe the fear of losing your prime hunting site? Sharing might be a better word. Speaking of hunting sites. If you hunt on another’s land with permission, treat those landowners with high respect and they will respect you as well. On a personal note, “respect” is something many of us grew up with as kids, especially those of us who had had older brothers who you did not “lip off” to or call them out. If you did there was always some sort of pain to go with it. I learned very fast that the results were not worth it. As the year moves closer to our favorite time, hunting season, we need to continue to promote sportsmanship and management. To respect our natural resources. To protect our deer and deer hunting by focusing on habitat, education, advocacy, and legislation. To make our world a little better each day. Thank you for the honor of being your president!

Craig Engwall / MDHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MINNESOTA’S WINTER SEVERITY INDEX - WHY IN THE WORLD AM I WRITING ABOUT THIS NOW? As you cast out your Lindy Rig and swat at a deer fly, you probably aren’t thinking back to how rugged last winter was in northern Minnesota. Yet, now is the time of year when you are first going to get a really good idea of what kind of impact winter had on the deer herd. How many deer are you seeing? How many does have twins? Do the number of twins seem comparable to last year or are there fewer? Winter severity doesn’t only affect the over-winter survival of adult deer; it can also affect the spring recruitment. Fawn survival and production may decrease as much as 30% the summer after a severe or very severe winter. Although does have a better over-winter survival rate than bucks and fawns, their poor body condition after a severe winter means newborn fawn survival will be lower. A bad winter does more than just impact deer survival, it also can impact body size, antler development and overall herd health. Heavy snow and cold temperatures can make it difficult for deer to find food, so they burn fat reserves faster in order to survive. When those fat reserves are gone, they begin to burn muscle mass that can lead to death. Normally, deer are well-adapted to survive winters in the north. Their winter coats have hollow hair, almost like a multipaned window, that helps them conserve body heat. Their metabolism slows during the winter, too, so with the typical decreased winter movement that requires less food, most deer are well-equipped to navigate the winter in relatively good condition. This is why March snowstorms and below-average temperatures that coincide with their

increased metabolism at this time of year can be hard on them. Unfortunately, the winter of 2021-22 was a very harsh one in much of northern Minnesota with many areas having a Winter Severity Index (WSI) in excess of 120 points. The WSI is a tool the DNR uses to measure the effect cold temperatures and deep snow has on the deer population. In Minnesota, the WSI is calculated by accumulating a point for each day the temperature is zero or below and a point for each day there is 15 or more inches of snow on the ground. In an interview with the Mesabi Tribune, retired DNR Tower Area Wildlife Manager Tom Rusch stated that snow depth and duration of deep snow cover are the two most important factors when it comes to deer winter survival. “Deep snow and extreme cold are typically factors from mid-December to early April in a normal northern St. Louis County winter, averaging 110-120 days,” Rusch said. The most devastating winters for deer are the ones that start early and last too long. Rusch added that after the late January deep freeze, deer are utilizing heavy conifer cover. As the season changes, patterns change as well, and the longer and harder the winter gets, the more dramatic the effect on the herd. During a normal winter, with a WSI score less than 100, deer show normal behavior and are dispersed across the winter range, Rusch noted. When the WSI climbs into the 101 to 140 range, deer start to show less willingness to run and tend to cluster in high quality conifer and only move on heavy trails, using snowmobile and plowed roads when they can.

When winter reaches the moderately severe level, with a WSI between 140 and 180, the deer start to appear fuzzy-faced, pretty much stick to the well-worn trails or roads, and starvation starts to be a factor. At the same time wolves will consume less of a deer, preferring only certain parts that aren’t tainted. During a severe winter, where scores reach 180 to 210, wolves will only kill for surplus and often times dead deer are found untouched by predators or scavengers. Live deer will be found unwilling to run or try to escape and there is heavy starvation and predation. “Deeper snow is the biggest issue. Mobility is reduced, especially for fawns. Trail networks are reduced. Deep snow has a cumulative impact on body condition and predator escape options,” Rusch said. “The biggest losses are at the end of winter when deer hit the wall. Wolf predation takes its biggest toll in April during deep snow winters. We had 30 to 40 inches of snow by the tail-end of the winter of 2012-13 in the north end of St Louis County.” Rusch added that the best-case scenario for deer is an early spring. Some winters break in mid-March and by mid-April the fields and roadsides are greening up. “In an average winter we see winter receding in early April,” he said. Hopefully, the deer herd in your area came through the winter well and you are seeing a good number of does with twins. And, I also thought it would be easier to read about severe winters with deep snow and below zero temperatures when you are wearing shorts and a tee shirt instead of long johns and choppers. Watch those antlers grow and enjoy your summer to the fullest!

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 5

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROGER HILL

THE MINNESOTA MOOSE HABITAT COLLABORATIVE HAS RESTORED AND ENHANCED 17,440 ACRES OF MOOSE HABITAT IN NORTHEAST MINNESOTA BY KIM WASHBURN, MDHA GRANTS COORDINATOR

The stately manner of moose lends a majestic quality to our landscape. They are the largest member of the deer species that for the most part live quiet solitary lives and if we are lucky we have a rare chance to see them in the wild. Moose have a significant value to hunters as well as non-hunters for cultural identity, hunting heritage and economy of northern Minnesota. Moose are often depicted in art, decorations, children’s books, photos and in business names. In Minnesota, moose were historically found across the northern part of the state, however, due to declining numbers, they are for the most part now primarily found in the northeast. The reasons for the decline of moose across northern Minnesota has had the attention of biologists, wildlife managers, politicians and outdoor enthusiasts. Moose

6 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

have been the subject of many studies on their biology, survival rates, habitat requirements and effects of climate change to try to find out why their numbers and range are declining. The concern for the declining numbers caused the Minnesota State Legislature in 2008 to direct the MN Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) to establish a Moose Advisory Committee. The committee made recommendations to the MN DNR to establish a management and research plan. There is a wealth of information in the Minnesota Moose Research and Management Plan with several objectives identified to address the decline of moose. The full report can be found by searching for Moose Management on the MN DNR’s website at dnr.state.mn.us.

Because moose have historically been a part of Minnesota’s landscape and highly revered, MDHA was inspired to help the largest member of the deer family. Multiple agencies including state, federal, county, tribal, university and non-profit organizations came together to form a collaborative to work on one of the objectives from the Minnesota Moose Research and Management Plan, specifically the one that dealt with improving moose habitat. Individuals from several agencies put together a plan to restore and enhance critical habitat to encourage a healthier, ecologically diverse and balanced landscape condition with the focus on benefiting moose while also benefiting Minnesota’s forests and other wildlife species. The plan

was to be carried out on public land in the Arrowhead Region including Lake, Cook and St. Louis Counties. It takes a large sum of money and resources for a project of this magnitude. The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association was approached with the opportunity to lead a grant project to bring the various agencies together and to manage the finances. To cover the finances, MDHA applied for and was awarded a Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council grant (LSOHC), which are funded by the Outdoor Heritage Fund. The grant was titled the “Minnesota Moose Habitat Collaborative” to recognize bringing the various agencies together for the benefit of moose. Due to the success of the collaboration, over the course of several years MDHA was awarded two more grants. In all there were three separate grants that were awarded with Phase I in Fiscal Year 2013 for $960,000, Phase II in Fiscal Year 2014 for $2,000,000 and Phase III in Fiscal Year 2018 for $1,938,000. MDHA was awarded a total of $4,898,000 for the three phases. Serving as the grantee, MDHA held the responsibility for managing the grant finances and accomplishment reporting to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The partners each offered their expertise in caring out the accomplishment plan for each of the phases, including: planning projects, budget estimating, hiring contractors, supervising work on the sites, tracking completed work, paying contractor invoices, grant fund reimbursements and accomplishment reporting. The Nature Conservancy provided key services, including the role of tracking accomplishments and providing reporting data to MDHA. The Superior National Forest provided the work budget and a biologist review of the work performed. The 1854 Treaty Authority, Fond du Lac Band and U of M’s Natural Resources Research

Disk trenching to reduce competition and prepare seedling planting bed. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE COUNTY

institute conducted monitoring services to determine success of management efforts. Some of the treatment types used were: shearing, brush saw release, bud-capping, prescribed burns, mowing and tree planting. Many of the treatments were accomplished over several years to get the desired end result. An example of a typical project began with identifying a site in need of regeneration, clearing the site with brush saw crews, planting trees, protecting the trees with bud-caps once trees are established and the completion is released (removed).

THANK YOU PROJECT PARTNERS: Organizations: Minnesota Deer Hunters Association The Nature Conservancy Ruffed Grouse Society Federal, State and Counties: Superior National Forest MN Department of Natural Resources Cook County Lake County St. Louis County Tribal: 1854 Treaty Authority Fond du Lac Band Grand Portage Band University: University of Minnesota Duluth Natural Resources Research Institute

Seedlings were brought to sites for planting. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE COUNTY

The partners just wrapped up the third phase of the Minnesota Moose Habitat Collaborative. Since 2013, during the three phases we accomplished 17,440 acres of restoration and enhancement of habitat on county, state, federal and Tribal lands in St. Louis, Lake and Cook Counties. The collaborative has made a huge impact by planting over four million trees including white spruce, white pine, jack pine and white cedar during the three phases. The project treatments helped regenerate preferred brush and tree species that improved the quality of moose browse. Field sampling and aerial surveys conducted by the 1854 Treaty Authority, U of M Natural Resources Research Institute and the Fond du Lac Band and other agency and tribal biologists are showing that moose are preferentially using the sites that were treated through this project. MDHA has stepped aside as the grantee for the Minnesota Moose Habitat Collaborative and worked with The Ruffed Grouse Society to support them in taking over as the grantee. RGS has recently

been awarded the fourth phase of the collaborative. The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association thanks their partners on this collaboration, our members continued support, the support from the taxpayers of Minnesota and Minnesota’s State Legislature for continuing to make habitat a high priority.

Funding for this project was provided from the Outdoor Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature and recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC) to restore, protect, and enhance Minnesota’s wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife.

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 7

CAPITOL COMMENTS

When the Minnesota Legislature came back from the Easter and Passover Break, both the Senate and House of Representatives continued their work on omnibus budget and policy bills containing numerous initiatives on policy and spending. The legislative approach that took shape in the Republican-led Senate and DFL-led House were vastly different. The biggest question of this legislative session was what the Legislature decided to do with a projected $9.25 billion surplus, much of which could be left uncommitted if lawmakers cannot reach a compromise. Typically, in even-year sessions, lawmakers will consider passing small, supplemental budget bills that reflect the February forecast, but this year, due to the massive budget surplus, there was increased pressure to pass significant budget investments and permanent tax cuts. The Republican controlled Senate proposed $8 billion in tax cuts over the next three years while, in contrast, the DFL House proposed tax cuts are about $3 billion. The results were not completed as this issue went to press. Perhaps the most difficult bill to pass because it requires a super majority in both chambers was the bonding bill. The federal funds for infrastructure are likely to impact the types of projects that will end up in the bonding bill as they could cover some of the infrastructure projects that would typically require cities and counties to pass a bond referendum. How the federal programs will roll out was still being determined, but the dollar impact will be sizeable and

8 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

may free up significant bonding bill space for vertical construction and deferred maintenance. Legislators and the governor’s office indicated they are amenable to an exceptionally large bonding package in 2022. House and Senate Finance Committees rolled out their omnibus budget bills and spent the upcoming weeks passing them through their respective chambers. After bills are passed off each chamber’s floor, Conference Committees were named to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions. This was a particularly tricky task this year given the vast differences in approaches from the DFL controlled House and the GOP led Senate. While the governor, legislative leaders, and legislators focused on their priorities, the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) was actively engaged on several different fronts. The following is a partial, not comprehensive, list of some of those initiatives: Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) MDHA continued to support aggressive efforts to contain and eradicate this devastating disease. We supported legislative efforts to implement a moratorium on new cervid farm registrations but allow a person holding a valid registration to sell or transfer the person’s herd and registration to a family member, voluntary buyout of registered operations, antemortem testing of farmed cervids once a validated test is approved by the USDA, Importation Ban that requires a person must not import cervids from any

BY CORY BENNETT, MDHA LEGISLATIVE CONSULTANT

herd originating from a state or province where CWD has been detected in either farmed or wild cervids. Wolf Management MDHA continued to advocate for the delisting of the gray wolf from the Endangered List. We also maintained support of Minnesota’s continued hunting and trapping of wolves as part of Minnesota’s overall wolf management program. Eliminating shotgun-only deer hunting zones in Minnesota MDHA supported legislation giving hunters the option in southern and western Minnesota to use rifles. According to the Department of Natural Resources, existing restrictions have less to do with hunter safety than with deer population management. Eliminating Antler Point Restrictions (APR) MDHA has supported this type of legislation for several years and has a longstanding resolution opposing APR anywhere in the state. Portable Stands on WMAs in NW Minnesota Once again, MDHA supported allowing portable stands to be left in place on WMAs in NW Minnesota. The constitutional deadline for adjournment of the 2022 Legislative Session was May 23rd, 2022.

UT

SUMMER PRACTICE MAKES FOR

CONFIDENT SHOTS

BY PETE ROGERS 10 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

Being a guest on a television show is not it’s all cracked up to be. In December of 2018, I was hunting with longtime friends Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo of Archer’s Choice TV at their farm in northwest Illinois. It was cold with two feet of fresh snow on the ground. Their camera man, Chad Turrell, and I were sitting in a big oak along a travel route towards a soybean field. With the heavy snowfall, we guessed the deer would be moving earlier than normal to reach the soybeans. At 4:00 pm, I saw movement of a buck heading in our direction from my right to my left. If he stayed on the same trail, he would pass by at 32 yards. A chip shot for me. After all, I had been practicing all summer in preparation for this deer hunt. Standing up slowly, I got Chad’s attention. He was already on the buck with his camera as it moved through the woods. Just like we hoped, the buck stopped at 32 yards. I drew my Hoyt Nitrux, settled the pin on his shoulder, and asked Chad, “Are you on him?” “Yes,” he said, and I released the arrow. The green glowing nock told the story as it sailed a foot over the buck’s back! I was stunned as the buck bounded off back in the direction he came. “What happened?” I asked myself over and over again. Did I flinch? Did I move? Was the sight pin correct? All this went through my head repeatedly while I watched the buck at 80 yards through the snowcovered woods. If you have bow hunted long enough, you have missed deer that you should have hit, or worse, you wounded them and never recovered them. How can we as hunters prevent this from happening? Let’s look at some things to do ahead of time to minimize these events. Ralph calls it the five P’s, “Proper Practice Promotes Perfect Placement.” In other words, when we train properly, we ensure ourselves our best chance when it matters the most. So, when the moment of truth arrives, we are prepared and ready to make the perfect shot.

