By Jack Payne
Jack Payne shows off a pair of suckers he caught.
Photo courtesy Jack Payne
Photo courtesy Jack Payne
This recent cold snap is making ice, and that should be good news to the hard water anglers. Panfish and pike can be and are being caught. Just remember that safety is a must and always be cautious of changing ice conditions.
Right now, I am spending time getting ready for the early fishing season. Within a week or two steelhead and Coho jacks will grab my attention. A few bonus brown trout hopefully will be caught.
Spinners are a favorite of mine when fishing a river. We use the Mepps Spinners and we also make our own. Our homemade spinners have beads that look like eggs on the shaft. We also favor having some red or orange on either the beads or the blades.
I am not a guy that likes staring at a bobber floating through a hole or a run. The same applies to bouncing spawn. I would rather cast a spinner and work it into thick cover. Yes, you will lose a few spinners, but that is the price for success.
I also enjoy fishing the pier. When I fish the pier one rod will have either fresh spawn or a frozen smelt. I will cast a Little Cleo that has some type of glow color pattern to it. Each cast I will vary how far down I will let the spoon sink before starting my retrieve.
March also begins my sucker fishing. My favorite location is smack dab behind a bridge vertical support. My second choice will be a deep hole. Deep means a foot or two deeper than the surrounding water.
I use a two-hook rig. One of my rigs will have two hooks above the sinker. My second rod will have a hook above and below the sinker. I will use a sliding sinker rig.
Ice-out crappie and gills will start up in March. Search out the warmest water starting on the northeast end of the lake. Also search out canals and channels. Think of locations where you might see early-season turtles and muskrats.
This is the time where I clean all of my reels. Remove any grit or dirt and lightly oil the reel. Clean the drag washers. Also look for any burrs or nicks on the bail of your reel.
This is also a good time to check your line. I always use a backer line on my reels. There is no reason to fill a spool full of the good stuff. I add about 10 more yards of line than what I can cast out. All of my line is a Hi-Vis line. I want to be able to see my line jump or move.
I also check each guide on my rods with a Q-Tip. Check for burrs or worn guides.
During the winter I tie up all of my panfish, brown trout, catfish, sucker and walleye rigs. All of my rigs are tied using a fluorocarbon leader. I only use the leader material.
I also tie up my mini-panfish harness rigs using two small No. 10 hooks. My walleye rigs will either be set up for a floating jighead or a single death hook rig. The crawler harness rigs I tie on three hooks.
This is also the time that I clean out every Plano tote/tackle tray. Remove the items that don’t belong in this box. Organize your sinkers, jigs, lures and bobbers so that you know where everything is.
I have a Plano Tote for each species that I fish for. I also have a spare for most of the species. As an example, I have one tote just for the east side of the state when we are fishing fast deep water for walleye.
One tote has everything that I might use for a four-hour bluegill outing. The same goes for crappie, pike, catfish, the pier and such. You get the idea.
All of my rigs are tied onto a Lindy Rig spool or a Plano Snell saver. The Plano item will hold two rigs and lays flat. Clean your equipment and be organized and ready to go before the good action kicks in. Stop in at Grand Valley Sport Shop for the items you are missing.
Right now, I am spending time getting ready for the early fishing season. Within a week or two steelhead and Coho jacks will grab my attention. A few bonus brown trout hopefully will be caught.
Spinners are a favorite of mine when fishing a river. We use the Mepps Spinners and we also make our own. Our homemade spinners have beads that look like eggs on the shaft. We also favor having some red or orange on either the beads or the blades.
I am not a guy that likes staring at a bobber floating through a hole or a run. The same applies to bouncing spawn. I would rather cast a spinner and work it into thick cover. Yes, you will lose a few spinners, but that is the price for success.
I also enjoy fishing the pier. When I fish the pier one rod will have either fresh spawn or a frozen smelt. I will cast a Little Cleo that has some type of glow color pattern to it. Each cast I will vary how far down I will let the spoon sink before starting my retrieve.
March also begins my sucker fishing. My favorite location is smack dab behind a bridge vertical support. My second choice will be a deep hole. Deep means a foot or two deeper than the surrounding water.
I use a two-hook rig. One of my rigs will have two hooks above the sinker. My second rod will have a hook above and below the sinker. I will use a sliding sinker rig.
