Michigan: invasive European frog-bit found in Novi ponds

Oakland County CISMA offers free invasive species surveys in ponds and wetlands

European frog-bit, an invasive aquatic plant, has been found in 17 stormwater ponds, wetlands and drains in the Novi area. While the plant is established along Michigan’s east coast, it has only been found in a small number of inland bodies of water, making this Oakland County detection a significant discovery.

The plant, which resembles miniature water lilies, can be moved from one body of water to another when its small seeds or plant fragments attach to wildlife, boats or recreational gear. To prevent widespread infestation, it is important to identify and manage infested areas.

Invasive species are those that are not native and can cause harm to the environment, economy or human health.

Free surveys offered in Novi area

The Oakland County Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area is leading European frog-bit management efforts in the Novi area and is seeking permission from people to survey waters on their properties.

A map of the cities, villages and townships in Oakland County, highlighting the survey area in the southwest corner with a dashed red line.“We are hoping to reach homeowner associations, businesses and individual residents with ponds, detention basins or wetlands on their properties,” said Erica Clites, Oakland County CISMA director. “The survey focuses on the plants in the water and usually takes about 15 to 45 minutes.”

Through support from the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program, these surveys are free to landowners in the project area, which includes Farmington, Farmington Hills, Lyon Township, Novi, South Lyon, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, and parts of Commerce, Milford and West Bloomfield townships. Read more

College Angler Struck by Lightning While Practicing for Incoming Event

SAN ANTONIO, TX (June 23, 2021) – Late Monday afternoon, while practicing for an upcoming collegiate bass fishing event on Lay Lake in Alabama, McKendree University angler Trevor McKinney was struck by lightning out on the water. McKinney and fellow teammate Blake Jackson were running back to the boat ramp ahead of an incoming storm when their boat was struck by lightning. The anglers made it back to the ramp safely, and McKinney was fully checked out by EMS and given the all-clear before leaving the lake.

Association of Collegiate Anglers staff had the opportunity to speak with both anglers, as well as McKendree University Head Bass Fishing Coach Jon Rinderer, to get the full details of what occurred.

“It was kind of getting dark, and we kind of wanted to run down a little closer to the boat ramp. We knew storms were kind of in the area, but not close,” noted Blake Jackson, McKendree University angler. “It starts raining and we start taking off down the lake. We’re running about 55-60(MPH), something like that. And then it just starts raining, so I duck down in the bottom of the boat and kind of just turn around a little bit so it’s not pelting me in the face. Next thing I know, he’s running, and I just see this bolt of lightning right in my face. It had to either hit Trevor’s shoulder, Trevor’s seat, maybe the pole in the back of the boat…but it was just right there in your face.”

Both Trevor and Coach Rinderer reported that the shock went through McKinney’s body and exited via his pant seat and out through the driver’s chair in the boat.

“I was just kind of stunned you know. It was something that you’d never expect just driving down the lake. Honestly, it felt like somebody shot me with a taser. My body just kind of froze up. For an hour afterwards I was just kind of shaking,” explained Trevor McKinney, McKendree University angler.

Wildlife Forever Reminds Anglers to Trash Unused Bait

White Bear Lake, MN- Wildlife Forever’s coalition of partners and bait shops across the Midwest are reminding anglers how to properly handle live bait after a day on the water. Releasing leftover bait into the environment can pose risk of spreading diseases and aquatic invasive species, which can have devastating effects. New custom bait bags and posters with the message “Don’t Let it Loose” are now available for distribution. The bags give instructions about how to properly dispose of the bait in the trash or how to keep it if planning to reuse it on the next trip.

Parasites, bacteria and viruses are of top concern, especially, VHS (viral hermorrhagic septicemia), which is a deadly fish virus first detected in the U.S. in 1988. Another concern is the water used to transport live bait from one waterbody to another. Anglers need to replace the water in their bait buckets with bottle or tap water when changing waterbodies. This is crucial because invasive species like spiny waterfea and zebra mussel larvae are very small and can unknowingly be transported in bait buckets.

Earthworms are no exception. Many earthworms are non-native to the U.S. and are causing serious damage to our woodland habitats. Once invaded, they alter soils and create conditions suitable for invasive plants. Dispose of unused worms in the trash, not on land.

“As an angler, I was frustrated by the lack of communication teaching anglers about the bait issue,” said Dane Huinker, Conservation Program Manager of Wildlife Forever. “By working directly with local governments and bait dealers, we’re directly reaching anglers with conservation best practices, which is the first step in changing behavior,” Dane said. Read more

Michigan: streams and lakes statewide will benefit from 17 Fisheries Habitat Grant projects

Seventeen fish habitat conservation projects in streams and lakes across the state will share more than $2.1 million in Fisheries Habitat Grants administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The projects, supported by an additional $616,000 in matching partner contributions, will rehabilitate and protect valuable fish habitat that provides the foundation for Michigan’s world-class fisheries. Eleven of the funded projects are priority habitat conservation projects as identified by the DNR.

