Buford, GA – No matter how much rain gear anglers and hunters employ, feet seem to inevitably get wet and cold. Whether fishing in inclement conditions or sitting in a clammy duck blind, keeping feet dry and warm is always a challenge. The usual suspects – cotton or wool socks – both absorb water like a sponge. Most so-called waterproof socks lack breathability, and can make matters even worse.
Cutting the day short due to cold or wet feet is never a good thing. Thankfully, GILL offers an ideal solution in its new, high-performance waterproof and breathable socks. These premium performers are available in two versatile lengths for boot or low-top shoe wear, and are designed specifically for the challenging environments and conditions anglers and hunters face on a regular basis.
For boot-wear, the new GILL Waterproof Boot Sock is a godsend. Designed to pull up to the area just below the knee, their waterproof and wicking capabilities extend exactly where needed when wearing boots of all kinds. They’re manufactured with a durable nylon outer layer and a 50% merino thermal inner with wicking capability to treat your feet to incredibly warm and dry performance. Read more
Every time one of those “Pure Michigan” spots would come over the radio waves and into my ears, it was as if Tim Allen was speaking directly to me. I simply couldn’t take it anymore and planned that get-away to parts “Up North.” Kneff Lake rustic campground in Crawford County would be the destination and outpost for a few days of exploration, discovery, and fishing.
Kneff Lake is a mere 20 acres, but it is stocked with trout. Some 25 or more years ago, I fished the lake with some friends and once we figured out the technique for catching those cold-water trout, we hauled them in. It was those memories that I sought to relive.
The campground offers dozens of spacious, private sites sprinkled high atop the small lake. However, even with my lightweight, 10-foot jon boat, I gave up on the idea of lifting and carrying the boat and gear up and down the steep and lengthy incline. It was primarily the “up” part of the equation that I did not want to attempt by myself.
Who needs a stair climber?
Either that mountain-like trek was more than I recall or Father Time’s whispering in my ear, “Forget it” changed my plans; it was time to explore other possibilities.
My need for an easier way to launch the boat prompted me to ask a local convenience store worker for a lake more suitable for my plan. Somehow, the convoluted directions brought me to tiny Glory Lake in Hartwick Pines State Park. The launch site was perfect with not one other person on the water. I pulled in a few pan fish including one sizeable rock bass. It was as if I had my own private lake.
Back at camp I searched the county map for other nearby lake access and found K.P. Lake only about 10 miles north. It appeared to be a straight-forward drive and after a camp breakfast, it was time to explore. Stephan Bridge Road was the shortest distance but that seasonal road of sand along the eastern boundary of Camp Grayling made it seem much longer than it was. At first, when I noticed a large tract of cleared land behind a short fence, I wondered who would have removed all the timber. It became patently obvious when I read a prominent sign posted on the endless fence:
At no more than 20 mph it took some time but I located the well-hidden K.P. Lake – another perfect launch site; a Michigan Recreation Passport was all that was required and I had one. Interestingly, a sign was posted with the following:
As I rowed into the stiff north wind, I could see the unmistakable outline of one of the magnificent water birds in the distance. I skirted the rare bird from a safe distance for a better look and did my best to capture the moment on video. Obligingly, the lone loon belted out its spooky call and dove below lake level for a meal of fresh fish. The sight and sound made my day!
As part of my trip home, one more stop was on the agenda: The Au Sable River in Oscoda County. Just east of the Parmalee Bridge was a public access point for canoes, which doubled as a stream-side place to fish from the banks. Having caught plenty of trout there years ago, it was worth a look. I rigged a red wiggler worm onto a hook and caught a keeper brook trout on the second cast.
Small Brook Trout from the Au Sable River
After catching another one, I continued on my path home well satisfied with the sights and sounds of the North.
It was a trip to test some camping gear and a chance to return to my past. The sound of coyotes howling in the night along with a solitary whippoorwill added some icing on the cake. It was good to be back “Up North.”
Comments should be submitted by Aug. 31 via the interactive map or email
Michigan residents have until August 31 to help the Department of Natural Resources decide which state forest roads will be open or closed to off-road vehicles in 2020.
The DNR updates its online forest roads map every year on April 1, indicating which roads are open to ORV use. People can share their suggestions at any time throughout the year. Department proposals to change the map are made based on road inventories and that ongoing public input process. Any input received after Aug. 31 would be captured for proposed updates to the 2021 state forest roads map. Read more
A rugged GPS watch built to withstand the toughest environments
Olathe, KS / August 14, 2019 — Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the Instinct Tactical Edition, a rugged, outdoor GPS smartwatch with tactical functionality. Building on the proven reliability of the Instinct series, the Instinct Tactical Edition adds enhanced features of Garmin’s tactix® series including night-vision compatibility mode, Jumpmaster, dual-position GPS formatting, preloaded tactical activity, and waypoint projection. The Instinct Tactical Edition also includes a new stealth mode for off-grid functionality.