Ice-out crappie and gills will start up in March. Search out the warmest water starting on the northeast end of the lake. Also search out canals and channels. Think of locations where you might see early-season turtles and muskrats.
This is the time where I clean all of my reels. Remove any grit or dirt and lightly oil the reel. Clean the drag washers. Also look for any burrs or nicks on the bail of your reel.
This is also a good time to check your line. I always use a backer line on my reels. There is no reason to fill a spool full of the good stuff. I add about 10 more yards of line than what I can cast out. All of my line is a Hi-Vis line. I want to be able to see my line jump or move.
I also check each guide on my rods with a Q-Tip. Check for burrs or worn guides.
During the winter I tie up all of my panfish, brown trout, catfish, sucker and walleye rigs. All of my rigs are tied using a fluorocarbon leader. I only use the leader material.
I also tie up my mini-panfish harness rigs using two small No. 10 hooks. My walleye rigs will either be set up for a floating jighead or a single death hook rig. The crawler harness rigs I tie on three hooks.
This is also the time that I clean out every Plano tote/tackle tray. Remove the items that don’t belong in this box. Organize your sinkers, jigs, lures and bobbers so that you know where everything is.
I have a Plano Tote for each species that I fish for. I also have a spare for most of the species. As an example, I have one tote just for the east side of the state when we are fishing fast deep water for walleye.
One tote has everything that I might use for a four-hour bluegill outing. The same goes for crappie, pike, catfish, the pier and such. You get the idea.
All of my rigs are tied onto a Lindy Rig spool or a Plano Snell saver. The Plano item will hold two rigs and lays flat. Clean your equipment and be organized and ready to go before the good action kicks in. Stop in at Grand Valley Sport Shop for the items you are missing.
Bird Flu Suspected in Recent Waterfowl Die-Offs, DNR Says
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources recently sampled more than 300 dead wild birds suspected to be positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza at multiple locations across Lower Michigan. The DNR’s ongoing disease surveillance indicates that HPAI is widespread in wild bird populations throughout the state.
HPAI, or commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in birds and mammals. The virus spreads through fecal droppings or nasal discharge of an infected bird, which contaminates the environment.
DNR staffers collected 77 dead Canada geese and one dead mallard from the Fennville Farm Unit at Allegan State Game Area in Allegan County. More than 80 dead Canada geese were reported along the Shiawassee River near Owosso in Shiawassee County.
About 25 dead Canada geese were reported at Williamston Lakes in Ingham County, and another 20 dead birds were reported along the Grand River in Grand Ledge in Eaton County. About 100 dead birds were reported in Washtenaw County.
Samples collected from the Allegan State Game Area, Shiawassee River, Williamston Lakes and Washtenaw County sites were sent to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory in East Lansing for testing. Preliminary results indicate avian influenza is suspected.
When an avian influenza virus is detected, the samples are forwarded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, for confirmatory testing, which can take weeks to months to complete. The national laboratory will test for, confirm and identify any highly pathogenic strains of an avian influenza virus.
Confirmed positive cases are posted on the DNR HPAI webpage. However, HPAI is widespread in wild birds throughout Michigan. Even if a county does not have a confirmed case listed, HPAI could still be present.
If you observe a die-off of six or more wild birds, report it to the DNR at Michigan.gov/EyesInThe Field. You can also report wild birds or other wild animals that appear sick.
Dead wild birds should be left to naturally decompose if they are in an area where it is difficult to get to them, or where people and domestic animals will not have contact with them. A fresh carcass can spread disease, but as the animal decomposes, the virus will die.
“If you find a dead wild bird, you should leave it alone; however, if you need to remove it, do not touch it with your bare hands. You should wear gloves and other personal protective equipment,” said Mitch Marcus, DNR Wildlife Health supervisor. “The best advice we can give is to treat every wild bird as though it has a disease.”
If dead wild birds are easily accessible and pose a potential risk to people and domestic animals, double bag the carcasses and dispose of them through normal trash pickup. Always use personal protective equipment:
• Wear shoes that can be disinfected and disposable or rubber gloves.
• Wear a face mask and eye protection to protect your nose, mouth and eyes from accidental splashes that may contain the virus.
• If handling multiple wild birds, wear rain bibs or a waterproof apron over clothing. In a pinch, you can wear a large plastic garbage bag with holes cut for your arms and neck.
