March 2014 – Issue 36
North Central Chapter Update – Spring 2014
As I sit here typing this article, I can’t help but think about the turkeys. It is -4 F outside with the wind blowing 22 MPH. We have received several inches of snow. The snow has melted once already this year and has created an almost impenetrable crust for the turkeys. We have supplied more than three tons of corn to feed the turkeys so far this winter. If this weather doesn’t break soon our wildlife will be in dire straits!
Time to Manage Our Public for the Benefit of Wildlife
The following article appeared in the COMMENTARY of the October 25, 2013 edition of Michigan Outdoor News. Although deer is the topic, it is just as appropriate to insert turkeys, grouse, woodcock, rabbits or hare.
-Jim Maturen
I am responding to the commentary by Quality Deer Management Association member Paul Plantinga that appeared in the August 30 issue of Michigan Outdoor News. In his article, he quotes statistics on the loss of hunters from Michigan and infers that the loss of deer hunters is due to our hunters leaving the state in a quest for large-antlered bucks. There is much more to the loss than he suggests.
Pere Marquette Chapter Spring 2014 Update
I am writing this during the first week in February. The wind chill is -12 degrees and expected to remain there all day and for the next several days. It has been a brutal winter with record setting low temperatures and very deep snow. Unless a source of food is found many of our wildlife will not be here come spring. It is hard to believe that not one news media or any so called conservation organizations have expressed any concern.
Another Farewell
On this past January 26th, long time member Ned Stuits, age 88, passed away. Ned was a navy veteran, having served during World War II. During his career he was a teacher, football and basketball coach. Ned retired to the Kaleva area in Manistee County.
Ned was a founding member of the Michigan Conservation Foundation, who we have worked with very closely over these years.
2022 Turkey Hunting Patch Available