The Fisheries Habitat Grant program provides funding for a variety of activities including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies and access to recreation opportunities like fishing. Funding from fishing license sales, State of Michigan general funds and a settlement with Consumers Energy is distributed through three grant areas: aquatic habitat conservation, dam management, and aquatic habitat and recreation in the Au Sable, Manistee and Muskegon river watersheds.

Joe Nohner, a resource analyst with the DNR Fisheries Division, said the funded projects will protect and rehabilitate fish habitats across the state, while in many cases improving public safety by removing dams.

“When completed, these projects will reconnect fish passage on over 250 miles of streams, including coldwater habitats that provide greater resilience to warming on some of the state’s premier trout and salmon rivers such as the Au Sable, Boardman, Pere Marquette and Muskegon,” Nohner said. “We’ll also be able to get valuable new information about inland lake aquatic vegetation, mussel populations and northern Michigan trout streams, which means even more effective resource management.”

Projects funded by the Fisheries Habitat Grant program include: Read more

Navigation Made Easier with BaseMap

Introducing BaseMap’s New Industry-Leading Navigation Features.

Bothell, WA – In the spirit of innovation and drive to enhance the hunter’s outdoor experience, BaseMap Inc. has launched their industry-leading XDR (Exact Direction & Range) Navigation tool in 5.0, the latest version of the BaseMap app. The latest release also includes a hyper-accurate digital compass, and an all-new user interface engineered by hunters to make navigating and using the app even easier.

“Our goal is to provide the best hunting app on the market, and that means listening to our customers,” said Jeff Balch, CEO of BaseMap. “We have received many requests to include more navigation features in the app, and we delivered with our latest update. These new features will help everyone recreating outdoors plan their travel in the field, navigate to their location with greater efficiency, and feel confident in using the BaseMap app in their outdoor pursuits.”

With BaseMap’s new XDR navigation tool, users can immediately get the exact distance between their current location and desired destination, determine the most precise route, and pinpoint an area on the map to navigate to.

Other 5.0 features include:

  • A distance scale bar that allows users to determine the exact distance between their location and a landmark or area on the map.
  • XDR navigation and compass, so users know the exact direction they are moving in and the distance between them and a location on the map.
  • The ability to set the compass bearing on a Smart Marker on the map and stay on course to that location.

BaseMap’s new industry-leading navigation features are the most advanced on the market, helping hunters stay safe, legal, and en route to their destination. Read more

Michigan: Great Lakes Beach Safety Is Key to Great State Park Visits

As the summer heats up and people begin flocking to Great Lakes beaches, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources urges everyone to keep water and pier safety in mind.

Holding more than 20% of the world’s fresh water, the Great Lakes are large, powerful water systems. These lakes reign supreme for many during warmer months, but they also are prone to dangerous currents that can threaten even the most experienced swimmer. Adverse weather patterns can create dangerous rip and structural currents along piers and breakwalls, too. Crashing waves can create slippery surfaces and conditions strong enough to knock a person into the water.

“The DNR eagerly welcomes millions of visitors to Michigan state parks each summer,” said Sean Mulligan, Holland State Park manager. “Visitors should keep in mind that winds can come up quickly, changing conditions without warning, so always pay attention to the weather. The Great Lakes can become very dangerous, especially when waves get higher than 4 feet.”

Unfortunately, several emergencies and drownings have occurred along the beach and breakwall areas. Many of these incidents happened during red flag days when the wind and waves are strong with greater potential for dangerous rip currents. Read more

By Glen Wunderlich

Charter Member Professional  Outdoor Media Association (POMA)

Lake Ovid is a reservoir located within Sleepy Hollow State Park in Clinton County and it was time for me to discover its lure.  Loading my small jon boat into my truck the night before would make for an early get-away and a solitary experience on the man-made lake, or so I thought.  When I arrived at the boat launch, I couldn’t believe the sight:  dozens of bass boats lined up at water’s edge for some type of tournament.  Curses!  Good for them but bad for my idea of being alone.  I made a U-turn and headed away.

That scene played out last year and I figured to try again a week ago; this time, only one other boater met me along the shore at daybreak.  Within minutes, I had the oars in the water and began my discovery mission.  As I applied some muscle power, one oar was not cooperating properly and actually came out of the oar lock.  Unfortunately, I found that one of my nylon oar lock bushings had inexplicably vanished over the winter, as rowing became problematic.  Somehow, I managed to jam the oar hardware in place and limped along.

The first cast with my open-faced reel had a rather large bluegill brighten my day.  Unharmed, it was given back to the lake and I slipped closer to the nearby shore, where I witnessed a huge surface splash moments before.  Switching to a Rapala minnow, I tossed it toward the area of commotion.  Wham!  A largemouth bass gave a good tussle and found its way into my landing net.  Since the season had yet to open – and, because I never keep bass for table fare – I eased the hook from its lip and turned it loose without measuring it.  For a few hours on the water, the action was steady until the heat of the day took over.