• Disinfect the protective layers and wash clothes immediately afterward.
• Discard disposable personal protective equipment, disinfect all other PPE and clothing, and wash hands thoroughly when done.
“Since the initial outbreak in 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza — commonly known as bird flu — has been found in wild birds throughout the U.S., so we expect to see continuing cases of HPAI affecting Michigan’s wildlife,” said Sara Thompson, DNR Wildlife Division chief. “The DNR will continue appropriate surveillance efforts, prioritizing birds found in large mortality events, raptors and wild mammals.”
Kaitlyn Barnes, DNR wildlife biologist and acting waterfowl specialist, said the DNR does not anticipate serious impacts to Michigan’s duck, goose or swan populations.
“The populations immediately near the sites with positive test results could see a decline, but there should not be impacts to the statewide population,” Barnes said.
This HPAI strain has killed numerous bald eagles and colony nesting birds like terns and cormorants. It is too early to determine whether this outbreak will result in population-level effects, but research is ongoing.
To help prevent the spread of HPAI, the DNR advises people to avoid direct contact with wildlife, and to keep their domestic animals from having contact with wildlife.
The DNR also advises cleaning backyard wild bird feeders every two weeks with a 10 percent bleach to water solution to avoid transmission of HPAI and other diseases more commonly spread at bird feeders. Don’t place seed directly on the ground or use platform feeders; this can help slow disease spread by preventing larger numbers of birds and other wildlife from congregating.
Canada goose hunting opportunities are continuing as planned at the Fennville Farm Unit with precautions advised.
HPAI, or commonly known as bird flu, is a highly contagious respiratory disease that causes sickness and sometimes death in birds and mammals. The virus spreads through fecal droppings or nasal discharge of an infected bird, which contaminates the environment.
DNR staffers collected 77 dead Canada geese and one dead mallard from the Fennville Farm Unit at Allegan State Game Area in Allegan County. More than 80 dead Canada geese were reported along the Shiawassee River near Owosso in Shiawassee County.
About 25 dead Canada geese were reported at Williamston Lakes in Ingham County, and another 20 dead birds were reported along the Grand River in Grand Ledge in Eaton County. About 100 dead birds were reported in Washtenaw County.
Samples collected from the Allegan State Game Area, Shiawassee River, Williamston Lakes and Washtenaw County sites were sent to the Michigan State University Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory in East Lansing for testing. Preliminary results indicate avian influenza is suspected.
When an avian influenza virus is detected, the samples are forwarded to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Veterinary Services Laboratory in Ames, Iowa, for confirmatory testing, which can take weeks to months to complete. The national laboratory will test for, confirm and identify any highly pathogenic strains of an avian influenza virus.
Confirmed positive cases are posted on the DNR HPAI webpage. However, HPAI is widespread in wild birds throughout Michigan. Even if a county does not have a confirmed case listed, HPAI could still be present.
If you observe a die-off of six or more wild birds, report it to the DNR at Michigan.gov/EyesInThe Field. You can also report wild birds or other wild animals that appear sick.
Dead wild birds should be left to naturally decompose if they are in an area where it is difficult to get to them, or where people and domestic animals will not have contact with them. A fresh carcass can spread disease, but as the animal decomposes, the virus will die.
“If you find a dead wild bird, you should leave it alone; however, if you need to remove it, do not touch it with your bare hands. You should wear gloves and other personal protective equipment,” said Mitch Marcus, DNR Wildlife Health supervisor. “The best advice we can give is to treat every wild bird as though it has a disease.”
If dead wild birds are easily accessible and pose a potential risk to people and domestic animals, double bag the carcasses and dispose of them through normal trash pickup. Always use personal protective equipment:
• Wear shoes that can be disinfected and disposable or rubber gloves.
• Wear a face mask and eye protection to protect your nose, mouth and eyes from accidental splashes that may contain the virus.
• If handling multiple wild birds, wear rain bibs or a waterproof apron over clothing. In a pinch, you can wear a large plastic garbage bag with holes cut for your arms and neck.
• Disinfect the protective layers and wash clothes immediately afterward.
• Discard disposable personal protective equipment, disinfect all other PPE and clothing, and wash hands thoroughly when done.