To be clear, we will assume you already have a bow, have selected the perfect arrows and are ready for practice. Proper practice begins with consistent practice. Shoot a little every day or every other day as often as you can. The more familiar you are with your equipment and shooting techniques, the deadlier you will be when the time comes. Cianciarulo recommends when practicing to start close, real close - 10 yards. Draw your bow, hold it, aim, and fire into the target. (Never dry fire your bow.) Doing this at close range lets you focus on form and not accuracy. Feeling your form is essential to consistent shot placement. Do this for six to twelve shots. Now back up five yards and repeat this process. (One quick note: make sure

your field tips are the exact weight of the broadheads you will be hunting with.) Most bow-kill bucks occur inside of 30 yards. Therefore, practice most of your shots inside 30 yards. Remember, at this point you are working on building muscle, strengthening your upper back and your arms and consistent form. Later, we will focus on accuracy. The targets we use can have an impact on our practice. I have used bag targets, 3-D targets, block style targets, and sealed foam targets. Cianciarulo agrees that shooting 3-D targets trains your brain to see the whole animal but focuses on one section of the animal. “Aim small, miss small” is an adage in shooting, and it is true in archery also. Picking out a small point on the target and

trying to hit that spot helps you steady the bow and make shots where it counts. But, there is a place for layered foam targets also. Placing small dots on the target forces the mind to concentrate on smaller points and helps to shoot smaller. Much of the summer I shoot typical bullseye-target faces to help me with my form. As hunting season draws closer, I switch to 3-D targets to train my mind for more realistic shots. This is the same time I introduce broadheads into the mix. Practicing with the same broadheads I will hunt with allows me to know exactly where that arrow will hit when a live deer is in front of me. Sacrificing a broadhead or two for proper practice makes sense and builds confidence. As you get proficient with your equipment, start backing up. It takes a lot more control and form to shoot past 40 yards than it does inside of 40 yards. Even if you would never shoot at an animal that was at 60 yards, practicing at 60 yards gives you more control at 25 yards. Placing six arrows in a kill zone at 60 yards is rewarding, and it promotes perfect placement of the shot. Jeff Young of Greenville, SC has taken many great bucks across the country with his bow. Young shares his practice routine, “My practice routine consists of me taking 6 arrows and shooting from random distances in my yard.” Young goes on to explain that in a hunting situation, you seldom get a perfect 20-yard shot or 30-yard shot. Most shots are 22.5 yards or 27 yards, 32 yards etc. “By practicing at random yardages, it forces me to range the target, set my sight and make a good shot,” he says. To spice things up, Young also practices shooting his 3-D target from different angles. “By shooting at different angles, I know where to aim if the buck is quartering away or quartering to me,” he explains. As someone who shoots a moveable sight pin, a tactic I employ is to practice ranging the target, setting my sight, then drawing and shooting the target within a specified time frame, usually under five seconds.

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 11

By practicing this, I am able to repeat this process in the field, when it matters most. Just last season, a big doe was meandering through the woods near my stand. I quickly ranged her, adjusted my sight, and made a perfect shot. I know that practicing this tactic is what sealed the deal on this big doe. Cianciarulo also emphasizes shooting in the clothes you will hunt in. “If you hunt in gloves, practice in gloves. If you hunt with a face mask, practice with a face mask and so on,” he advises. It makes a difference at the moment of truth. Lastly, if you hunt from a treestand, take the extra effort to set your sights for shooting from an elevated position. The angles of the shots can have a tremendous effect on your shot placement. Take the time to hang a stand near your practice area. By practicing from an elevated position, you can improve your chances for making the best shot possible. (Always wear your safety harness when shooting elevated.) As that buck stood there at 80 yards wondering what just happened, I was playing the event over and over in my mind. “What did I do wrong?” I kept asking myself. When all hope was gone, the buck caught sight of a doe that was working behind my stand. He began to move back in my direction. As he moved through the thicket, I ranged an opening in front of him, adjusted my sight and drew. When he stepped into the opening, I aimed, held, and released the Easton FMJ at 27 yards. This time the arrow found its mark, and the buck was mine. The second time was the charm. Looking back at what happened, I realized that I had not practiced wearing my heavy hunting clothes, and the bulky coat caused me to hold the bow differently and that affected my shot placement. Thankfully, I was able to get a second chance and make the shot. Hunters work so hard to get the opportunity to take a good buck. Missing him because we didn’t put in the work in the summer is something we never forget. Taking the time to practice, and practice well, prepares us for the moment when the buck of our dreams presents himself.

12 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

“

If you hunt in gloves, practice in gloves. If you hunt with a face mask, practice with a face mask and so on

”

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 13

2017 Pat and �Forky,� a nickname from the buck�s younger years. PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT REEVE AND DRIVEN WITH PAT AND NICOLE

WATERHOL E STRATEGY WHITETAIL BY TODD DAVIS

During the dog days of summer, many hunters go to extreme measures to provide convenient water sources for their deer herd. Without a doubt, whitetails love a good waterhole, but without a good strategy, many hunters waste a lot of time and money with little to show for it. With that said, MDHA members like Pat Reeve take big bucks over waterholes every year. If you have ever watched Driven with Pat and Nicole on The Outdoor Channel, you know Pat is a big believer in waterholes for

14 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

whitetail. The Boone and Crocket bucks hanging on his waterhole wall are proof his strategy is spot-on. What If My Property Has Water? If spring and summer are particularly dry, many hunters will spend a lot of money and go to a lot of trouble to build a waterhole for their deer. If they have a lot of rain in the spring and summer, they don’t give a waterhole a second thought. Pat looks at waterholes much differently. He uses a

two-story house as an analogy, “If you are upstairs in your master bedroom, you don’t walk downstairs for drink of water. You use a cup in the upstairs bathroom.” Likewise, if a buck is bedded down on a bluff, he is not going to walk down the bluff for a drink of water. He will use the waterhole available on top of the bluff. Decisions, Decisions The first and one of the most important decisions you must consider is where is

the best place to put your waterhole. You want a secluded spot that deer can slip in undetected. Your waterhole should give deer a false sense of security. Staging areas are usually in cover next to a food plot or other agricultural fields deer feed. Look for an area deer tend to stage in before they hit the fields for the evening. Staging Area Waterholes Don’t hesitate to put the waterhole right in the staging area. The surrounding cover gives deer the sense of security they need. Big bucks want to feel like they can slip in and out undetected. From a waterhole standpoint, the cover slows down evaporation and provides a place for tree stands or ground blinds. Before you build your waterhole, know where you will put your stand and if the wind will be right come fall. Look for likely avenues of approach that deer will take to reach the water. You can place your stand for a broadside or quartering away shot with a little planning.

their food source. A stand within shooting range of the waterhole is a great place to hunt during the warm weather of an early deer season.

Waterhole in Corner.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT REEVE AND DRIVEN WITH PAT AND NICOLE

Building a waterhole in the corner of a tree line but just outside of cover is less challenging than building a waterhole in the timber. There is less cover to thin or remove and often the soil has fewer roots and rocks to deal with. A properly placed waterhole can also draw deer from nearby areas that may otherwise never visit your hunting property. Pat is quick to encourage everyone to build waterholes; he points out he started on a small property of just 20 acres. Waterholes changed the property from one with transient deer to one with residential deer.

Building a waterhole right in a staging area comes with its own set of challenges. If the staging area is in thick timber, you may have trees to cut and stumps to pull. You will have shooting lanes to cut and limbs to trim. You may have a lot of rocks and roots to remove to make a smooth waterhole bottom. These are all challenges to consider when planning a whitetail waterhole.

Food Plot Waterholes Another location to place a waterhole is directly in the food plot. Pat points out if there is not a competing water source close, a water hole in a secluded food plot works great. Although this is not always ideal, if the food plot is secluded enough, he will put a waterhole right in the food plot. If it is not secluded enough, deer hesitate to visit the waterhole during daylight hours. If you’re trying to direct deer to a certain food plot area, a well-placed waterhole can send them down the right path. It may be just what you need to lure deer from the middle of the food plot and closer to your tree stand.

Corner Pocket Waterhole Pat builds 20 to 30 waterholes a year. In some cases, the terrain dictates he build his waterhole on the edge of heavy cover, but not actually in the timber. The corner of thick cover is an ideal choice and provides cover on at least two sides of the waterhole. Deer will stage in the cover and come out to water in the evening. After they drink their fill, they move to the nearby food source. Knowing this, Pat never wants a waterhole far from where deer bed and on the way to

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT REEVE AND DRIVEN WITH PAT AND NICOLE

Waterhole Near Staging Area.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT REEVE AND DRIVEN WITH PAT AND NICOLE

Waterhole and Velvet Buck.

Deciding if your property is best suited for a waterhole in a staging area, just outside the timber, or in a food plot is important. Equally important is access. Can deer access the waterhole easily, do they feel secure around your waterhole, and is the waterhole on the way from a bedding area to a main food source are all questions to consider. You should also consider hunter access. Can you sneak in and sneak out without being noticed? Is there enough cover in the winter to hide your approach? Consider these questions when deciding the best location for your waterhole. How Big Should Your Waterhole Be? After you have decided on the final resting place of your waterhole, you now need to decide what type of waterhole is best for the situation at hand. There are really only two types of waterholes that Pat Reeve and the Driven crew use. If the soil is just too rocky, the cover too thick or the property owner doesn’t want a lot of digging, they go with the Earth Pond by Earth Blinds. If the location can support a larger waterhole and they have time, they go the DIY route and build the waterhole themselves. Quick and Easy Waterhole The Earth Ponds come in 50, 80 and 250-gallon sizes. The heavy-duty fiber glass ponds are infused with earth and other minerals right from the earth. They have a more natural shape than livestock tanks and are made specifically for wildlife. The more natural shape will not spook a mature buck, they don’t associate Earth Pond with humans. The textured surface and wildlifefriendly design allow small animals to escape without a critter stick. The “no mud” edge protects against EHD and Bluetongue. For more on the Earth Pond, check out www. earthblind.com.

Earth Pond and Topsoil Layer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT REEVE AND DRIVEN WITH PAT AND NICOLE

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 15

Depending on the soil in your area, you can install an earth blind with just a shovel. Simply cut the outline of the Earth Pond you choose with a shovel and to a depth just more than the shovel’s blade is long. Once the hole is dug, then place the Earth Pond in and pack soil around the edge. A layer of topsoil in the bottom of the Earth Pond will make the water look and taste more natural to deer. Next, add water, or you can wait for the rain. It’s always good to hang a game camera near the waterhole to take inventory of the deer stopping by for a drink.

Watering in Earth Pond.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT REEVE AND DRIVEN WITH PAT AND NICOLE

DIY Waterhole If the location calls for a larger waterhole, Pat and the team build one themselves. First, they use a skid-steer or Bobcat with tracks to remove the topsoil. They keep the topsoil in an area by itself for use later. The shape of the waterhole is much like that of a 25x30 feet cereal bowl and is four to five feet deep. Rocks, roots and other debris are moved to another location. It is important to remove rocks and roots from the bottom of the waterhole. You want it as smooth and packed as hard as possible.

DIY Waterhole.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAT REEVE AND DRIVEN WITH PAT AND NICOLE

16 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

Pat prefers not to build the waterhole to catch run-off. The run-off will silt in the waterhole, and you will eventually need to remove the dirt. Also, run-off can eventually wash-out the banks or sides of the waterhole. After you have used the skid-steer to pack the dirt down, it’s time to add the tarp. An 8-mil 20x50 foot tarp is recommended. If you are using a 30x50 foot 5-mill tarp, then fold it in half so you have a 25x30 foot tarp. Then, spread across the waterhole. The tarp will serve as a liner to hold water in the waterhole. Next, you want to lock in the edges by the putting topsoil you saved earlier along the sides with the skid-steer. Make sure the topsoil is free of rocks or anything sharp. Once the sides and ends are locked in, you will have to cover the rest of the tarp with topsoil using shovels. You will want to make sure there are roughly 18 to 24-inches of topsoil covering the tarp. After that, it is time to pack it down. Pack it down using your four-wheeler. It’s kind of fun to do and a good chance to keep your younger help busy. After you have 18-24 inches of topsoil packed tightly over the tarp, it is time to seed the area down with an Evolve clover, oat and rye mixture. You’re not trying to build a food plot but you do want to hold the soil together. After you cover the seed with a drag it’s time for mother nature to fill it up. You may opt to use a 250-gallon tank to get things rolling, but that’s between you and mother nature. Pat and the Driven team have seen deer hit the waterhole the same night they built it. After it’s built, there is little routine maintenance needed. Pat has learned that as leaves and algae accumulate in the waterhole, they break down, giving the water a mineral taste. This is more palatable to deer, and you will notice deer using the waterhole even with a stream full of trout nearby. Since leaves and such tend to make the water more palatable, there is no need to remove debris routinely. When the water freezes over, you can dump water on top of the ice for the wildlife. It will take few days for it to freeze, but until then wildlife has water to drink. What About EHD? One question that often comes up when discussing waterholes is that of EHD. Many hunters want to know if a man-made waterhole promotes the transmission of EHD. The short answer is it does not. The life cycle of the midge that transmits EHD is shorter in the cooler Minnesota climate.

The warmer weather of states south of Minnesota gives the EHD carrying midge a longer season to get established. Also, the banks of the waterhole tend to stay dry, right up to the waterline. Because of this, the stagnant waters the midge needs are not available.

Benefits to Consider There are other benefits to a well-placed waterhole. A deer needs two to three quarts of water per 100 pounds of body weight per day. Knowing this, Pat and the Driven team often use waterholes to target a specific buck during the heat of the early season. They shape the bank of the waterhole to guide deer to the side of the waterhole that exposes them to the nearby deer stand. Another benefit is that a game camera next to a popular waterhole helps you take inventory of your deer herd. It helps detect and pattern deer on your hitlist. Pat also emphasized that he loves to take the family out to observe the waterhole any time he can. Even if the only thing moving was a raccoon, watching your hard work benefit wildlife is gratifying. Whitetails love a good waterhole. Keep the strategies that Pat Reeve and the Driven team have perfected over the years to keep your hitlist buck on your place. As you can see, you don’t have to go to extreme measures to build a lake for your deer herd. A simple waterhole can turn transient deer into residential deer overnight. If you have time to build a large waterhole, it’s gratifying to see how it can benefit deer, turkey, raccoons, and other wildlife in your area. When you use the right strategy for the right location, you too may need a “waterhole wall” to hang your Boone and Crocket bucks. �������������������� Please check out Todd at www.davisoutdooradventures.com

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MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 17

THE MINNESOTA DNR’S

“CONE REFORESTATION EFFORT”

BY TROY HOLCOMB, MN DNR PRIVATE LANDS FORESTER As you might have read or heard, the MN DNR processed hundreds of bushels of cones over the last few months to meet its 2022 reforestation efforts. Specifically, the DNR was seeking black spruce, jack pine and red pine cones and paying people anywhere from $20 to $150 per bushel of cones, depending on the type. This need will still be there come this fall. These cones are used to seed about 5,000 acres a year to reforest DNRmanaged lands and to grow seedlings at its nursery, which are used to reforest public and private lands across the state. The DNR also plants seeds and seedlings following disturbances, such as fires or logging. Cone-pickers can collect seeds and cones by the bushel from their own property, other private property (so long as you have the

18 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

landowner’s permission) and on state forest land. The DNR notes that black spruce cones can be challenging to reach because they are so high up in the tree, so DNR staff can direct cone pickers to timber harvest locations where black spruce tops have been left on site. But, before you go out and collect cones, the MN DNR says you should contact one of the seed drop locations, which are in the northern third of the state, for more information on how to collect ripe cones and directions on how to present the cones for purchase. Hopefully, the following pictures and captions will help you understand the removing the seeds process. For more information on the MN DNR’s cone and seeding program, go to the MN DNR’s website.

