10-01-2020 Outdoors

Technology and nature are combined more than ever these days. Staff at Sarett has found so many useful (and free) smartphone apps that help us, and can help you, become a better naturalist! Here are some of our favorites: iNaturalist and Seek – Identify plants, fungi, and animals with a quick snapshot and log your sightings through the apps! See what others are finding around you as well. Merlin Bird ID and Audubon – Get help identifying the birds around you! Enter in characteristics of birds you see to help you ID the bird species, learn its’ sounds, and interesting facts. Ebird – This birding app made by the Cornell Lab allows you to take part in citizen science and log your bird sightings as checklists, find nearby hotspots, and see what other birders are finding. Star Walk 2 – There are a number of stargazing apps available, but we like this one in particular because of its ease of use. Open the app and it will show you what stars and planets are visible and align with the sky so you can see the constellations right on your phone. There is also a Star Walk Kids app. AllTrails and Avenza Maps – Find new hiking trails! Log your trail activity, download maps for offline use, and follow your GPS location as you go down the trail.

Fishing The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminded anglers that the lake trout season on northern Lake Michigan and northern Lake Huron closed on September 30. As we move into fall, the DNR said to watch for minnows to show up around the piers. When this happens, dipping them on site and fishing them under a slip bobber can be very productive. Captain Kenny Bard of Rampage Fishing Charters out of South Haven reported that when boats could get out the salmon fishing was slow with only one coho and one king reported. A few lake trout were taken off the bottom with Laker Takers in 120 – 150 feet. South Haven pier fishing was slow for all species. Perch fishing had been good the end of last week, but by the first of this week the perch were slow to bite. A few kings were taken out of the Black River, but slow fishing in general. On the Kalamazoo River anglers at the Allegan Dam were taking some coho. The fishing area at the dam has been downsized and social distancing is being enforced. Ellinee Bait & Tackle on Paw Paw Lake by Coloma reports slow fishing on Paw Paw and other inland lakes in the area. At Flaherty Park on Mill Creek in Watervliet, anglers were frustrated by being able to see hundreds of fish passing by and not being able to get any of them to bite. Maybe with the rain and cooler temperatures coming this will change their interest in food. Out of St. Joseph, those trolling for salmon reported slow fishing. Perch anglers had a few good catches in 40 to 50 feet, but the fish were scattered. Pier fishing was slow and anglers caught a few pike, bass and freshwater drum. In the St. Joseph River, there are fish moving through, however, those targeting salmon reported slow catch rates. Known as “the fish of a thousand casts,” the muskellunge can be a tough species to target. Anyone who has always wanted to catch a big one should check out this DNR tip the next time they head out. When anglers are out on the water, they should consider focusing their efforts on the corners or inside turns of the lake(s) they’re fishing. These spots consist of bends in the bottom that causes a slight point to form. Muskie will often hide out in these spots, especially if it puts them close to deeper water, excellent cover and access to food. More information on fishing for muskellunge can be found on the muskie page on the DNR’s website and the 2020 Fishing Guide for muskellunge fishing regulations. The Michigan Natural Resources Commission adopted regulation changes – effective from Sept. 11 for the remainder of the 2020 fall salmon run – that closes the Betsie River Homestead Dam in Benzie County to fishing within 300 feet of the lamprey barrier and fish passage facility from Aug. 1 to Nov. 15. In recent years, Betsie River salmon fishing has been immensely popular, attracting thousands of anglers to the area annually. The new fishing regulations came in response of hundreds of complaints from the area, including illegal snagging, exceeding daily fish limits, cutting trees, illegal fires, trespassing and angler conflicts. Conservation officers urge proper etiquette on and off the river. Officers are conducting enhanced patrols to reduce the illegal fishing, camping and parking, trespassing, littering and abusive behavior. Snagging is an illegal method of catching a fish using hooks, without the fish having taken the bait with its mouth. More can be read on page 9 of the 2020 Fishing Guide. Anyone found guilty of illegally taking fish may be charged with a misdemeanor, lose their fishing license, serve jail time and face fines and costs.

Hunting The DNR extends temporary hunter education safety certificates through June 2021. Eligible hunter education students will be allowed to purchase a Michigan hunting license prior to completing the required field day. The Michigan DNR Law Enforcement Division administers the state’s hunter education program and is providing a temporary solution due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Anyone who receives a temporary hunter education safety certificate will be required to complete a field day by June 1, 2021, or within 12 months of completing the course – whichever date comes later – to receive their permanent hunter education safety certificate. Learn more about earning an online hunter safety certificate at Michigan.gov/HunterEducation. The North Zone duck season is still open until Nov. 22; when it closes and reopens Nov. 28-29. The Middle Zone is open Oct. 3 – Nov. 29 and then again Dec. 12 – 13. The South Zone is open Oct. 10 – Dec. 6 and again Dec. 26-27. Regulation changes for 2020-2021 include changes to the scaup daily bag limit during the season. Depending on when and where in the state a hunter hunts, they may harvest either one or two scaup daily. The table on page 7 in the 2020 Michigan Waterfowl Hunting Digest has more details. Clean, Drain and Dry – it’s the law. Hunters and anglers are reminded to prevent spreading invasive plants and organisms from one body of water to another. They should “Clean, Drain and Dry” boats, trailers and all equipment and gear after each use – state law requires it. The state requires making sure watercraft and trailers are free of all aquatic organisms and plants before transporting or launching. Also, remove drain plugs and drain all water from bilges, ballast tanks and live wells before moving watercraft. Archer deer season is open Oct. 1 – Nov. 14 and again Dec. 1 – Jan. 1. The Independence Hunt for hunters with disabilities will be Oct. 15 – 18.

Watervliet Rod & Gun Club The Watervliet Rod and Gun Club is offering monthly CPL (Concealed Pistol License) classes. October’s class will be held Oct. 8 and 10. Registration is on Tuesday, Oct. 6 at the club between 6 and 7 p.m. For price and more information, call 269-470-9191 or 269-468-3837.

Please share your hunting and fishing trophy pictures with the readers of the Tri-City Record Email to record@tricityrecord.com or call 463-NEWS