“Since the initial outbreak in 2022, highly pathogenic avian influenza — commonly known as bird flu — has been found in wild birds throughout the U.S., so we expect to see continuing cases of HPAI affecting Michigan’s wildlife,” said Sara Thompson, DNR Wildlife Division chief. “The DNR will continue appropriate surveillance efforts, prioritizing birds found in large mortality events, raptors and wild mammals.”
Kaitlyn Barnes, DNR wildlife biologist and acting waterfowl specialist, said the DNR does not anticipate serious impacts to Michigan’s duck, goose or swan populations.
“The populations immediately near the sites with positive test results could see a decline, but there should not be impacts to the statewide population,” Barnes said.
This HPAI strain has killed numerous bald eagles and colony nesting birds like terns and cormorants. It is too early to determine whether this outbreak will result in population-level effects, but research is ongoing.
To help prevent the spread of HPAI, the DNR advises people to avoid direct contact with wildlife, and to keep their domestic animals from having contact with wildlife.
The DNR also advises cleaning backyard wild bird feeders every two weeks with a 10 percent bleach to water solution to avoid transmission of HPAI and other diseases more commonly spread at bird feeders. Don’t place seed directly on the ground or use platform feeders; this can help slow disease spread by preventing larger numbers of birds and other wildlife from congregating.
Canada goose hunting opportunities are continuing as planned at the Fennville Farm Unit with precautions advised.
Outdoor Truths
By Gary Miller
I can remember my first solo deer hunting trip. I sat in a maple tree that was only about 50 yards from an oak tree that was flooded with acorns. The path to that oak made its way right under my tree stand. I remember sitting there in an old Baker climbing stand that thankfully was later stolen by someone while hunting in Alabama (they probably saved my life).
Everything about that hunt was new. Every effort was my first. Every situation was a fresh experience. I had ideas and thoughts, but they came only from other’s experiences and not my own. I spent those few hours looking at everything around me from a different perspective and position.
The weeks before that day I had listened to others, watched hunters on TV, and had shot my bow as I was taught. Now I was on my own and there was no one to look for answers. I was so new, not only did I not know the answers, but I didn’t even know the questions. Have you ever been there?
There’s no doubt some who are reading this right now are living in a period of confusion. The cause of this confusion is not important – it all has to do with the need for answers. The problem is that you have prayed and prayed for answers, to no avail. It seems as if you have maneuvered words and phrases, thinking this would be the difference. You have assumed every position of humility to somehow show God how serious you are, and yet, still no answer. Now you are simply spent. You want to pray. You want to ask God. You want answers. But now you are not even sure you know what questions to ask.
There is hope, however, for the believer. God has given us the person of the Holy Spirit for situations like these. Here’s how the Apostle Paul explains it. “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” (Romans 8:26-27)
Have you ever been speechless? Have you ever been in a situation where the only thing you could do was moan or groan, or simply shake your head? The Holy Spirit interprets this to God in exactly the right question – the question you really wanted and needed to ask. God then gives you what you need the most. God always works in your hurt, not only by giving you the answer but also by giving you the question.
And that, my friend, is a deal no one should refuse.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
I can remember my first solo deer hunting trip. I sat in a maple tree that was only about 50 yards from an oak tree that was flooded with acorns. The path to that oak made its way right under my tree stand. I remember sitting there in an old Baker climbing stand that thankfully was later stolen by someone while hunting in Alabama (they probably saved my life).
Everything about that hunt was new. Every effort was my first. Every situation was a fresh experience. I had ideas and thoughts, but they came only from other’s experiences and not my own. I spent those few hours looking at everything around me from a different perspective and position.
The weeks before that day I had listened to others, watched hunters on TV, and had shot my bow as I was taught. Now I was on my own and there was no one to look for answers. I was so new, not only did I not know the answers, but I didn’t even know the questions. Have you ever been there?
There’s no doubt some who are reading this right now are living in a period of confusion. The cause of this confusion is not important – it all has to do with the need for answers. The problem is that you have prayed and prayed for answers, to no avail. It seems as if you have maneuvered words and phrases, thinking this would be the difference. You have assumed every position of humility to somehow show God how serious you are, and yet, still no answer. Now you are simply spent. You want to pray. You want to ask God. You want answers. But now you are not even sure you know what questions to ask.