1

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Above are black spruce cones trayed in our cone shed. Once an area office purchases seed or cone, they usually come to the nursery in burlap bags and then we transfer most cones to our trays in 1.3 bushel amounts to prevent heating, molding, and spoilage. Once cones are trayed we can open and close them with watering and heat in our kiln room to loosen seeds. This is the alternative to using the extractory oven to open cones (see right).

3

4

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The next step in the process is dumping the open cones (out of the hinged box) that just came out of the oven into a large hopper attached to a conveyor. The cones travel up the conveyor and into our large tumbler, then work their way through the tumbler and release seeds into hoppers under the machine and the cones come out of the far side.

5

Black spruce is running through our �extractor,� which is a large oven that heats the cones and allows for cones to open and release seeds. We mostly use this for seratinous cones (jack pine), but sometimes black spruce cones are opened this way as well. This is what the end of the oven run process looks like, we collect the cones in a large hinged box. I�m shoveling cones to disperse them evenly throughout the box.

Once seed is collected from the tumbler, nursery staff work on removing the small wings from the seed. We have specialized concrete mixers that we use to dewing the seeds. A specific amount of seed is added to a dewinger, along with water and spun in the mixer (dewinger) for two or so hours. Time and water amounts vary with each species. Black spruce is usually a half bushel, with 4 cups of water and run for 2 hours. Sometimes we add empty cones of the same species to the mixer to aid in seed wing removal.

After seed comes out of the dewinger, it is collected and run through our fanning mill. This is one of the last stages in processing (right after de-winging seed and right before the gravity table, where we remove hollow seed). I�m using that sweeping motion because if too much of everything like debris and seed comes out onto the screen, I use a paint brush and push it back up the screen and closer to the hopper to allow for more time for the seed to fall through the screen.

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The purpose of this fanning mill is to remove finer debris, such as loose seed wings, needles, empty cones, sticks, etc., by letting the seed fall out of that little red hopper. Once seed is let out of the hopper, it falls through the screen to the bottom of the machine and the top catches the larger debris by moving down the screen and off the top of the machine into a shoot, then a tub that collects debris. Inside the machine there is a finer sized screen that gets rid of smaller debris that was a similar size or smaller than the black spruce seed and fell through the top screen. Screen size is species dependent and if whatever species I�m working with doesn�t fall through a particular screen, I change the top screen to a smaller size so seed will fall through and not go in with the debris. The seed comes out directly behind the machine and is collected in a metal tub.

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 19

AROUND THE State Minnesota Deer Hunters Association

REGIONAL BOUNDARY AND CHAPTER LOCATION MAP

SHBH

What? No chapter in your area?

MDHA is always interested in forming new chapters. If you live in an area without a chapter and would like more information on forming one, please call 800.450.DEER.

Region 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 6 6 6 6

Chapter Min-Dak Border Roseau River North Red River Thief River Falls Riceland Whitetails Bemidji Area Itasca County Hibbing/Chisholm Woodland Trails End Carlton County Sturgeon River Arrowhead Wilderness Lake Superior Chapter Lake Vermilion Chapter Smokey Hills Fergus Falls Clay Wilkin Park Rapids East Ottertail Wadena Brainerd Cuyuna Range Whitetails Morrison County Lakes and Pines Bluewater Wahoo Valley Isanti County Wild River Rum River North Suburban

Chapter Code MDB RRC NRR TRF RCL BMJ ITS HCC WLC TEC CCC STR AHC WLDN LSC LVC SMH FFL CWC PKR EOC WDN BRD CRW MCC LPC BLW WAH ICC WLD RMR NSC

Region 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 10 10 10 10 11 11 11 11 12 12 12 12 13 13 13

Chapter Alexandria Chippewa Valley Pomme De Terre Crow River Stickney Hill Big Horns Two Rivers Tri-County River Bottom Bucks Central Minnesota Sherburne County Swampbucks Wright County/ West Metro Whitetails East Central Minnesota Minnesota River Valley Blue Earth River Valley Sunrisers Bend of the River Sioux Trails Deer Hunters Des Moines Valley Jim Jordan McGregor Area Quad Rivers Snake River Southern Gateway Southeast Minnesota Bluff Country South Central Minnesota South Metro Capitol Sportsmen’s St. Croix Valley

Chapter Code ALX CVC PDT CRC SHBH TRC TCR CMC SCS WCWMW ECM MRV BEC SNR BOR STD DMV JJC MCG QRC SRC SGC SEM BLF SCC SMC CSC SCV

Calendar of EVENTS Please contact your chapter, check mndeerhunters.com or call the office at 800-450-DEER to get the latest banquet information.

20 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

Did you know... whitetail buck antlers grow at a rate of 1� per day until maximum growth�

WELCOMING OUR NEW MDHA EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS Thank You Robin Vogen

The MDHA Board would like to thank our outgoing Executive Board Secretary, Robin Vogen. Robin will complete her term on June 30, 2022, and will work alongside newly elected Board Secretary, Kim Nelson, whose term started April 1, 2022. Thank you, Robin, for your commitment and passion for conservation and dedication to the mission of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. It has been our honor to work with you and we look forward to our continued collaborations as we undoubtedly will need your knowledge to build our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy. The Minnesota Deer Hunters Association elected new Executive Board members at the

February 26, 2022, Corporate Board meeting in Grand Rapids, MN. These new Board members bring with them both personal and professional experience of Minnesota deer hunting. We would like to welcome new board members Kim Nelson, Secretary, and Dano Crandall, Region 4 Director. New members always bring invigorating energy to a group and our Board is no exception. We are excited for the years ahead and the opportunities we will have to engage with all of our members. Connect with us on social media, Facebook or reach out to mndeerhunters.com and share your thoughts, deer stories and pictures.

Robin Vogen

MDHA Secretary

Kim Nelson

MDHA Secretary

Dano Crandall

MDHA Regional Director Region 4 Did you know... bucks form bachelor groups in summer and rarely interact with does and yearlings�

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 21

AROUND THE State

2022 MDHA STATE HABITAT BANQUET AND CORPORATE BOARD WEEKEND CALLED HUGE SUCCESS BY MEMBERS The excitement at the 2022 State Habitat Banquet, “Friday Night Channel the Flannel Social” and the Corporate Board Meeting were felt by all who attended. Over 120 members and their families dressed for the occasion at the “Friday Night Channel the Flannel Member Social” held at the TimberLake Lodge, Grand Rapids. A Cupcake Raffle, Reverse Bingo, Toilet Paper Toss, along with a good oldfashioned picnic meal, added to the festivities. Saturday morning at the TimberLake Lodge started with the 2022 MDHA Corporate Board meeting where almost 50 chapters were represented as issues were discussed and voted on. Kim Nelson was named Secretary and Garth Albers was named Treasurer for his second term. Saturday’s finale was the 2022 MDHA State Habitat Banquet at the TimberLake Lodge. With almost 300 guests attending, the banquet hall was filled with excitement and a whole lot of fun as members were reunited once again to raise money for MDHA State Habitat projects. Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Dave Jackson, East Central Minnesota Chapter, and Steve Narverud, Thief River Falls Chapter. Jeremy Nelson presented the award to his longtime friend and fellow member Steve Narverud. Jeremy provided some comedy as well, telling the story of how Steve lost his favorite ice fishing pole down the ice hole, so to make sure that didn’t happen again, Jeremy made him a new ice fishing rod, complete with a floating handle! Forkhorn Achievement Awards were presented to brothers Drew and Nathan Dabbert of the Clay-Wilkin Chapter and Ellza Anderson, Rum River Chapter who was proudly nominated by her Grandpa Curt Brazier. These Forkhorn members are recognized for their volunteerism and service to their chapters and communities. Next year’s Corporate Board and State Habitat Banquet weekend is set for Friday and Saturday, February 24-25, 2023, at the TimberLake Lodge, Grand Rapids. Mark your calendars and reserve your hotel rooms, you won’t want to miss next year’s events!

22 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

Forkhorn Achievement Awards, pictured left to right: brothers Drew and Nathan Dabbert of the Clay-Wilkin Chapter; Ellza Anderson, Rum River Chapter, and Denis Quarberg, MDHA President.

Distinguished Service Awards, pictured left to right: Dave Jackson, East Central Minnesota Chapter, Steve Narverud, Thief River Falls Chapter and Denis Quarberg, MDHA President. Did you know... a whitetail�s eyes shine at night due to a tissue called the �tapetum lucidum��

CHANNEL THE FLANNEL

Social at the TimberLake Lodge. Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. Sherburne County Chapter members (top left). Fergus Falls Chapter (lower left). Denny Lemler, MDHA Vice President (top right).

Corporate Board meeting, Saturday, Feb.26 at the TimberLake Lodge. Did you know... animals such as deer that are most active at dawn and dusk are called �crepuscular��

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 23

AROUND THE State

ISANTI COUNTY CHAPTER BANQUET/FOOD SHELF DONATION

The Isanti County Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association recently held their 24th Annual Banquet on February 19, 2022 at the Cambridge Armed Forces Center. Along with a great meal and giving away hundreds of prizes, including firearms and two MN Lifetime Hunting Licenses (donated by Jim, Wendy, Jay & Amanda Englund in memory of Andy Englund), the Chapter’s Forkhorns held a food drive. For each item that attendees donated, they received a chance to win a firearm. The lucky winner was D. Olson. The 446 pounds of food collected was donated to Family Pathways. Pictured are MDHA Forkhorns Owen and Kellen Roddy, Riley Puck and Laila Isle.

ITASCA CHATPER SUPPORTS WOUNDED WARRIOR GUIDE SERVICE

The Itasca Chapter of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association (MDHA) recently donated $500 to the Wounded Warrior Guide Service of Minnesota (WWGS). The chapter used proceeds from its banquet to donate to this group. The WWGS was established in 2009 and takes veterans fishing, both summer and winter, large and small game hunting, long-range shooting, backpacking/camping, and more. This donation will help send several Minnesota veterans on a hunt. Pictured from left to right are MDHA Itasca Chapter President Josh Salisbury and WWGS Board Member and veteran Dan Essig. To learn more about MDHA visit mndeerhunters.com or to learn more about WWGS visit wwgsmn.org.

ENDOWMENTS & DONATIONS: 2/1/22 - 5/18/22 ENDOWMENT FUND CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Mark Nohre Jim Jordan Chapter Jim Jordan Chapter Southeast Minnesota Chapter Jim Jordan Chapter Roseau River Chapter Roseau River Chapter Ed & Rosalie Schmidt Alexandria Chapter Trenten Thompson Cheryl Lemler Dennis Sowada Mark Nohre GENERAL FUND CONTRIBUTOR’S NAME Judy Mycue Jim Ettle Rebby Bowman David Bretz Jon Hawkinson Stephen Craig Mark Spoden American Legion 121 Princeton High School FFA

HONOREE’S NAME Paul Aslagson Harold Wimmer Ken Matson Davin Alan Tim Mans Mark Robinson Harold Lang George “Bud” Rydberg Dan Essig Debbie Light Jeff Bigwood Denis Quarberg Donald Bartz

HONOREE’S NAME Rich Nelson

If we inadvertently left you off the list or any corrections to the above list are needed, please contact us and we will make the appropriate corrections. Thank you.

24 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

Did you know... the hardening of bucks� antlers is due to calcification�

2022 FORKHORN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS AND DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

Each year the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association proudly highlights select volunteers who have been nominated by their peers to receive MDHA’s Distinguished Service Award and Forkhorn Achievement Awards.

These highlighted few are individuals who are shining examples to the rest of us, and the most awesome thing is because of their humble attitudes, they don’t even realize how special they are to the rest of us and to MDHA. The MDHA Forkhorn Achievement Awards were created to recognize and award youth who have discovered the traditions of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association through their volunteer efforts. Three Forkhorn members were awarded the Forkhorn Achievement Award this year. Those award recipients are: Clay-Wilkin Chapter...........................................Drew Dabbert Clay-Wilkin Chapter...........................................Nathan Dabbert Rum River Chapter .............................................Ellza Anderson As we honor these three Forkhorn Achievement Award winners, we should also realize they are the future of MDHA, and the future looks bright! MDHA Distinguished Service Awards are presented to a select few for their dedication and volunteerism on behalf of their local MDHA chapter and on behalf of the MDHA state organization. These individuals are some of MDHA’s finest leaders and volunteers. Individually, they have each been nominated for their outstanding achievements and contributions to MDHA.

2022 CAMP SITES Baker Outdoor Learning Center (BOLC) Maple Plain, MN 763-694-7856 www.ThreeRiversParks.org

Deep Portage Conservation Reserve (DPCR) Hackensack, MN 218-682-2325 / 888-280-9908 www.deep-portage.org

Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center (EBELC) Lanesboro, MN 507-467-2437 / 888-800-9558 www.eaglebluffmn.org

Kiwanis Boy Scout Camp (KBSC)

Marine on St. Croix, MN 651-433-2801 www.camp.northernstar.org/Kiwanis-Scout-Camp

Long Lake Conservation Center (LLCC) Palisade, MN 218-768-4653 www.LongLakeCC.org

Prairie Woods Environmental Center (PWEC)

The 2022 MDHA Distinguished Service Award recipients are:

Spicer, MN 320-354-5894 www.prairiewoodselc.org

Thief River Falls Chapter....................................Steven Narverud East Central Minnesota Chapter .......................Dave Jackson

YMCA Youth Camps

MDHA has over two thousand volunteers statewide involved within our 60 chapters. Without them, there is no way we could do even a small percentage of what actually gets accomplished. Recognizing these outstanding members within our organization is just a small way that each year MDHA attempts to express our gratitude for all of our volunteers whose generous dedication makes MDHA a positive force for Minnesota’s outdoor future.

Camp Christmas Tree (CCT) Minnetrista, MN 952-582-8242

To check 2022 camp dates or to register, contact the camp of your choice! Did you know... because they have more rods and cones in their eyes, deer see better at night� MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 25

HONING YOUR

ills k S WHERE TO PLACE A DEER STAND, PORTABLE BY RON JOLLY

OR PERMANENT: TOP 5 LOCATIONS

The location you choose for your deer stand should obviously provide ample food and cover for deer, but there are more factors than just food and cover that cause deer to use a specific area frequently. In order to justify the effort, expense and increase your odds for success, look for specific reasons for deer to visit an area. The more reasons for deer to be in a certain area, the better the site is suited for a “deer stand.” Here are a few areas high on my list when searching for a place to put a portable or permanent stand:

slough, a place where a creek bank is not as steep or where a gully is not as sharp, are good locations for crossings.

1. PINCH POINTS

A pinch point can be where a woodlot narrows due to fields on either side or where a creek forms a narrow passage between the creek and woods edge – wherever you can restrict their movement to a smaller zone. Pinch points are good locations for permanent stands because deer are naturally funneled through the narrow area between two or more obstacles. When putting a permanent stand at a pinch point, pay close attention to prevailing wind directions. I like to place the stand where I can hunt it with as many wind directions as possible. I also keep in mind where the wind will be coming from on colder days since deer tend to move more in colder or inclement weather.

