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By Louie Stout
Deer Prospects Similar for Bow Opener
Deer hunters on both sides of the state line can expect to see deer numbers similar to last year when the archery season opens Oct. 1.
Biologists from Indiana and Michigan said fawn production was good last spring, there have been no indication of disease issues in the area and the mast and apple production has been good.
“We are going in with good numbers,” said Ken Kesson, wildlife biologist at Crane Pond Game Area in Jones, Mich. “It’s been a fairly normal summer and as of right now, we don’t have any concerns in southwest Michigan.”
The disease issue is important in Michiana given the history of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease (EHD) virus that struck the herd a few years ago and caused a lot of mortality. In addition, the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) that has appeared in central Michigan has not found its way into Michiana counties.
In Indiana, state deer biologist Joe Caudill said all indicators point to a positive fall season.
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By Louie Stout
A Good Example of Why Catch-and-Release Works
It was an overcast mid-morning when Chuck White, his dad (Chuck), and his wife (Kathy) launched their 16-foot Alumacraft boat into the St. Joseph River downstream from the South Bend dam.
“Dad started taking me there when I was 14 years old,” said White, now 43. “We always do well and enjoy fishing that stretch because it’s so quiet and you don’t see too many other anglers.”
That Wednesday morning was no exception.
The trio caught and released more than 30 smallmouth bass and four northern pike during a four-hour outing.
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By Louie Stout
When fishing gets tough, anglers get creative.
That appears to be the case with bluegill fishermen who are finding different ways to catch panfish during the dog days of summer.
Most of the fishing is being done deep, and while the bluegills are fairly easy to find, catching numbers takes more work.
A random check of area baitshops Thursday revealed that the basic livebait-and-slip bobber will catch some fish but not as well as others.
- Details
By Louie Stout
The DNR closed off Eagle Lake parking due to complaints from Ontwa Township officials but it had nothing to do with anglers.
The entrance to the grassy DNR property was blocked by large boulders a week ago, placed there by the Michigan DNR after townships officials threatened citing them for an ordinance violation.
“This had nothing to do with fishermen,” said Leroy Krempec, township planning commission administrator. “It was the general public that was causing problems.”
The grassy lot, which the DNR owns and intends to develop as a parking area for boaters, has been open for boat and trailer parking since the DNR purchased the land nearly four years ago.
However, litigation filed by the Eagle Lake Improvement Association to prevent construction of a new boat ramp across from the parking area has put the project on hold.
The lot has remained undeveloped and has been discovered by Eagle Lake beachgoers, many of who have caused problems along Eagle Lake Road during nighttime and weekends.
Krempec said as many as 60 cars have been counted in the lot and litter has become a major problem.