There is hope, however, for the believer. God has given us the person of the Holy Spirit for situations like these. Here’s how the Apostle Paul explains it. “And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.” (Romans 8:26-27)
Have you ever been speechless? Have you ever been in a situation where the only thing you could do was moan or groan, or simply shake your head? The Holy Spirit interprets this to God in exactly the right question – the question you really wanted and needed to ask. God then gives you what you need the most. God always works in your hurt, not only by giving you the answer but also by giving you the question.
And that, my friend, is a deal no one should refuse.
—————
Gary Miller has written Outdoor Truths articles for 21 years. He has also written five books which include compilations of his articles and a father/son devotional. He also speaks at wild-game dinners and men’s events for churches and associations. Write to him at gary@outdoortruths.org.
Colorful Houseplants for Lower Light Locations
By Melinda Myers
Red nerve plant (Fittonia) adds color and interest to indoor plant collections.
Take your indoor garden to the next level. Include some colorful houseplants for some added interest throughout the year. Even those with low to moderate light in their homes can boost the color of their indoor gardens.
Philodendron has long been a favorite houseplant for low light situations. Update your collection with the bright chartreuse leaves of the trailing Lemon Lime philodendron or upright Pink Princess with splashes and streaks of pink on its dark green leaves.
Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema) are a good choice for gardeners who prefer low-light plants that tolerate drier soil. You can find Chinese evergreens with a variety of colorful leaf patterns. Siam Red has broad leaves with red edges, Red Valentine offers green leaves with pink and red blotches, and the white markings on its green leaves inspired Spilt Milk’s name.
Nerve plants (Fittonia), on the other hand, prefer consistently moist well-drained soil to keep their green leaves with pink, purple, red, or white variegated leaves looking their best. Regular trimming will help this plant look its best, and starting new plants from these trimmings will keep your plant collection filled with these colorful but often short-lived plants.
Reduce maintenance and increase success with this and other houseplants by amending the potting mix with an organic and sustainable soil additive like Wild Valley Farms wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com). Research found this amendment holds 20 percent of its weight in water and slowly releases it into the soil when needed, helping keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy wet.
Prayer plants, including the Marantas and Calatheas, can be a bit more challenging but their unique foliage that folds up like praying hands at night makes them well worth the effort. These plants prefer moderate indirect light and can scorch in direct sunlight or pale when the light is insufficient. Like nerve plants, they prefer consistently moist soil and high humidity. Boost humidity by grouping houseplants together and placing them on gravel trays. The pebbles in the tray elevate the pots above the water kept in the saucer. As the water evaporates, the humidity level increases around the plant. Use rainwater or distilled water to avoid brown tips on prayer plants, dracaenas, and spider plants caused by fluoride and chlorine in tap water.
For those with a bit more light, add a few spots of color with polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya). You may have grown this plant as an annual in your garden and containers, but it also performs well as an indoor plant. Regular trimming of the green with white or pink-dotted leaves keeps the plant full and compact.
Peperomias prefer bright indirect light, but some varieties will tolerate a bit less. Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata) adds texture and a bit of color while watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) offers a nice contrast with its smooth leaves colored like watermelon rind.
Dracaena plants offer a wide variety of textures with narrow and broad leaves and various types and intensities of variegation. Dorado’s leaves have thin yellow leaf edges, Lemon Lime’s green leaves are highlighted with white stripes and chartreuse leaf margins, and Limelight with its wide neon bright chartreuse leaves are just a few of the many colorful dracaenas now available.
If the colorful leaves of any of these plants tend to pale or fade to green you may need to increase the amount of light the plants receive. Try moving them closer to an east- or west-facing window or supplement those lowlight situations with artificial lights.
Consider these plants a piece of living art or a way to refresh your indoor décor. Not only do they improve the view, but they also help boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve focus when observing and tending these and your other indoor plants.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Wild Valley Farms for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
Philodendron has long been a favorite houseplant for low light situations. Update your collection with the bright chartreuse leaves of the trailing Lemon Lime philodendron or upright Pink Princess with splashes and streaks of pink on its dark green leaves.
Chinese evergreens (Aglaonema) are a good choice for gardeners who prefer low-light plants that tolerate drier soil. You can find Chinese evergreens with a variety of colorful leaf patterns. Siam Red has broad leaves with red edges, Red Valentine offers green leaves with pink and red blotches, and the white markings on its green leaves inspired Spilt Milk’s name.