2. CROSSINGS

Deer tend to cross creeks, gullies, roads, fences or water in the same place time after time. These crossings are usually located at the easiest place for the deer to cross the obstacle. A shallow or narrow place in a

26 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

3. FEEDING AREAS

Feeding areas can be food plots, browsing areas, or areas where mast is available at certain times of the year. Food plots are perhaps the best feeding area for a shooting house due to the fact that they offer deer food for prolonged periods of time where mast crops are seasonal. An area that offers both, planted and natural food sources is an excellent spot for a permanent stand.

4. TRAILS

Trails are a good location for permanent stands especially where multiple trails converge and can be covered from the stand. Deer prefer certain travel routes. Repeated use of these routes obviously forms a trail. The more trails you can cover, the better your chances for success.

5. ESCAPE ROUTES

Escape routes are used by deer when they feel pressure and decide to vacate the area. These routes are often hard to locate but can be very productive when other hunters are in the area. Deer tend to use these routes over and over again. If it keeps them safe once, chances are they’ll use it again if the conditions are similar. Look for faint trails leading into thickets or dense cover. Also look for undisturbed areas near roads or steep terrain. Back in the day, sign on the ground such as tracks, droppings, rubs, scrapes or visual observations were key methods of determining where to locate a permanent stand. Today, however, trail cameras are invaluable in determining stand sites. Properly placed and programmed trail cameras eliminate the guess work and document the “who, when and where” of deer activity in a given area. Trail camera that offer the time lapse mode are particularly effective for determining deer movement in a given area. Portable or permanent stands are all about location, location, location! Once you have located that perfect spot it is only logical to place a stand that will be comfortable, effective and efficient. After all, this is where you will spend many hours in hopes of tagging your dream buck. �������������������� Editor�s note: This article is courtesy of Mossy Oak.

Did you know... velvet on bucks� antlers have a highly complex system of blood vessels�

WHEN OCTOBER COMES A FELLA CAN LEARN A LOT SITTING IN A TREE BY RON SCHARA

When I tree-sit I also carry a bow and arrow and my body is wrapped in enough camouflage for the entire Fifth Army. Sometimes I question why I dress in hopes deer won’t see me. Those crafty whitetails seldom come my way, anyway. And when they do, my stomach leaps into my throat and my right leg goes into the darnedest quiver. The bow shakes, the arrow shakes and I shake, as do the nearby branches. Frankly, it’s disgusting to choke up at such times. You’ve already spent more time in that oak tree than an acorn, just waiting for a deer. And now the deer is standing there and you’re quaking like an aspen. Some folks refer to this condition as �’buck fever.” Veteran hunters aren’t supposed to get it. Well, that’s a bunch of hooey. I come down with fever symptoms when a whitetail comes down the trail, walking like a ghost. Bingo. Doesn’t have to be a buck even. A deer coming your way is…well, nerve wracking. I’ve never figured out how a deer can step on dry leaves so quietly. A man walking on the same terrain would sound like the Rock Island Line. Now there are some things I don’t enjoy when the deer is now within spitting distance. I don’t know that either because my mouth is too dry to spit. I don’t particularly enjoy hearing my own heartbeat above the rattle of two knees. Yet, I think it’s important that some part of me goes to pieces. If those symptoms ever cease, perhaps I should stop deer hunting. The challenge of outwitting a whitetail should always be worth a dry mouth and a few butterflies. I must admit: years ago my buck fever symptoms were actually worse. The first time I saw a wild buck deer my legs just quit working. I had to sit down. It’s not that bad any more. Now I sit first. Now when you hunt with a rifle, buck fever doesn’t get as intense. I don’t know why exactly. Maybe it’s because a rifle gives you more range, more power. With a bow, a fella doesn’t stand so tall. The biggest buck in Iowa would have been mine, except arrows don’t go where bullets can. My arrow

bounced off the massive set of antlers this Iowa monster had on his head. I think that ol’ boy is still running from the clatter of arrow and antlers. More deer than I can remember have passed by my tree stand untouched. A few were missed. Okay, more than a few. Others simply walked behind bushes and trees unaware of their luck.

This article is from Ron�s latest book, Mostly True Tales of a Life Outdoors. Deer or no deer, my perch in a tree for so many Octobers has offered quite a show. I’ve seen and admired the stealth of a whitetail. Anyone who says that deer don’t wise up until a hunting season opens just doesn’t know. A whitetail is wise all the time. I’ve seen deer fight, play, breed and die. Whitetail-watching is one of the greatest shows on earth. And it is free. If the deer fail to appear, there’s another show happening always in October. Autumn begins to die before your eyes. It’s always a little sad, although you’ve seen it before and you knew it was coming. The signs are subtle. A leaf makes its last flicker to the wind and falls. Colorful trees

reluctantly shed their golden crowns and eventually become stark, naked skeletons. Once-tall grasses bow flat, withering to an ugly brown. Yet, signs of life continue around your tree. Chipmunks squeal and squirrels bark from nearby stumps. However, as the day comes to an end and the light begins to fade, the nut-collectors act nervous. They seem to know or, at least, act like they know, sunset starts a new game of survival. Down in the hollow comes the eerie call of a barred owl. It’s time again to hunt on silent wings. It’s only the foolish squirrel that lingers in the leaves or on the stump as darkness comes. It’s likely they won’t see the light of day. You’d think every squirrel in the woods would know that by now. I guess you can’t fix stupid….even in squirrels. Tiny birds - juncoes, chickadees and others - share your tree for short moments, but they seem anxious to move on. Some are headed south, some are going to roost and there’s no time to linger. Below my tree, the woodland floor starts to come alive. Small rodents, white-deer mice and others, rattle the leafy carpet seeking what I do not know. They seem too dumb to mind the owl. Perhaps that’s good. Other things below the tree also seem to move, but they really don’t. I’ve never seen a bush walk, but my mind has said it did. I guess my mind wanted to see a whitetail on the trail. For a second the bush would do. Finally, the time has come to climb down from my tree. The show is over or, at least, the show I can still see. On this October day, there would be no hunting tale to tell; no elusive whitetail to whine about. But I’m not disappointed. A fella can learn a lot sitting in a tree. �������������������� Editor�s note: Legendary outdoor writer and television personality Ron Schara was very instrumental in promoting MDHA in our formative years. He was such an early member, in fact, he carries membership #13�

Did you know... deer avoid plants with aromatic foliage, tough, hairy or prickly leaves and those with milky latex or sap�

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 27

M ar k e t pl a ce Whe n y o u pur chase M DHA me r cha nd ise you su p p ort MDH A’s p rograms and m i ss io n.

28 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

Protect our hunting and conservation legacy by donating to the MDHA Endowment

The MDHA Endowment Fund allows for • Estate donations through wills, insurance policies, retirement accounts and other estate plans • Recurring donations • One time donations

To talk about adding MDHA to your estate plan call: GRACF - (218) 999-9100 or by mail: Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation 350 NW 1st Ave, Suite E Grand Rapids, MN 55744

To make a donation visit our website: www.mndeerhunters.com/donate-to-mdha

BY ROY WELCH

Selecting A

CARTR

30 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

What do I need in a deer cartridge suitable for use in the Minnesota woodlands? Given the recent developments in cartridges of various calibers for bolt-action and modern sporting rifle (MSR/AR-15-style) autoloading rifles, it is worth considering whether or not these cartridges offer any advantage over those commonly used by deer hunters in Minnesota. Rather than discuss the merits or limitations of individual cartridges, it is possible to divide cartridges into three groups: 1) traditional cartridges; 2) new bolt-action cartridges; and 3) new MSR/AR-15 cartridges, and to compare the characteristics of these groups of cartridges. The term “new” is used loosely, but applies to cartridges that have appeared on the market in the last few years.

TABLE 1. CARTRIDGE GROUPS GROUP 1

Traditional Cartridges (L-R) 243 Winchester 6.5 Creedmoor 270 Winchester 7mm-08 Remington 308 Winchester 30-06 Springfield

GROUP 2

New Bolt-Action Cartridges (L-R) 6mm Creedmoor 6.5 PRC 6.8 Western 27 Nosler 300 PRC

GROUP 3

Bolt-action and MSR/AR-15-style rifles chambered for various cartridges are popular choices for deer hunting. Table 1 lists cartridges in each of the three groups. Figure 2 provides a photographic line-up of the cartridges in each group.

New MSR/AR-15 Cartridges (L-R) 22 Nosler 224 Valkyrie 6mm ARC 300 HAM’R 350 Legend Please note, the list of cartridges is not all inclusive, but rather those thought most likely to be of interest.

Group 1: Traditional Cartridges The cartridges listed in Group 1 are those which have been in existence for more than ten years and are used by perhaps the

DEER TRIDGE

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 31

majority of deer hunters. Bullet weights likely to be employed for deer range from approximately 100 to 150 grains, with muzzle velocities of 2,800 to 3,100 feet per second and muzzle energies of 1,900 to 2,800 foot pounds. Zeroed for 200 yards, the bullet path is +1.4 to +2 inches at 100 yards, -6.5 to -8.0 inches at 300 yards, and -37 to -47 inches at 500 yards. Based on a striking energy of 1,000 ft.-lbs., generally considered the minimum required energy for effective kills on deer-sized game, the maximum effective range for Group 1 cartridges is approximately 400 to plus 600 yards, depending on the cartridge favored by the hunter. For rifles weighing 8 lbs., recoil energy varies from 10 to 19 ft.-lbs., with recoil velocities from 9 to 13 fps. Reduced rifle weight for lightweight models now being offered by several manufacturers results in increased recoil energy and recoil velocity. For example, in rifles of 6 lbs., the cartridges in Group 1 generate recoil energies and velocities of 12 to 24 ft.-lbs. and 11 to 16 fps, respectively. Since recoil energies above 18 ft.-lbs. and recoil velocities in excess of 15 fps tend to be unpleasant for most hunters, you may want to consider rifle weight/cartridge combinations according to your tolerance of recoil and how much you practice. Nothing leads to developing a flinch like shooting a rifle/cartridge combination that generates excessive recoil. Also, you may want to consider your preferred hunting style, e.g., do you hunt from an easily accessed blind or do you hike over large areas of varied terrain where weight is a concern? Group 2: New BoltAction Cartridges With the increased attention given to long-range shooting, arms and ammunition manufacturers have turned their attention to cartridges featuring long bullets of high ballistic coefficient (greater than 0.5) driven at muzzle velocities ranging from 2,900 to 3,300 fps and producing muzzle energies of 2,100 to 3,850 ft.-lbs. When zeroed for 200 yards, bullet path trajectories range from +1.3 to +1.6 inches at 100 yards, -5.5 to -6.8 inches at 300 yards, and -31 to -36 inches at 500 yards. Out to approximately 400 yards, the differences in trajectory compared to Group 1 cartridges is relatively minor. As the distance becomes longer, however, the advantages in velocity, trajectory, energy, and wind drift provided by the high ballistic coefficient bullets employed

32 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

in the Group 2 cartridges increases in significance. For example, at 500 yards, the Group 2 bullet path is -31 to -36 inches as compared to -37 to -47 inches for the Group 1 cartridges. The maximum effective range for the Group 2 cartridges varies from approximately 500 yards for the 6mm Creedmoor to approximately 750 to 1,200 yards for the other Group 2 cartridges. With the exception of the 6mm Creedmoor and 6.5 PRC, which have recoil energy/ recoil velocity values similar to those of the 243 Winchester and 308 Winchester, respectively, the recoil of Group 2 cartridges is heavier and sharper than that of the Group 1 cartridges. Group 3: New MSR/ AR-15 Cartridges Widespread interest in MSR/AR-15 rifles has created a demand for compact MSR/ AR-15- style rifles chambered for cartridges better suited for hunting than the 223/ NATO 5.56x45mm cartridge. Dimensions common to new cartridges for MSR/AR rifles include a maximum length of 2.26 inches and a shoulder angle of 30 degrees, except for the straight-case 350 Legend. The case head diameter is 0.378 inches for the 22 Nosler, 300 HAM’R, and 350 Legend, and 0.4220 inches for the 224 Valkyrie and 0.441 inches for the 6mm ARC. The 22 Nosler and Federal 224 Valkyrie cartridges are primarily varmint cartridges. However, when loaded with heavy-forcaliber bullets of 75 to 90 grains driven at velocities of 2,800 to 2,900 fps they produce sufficient energy for shots out to 200 yards on deer-sized game. The 6mm ARC, developed by Hornady, approximates the ballistics of the 243 Winchester, pushing a

100-grain bullet at 2,800 fps with sufficient energy for deer out to 400 yards. It is the best all-around Group 3 cartridge for varmints and deer. The 300 HAM’R from Wilson Combat and 350 Legend developed by Winchester, with bullets of 125 to 150 grains at muzzle velocities of 2,300 to 2,500 fps and muzzle energies of approximately 1,800 ft.-lbs. are significantly more powerful than the popular 300 Blackout. They closely approximate the ballistics of the 30-30 Winchester. The Group 3 cartridges exhibit mild recoil with recoil energies of 6 to 10 ft.lbs. and recoil velocities of 7 to 9 fps. As a consequence they are very comfortable to shoot, which helps to ensure proper shot placement. With the exception of the 6mm ARC, they are short-to- moderate-range cartridges best suited for shots at deer at distances of less than 200 yards. The Group 3 cartridges are also chambered in lightweight bolt-action rifles. Discussion The key parameters facing hunters considering the suitability of cartridges for hunting big game include adequate energy at anticipated maximum range, trajectory, recoil in a rifle of appropriate weight, and the cost and availability of ammunition with suitable bullets. All of the Group 1 cartridges have adequate energy for shots out to plus 400 yards. Trajectory is flat and recoil is within acceptable limits for most hunters. Worthy of note is the 6.5 Creedmoor. It has become extremely popular, exhibiting mild recoil and excellent accuracy with an ability to reach out to plus 400 yards. High ballistic coefficient bullets of 120 to140

Testing the 22 Nosler on prairie dogs.

grains provide adequate striking energy and minimum wind drift. The Group 2 cartridges are excellent big-game cartridges that excel when shots beyond 400 to 500 yards are likely to be required. Trajectory is flat and wind drift is minimal. Of particular note, the 6.5 PRC uses the same 120 to 140 grain bullets as the 6.5 Creedmoor, but with a 200 to 300 fps boost in velocity. With moderate recoil and a reputation for excellent accuracy, the 6.5 PRC provides sufficient energy for deer and elk and an ability to reach out beyond 500 yards. A disadvantage of Group 2 cartridges, other than the 6mm Creedmoor and the 6.5 PRC, is the increased recoil that can be quite punishing in rifles of lighter weight. Reducing the rifle weight from 8 lbs to 6 lbs results in a 30 to 40 percent increase in recoil energy and velocity.