The 410-acre Lake Ovid was created in the 1970’s with the construction of a dam on the Little Maple River. With an average depth of 10 feet, Lake Ovid is generally fairly shallow, with depths not exceeding 23 feet.

The typical fish species available are Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Sunfish, and Yellow Perch.  A bit of research shows that some 6800 Channel Catfish were planted in 2019 – the last stocking activity found.

Hours are from 8 am – 10 pm and a Recreation Passport is required.  Other entities include a beach with swimming plus kayaks, rowboats, paddleboats and pontoon boats are available for rent. Camping with modern restrooms, and miles of walking trails and some horse trails are all part of the 2600 acre state park.

Since the lake is defined as a “no wake” lake, electric trolling motors are probably the most desirable method of propulsion but gasoline motors are permitted, as well.  The lake weeds are evident along the shore and other shallow areas of the lake, but it is there you’ll find some good action.

So, if you are looking for a get-away close to home, Lake Ovid may serve you and your family well.

When releasing deep-water fish, the right tools mean everything

Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes. Photos by Florida Sea Grant.

When releasing deep-water fish, the right tools mean everything

Will you be fishing for snapper or grouper on your next fishing trip? Continue your role as a conservationist by paying close attention to signs of barotrauma and being prepared to respond. Barotrauma is a condition seen in many fish caught at depths greater than 50 feet and is caused by pressure changes leading to an expansion of gases in the swim bladder. It is important to treat barotrauma in fish you do not intend to keep. Signs of barotrauma include the stomach coming out of the mouth, bloated belly, distended intestines and bulging eyes.

Barotrauma can cause damage to internal organs and be fatal unless appropriate steps are taken to mitigate its effects. It is important to know in advance what tools are available and how to use them to help fish return to the bottom and increase their chances of survival. Read more

Free fishing, off-roading and state park entry – enjoy it all during Michigan’s ‘Three Free’

The Department of Natural Resources has three big reasons for you to get outdoors Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13. Michigan’s “Three Free” weekend – two full days when residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks – is back and all free of charge.

“Michigan is home to some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities and most beautiful natural spaces you’ll find anywhere,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “Whether you’re already an avid outdoors-person or someone just beginning to explore all the options, our ‘Three Free’ weekend makes it easy to discover a new hobby, visit a new park or introduce friends to an outdoor experience you love.”

These two days include:

  • Free Fishing Weekend. Residents and nonresidents can enjoy two days of free fishing without a license. All other fishing regulations apply. To get more details or find a local event, visit Michigan.gov/FreeFishing.
  • Free ORV Weekend. Michigan residents and nonresidents legally can ride 3,800 miles of designated routes and trails and the state’s six scramble areas without purchasing an ORV license or trail permit. Visit Michigan.gov/ORVinfo for the latest ORV trail, safety and closure information.
  • Free Recreation Passport. To encourage people to pursue free fishing and other outdoor fun, the DNR waives the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to Michigan’s 103 state parks and 1,300 state-managed boating access sites. Visit Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport to learn more about all the Passport provides.

Free Fishing and Free ORV weekends take place twice a year on back-to-back days.

Protect yourself and the outdoors

view of a single-file row of off-road vehicles, driven by people wearing helmets, heading away from the camera, on a tree-lined trailFor the best outdoor experiences, the DNR urges everyone to put safety first when they’re enjoying Michigan’s woods, water and trails. Helpful safety tips – for ORV, boating, beach, fire and other topics – are available at Michigan.gov/DNREducationin the Safety Information section. The DNR also encourages anglers to review fishing safety tips and other helpful information at Michigan.gov/HowToFish.

Additionally, the DNR encourages people to recreate responsibly. Before you head out on the trails or water, visit our Do Your Part website to learn more about how you can stay safe and protect the health and beauty of our great state. Read more

Sellmark $10K Summer Sportsmans Gear Giveaway

The Sellmark Corporation’s most popular brands, Pulsar, Sightmark and Kopfjäger are partnering with Sniper Hog Lights, ICOtec and the Googan Squad to give away over $10K worth of gear in an all-inclusive hunting and fishing package!

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Pulsar Accolade 2 LRF XP50

Sightmark Wraith 4K Max

Kopfjäger K700 Reaper Grip Kit

Sniper Hog Lights 66LRX IR light package

ICOtec OUTLAW Programmable Game Call

Googan Squad Gear Package

This contest is available in the USA only. After clicking the link, contestants can multiply their entries by completing several action steps! There are over 30 ways to enter to win over $10K work of top-notch outdoors gear!

Entry Link >>> https://gleam.io/widIV/a-complete-all-outdoor-sportsmens-summer-giveaway

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