“The Instinct series has quickly proven itself to be the watch for individuals who need a piece of equipment as tough as the conditions they face,” said Dan Bartel, Garmin vice-president of global consumer sales. “Incorporating tactical features from the Garmin tactix series, the Instinct Tactical Edition combines the best of both product lines to provide tactical and multisport features for people who spend their time outdoors and demand a watch they can depend on in even the most challenging terrains.” Read more
GW: I have a sinking feeling about all this – especially after the photo shows how some people are going to trust their lives riding on some dime store junk blow-up gadget. It just isn’t going to be any good on anyone’s resume…
The annual Port Huron Float Down is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 18, 2019 on the St. Clair River. This remains an unsanctioned marine event and poses risks to the participants and other
users of the waterways during the 7.5 mile /12 km course. The fast-moving current, large number of
participants, lack of lifejackets, alcohol consumption, potentially challenging weather conditions, water
temperature, and limited rescue resources can create difficult emergency response scenarios that can
result in serious injuries or fatalities.
The marine environment – motion, sun, wind, spray – accelerates the effects of alcohol consumption.
Alcohol can also increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold water – further impairing a
person’s judgment, vision, and reaction time.
Water temperatures during recent Float Downs averaged in the high 60s o F/ 17-19 o C. Immersion in
water below approximately 70 degrees o F/ 21 o C can lead to hypothermia that impairs physical
performance and degrades a person’s ability to self-help or swim. Early signs of hypothermia include
shivering and loss of coordination and judgment.
In 2014, a 19-year-old, experienced swimmer drowned during the event. The U.S. Coast Guard and
local, state and federal partners including the Canadian Coast Guard mounted a significant search and
rescue effort that was eventually suspended after 21 searches lasting more than 36 hours.
In 2016, high winds and a heavy downpour led to approximately 1500 participants requiring assistance
when they landed on the Canadian shoreline at Sarnia and Corunna, leaving them stranded, subject to
Canadian and U.S. border security and, often without identification, money and means of
communication. Some had injuries and were suffering from hypothermia.
This is an inherently dangerous activity, especially for minors. As first responders, the U.S. Coast Guard
and the Canadian Coast Guard recommend that people do not take part in this event. Participants are
strongly encouraged to take several precautions: Read more
The 24th annual Saginaw Bay Waterfowl Festival is set for Aug. 3-4 at Bay City State Park’s Saginaw Bay Visitor Center. Festival activities run 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Read more
Kryptek Outdoor Group and CarbonTV Announce Sweepstakes for “INVICTUS”: A Customized 2019 Chevy Silverado worth nearly $100K
Kryptek Outdoor Group and CarbonTV have partnered on an epic sweepstakes where one lucky winner will win a 2019 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss named INVICTUS, fully customized and wrapped in Kryptek Typhon™ camo and valued at nearly $100,000. Enter up to twice daily at CarbonTV.Com now until December 15, 2019.
INVICTUS will be customized at the world-famous Prefix Corporation in Michigan. CarbonTV will be documenting the process with weekly video updates, allowing users to follow along and provide feedback. While the truck exterior will boast a full Kryptek wrap and aggressive upgrades, including a lift kit; the interior will be finely detailed with one-of-a-kind Kryptek accents. Viewers can interact with CarbonTV and Kryptek via social media to give their opinions on what upgrades they would like to see. The finished product will be revealed to the public upon completion. Read more
An estimated $1.825 million is expected to be available through a new Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant opportunity that combines three previously separate programs and will provide targeted funding for a variety of activities including fish habitat conservation, dam removal and repair, resource assessment studies and access to recreation.
Joe Nohner, a resource analyst with the DNR Fisheries Division, said the department decided to unite those programs to make it easier for applicants to apply for and receive funding, for efficiency and consistency in grant management, to better incorporate stakeholder feedback and, ultimately, to improve outcomes for natural resources and human safety. Read more
Lt. Brandon Kieft, conservation officer with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, was the first law enforcement agent to arrive at the scene when a group of people reported that they believed they had found Gabriella Vitale, a 2-year-old girl who went missing Monday morning.
More than 20 DNR conservation officers were working the search and rescue operation with several other law enforcement agencies, including the Oscoda County Sheriff’s Office and Michigan State Police.
Kieft was at the search and rescue command center when the call was received Tuesday morning from the group of people who believed they found Gabriella.
Kieft headed to the area and arrived at the cabin where Gabriella was reported to be located, which is about one mile west of M-33 in Oscoda. There, he was able to positively identify the young girl as Gabriella Vitale around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Read more
Major contract award means multiple branches of the U.S. Military will be using Med-Eng bomb suits and helmets
Helps secure highly skilled manufacturing jobs in northern New York state
OGDENSBURG, New York – Med-Eng®, a brand of The Safariland Group, announced today a $10.2M delivery order added to a 2017 contract awarded by the United States Air Force for EOD® 10 Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) suits and helmets. This particular delivery order is for the U.S. Marine Corps with all deliveries being made to their bases across the U.S.
This selection by the Marine Corps completes acceptance by multiple branches of the United States military, including the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Army, of the most current Med-Eng bomb suit ensembles to protect EOD teams for years to come. Earlier in 2019, the Army also selected a unique variation of the EOD 10 suit architecture from Med-Eng, as its second generation Advanced Bomb Suit (ABS II).
The Air Force increased its Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract previously awarded to Med-Eng in March 2017 from $11M to $26.5M to allow the Marine Corps to utilize its contract vehicle already procuring EOD 10 ensembles for the Air Force. Read more
The launch site was perfect with not one other person on the water. I pulled in a few pan fish including one sizeable rock bass. It was as if I had my own private lake.