Although the Group 2 cartridges are excellent hunting cartridges, they offer little, if any, advantage over Group 1 cartridges for the majority of deer hunters east of the Mississippi River, where shots beyond 400 yards are seldom required. The Group 3 cartridges are all short cartridges that will feed from MSR/AR-15 magazines that limit maximum cartridge length to 2.26 inches. They provide adequate striking energy for shots at deer within 200 yards. Recoil energy is less than 10 ft.-lbs, making the Group 3 cartridges very pleasant to shoot in light rifles. The 6mm ARC is the best all-around Group 3 cartridge. For hunters in wooded areas where shots of less than 200 yards are likely, the 300 HAM’R or 350 Legend are worthy of consideration. A final consideration may be the cost of cartridges and their availability in today’s marketplace. Most of the Group 1 cartridges

can be found at a cost of $20.00 to $40.00 for a box of 20 rounds. At the time of this writing, cartridges for some of the Group 2 cartridges such as the 6.8 Western, 27 Nosler, and 6.5 PRC have limited availability and may cost more than $50.00 per box. Additional details on all of the cartridges can be found in recent sporting literature and from numerous sites on the web. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, sample cartridges to illustrate this article were difficult to obtain. I am most grateful for the assistance of Mike Richardson of J&M Spec., LLC, a company in Alabama that manufactures dummy rounds for a wide range of cartridges. J&M provided samples of the Group 2 and 3 cartridges. They can be contacted by email at [email protected] or by telephone at (205) 678-1232.

Rifle Shots book available from MDHA website: www.mndeerhunters.com $16.00 plus shipping. email: [email protected]

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 33

Permanent All-Weather Elevated Blind BY J. WAYNE FEARS

34 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

Having a well-built, two-person elevated all-weather blind on your hunting property is a great place to share a hunt with a child, grandchild, spouse, friend, or a first-time hunter. Plus, it becomes a valuable part of the property. Here is how I built one on my farm. The Permanent Two-person, Allweather Elevated Blind As I began to design the blind I wanted, I knew, since I had already located the site for it to be erected, that the floor needed to be about seven-feet above the ground. I wanted it to be roomy for two hunters so I decided on making it four feet by six feet. I wanted it tall enough to be easily gotten in and out of, so I designed it with the rear height of just under six feet and, with enough slope to shed rain easily, the front height of five and one-half feet. It would be framed in with treated 2”X4”s with a door frame for a 24-inch wide door and three eye level shooting openings that are 12-inches wide. I elected to use a sheet of ¾-inch exterior plywood for the floor, for extra strength, and ½-inch exterior plywood panels for sides and roofing deck. The heart of my stand design is the platform upon which we built the stand. We started with Southern Outdoor Technologies EZ brackets (www.sportsmanscondo.com) which are well designed, heavy duty welded steel brackets which places four 8’X4”X4” treated posts out at the proper angles for a safe elevated blind. These brackets have slots and bolt holes to accept four 2”X6” treated boards to make a base that is securely bolted to the brackets with carriage bolts. We would build a set of steps from treated 2”X6” boards and add a handrail to enter the blind. The roofing material added to the plywood deck was a layer of roof underlayment and metal roofing screwed into the roofing deck. The blind was painted green with black stripes to blend into the creek bottom setting. Camo netting, loose at the bottom and sides, was placed on each shooting opening which enables the hunters in the stand to see out but deer not see in. Building the Base First, a word of caution, since this is a heavy blind that is seven feet above the ground, I found the safest way to build it is to pre-fab the platform and the blind on the ground or, as I my case at my shop, marking each piece as you build, then disassemble the blind. Take all to the components to the blind site and reassemble, using caution

when raising the platform up on the 4”X4”s. More on this below. The EZ brackets make building the platform quick and easy. Cut one 2”X6”X8’ board into two 42 ½-inch-long pieces. Cut two 2”X6”X8’ boards to 66 ½-inchs. Cut one 2”X6”X8’ board into two 45-inch pieces for floor joists. Align each 42 ½-inch and 66 ½-inch pieces with EZ brackets using guide pockets to create a 4’X6’ frame. Mark bracket holes on board and drill holes. Secure boards to EZ bracket using 5/16inch carriage bolts, washers and lock nuts. Install floor joists inside frame using 3-inch lag screws. Next cut ¾”X4’X8’ plywood with circular saw into a 4’X6” sheet. Using a jig saw, cut out 2”X4” openings for the four corners 2”X4” vertical supports for the blind framing. Secure the floor to the platform base using 3-inch deck screws. The platform base is ready for the blind to be framed on it. IMPORTANT: You will want to number/describe each piece of the blind from this point on as it will be disassembled and reassembled when the final blind is put together on site.

The heart of the permanent two-man elevated blind is the EZ brackets, frame and floor which give you a good platform upon which to construct the blind. Assembling the Blind on Site To attach the blind frame to the platform, cut two 2”X4”X8’ boards to 78-inches in length for the high side of the blind and cut two boards to 75-inches for the low side. Using a framing square and long level make sure each corner is vertical. Mark holes and pre-drill. Bolt these corner boards into the EX bracket using 3/8”-16X3” carriage bolts with washers and hex nuts. Mark the angle of the roof line using chalk line from back corners of rear framing (tall side) boards through back corners of front framing (short side) boards. Cut angles with jig or circular saw. Do the same for the center rafter. Install 2”X4” framing around the top and secure center rafter securing with 2 ½-inch deck screws. Frame in door. Attach the center support for the front shooting window.

Next, you will want to make sure the shooting opening is the right height for the chairs and shooters who will be using the blind. Actually, have the shooter sit in the chair to be used to make sure of the height, mine is 39-inches. Also, you may not want a 12-inch opening on the shooting openings. Now is the time to adjust that for your personal taste. Next frame in horizontal boards for shooting openings, back wall supports. Install the upper vertical support for the center of the front shooting opening.

Before finalizing the height and width of the shooting openings, using the chair that will be used in the blind, check it out while being framed. Now that the blind is framed, cut panels from ½” plywood to cover front, back and sides. Use deck screws to attach. Do not forget to number/describe all parts for reassembly. I used a scrape piece from the ¾” plywood floor to make one side panel. Also, I decided to paint the panels green while they were easy to reach to save time and make it easier to paint the blind when it was reassembled above the ground. Finally, cut one piece of ½” plywood 63-inches by 72-inches for the roof. There is an overhang at the front and back of the roof. The blind is now ready to be carefully disassembled, except for the platform base and floor, and moved to the site of its permanent location. Once there slip the 4”X4” post in the EZ brackets and attach with a lag bolt in each bracket to hold it in place. With plenty of help, and being very careful, roll the platform into the position

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 35

you want it to sit permanently. Mark the ground and dig holes 12 to 24-inches deep. Sit the platform legs in the ground and check the platform to be level in all directions. Adjust by digging until it is level. Mix and pour in one bag Quikrete per hole. Allow to set-up for 48 hours.

circular saw with a metal cutting blade we cut the galvanized roofing into two pieces to fit the roof. They were attached to the decking using washer equipped roofing screws. To assure that the elevated blind was well braced, using 2”X4”X8’ boards in an X-fashion we screwed them to the 4”X4” legs, one side of the cross on the inside of the 4”X4” post and the other on the outside. Where the lumber crossed there is a 4-inch space. We used scrap pieces of 4”X4”s to screw in the X-boards at this point.

BILL OF MATERIALS All wood products were treated, exterior grade, products. All screws were deck screws and exterior grade screws, carriage and lag bolts.

Platform & Steps 4 - Southern Outdoor Technologies EZ Brackets 4 - 4”X4”X8’ treated post, hand picked 8 - 2”X6”X8’ treated boards 1 - ¾”X4”X8’ sheet exterior plywood 4 - 50# sacks Quikrete 2 - 4”X4”X16” Concrete support

The assembled frame just before being disassembled for movement to the permanent site. Once the platform was securely anchored in concrete, using the remaining four 2”X6”X8’ treated boards, we made a set of steps that attached with lag screws to the platform in line with the center of the high side of the blind. This made getting on the platform to re-assemble the blind easy. It took two of the boards to make the runners and the other two to make the nine steps that were 20-inches wide and 71/2-inches apart. Each step was secured in place with four 3/6”X3-inch lag bolt with washers. The slope of the stairs is optional. We made ours 60 degrees since it was going to be used by young and elderly hunters but many who build elevated blinds simply make a 90-degree ladder for entrance. We placed the bottom of each runner on a 4”X4”X16” concrete support block to give the steps a long life and to give it a firm footing. After the blind was completed, we also added a handrail to the steps made from scrap 2”X4”s. Starting with the corner boards we reassembled the blind in the same order we built it on the ground, thanks to the marking we did on the pieces of the framing. Since the blind was seven feet above the ground at the floor, it was necessary to use ladders for much of the reassembly and caution was used to prevent anyone from falling. Once the roofing deck was secured to the top of the blind we stapled two sheets of roofing underlayment in place. Next, using a

36 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

Adding cross braces to the blind legs as a safety precaution against separation or shifting later. Options As with the stairs vs. a ladder as mentioned above, there are many options with an elevated permanent blind. Some people like to leave the door space open. Since the door side of our blind faced north, we wanted a door to stop cold wind so we used scrap 1/2inch plywood complete with hinges, handle and hook and eye door latch. I have seen many blinds of this type simply hang a tarp or heavy camo fabric over door openings. Another option is how to treat the shooting openings. Some hunters place hinged Plexiglas on the openings, others do nothing. We elected to hang camo netting inside the blind and allow it to drop down enough to cover the opening. They do blow when there is a wind, but since the blind becomes part of the landscape deer soon get use to the movement and pay little attention to the flapping camo netting. Blinds of this type can be insulated for warmth; they can even have a small gas heater to keep the hunters warm. We elected to not go this far with ours. Once the blind is built and painted, all that is needed is to add a couple of folding chairs and cushions and you are ready for hunting season to open. Blinds of this type may be also a valuable asset to any rural property beyond hunting as they can be used to study wildlife, wildlife photography or as an emergency shelter in bad weather.

blocks 32 - 5/16”X21/2 bolts, flat washers & lock nuts 6 - 2”X4”X8’ treated boards 1 - box 21/2” deck screws 1 - pound 20d nails 24 - 3/6”X3” lag bolts and flat washers

Blind 5 - 1/2”X 4’X8’ sheets exterior plywood 20 - 2”X4”X8’ treat boards 1 - 3’X12’ sheet galvanized roof 2 - 4’X6’ sheets roofing underlayment 2 - boxes 11/4” washer roof screws 2 - boxes 21/2” deck screws 3 - boxes 3” deck screws 16 - 3/8”-16X3” carriage bolts, washers, nuts 2 - 31/2’ gate hinges 1 - Hook and eye door latch 1 - door handle 8 - 3/8”X3” lag bolts 1 - gallon paint 1 - spray paint

CARBON MARKETS Are they right for you� BY STAN GROSSMAN, CEO, ITASCA WOODLAND SERVICES

For what seems like a couple of decades now, there has been chatter about the Carbon Credit market as a potential opportunity for woodland owners to make some extra income. Unfortunately, previous carbon markets were not generally appealing to the average landowner due to high up-front costs and long contract terms. But, in the summer of 2021 a new Carbon Credit market opportunity arose with broader appeal for the average woodland owner. One significant appeal of this new market opportunity is the shorter, one-year harvest deferral period. While you may not get rich from this opportunity, it is a relatively easy and painless way to generate a revenue stream from your property. That means more money to help pay for property taxes, plant trees, buy that deer stand, or develop food plots! This Carbon Credit program exists to promote an increase in the amount of carbon that is captured in trees. When landowners agree not to harvest trees for short, one-year periods, they can offer carbon credits for sale. Companies seeking to voluntarily reduce their carbon “footprint” are actively purchasing these carbon credits in order to help them achieve their corporate goals. This carbon

38 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

enroll year after year or bow out for a time to harvest for the health of your forest or to create wildlife habitat, for instance.

How It Works

market is not a government program or mandate, and as such is not considered “double-dipping” in other government programs. Is your property in the 2c tax class or SFIA? No problem! As long as you are actively engaged in following your Woodland Stewardship Plan, there’s no direct conflict between this market and those programs. However, if your property is in a Conservation Easement, then it is not eligible for this market at the current time, nor is any acreage under a CRP contract. Landowners who wish to get paid for their carbon credits contractually agree to meet their obligations of deferring any timber harvesting activities for a period of just one year, plus a couple of months on the back end to allow for verification of compliance with the terms of the contract. You can

First off, it is important to know that any landowner or landowner group must submit all properties they own anywhere in the lower 48 states with essentially any trees on them - at the same time. Multiple characteristics of your property are then assessed by our affiliate, Natural Capital Exchange (NCX), to determine how many credits your property can generate. Factors including total timber volume, tree age, stand density, soil type, proximity to a mill, and past timber harvest activities will all influence the number of carbon credits any individual landowner will be assigned. In most cases, individual properties are assessed via current satellite imagery. A subset of properties will be assessed using ground measurements, so landowners must agree to grant permission for crews to come onto their property to establish a baseline and do a verification check at the end of your contract term.

Once the number of credits your property can produce is established, the credits can be auctioned in the carbon marketplace if you so choose. The bidding process is where the rubber meets the road, so to speak, and is one reason why partnering with Itasca Woodland Services ensures the smoothest, easiest path to generating Carbon Credit income from your property. We will explain the process to you and oversee your participation from start to finish.

How is a One-Year Carbon Offset Program Beneficial�

This one-year carbon market is different from long-term harvest deferral carbon programs in that there is year-to-year flexibility for landowners to perform important woodland management activities, while also delaying timber harvests on a broad scale nationally. Compared to other programs with contract lengths of up to 100 years, a

one-year contract allows landowners to enter a Carbon Credit program without the hassle and uncertainty associated with making long-term commitments. This encourages many more enrollments than would otherwise occur only through carbon markets with long contract terms, while simultaneously allowing for sound and healthy forest management, because landowners are not bound to a long term contract. By increasing carbon storage even just a little bit across many thousands of properties instead of only on the few properties with landowners willing to enroll for decades at a time, nationwide carbon storage can be increased substantially. To summarize, in order to determine if this carbon market is right for you, ask yourself the following questions: 1. Am I willing to agree to delay harvesting my timber on all of my properties for a period of one year?

2. Will my forest remain healthy if I don’t harvest? 3. Am I okay with the possibility of crews taking measurements on my land, possibly during or shortly before a favorite hunting season? 4. Could I use some extra cash? If you answered yes to all of these questions, your property might very well be an excellent candidate for selling carbon credits! You can find more information by visiting our website at www.iwsconsulting. com and clicking on “Carbon Credits” under the Services tab. If you have any more questions or would like to enter the Carbon Market, call Stan at 218.328.8070, ext. 1 or email him at [email protected].

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 39

Loss of the Outdoor Generalist

BY MARK NORQUIST A Year-round Obsession

My friend Dan works hard each year improving his 80 acres that have been in the family for several generations. He uses hinge cutting to create new browse for the deer and funnels to direct his quarry. He has planted new food plots and focused on getting the right nutrients to grow the resident deer to a healthier size. My other buddy Joe can’t get enough of elk hunting out West. He’s what you’d call an “athlete hunter.” Throughout the year he’s training for the next hunt and creatively thinking up new ways to cut the weight of his pack. He only hunts in the backcountry and prefers to travel under his own power with just a pack, his ultralight rifle and a good pair of boots. His most recent revelation was that by cutting the handle off his toothbrush he’d be able to reduce his pack weight by 1/10 of an ounce. I can appreciate the choice obsessions each friend has with their hunts. The singular focus of their pursuit means they will likely increase the odds of a successful hunt. By fine-tuning their strategies and equipment they better understand what it takes to find their quarry and have a deeper appreciation for the hunt. I refer to Dan and Joe as specialist hunters. Much of the specialist hunter lifestyle is celebrated on social media today with videos, images and stories of seasonal training plans, gear reviews and technologies that promise to tip the odds in their favor.