Nerve plants (Fittonia), on the other hand, prefer consistently moist well-drained soil to keep their green leaves with pink, purple, red, or white variegated leaves looking their best. Regular trimming will help this plant look its best, and starting new plants from these trimmings will keep your plant collection filled with these colorful but often short-lived plants.
Reduce maintenance and increase success with this and other houseplants by amending the potting mix with an organic and sustainable soil additive like Wild Valley Farms wool pellets (wildvalleyfarms.com). Research found this amendment holds 20 percent of its weight in water and slowly releases it into the soil when needed, helping keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy wet.
Prayer plants, including the Marantas and Calatheas, can be a bit more challenging but their unique foliage that folds up like praying hands at night makes them well worth the effort. These plants prefer moderate indirect light and can scorch in direct sunlight or pale when the light is insufficient. Like nerve plants, they prefer consistently moist soil and high humidity. Boost humidity by grouping houseplants together and placing them on gravel trays. The pebbles in the tray elevate the pots above the water kept in the saucer. As the water evaporates, the humidity level increases around the plant. Use rainwater or distilled water to avoid brown tips on prayer plants, dracaenas, and spider plants caused by fluoride and chlorine in tap water.
For those with a bit more light, add a few spots of color with polka dot plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya). You may have grown this plant as an annual in your garden and containers, but it also performs well as an indoor plant. Regular trimming of the green with white or pink-dotted leaves keeps the plant full and compact.
Peperomias prefer bright indirect light, but some varieties will tolerate a bit less. Ripple Peperomia (Peperomia caperata) adds texture and a bit of color while watermelon peperomia (Peperomia argyreia) offers a nice contrast with its smooth leaves colored like watermelon rind.
Dracaena plants offer a wide variety of textures with narrow and broad leaves and various types and intensities of variegation. Dorado’s leaves have thin yellow leaf edges, Lemon Lime’s green leaves are highlighted with white stripes and chartreuse leaf margins, and Limelight with its wide neon bright chartreuse leaves are just a few of the many colorful dracaenas now available.
If the colorful leaves of any of these plants tend to pale or fade to green you may need to increase the amount of light the plants receive. Try moving them closer to an east- or west-facing window or supplement those lowlight situations with artificial lights.
Consider these plants a piece of living art or a way to refresh your indoor décor. Not only do they improve the view, but they also help boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve focus when observing and tending these and your other indoor plants.
—————
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Wild Valley Farms for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.
DNR Begins Northern Lower Peninsula Wolf Survey
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Division is seeking the public’s help in conducting a community-based northern Lower Peninsula survey to detect any potential presence of gray wolves.
The survey, which will rely heavily on reports from the public of wolf sightings and other potential evidence, is taking place now through March 10.
“Our efforts will be concentrated in the norther Lower Peninsula which does contain some limited suitable habitat that could potentially support a small wolf population,” said Brian Roell, a DNR large carnivore specialist in Marquette.
Sightings, photos and other signs of wolf presence can be reported by the public to the DNR’s Eyes in the Field webpage. Reports including photos or other evidence will be reviewed and a reply will be sent from DNR Wildlife Division staffers.
Those who have wolf information to report, but without access to a computer or smart phone, may contact Tim Riley at the DNR’s Grayling field office at (989) 370-7313 or RileyT6@Michigan.gov.
“By enlisting help from the public, we can exponentially increase the number of eyes out there looking for wolves,” Roell said. “With few records of wolves in the northern Lower Peninsula in modern times, efforts to find them will be challenging and there is the distinct possibility that they are not present at this time.”
DNR wildlife biologists said it is important that those making wolf reports do so in a timely manner to give biologists time to confirm fresh wolf sign. Track photos should include a ruler in the frame to show the track size.
Wolves were removed from the state in the early part of the 20th century by habitat loss, bounties and prejudice.
However, with the help of the Endangered Species Act, and a better understanding of the role wolves play in a healthy ecosystem, they began a gradual and natural return to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through Ontario, Canada and Wisconsin in the early 1990s.
Since that time, the wolf population has increased and now occupies all available suitable habitat throughout the U.P. Surveys have shown that the U.P. wolf population has remained relatively stable over the past 14 years. The latest assessment, conducted during the winter of 2023-2024, estimated a minimum of 768 wolves in the U.P.
“To our knowledge, wolves have not successfully re-established themselves in the Lower Peninsula,” Roell said.
