I turned to a person near me and remarked, “You know, I’ve been coming to these events for more than 20 years, and I’ve yet to win one of those guns!” The guy gave me a rather uninterested glance and remarked, “Well, you’ve got to buy some tickets in order to win.”

You’ve likely heard it said that almost anything can happen on a deer hunt. Well, now I believe it. Allow me to explain. It was colder than a well-digger’s auger up north the other day when I decided to get out the old muzzleloader, better known in some parts as a smoke pole, and try again for a buck.

Yes, the regular firearms season is drawing to a close, but there is still much ado for those who wish to keep on hunting. For example, the muzzleloading deer hunt is about to kick in, and if one likes other action, rabbits, squirrels and ruffed grouse are still likely candidates.

Pheasant hunting is different now than it used to be. Early, traditional pheasant hunting, say in the 1930s, in places like South Dakota or even here in Michigan, were mostly a large group activity. Now, most of us hunt alone or with a friend or two, even sharing a dog, and don’t go much for [...]

Yes, duck hunters, it’s about time to oil up your dogs and feed your shotgun some carbohydrates. Duck and goose hunting is in the wings. Actually, an early goose season is on, statewide, beginning today. And from all indications there are plenty of geese around. You know, you golfers may even have to fight your favorite golf course for space, since geese seem to love those links.

Last week I mentioned the large northern pike I landed at the Rockford dam on the Rogue River. Well, that column got me thinking about some of the other places I and others have had success, and in many instances that is at or near a dam.

Although I prefer to fish for trout, I also enjoy tackling a bass or two now and then. And bass season in Michigan is right on our doorstep, so I know many of you are anxiously awaiting to cast away, as am I. But today, I believe I’ll discuss a little different method to catch bass, along with some other fishing thoughts.

Depending upon your fishing location in the state, you may find that some flies are early, on time, or even late. Of course, I make reference to Mayflies and caddisflies, which emerge over the trout streams or lakes about this time of year.

Here it is. The spring turkey hunt is about to pop open and many hunters are prepared for it or busy getting ready. As I believe I mentioned a while back, I’ll not be carrying my shotgun with me because I absolutely forgot to apply for a license. However, I’ll be calling for one of my hunting pals and that’s almost as good as carrying the gun.

Yes, Easter is here, and we must remember that it isn’t just time to eat the ears off chocolate bunnies and hide eggs for the kids. We must think of its religious meaning as well. Yes, this is true and all well and good. But the coming of April also heralds some things of importance to the average sportsman, hunter, fisherman and other out-of-doors folks.