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Each day of the year provides a new opportunity to work at the mastery of next fall’s hunt.

The Outdoors Generalist

Past generations of outdoorsmen also had a year-round obsession with their pursuits, but the focus would often change with the seasons. Older hunters didn’t discriminate against one species or another because the focus was often on securing the wild game that was readily available. Fall hunting seasons in Minnesota often began with small game and upland birds. This would be followed by waterfowl hunting. Attention would ultimately transition into deer season which would quickly be followed by early-ice fishing and maybe darkhouse spearing. Water that opened up in the early spring would again bring a hot bite, along with foraging for ephemerals like ramps or fiddleheads. Late summer would be focused on collecting sweet berries and wild rice and the cycle would start all over again with hunting in the fall. One of the benefits of this variation of activities was that it required a broader view of the landscape. The generalist outdoorsman was more in-tune with the annual cycle of seasons. He could observe the population health of a number of species, different habitats and the water that flowed through all of it.

I believe this broader look at our wild spaces meant the outdoor generalist of the past had a good grip on larger conservation issues. The early days of the twentieth century saw these generalist hunters creating much of the modern conservation movement. Laws were put in place to protect wild animals from wholesale slaughter by market hunters. Wildlife refuges were created to keep wilderness intact so that various species could thrive. Hunter conservation groups were started and they worked hard at conserving and restoring large spaces that many species of wildlife depend upon.

Conservation in Hunting

I appreciate the deep understanding that a specialist hunter garners in their annual focus on one species. However, I am also concerned that such a deep dive on one species and/or one technique can have unintended consequences for the future of conservation and hunting. Looking at my friends, you see a shared passion for hunting large game animals. But that’s where the similarity ends. Dan is hyper-focused on “growing” the biggest deer possible on his family’s woodlot. Joe, on the other hand, is purely focused on the elk migration corridors in western states. The concern with a trend towards specialization is that it can create challenges for conservation and new hunter recruitment. Dan’s focus on the family

woodlot means that he’s putting less energy on the larger landscape across the state. He would also have challenges in bringing a new hunter on the land he shares with several other family members during the deer season. Joe’s focus is on distant lands with little connection to the place he lives the other 355 days of the year. While an elk hunt out West is an aspirational goal for many hunters (including me), it doesn’t create an easy access point for a new hunter wanting to get into the woods for their first hunt.

An Opportunity

In full disclosure, I consider myself an outdoor generalist. I look forward to each season and the opportunities presented by the changes. I enjoy the fact there’s always something new to learn, and a challenge to tackle. The downside of being a generalist is I may never really master any single hunt. While I have many grip-and-grin pictures from hunting adventures and a few trophies

to hang on the wall, few would evoke the envy of an experienced specialist hunter. During the summer I often contemplate repainting the duck boat or putting out trail cameras in a new area where I hunt deer. But mostly I enjoy hitting the water with my kids to catch crappies or to troll some rocky reefs with my brother for walleyes. We might talk about concerns with invasive species in lakes we’ve fished for decades, how we can literally see the change in the water, and what that might mean for the future of the fishery. This conversation can quickly transition to one about the health of wild rice beds in the lake where we hunt ducks, or Chronic Wasting Disease and what it could mean for our deer herd in Minnesota. If we have a new person in the boat they have the benefit of learning about broad conservation concerns. This creates an opportunity for a conversation about why the hunting community is concerned with conservation and the health of all wild places.

If you’re a generalist you may relate well to this situation. If you’re a hunting specialist I’d challenge you to try something new this year. Take a break from your passion and invite someone to go fishing for walleyes, to gather wild rice, or hunt a different species this fall. Educate yourself on a conservation challenge to public land that is close to your home and invite someone to join you on a new adventure. The passion for your special hunt will still be there when you return, and you may even have a fresh perspective after shifting focus to a different piece of the outdoors. �������������������� Editor�s note: Mark Norquist is a lifelong hunter from Minnesota. He founded Modern Carnivore with a mission to help introduce more people to hunting, fishing and foraging through storytelling and education. Jamie Carlson is a wild game cook at Modern Carnivore.

What�s Cookin��

JALAPENO AND LIME WALLEYE CAKES

BY JAMIE CARLSON MODERN CARNIVORE

Ingredients: • • • • • • • •

1 lbs. walleye fillets 1 bunch green onions, finely diced 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced 2 cloves garlic, minced Juice of one lime 2 eggs 1/3 cup unseasoned bread crumbs. 1 teaspoon Jalapeno seasoning (I used Montana Mex)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Season the walleye fillets with salt and pepper and place on a baking sheet. Bake the fillets in the oven for 10 minutes. Remove the fillets and allow to cool. Using your hands, break apart the fillets into small pieces and place in a bowl. In a small sauté pan over medium high heat melt one tablespoon of butter and add the green onion, jalapeno and garlic. Cook for two minutes until the green onions are soft. Add the onion mixture and the fish to the bowl and add the remaining ingredients.

Form the mixture into patties and cook in a pan until golden brown on both sides (about 3 minutes per side over medium heat). Serve with your favorite tartar sauce.

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 41

Do you have a photo of a cherished deer hunting memory? We'd love to see it! Please send a digital photo or scan in .jpg format to [email protected]. Please include a description of who, when, where, etc. also in email form.

Thanks for sharing!

Brandon Krog, 13 years old from Fergus Falls, harvested this doe at 125 yards with open sights on opening weekend of muzzleloader season in Roseau County, MN while hunting with his grandfather.

In November of each year Solomon and Harlan head up north with their dads for mentoring and deer hunting camp. This year, after attending Forkhorn Camp, the two buddies harvested their first deer. Big smiles all around and we are all very proud of them along with their families.

42 Whitetales Whitetales| SUMMER | SUMMER 2022 2022

I am submitting this article and photos of my grandson, Grant Griffin, who hunts in S.E. Minnesota bluffs country. The time frame is 2011-2021. His successful hunts are the result of habitat, food and hunting technique. He has harvested many more deer than pictured as he is in the southern Minnesota CWD area where herds are being thinned. Being concerned about the temptations of young people to become immersed in beep beep technology, I introduced Grant into trapping when he was four years old. We began by trapping pocket gophers together and then went up the scale to raccoons, beaver, possum and the like. His greatest number of catches involved raccoons. He also had early help from his father. His goal was to have enough tanned raccoon hides for a bedspread. Grant shot his first deer in 2011 when he became of legal age. He has worked with his father to establish food plots, wild prairie and sanctuary areas for the deer. Since their family property adjoins the Root River, water is always available so the necessary conditions are there to enhance the deer herd. Trail cameras provide record of specific deer using the area. Then comes the equipment and strategy to harvest a prized deer. The 2021 deer presented a challenge to get into position without spooking the deer from its bedding area. Grant ended up wading the river in the dark of night to get into position. It worked! The buck presented for only a brief period of about 20 seconds. Grant experienced a mild case of “buck fever” when he saw the size of the deer, but he was able to calm himself and harvest the deer. Grant’s favorite gun is a rifled slug gun and is accurate out to 200+ yards. Grant is now in college at NDSU in Fargo, ND. He manages his study time so he can hunt geese, ducks and pheasants on weekends in addition to fishing excursions. He definitely likes the out-of-doors and hunting opportunities available to him. Again, for deer hunting success, think habitat, food, water and technique. Submitted by Clifford Knutson, Fergus Falls, MN

HINGE

IN PUBLIC LA Hunters in this modern hunting era are facing the best of times and the worst of times. This pay to play modern hunting trend often leads to dissatisfaction and frustration for many hunters. Access fees for hunting private property and landowner tags are sources of confusion. This, combined with competition from outfitters for places to hunt with their clients on public land, seems to have the hunter caught in the hinge point of how to approach hunting there. The upside for all who enjoy the outdoors is dramatic increases in wildlife populations across all species during the last half of the 20th Century. For hunters, there has never been a better time to harvest a trophy big game species. These first decades of the 21st Century prove that as the record books have more trophy animals being recorded than ever. This translates to greater than ever opportunities in hunting the public lands of America. Forty-percent of our nation’s lands are open to the public. It goes without saying that a majority of these are Western states. The diversity of wildlife on public lands is noteworthy. Public lands are under

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stewardship of most states, federal, county, cities and include military reservations and wildlife refuges. To hunt there, it is incumbent of the hunter to be advised of the regulations that impact wildlife on these lands. The wise hunter should be cognizant of how the surrounding private lands deal with wildlife on their property. Getting drawn for an elk, deer or other big game tag is a big deal in the West. HINGE POINTS CONTROVERSY AND CONFUSION In Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico hunters can purchase landowner tags. These tags allow hunting on all the public land located in the hunting unit where the landowner has the land. These tags are usually bought through a broker. The catch is you may not be able to hunt on the landowner’s land from which the broker obtained the tag. In fact, you may not know from what ranch the landowner tag came from. But, the hunter will be advised up front of these facts. Hunting on the private ground would usually involve an outfitter which would be much costlier than the landowner tag alone.

This is a backdoor approach to hunt in a high demand area that hunters may never get a tag for in the normal draw process. In other words, you are a public land hunter only in an area you would like to be drawn for. Many of the hunt units that are in high demand may be had this way, but the cost is not cheap. Two sons of a friend of mine spent a total of $9,500 for two any elk landowner tags for the 2021 archery hunt in New Mexico. They hunted only the public land in that hunting unit. They did not see an elk nor did they hear a bugle. However, they did not do the math. They did not do any research on harvest rates for the unit they were hunting. Which, after the fact, they found out were very low. The country hunted was beautiful elk country. They learned to their chagrin, after the first couple days of hunting season pressure, that most of the elk on public land move to the surrounding private lands. CONFLICT WITH OUTFITTERS Even in places where there is little or no surrounding private property, hunting public lands only can create some issues. There is a rather large herd of bison that

POINTS

AND HUNTING call the Grand Canyon National Park their home. Hunters must wait until the bison move across the boundary of the park to water or breed. Most of the outfitters working there sit their clients on tanks in order to get a bison as it comes to water. These tanks are very close to roads that parallel the park boundary. Outfitters have set-ups on most every tank near the boundary. Recently, a hunter was placed on a tank by an outfitter early one morning and soon he heard a truck up on the road with the engine running. The truck was not moving. It was sitting there with the motor running. The hunter went up to the truck and asked the other outfitter to please leave. The outfitter did not leave. I have had one conflict with an outfitter who helped me get a bull out of an area that was full of mud bogs due to melting snow. At the time I had left my two-wheel drive on the main Forest Service Road and walked deeper into the forest to hunt. Yeah, I killed a bull. I field dressed and skinned the bull out as best I could. But really, I had no way to get the bull to my truck. Mud and melting snow were everywhere.

A lone outfitter came by in a Jeep. He saw me from the two-track he was on. He said he heard my shot and his two clients were still on the herd that I shot my elk from, indicating he was responsible for me getting this little bull. Then he offered me help getting the bull and me back to my truck. I said great and all he wanted was a hind quarter of the elk. When we had loaded the elk meat into my truck, I went to get the head and hide. He said no, he needed the head and hide. I said no, that was not the deal. He drew a knife on me. I got my hide and head. He got another quarter of elk. I have had outfitters come into my set-up over water on an elk hunt. Of course, I’m sitting there and my side by side was parked just off the road about a quarter of a mile from the tank. They just wanted to check the cameras. They knew I was hunting there and they just happened to come by at prime time. I also have seen several pop-up blinds on tanks before the season and even after the season. These blinds are set-up in the best spot for an archery hunter to get a shot at a watering elk. One of our group hunted one of these tanks for a week of the elk season and no hunter ever came to sit in that blind.

BY TERRY T. CLAPP On an antelope hunt the night before the opener, my son and I put a very nice buck to bed. As we were walking back to our truck we spotted an outfitter. There were two other vehicles about a mile away on the main road sitting next to the outfitter’s truck. The outfitter was sitting on top of his truck with a spotting scope. We were sure we had to be early to beat the outfitter to the punch. The next day we would be there before anyone else. We started from the spot where we had parked the night before. We had gingerly been making our way down a small twotrack trail heading in the direction toward where we had last seen our prize. After hearing the roar of the truck and seeing the headlights coming down the trail we were on, we knew it could only be the outfitter. The truck roared past us stopping a couple hundred yards ahead at the base of some small hills. We knew our only hope for that buck was to walk around to the other side of the hill and hope they missed. Perhaps the buck would run in our direction. Right at dawn we heard a single shot ring out.

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 45

EVEN WITH CONTROVERSY LANDS WITHIN THE STATES OFFER HOPE State Wildlife and Natural Resources Departments are hard at work in their conservation and restoration efforts to enhance habitat and wildlife. Lands donated to such agencies include many small tracks of land that become special wildlife management areas open to the public. In addition to these efforts, states are increasing the leases or special agreements with private land owners to allow the public to walk in for hunting. These types of arrangements fit well into the plans of the do it yourself public land hunter. In South Dakota there are walk-in properties leased by the state for hunting upland game birds, waterfowl, as well as big game species. The hunter should remember these walk-in spots may be surrounded by private property, which could be a plus. URBAN AND CITY LANDS Pneumatic weapons, including airguns and airbows along with archery only hunts, have opened the door to additional public land hunting. The Airgun Sporting Association provides interactive maps with regulation reviews as well as direct links to each state. Regulations for hunting in city limits and in urban areas vary greatly, so check on restrictions. These hunts have been called for to help cull especially white-tailed deer populations. Critters like raccoon, Eurasian collard dove, and possums have experienced dramatic population increases in the last several years. Urban predators like coyotes and fox may also be included in the okay to hunt in the city list. FACTORS TO CONSIDER ON LARGE TRACTS OF PUBLIC LANDS Public Lands in the West are vast and expansive given that there are a limited number of access points as well as roads to and within these vast areas. The wise hunter will plan on the competition for public land use. We have discussed some of the rare negatives of public land hunting. By doing such the hunter has been advised and will be better prepared to deal with such. Recreational use of the public lands includes hunting but hunting does not supersede any other recreational use. Weekends are busy in National Forest and state-owned lands throughout the year. In the National Forest System many early archery deer and elk hunts coincide with the busy fall season of recreational use. The hunter will compete with normal end of the

46 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

year recreational family camping activities. Forest recreational activities include ATV, Jeep and other off-road vehicle travel. The main Forest Service Roads on weekends through fall are well used. In addition, some late season hunters will be seen in the field scouting. This activity is for a season that is still a month or two away.