While the Straits of Mackinac is not an absolute barrier for wolves moving from the U.P. to the northern Lower Peninsula, it is a significant obstacle, especially when there is not complete ice cover on the confluence of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron at the straits.
The first observation of a gray wolf in the northern Lower Peninsula in recent times was in 2004, when a wolf was accidently killed in Presque Isle County. In 2014, the presence of a gray wolf was identified through genetic analysis of a scat sample collected in Emmet County.
In January 2024, a coyote hunter in Calhoun County harvested a large animal that was later confirmed by the DNR to be a gray wolf. The presence of this wolf in Calhoun County remains a matter of investigation by the DNR.
Though wolves can travel thousands of miles, the department does not suspect the animal was part of an established population in the southern Lower Peninsula.
In 2019, the DNR conducted a similar community-based wolf survey in the northern Lower Peninsula. A total of 97 reports of possible wolf activity were received. Of those, most were determined to be tracks of dogs or coyotes or were unable to be verified.
Two reports from Kalkaska and Montmorency counties were deemed credible, prompting DNR wildlife staffers to continue monitoring the area for additional signs of wolf activity.
This winter’s wolf survey is being conducted in partnership with the DNR, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
Information on wolves in Michigan and links to other wolf-related web pages can be found at Michigan.gov/Wolves.
The survey, which will rely heavily on reports from the public of wolf sightings and other potential evidence, is taking place now through March 10.
“Our efforts will be concentrated in the norther Lower Peninsula which does contain some limited suitable habitat that could potentially support a small wolf population,” said Brian Roell, a DNR large carnivore specialist in Marquette.
Sightings, photos and other signs of wolf presence can be reported by the public to the DNR’s Eyes in the Field webpage. Reports including photos or other evidence will be reviewed and a reply will be sent from DNR Wildlife Division staffers.
Those who have wolf information to report, but without access to a computer or smart phone, may contact Tim Riley at the DNR’s Grayling field office at (989) 370-7313 or RileyT6@Michigan.gov.
“By enlisting help from the public, we can exponentially increase the number of eyes out there looking for wolves,” Roell said. “With few records of wolves in the northern Lower Peninsula in modern times, efforts to find them will be challenging and there is the distinct possibility that they are not present at this time.”
DNR wildlife biologists said it is important that those making wolf reports do so in a timely manner to give biologists time to confirm fresh wolf sign. Track photos should include a ruler in the frame to show the track size.
Wolves were removed from the state in the early part of the 20th century by habitat loss, bounties and prejudice.
However, with the help of the Endangered Species Act, and a better understanding of the role wolves play in a healthy ecosystem, they began a gradual and natural return to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through Ontario, Canada and Wisconsin in the early 1990s.
Since that time, the wolf population has increased and now occupies all available suitable habitat throughout the U.P. Surveys have shown that the U.P. wolf population has remained relatively stable over the past 14 years. The latest assessment, conducted during the winter of 2023-2024, estimated a minimum of 768 wolves in the U.P.
“To our knowledge, wolves have not successfully re-established themselves in the Lower Peninsula,” Roell said.
While the Straits of Mackinac is not an absolute barrier for wolves moving from the U.P. to the northern Lower Peninsula, it is a significant obstacle, especially when there is not complete ice cover on the confluence of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron at the straits.
The first observation of a gray wolf in the northern Lower Peninsula in recent times was in 2004, when a wolf was accidently killed in Presque Isle County. In 2014, the presence of a gray wolf was identified through genetic analysis of a scat sample collected in Emmet County.
In January 2024, a coyote hunter in Calhoun County harvested a large animal that was later confirmed by the DNR to be a gray wolf. The presence of this wolf in Calhoun County remains a matter of investigation by the DNR.
Though wolves can travel thousands of miles, the department does not suspect the animal was part of an established population in the southern Lower Peninsula.
In 2019, the DNR conducted a similar community-based wolf survey in the northern Lower Peninsula. A total of 97 reports of possible wolf activity were received. Of those, most were determined to be tracks of dogs or coyotes or were unable to be verified.
Two reports from Kalkaska and Montmorency counties were deemed credible, prompting DNR wildlife staffers to continue monitoring the area for additional signs of wolf activity.
This winter’s wolf survey is being conducted in partnership with the DNR, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
Information on wolves in Michigan and links to other wolf-related web pages can be found at Michigan.gov/Wolves.
