I was sifting through our local fishing regulations the other night, hunting for a particular piece of information about bowfishing, and getting more irritated by the minute.  I’m not sure who designs the local fishing/hunting guides, but sometimes I feel as though you need a law degree in order to actually understand the laws and rules these guides contain (and that is if you can find what you’re looking for – but that’s for another post).  Thankfully, I enjoy bowfishing, and have already experienced it, so the time spent hunting and pecking for the particular law I was looking for was worth the effort.

But like a noose around a new hunter or fishermen’s neck, I fear all the laws and regulations contained within these guides have the potential to hinder a person’s willingness to start hunting and/or fishing.  Considering these new recruits already have a myriad of things to remember – when to shoot, what to shoot, what to wear, what bait to use, where to fish, etc. – expecting them to be able to pick through a bucket full of regulations and requirements certainly could be viewed as a very daunting task, and could send a possible new hunter/fisherman back from where he came from in a hurry.

Popularity: 3% [?]

With a 4-3 vote last night, the Natural Resources Commission decided to allow baiting in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula once again.  Baiting will be allowed from Oct. 1 to Jan. 1, and all current baiting laws pertaining to the Upper Peninsula will stay the same.  The NRC has also decided to revisit the issue in three years.

If you recall, baiting was banned in the Lower Peninsula back in 2008, after a captive deer tested positive for Chronic Wasting Disease.  Since that time baiting has been quite the topic in Michigan – and while I’m still not so sure that this is the right move, the fact remains that it will be legal once again, so – if you choose to participate – I promise not to judge, even if I may not agree with you.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Smart phones are systematically ruining our society.

While I work with technology every day, and actually do enjoy technology most of the time, I think the constant need to be “connected” – at the dinner table, at family gatherings, in a deer blind, while riding in a car, etc. – is really putting a damper on our abilities to connect with each other; it’s putting a damper on our willingness to engage in a real conversation.

It’s kind of sad, actually.

Popularity: 1% [?]

I think we’re all familiar with its existence – it’s the location where shameful or painful moments of the past are buried.  It’s where our deepest, darkest and most painful moments are kept – a place way deep down inside, and only accessible in moments of despair or when – involuntarily – something unpleasant jogs our memory.  Unpleasant moments from our childhood also reside there, and many memories of poor decisions we’ve made in the past reside there, too.

And, if you’re a true hunter – a hunter who truly appreciates and reveres the animals you hunt – then the memories of wounding an animal live there as well.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Whirlibird: not exactly the manliest of names for a men’s jacket.  But once you get past the name, which isn’t prominently displayed on it anywhere (thank God!), you’ll be glad you are wearing it – silly name or not.  And, if you’re lucky enough to be wearing the Omni-Heat version, you’ll be toasty warm – even in single-digit temps…..or worse.

Of course, I did receive this particular jacket for free; let’s be clear about that right now, and comply with the FCC regulations at the same time.  But regardless of how I acquired the product, I only do honest reviews, and with a clear conscience I can say that my Whirlibird Omni-Heat jacket has performed way beyond my expectations.

Popularity: 2% [?]