This accelerated activity in the field is not all bad news. On the upside it means that wildlife in these areas are used to lots of activity. But, hunters break the norms of usual recreational land use by venturing deeper into bedding areas and watering holes of wildlife. The wise hunter could decide to skip the opening weekend, which traditionally will see the greatest number of folks afield. Lots of weekend hunters will take a spike or forkhorn as the first animal they see and be home by Sunday night. The option is to hunt days other than weekends. By mid-first week, the forest is settled a little. By the Monday after the second weekend and each day thereafter, less and less pressure is the rule. OTHER HUNTING FACTORS TO CONSIDER The early season for elk is timed to fit the rut. Traditional hunting wisdom suggests the rut comes in different phases and usually the rut heats up as the season progresses. This means there is plenty of time in a normal two week or more season, depending on state hunted, to get into public lands when they are less crowded. Coming in midweek will allow you to pass many campsites that may have a bull or two hanging in camp. This gives the opportunity to gather valuable information on how the hunt is going in that area. Always read the harvest figures for the area you will be hunting. Use hunt area maps. This resource will provide Forest Service Road numbers which are critical to traveling the forest. Use Google Earth along with your map to get a good overview of the public areas you wish to hunt. Often on Google Earth you will see green irrigated plots of land near or a few miles from your hunt area. These are most

likely on ranches adjacent to public lands. These green spots will be visited by elk and deer. Just use your hunting skills to figure out a likely bedding area near the green. Also, look for tanks holding necessary water. Look for hair on fence wire along with downed or stretched out fence wire. Broken fence posts and tracks are a giveaway as to the direction the elk are moving. Scouting ahead of the season using cameras and covering lots of area in your side-by-side is the best idea if your schedule permits. Often this is not possible, so use available resources wisely. Talk to the locals, hunters afield and area wildlife personnel to gather information. I don’t believe that getting there as the early bird will enhance hunting chances. There are too many variables beyond our span of control. Other campers, hunters to include outfitters and weather to note a few. I’m not convinced hiking into the most steep, rugged ravine in the area will bring any greater reward than walking the same contour around the mountainside where you may identify more sign. There is nothing wrong with these extreme approaches or jumping right into the opening day hunting fray. These are hunting choices. Late season hunts are void of crowds, opening day or otherwise. It will be cold, but the bigger bulls are back in bachelor groups. Most spikes and smaller bulls are with the herds. There is no doubt that public land hunting is the most economically viable of all hunting options for both resident and non-resident hunters. Outfitters are a choice for public land hunting. I suggest you really double down on checking out outfitters that are using public lands. Never hire one blindfolded. By doing your research in planning a DIY public land hunt you will get better and better at it. Harvest rates may not be as high as on private land but your chances for a trophy are good. Monster bulls and mule deer bucks are side by side with many other deer species on public lands. Just jump into the public land hunting fray but use your head doing it. There are no unsuccessful hunts on public land unless we say so. It’s a choice and hunters always drive the meaning of successful public land hunts. Hunters are proud to be the primary stewards of wildlife. It’s up to us to be respectful to all those we meet afield. I have never felt the need to use an outfitter or paid a trespass fee. I have hunted and fished only in America on public lands. Why, because why go out for hamburger when you can get the best steak ever on the public land fork?

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“Perfect practice makes perfect”

Yes, I know the actual adage is just “practice makes perfect,” but many highly successful archers, both competitive and hunting, stress that “how” you practice is just as important, may even more so, than just practice unto itself. Coaches of all sports, including competitive archery like the MN DNR’s highly successful “Archery in the Schools” program (part of the National Archery in the Schools Program, NASP), know there is a world of difference between good and bad practice, explaining “good” practice is not only highly structured, but produces high end results while “bad” practices basically create or re-enforce bad habits. When the Archery in the Schools program introduces Minnesota students to archery by providing schools with the best equipment, training, and curriculum available, it instills in the young archers the importance of every detail in their shooting, especially when hunting big game where due to poor preparation a poor shot can result in a wounded and lost animal. Therefore, always remember the old saying, “The more I practice, the luckier I get.” As MN DNR Shooting Sports Coordinator Kraig Kiger explains, “My wife and I both practice archery. We deer hunt, and it’s one sport that if you’re a fourth grader or senior citizen, you can still go out and shoot a bow or crossbow if need be.” Indeed, archery is an accessible sport anyone can learn. “You don’t have to be the biggest, the fastest, the strongest shooter,” explains Kiger. “It’s all about repeatability, bringing that knock back to the corner of your smile, settling down and putting the arrow on the target.” Indeed, perfect practice does make perfect!

“When �Pepe Le Pew’ perfumes your pet”

If you remember your cartoon days, “Pepe Le Pew” is an animated character from Warner Bros. Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons first introduced in 1945. He is a skunk, of course, but a lovable one. Our real skunks, aside from their pretty looks, and eating pheasant, grouse and other bird eggs are, of course, known for their pungent defensive spray. If perchance (and it’s a pretty good perchance) your pet and “Pepe” get up close and personal, many veterinarians suggest these three steps: Step 1. In a large bucket mix together 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon DAWN (or other types) dish soap. BUT, do not store, as the mixture could explode if left in a bottle. Step 2. Clean and rinse. With rubber gloves, apply the “skunk wash”—avoiding getting the solution in your pet’s eyes or mouth. Vigorously rub the mixture through fur, but don’t leave it in too long as peroxide can bleach fur and irritate skin. Rinse thoroughly. Step 3. Finish with a gentle pet shampoo. Shampoo and rinse your pet completely. Thoroughly towel-dry and keep your pet warm while air drying. You can also remove skunk smell from most clothing and fabrics by washing them with a regular laundry detergent mixed with 1/2 cup baking soda in hot water. Then, air dry the clothes. Air drying may be more effective than machine drying. A dryer may, however, bake in the smell if it’s not removed completely during washing. If you are considering using a skunk masking cover scent for deer hunting, be aware of the loose cap syndrome: “If there is a cap, it can come off.”

“Share your hunt!”

“Share your hunt!,” of course, as dedicated trail camera aficionados well know, is the motto of the cutting-edge trail camera company, Tactacam. So, those of you not yet into or new to the trail camera scene, might ask, what exactly is this “Tactacam”? A newly discovered dinosaur? A just on the market video game? A 21st C. high tech military drone camera? Nope to all three. The Tactacam, and for our purposes, more specifically the Tactacam® REVEAL X Cellular Trail Camera, is the ultimate remote big game scouting tool. Featuring a lightning-fast trigger speed and an impressive 96’ infrared flash, this trail camera captures crisp HD images—day or night—without spooking wildlife. The Tactacam is designed for hunters or bird and animal watchers wanting to use the best technology available. As for ease of use, even for flip phoners or those who just upgraded from them, the Tactacam REVEAL X trail camera is the “X” factor your scouting needs. Never missing a beat, believe it or not, the REVEAL automatically sends images from your trail cam to your phone to avoid disturbing deer while retrieving images in the field. The Tactacam REVEAL X pairs with the easy-to-use REVEAL mobile app for easy set-up, plus live views, instant image capture, and Image on Demand HD photo downloads. The camera is IP66 waterproof-certified to handle even extreme outdoor weather. Best of all, the Reveal X has month-to-month data plans with no contracts or activation fees! See what’s happening when you’re not at your hunting spot with the Tactacam Reveal X Cellular Trail Camera! Sit in your recliner, learn and enjoy!

48 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

& TREASURES �Bits and Pieces�

In his “Outlook” column for the 1990 summer issue of Whitetales, Executive Director John “Johnny K.” Kvasnicka told us in a preface note that this column was not a formal article, but “information that the general membership should know.” Here are some tidbits “Johnny K.” wrote about “membership”: The nucleus, power and strength and grassroots concepts of any organization is membership. There are 450,000 plus deer hunters in Minnesota and MDHA has 14,000 members who represent deer and deer hunting for the entire state. Just think of the power and strength we would have if we could enlist just 10% of the hunters as members? Just think of the number of projects, programs and issues we could address with 45,000 members? It would be astronomical and our legislative strength would be immeasurable! Ask yourself, “Why don’t more people belong to MDHA?” One reason is that they do not know that an organization created and based upon the principles that MDHA espouses, “the betterment of deer and deer hunting,” even exists. Another reason may be that hunters develop a sense of apathy, a feeling that hunting sports have been around for generations, and that no one is going to take this privilege away. I can assure you that the “antis” are working every angle of this issue! They are attacking trappers, bow hunters, sponsoring prime time television, harassing hunters and even at times sabotaging our hunting lands and camps trying to discourage us from harvesting wildlife. They are even going after the farmers who raise livestock in confinement (swine, beef and poultry) and dairy farmers who tether calves. Antis even have their noses in the medical profession, claiming animals should not be used for testing and laboratory experiments. Deer hunters and other sportspersons alike need to unite and join forces to protect the privilege of hunting sports. Still one more reason may be that hunters believe that as long as there are plenty of

deer, “Why should they belong to MDHA?” When you hear that, tell them that without the support of MDHA working with other like-minded conservation organizations such as the MN DNR, the United States Fish & Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, the Soil Conservation Service, the Minnesota Extension Service, County Land Commissioners, and private landowners, there would be no HABITAT that provides the necessary food, water and shelter. No matter what the reason, we need to convince sportspeople about MDHA’s positive goals and objectives. It is our responsibility to inform our friends, neighbors, hunting partners and general public about MDHA and how we are so diligently protecting our hunting sports privileges and developing wildlife habitat. �������������������� Note: After discussing MDHA’s 1990 Photo Contest, Chapter Reporting Award Program, MDHA’s credit card opportunity, merchandise, annual membership meeting, our timber wolf position, the 1990 Legislative Session recap, our 1991 Commemorative Bow and Knife and Hides-for-Habitat program, John ends his �Bits and Pieces� piece by telling us that �MDHA has gone high-tech… with a FAX machine� On a personal note, Johnny K. was and still is today a visionary, a dedicated and caring friend, a wonderful mentor and a great worker and leader. Interesting and interested, he could and still can talk to anyone about anything and be genuinely engaged and engaging. He made MDHA a better organization. Let’s pledge to do the same�

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 49

MEMBER WHERE HAVE OUR TRADITIONAL FAMILY VALUES IN THE OUTDOORS GONE? So many kids today are missing out on the incredible adventures that can be found in the great outdoors. They’re not exploring woodlots, pastures, lakes, and streams. They’re not experiencing wildlife, vegetation, campfires, and the smell of spring growth or fall leaves. Instead, they’re more likely to be found glued to their screens. But, there was a time, not very long ago, when things were totally different. Back then, we learned how to hunt and fish from our dads and grandpas, and their skills and knowledge were passed down from generation to generation. We spent a lot of our time outdoors with our families. That’s just the way it was.

50 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

I’m not saying that doesn’t still happen, but here’s a fact that we hunters should be aware of: fewer Americans are taking up hunting every year, a trend that has wildlife agencies across the country looking for new ways to fund conservation. So, how do we bring back the enthusiasm for adult and youth hunters? Should we, as hunters and outdoor enthusiasts, be recruiting youth and adults? Of course, we should! I’ve always loved the outdoors and had a great passion for hunting. But I will never forget the moment when I realized that hunting, and the great outdoors, are really about so much more.

One year after I moved to Colorado, I wanted to do something different with my deer hunting friends from Minnesota and Wisconsin. I wanted them to try an elk hunt out west. I asked ten guys to go, and all said yes! So, I got all the gear we needed to put on a Colorado elk hunt, they drove out together and met me in Denver, and we headed to the White River National Forest near Carbondale, Colorado. The first night, as we sat around a crackling campfire deep in the Colorado Rockies, our conversation about elk hunting quickly turned into a deep discussion about our families, jobs, and the many different issues waiting for us at home. At first, I was surprised that the conversation wasn’t centered around hunting. But then I realized, while hunting is a great getaway, it’s only for a short period of time. We still have to live in the real world for the rest of the year. In my opinion, there are many ways we can be successful as deer and elk hunters, and they don’t necessarily have anything to do with how big our animal is. Who we are when people aren’t looking? Do we put our spouse and kids first or our hunting friends? Do we keep the promises we made with our spouse or kids? Or do we put hunting ahead of our families or children when they need us? Trust me when I say I’m not preaching at you. I’m pointing my finger at myself and have been guilty of neglecting my family. But during that hunting trip in Colorado many years ago, I realized something. Many of us are desperately in need of a healthy group of friends that have the same goals of God, family, and the great outdoors, as we do. This realization led me to start a group called COFA - Christian Outdoor Fellowship of America. COFA aims to not

Story

BY DR. MICHAEL BROOKS

only get men, women, and their families into the outdoors, but to also get them into a like-minded community. COFA is not a church; we are a faithbased ministry that supports local churches and communities across the country. We gather men, women, and their families together through outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, target shooting (archery, guns), meat-smoking, ATVing, Dutch oven cooking, and so much more. And we provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for all. We host local classes and events throughout the year, as well as several large national events. Some of these include: a men’s and women’s elk/deer hunt in Ridgway, Colorado, in late October; a National ATV ride in Ouray, Colorado, in mid-July; a fish camp in Bemidji in mid-

September (this is one of our most popular events because you get individual cabins and your meals); and a free Kids Paper Turkey Target Shoot in mid-November. For more information on any of these events, please check out our webpage at cofausa.org. We would love for you to join us! And if you’re interested in starting a COFA group in your church or community,

or would like more information about us and what we do, we would love to hear from you. You can reach me by phone at 303.880.9878 or email me at mikeb@ cofausa.org; our Women’s Outreach Director, Leslie, is also here to help! She can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 303.909.3707. We would love to connect with you!

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CLOVER: A GOOD CHOICE FOR SUMMER FOOD PLOTS

BY JIM SOBOLIK, TROPHY BUCK FOOD PLOTS, LLC Clover is a good crop for summer food plots, as this is when it is growing the best and is most palatable for the deer. In the fall, after it freezes, clover will go dormant, stopping any new growth. There are many different types of clovers: red clover, white clover, crimson clover and sweet clover, which is not a true clover at all; it is more related to alfalfa. Deer will eat sweet clover when it’s young and tender, moreso than when it gets old and rank, but it does have many more benefits for other wildlife such as bees, nesting birds and cover for small animals and birds. Different types of clovers will do better on certain soils. Red clover will do better on wet soils than, for example, white clovers like Ladino, which is a favorite of deer, much so more than red clover.

Dutch clover is also a white clover that will do very well on poor soil, but won’t produce the larger amounts of food as Ladino. It is well suited for trails, which will attract grouse, as well. Alsike clover is also good for heavy use areas where over grazing is possible, as it is a good choice for pastures used by cattle. There’s kind of a trade-off with different types of clovers, as some clovers do better than others on different soils. This naturally makes the more desirable clovers taste better than some clovers on poor soil, but you can still get them to grow there, making them a usable attractant. Clovers are a perennial, meaning they will come back every year. Most of the time when clover comes back the second year, it will be more lush than the first year, because it is now established.

I see a lot of people replant clover every year. I think it’s probably because after a freeze, and the deer eat it all off, the person thinks it’s dead or damaged, and needs replanting the following year, which is not the case. Also, clover should not be planted back to back as it will not do as well as if you rotate the crops in between clover plantings. Another good plant to mix in with your clover is chicory. The deer like it and it will also do well on poorer soils. With the very high price of fertilizers this year, clover will be a good fit, as you can get by with only applying potash to the soil. Clover is a great choice for summer food plots because it is high in protein, phosphorus and calcium, which are all good ingredients for growing deer and antler growth.

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Office: (218) 246-9895 Cellular: (218) 244-3365 52 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

Gizmos, GADGETS, Garments & GEAR

How a Fish House Became a Hunting Shack and Camper All In One An Interview with Brett Drexler, General Manager of Ice Castle Fish Houses

FROM BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE, WITH INPUT FROM DUSTIN SHOURDS, MDHA REGION 8 REGIONAL DIRECTOR Move over cold, lonely fishing hut or deer camper… and say hello to the ultra-tweaked, state-of-the-art, Ice Castle Fish House on wheels. These customized recreational vehicles act as a home-away-from-home for ice fishing on the frozen tundra, hunting in the fall, or in the role of a luxury camper. Family-owned American Surplus & Manufacturing (AS&M), better known as Ice Castle Fish Houses, has come full throttle— starting out as a small shop in 1993, and growing to become the largest manufacturer of premium portable ice fish houses in the state of Minnesota. Brett Drexler, General Manager and son of founder Jeff Drexler, wants to get the word out that “ice fishing is not roughing it anymore! “That used to be the case,” Brett says, “you’d go out on the ice with Grandpa and a bucket and sit there in all kinds of weather conditions. But now you’ve got the luxuries of satellite television, sofas, recliners, fireplaces, big screen TVs. You name it, we’ve got it. That’s getting more families out there. You all know about Minnesota winters… they’re cold. People don’t like them. The weather hurts your face. But now, Ice Castle is giving people the opportunity to go out and enjoy the weather without being stuck in the uncomfortable conditions.” Today, Ice Castle Fish Houses is known as an innovative leader in the recreational vehicle industry, but its roots go back to simple beginnings as American Surplus & Manufacturing (AS&M). Drexler explains, “It started in 1993 as just a basic surplus store. But my Dad, Jeff, had a lengthy background in manufacturing. He moved

to Minnesota from Wisconsin to work at Friendship Homes, which is a mobile home plant. From there he started building wishing wells and storage sheds as a side business.” Milaca Unclaimed Freight was a dealer for the sheds, and one day in 1997 one of their managers asked, “Why don’t you build us a fish house?” With that single request, the line was cast. Drexler continues, “So, we built a 6 ½-foot-by-12-foot wheeled fish house. Just a small one, very basic, and it sold before it even hit the store. From there it started snowballing. What really set us apart was when we started putting in full RV packages four of five years ago. The complete water system – the shower, running water, toilet, sink – so, now our product is used in all seasons.” To date, Ice Castle has built over 30,000 units. Drexler notes that 80 percent of the models they are building now are pre-sold, retail orders received at the plant by email from a large dealer network. Clients are spoiled for choice with over 40 different models to choose from. The customizable aspect of what is essentially a motorhome continues to wow consumers and competition, alike. Designs are available to accommodate every fishing lifestyle through an amazing menu of options. A large bay window in the rear? Satellite TV? The basic Ice Fish shack can be converted into a luxury Ice Fish House home, and all models have maintenance-free aluminum siding. Even better, the roadlicensed Ice Fish House features deluxe double-pulley suspension with retractable wheels, so it can be used year-round—as

a hunting shack in the fall, or a trailer for hauling snowmobiles, four wheelers, motorcycles and other toys in the winter, spring and summer months.

Ice Castle is proud to support and partner with local businesses. Currently, they have 24 Minnesota companies supplying products that go into or on each fish house. Drexler makes particular mention of valued longtime relationships. “What’s important with Ice Castle is obviously our customers, and our ability to take their ideas and make them a reality. Customization. We customize these things like no others. There’s just one thing: though we do provide big access holes in the bottom of the unit to drop your line and fish… you still have to drill through the ice and keep them closed when they become a camper or deer shack.” �������������������� Editor�s note: Ice Castle has contributed greatly to the Montivideo, MN community as well as MDHA local banquets and fundraisers, donating a majority of the costs for the Ice Castles they have given away over the years�

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 53

HUNT

Whitetales Building our hunting and conservation legacy through habitat, education and advocacy.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA DEER HUNTERS ASSOCIATION

it down!

Look for an icon shaped like the one above in this issue of Whitetales and, when you find it, send us the page number, along with your name and address. If you are correct, your name will be entered in a prize drawing from MDHA. Email [email protected] Submission deadline: July 1, 2022

Winner of the Spring “Hunt It Down”

Roberta Brinkmanof the Wadena Chapter found the hidden flower on page 30 of the spring issue and was the lucky winner of an MDHA hat. Congrats Roberta!

PLEASE REVIEW Your Membership Information Today.

The magazine label indicates your membership status. Please check it to see if your address is correct and when your membership expires. To renew your membership or make corrections, call the MDHA State Office at 800.450.DEER. Address changes are a major concern and we need your help to correct them. On occasion, the office gets calls because a household is getting duplicate magazines or shouldn’t be getting a magazine at all. What may be the reason for this?

Do We Have Your Email? MDHA communicates with our members in numerous ways…email being one! Be sure your email address is on file to keep up-todate with state and chapter happenings. To add your email to the list, contact Kim D. at [email protected]. �Our email list is never solicited and is strictly used for MDHA communications.

54 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

SUMMER PRACTICE MAKES FOR CONFIDENT SHOTS BY PETE ROGERS

WHITETAIL WATERHOLE STRATEGY BY TODD DAVIS

SELECTING A DEER CARTRIDGE BY ROY WELCH

HINGE POINTS IN PUBLIC LAND HUNTING BY TERRY T. CLAPP

SUMMER 2022

Questions, concerns, thoughts� Address letters to: Minnesota Deer Hunters Association Attention: Letter to the Editor 460 Peterson Rd. Grand Rapids, MN 55744 or email: [email protected]

POTENTIAL REASONS:

• Renewal forms or banquet tickets are illegible and get entered incorrectly. • J.J. Jones is Jerry Jones, same person with multiple memberships. • A life member passes away and the state office is not notified.

SOLUTIONS:

• Call the office to inquire at 800.450.DEER. • Check with your chapter officers or regional director. • Check your magazine’s mailing label to see if it is accurate.

Daylight IN THE Swamp you try to grasp it. Indeed, you cannot grasp it, just as you cannot walk off with a river in a bucket. If you try to capture running water in a bucket, it is clear that you do not understand it and that you will always be disappointed, for in the bucket the water does not run. To �have’ running water, you must let go of it and let it run.” Another part might be answered by rock icon Bob Dylan and his oft-used line, “The answer, my friends, is blowin’ in the wind.” And still another might be Henry David Thoreau’s famous lines, “If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let his step be to the music that he hears, however measured or far away.” There are many theories and quotes that try to explain the phenomena we call, “Let’s just do it,” a phrase, by the way, Nike adopted to tap the adventure-seeker in each of us, but, the “bell tolls differently” for each of us. Some climb mountains and rocks, some run or walk, some bike. Others go on canoe trips, kayak, camp, hike, ride four-wheelers and side-by-sides, snowboard, ski or snowmobile. Some of us hunt, trap and fish. Each of us, however, tries to, as Jim Croce once sang, “keep time in a bottle” whether by reliving our youth or seeking new adventures. We also want to find meaning amid confusion, to walk across Simon & Garfunkel’s “bridge over troubled waters.” To put it simply, we long to see the silver lining that is supposed to be somewhere in those gray clouds. Watts is right. We cannot walk off with a river in a bucket. And, so is Dylan, the answer is in the wind. And, so is Thoreau, we do need to march to our own drummers. We need to find elements of nature that fuel our determination fires. The elements that give our lives purpose. Meaning. A reason to get up in the morning. My lovely wife is also right. Grown men and women need to be boys and girls again. We need to re-light the light of childhood when to us a flooded backwoods was a mighty marsh and our local lakes great oceans. We need to retrace and recreate those first moments. Like our first shore or dock fishing for crappies or bluegills. Hearing cattails whisper in the wind. Feeling the mystery and

magic of a duck slough waking up. Being startled by a grouse thundering through autumn gold. Navigating alone with a twocell flashlight to our first solitary deer stand. Personally, one of my greatest “up against it” memories happened the second weekend of deer season back in my formative deer hunting days. The outside temp had settled at an overnight low of 15 degrees, but the weather-people didn’t expect it to get much over 18 during the day. They did, however, include tree-whipping winds from the northwest at 10-15 mph just to give us some “deer moving” weather. We hunted primitive stands back then, no walls, roofs, heaters or sense. And, whether foolish or not, we took pride in that hardy endurance, wearing it as a badge of honor. In fact, I fell asleep that night listening to the jack pine crackling in our camp’s barrel stove and the outside creaking trees, knowing I was bound and determined to tough out that nor’wester because I would be fortified with a thermos of hot coffee and a down jacket worn under my trusty red wool mackinaw. To be honest, I was as interested in accomplishing the dawn to dusk shift as I was in getting a deer. Yes, “toughing it out” was very important back then. At noon, however, and having no deer sightings, the down warmth was gone but the wind was not. It still raced with abandon across the tag alder swamp and busted through the balsams. I climbed down. Just for a few minutes, mind you. Our deer camp rules dictate that if safety is jeopardized and cold hands mean handling a firearm might be dangerous, it not only would be okay, but mandatory, to descend with no guilt feelings attached. When on the ground, I did jumping jacks to warm up. In ten minutes, I was back up. In another 20 minutes, a dark walnut rack was gliding through the balsams. Ten seconds later, a neck. Two seconds after, a massive body. Then, a Winchester 30.30 blast that might even had scared the wind was followed by the faint hint of gunpowder and the surrealistic feeling of a buck down. Although I can never recreate that hunt, that time in my life, the wind I was facing on my buddy’s secret walleye spot allowed me to vicariously revisit it. And, during

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 56

those couple hours of jigging in the wind and waves, I relived late season diver hunts in snow smothers on ice-rimmed November lakes hunkered in driftwood and cattail blinds on frozen sand. I drifted our favorite rock pile on our favorite lake with Canadian blue jigs and iron ore mine pit-trapped minnows when the wind was wild and wooly as we navigated the whitecapped waves. All the while I casted, I smiled because often some of our greatest feelings come from little things like facing nature’s forces, finding humility and embracing the positives in our lives rather than wallowing in the negatives. Walking on bridges across troubled waters. Finding those oftmentioned silver linings in those seemingly always present dreaded dark clouds. Trying to remember no rain, no rainbow. Then, as suddenly as a northern snips off your jig, I heard a faint voice. The voice of God? Was this an epiphany? Would I now become a world-famous television preacher with throngs of followers? Nope, it was my fishing buddy, the one on whose fishing claim I had just jumped. And, me with three nice eater walleyes on my rope stringer tied to my wader belt to boot! With the wind howling, however, I couldn’t quite make out what he was hollering. All I knew was as he thrashed out through the waves like an amorous moose on a mission, I could hear something that sounded like “Ben, Ben-something.” When he got in earshot range, I felt a tinge of guilt for going to his spot so early without him. What’s more, I could also now make out he was saying, “Benedict,” which was his good-natured pseudoadmonishment to me for being on “his” spot as I knew the full name he was referencing and its meaning – Benedict Arnold - the American whose name is still synonymous to being a traitor. But, as we all well know, buddies can be very forgiving, especially in this case, as the magic hour was yet to come. So, on we fished. Casting. Jigging. Retrieving. Catching. Netting for one another. Laughing. Remembering. Being boys once again…

MNDEERHUNTERS.COM 55

Daylight IN THE Swamp

BY ROD DIMICH

TO BE A BOY ONCE AGAIN

As I pondered over a much-delayed list of things to be done around the homestead on a windy afternoon the Sunday before Memorial Day, a strange sensation came over me when I looked out the window. The rain-muscled northeast wind that was pummeling newly sprouted eaves with a combination of roundhouse wind bursts and jabs of rain thrown so hard they bounced off our picture window like handfuls of buckshot, beckoned me. After a long, hard winter, open water and walleye season were finally here. This day, however, had long ago been penciled in as a stay-athome, tend to chores day. But, for a reason I really have never been able to put a finger on, a strong urge to face the elements changed my wellintentioned plans. Well, I guess I can put a finger on it. My best fishing buddy had just texted me that last evening he had waded out from shore to “his secret fishing hole” on a close-by walleye lake and because the first shallow run of spottail shiners was in close to shore, the walleyes were right behind them. Adding, the “spot” is only good when the sky is overcast and the wind is heavy from the northeast. Like today. Even though it was “his” spot, I rationalized I could sneak out for a while in the afternoon because he had also said, “They only bite in the evening.” Moreover, my afternoon venture was more of a scouting expedition to see if they would bite earlier. Deep down, however, that old street hockey, barnyard basketball, pickup football and baseball games competitive spirit was still a thing and I really wanted to pick off an afternoon limit and then let him know “the afternoon bite was on.” As I apprised my bride of this decision, complete with a promise of fresh walleye for dinner, she gave me a three-hour pass to, as she calls it, “be a boy once again.”

56 Whitetales | SUMMER 2022

After years of blissful marriage, thanks to Kenny Rogers, I had learned “when to hold �em and when to fold �em,” and windows of opportunity might close quickly. Therefore, because this spot was wade-only, I hurriedly collected my rod and reel, pocket tackle box, live minnow bucket, small landing net and waders.

I loaded those quickly in my truck and headed to the nearby convenience store that also had minnows. Once there, because of the cold spring and overall lack of shiners and minnows in general, I hoped there would be an ample supply for jig fishing. But, there wasn’t. In fact, there were only about a dozen scrawny shiners and a smattering of teeny-tiny crappie minnows about the size of Mayflies. Oh well, another challenge accepted. But, 12 shiners on a windy day in a rocky-bottomed, perch-filled lake was like having only a

dozen shells for northern bluebills in a snow smother. Still, this was part of the challenge. Part of being a boy once again, I guess. Once on the point and 30 or so yards out to the drop-off, as foot and a half swells battered my waders, that exhilarating feeling of “being up against it” swept over me. Yet, even though the cold wind lashed my face and the low scudding clouds were dropping a steady drizzle, I was warmed by a roaring furnace of determination that burned inside me. My first cast was a pop-up. As I had flicked my wrist, the tempest growled and spit my little shinertipped jig back toward me like a badminton shuttlecock in a howl. I countered with a heavier jig, a sidearm sling and the extra twenty yards put me in over the drop-off walleye water. Yup, I was a ready-teddy, twitching my rod tip on my retrieve as I anchored my feet in the gravel bottom to ward off any wave bent on diabolically bowling me over when suddenly two rogue waves doubleteamed me with a watery blast that bully-sprayed my face and staggered me a couple feet. When I wiped the 48-degree water off my face with my sleeve, however, all I could do was smile that smile those who have never been up against it in the woods and water will never understand. So, some might ask, why would a seemingly mature man, supposedly steeped in world experience and obviously in the “should know better stage of life,” go out of his way to leave the creature comforts of home to do battle with nature’s furies and then actually smile after a face full of wave water? Part of the answer might come from a quote by Allan Watts in his 1951 book, The Wisdom of Insecurity: A Message for an Age of Anxiety, where he wrote, “You cannot understand life and its mysteries as long as CONTINUED ON PAGE 55

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