THE OUTDORKSMAN

"It's kind of like TV Guide for lakes" If you didn't know, and most people don't, the MN DNR put some serious work into collecting fish population and other data samples to keep lakes balanced and stocked. That information isn't top secret per se but, it isn't easy to get a hold of either. Luckily, the DNR has changed that. Somewhat.  Have you ever driven past a lake and wondered to yourself,      "Is there really anything worth fishing for in there?" Well let me let you in on a little secret: there probably is and it's easy to find out.  A couple times a year I try to tell folks about the Lakefinder section on the DNR's website. So here I go again.  In the Lakefinder app you can search nearly any lake in Minnesota that is large enough to sustain fish. LakeFinder Link Here   👈👈 Follow along This will go pretty quick!   Homepage provides you a few options for searching... I use the map feature. ('Cause I like maps)   Click on the la...

Well the results are coming in... Update: 2020 firearm seasons aren't finished quiet yet and the MN DNR just announce a few more hunts for those whom would like to still fill that open tag. That information here.  I guess harvest number are down a little in CWD zones? So, this post won't be 100% accurate since deer season is still happening!   And, my math could be wrong... I love reading through these stats' that the DNR rolls out for us nerds to look through.  It sheds a little light into the ebb and flow of deer populations, as well as a brief explanation for the population goal. The linked files are for 2020s population goals and have not yet been updated. (So, not for 2021) The information they provide is still interesting and relevant in my personal opinion. Also, putting this list together, I can't but feel incredibly jealous for the men and women who get the chance to hunt within these units. Since my deer camp is in unit 111. A unit with a population goal of...

You'll find it nestled in the heart of the Beltrami Island State Forest, tucked into a small clearing of a campsite just a mere 40ft from the road. She's a sight to behold, hunter's of the road will often roll to complete stop just to gaze upon all of it's glory.  This particular shack is actually a new accommodation to deer camp. The last camper had begun to deteriorate fairly rapidly after a roof leak developed. My uncle took it upon himself to purchase us this camper in 2019. The shack has only one purpose, to house a few guys for two weeks during Minnesota's Firearm Deer Season. Only the best and the finest of sportsmen will stay here. They're not a complicated bunch, they just like to sleep in a place that's warm and dry.  Some of the finer features include: -70s era Winnebago Architecture -Shag Carpet -Gas Lanterns -Incognito Paint Job  -Bunks for 3-4 Smelly Men - 1,000,000 BTU Furnace  It also sounds like Minnesota's hottest new vacation rental.....

Wildlife Refuges and State Parks serve as sanctuaries for all manners of animals and people. From Deer to Upland Game to Waterfowl and Fish. But, did you know that many of them offer special hunts? I didn't! Why do they have them? Well, many reasons actually. Hunter participation amongst all ages brackets is on a slow downward trend.  My theory is that Minnesota would like to create more hunter opportunities with these special hunts.  Also, these hunts would act as something of a management tool for the Fish and Wildlife Agencies to regulate animal populations exceeding carrying capacities within these areas.  Although many hunters are successful within these locations, it is not a guarantee. These hunts will require mental alertness and toughness. Often times special rules and hunting zones are applied within the parks and refuges. For example, refuges do not allow for hunting stands to be left on the trees or land overnight. This requires the hunter to take all their eq...

"Want to see some beautiful fall colors?" I should probably start by explaining how Alexis wasn't intimidated by the idea at all. And that the title is a tad misleading...  Early October is just a flat-out awesome time of the season to be out appreciating fall. It didn't take much to convince her into adventuring out on a weekend to go camping in Betrami Island State Forest. October grouse hunting will lead  you to the middle of the woods where tall trees filter small streams of sunshine and leaves dance across the ground. Toss in a tent, campfire, warm sleeping bags, a few cups of coffee, and I'd bet anyone would consider joining just for the ambiance.   If you're new to this, you might be surprised to learn that "grouse camps" are actually a thing. Camp can be anything from tarps, ten ts, and pop-out fish-houses to RV's and Icecastles. A very similar scene happens later in November for deer season. On average, 80,000 grouse hunters hit the wood...

 Writing this, I don't even know where to start, I am so blessed to have had this opportunity to head out west and go hunting. My wife and I were in Colorado from August 30th to September 11th. She was able to work remotely from my Mother-in-laws and I went on what was one of the hardest and amazing hunts I've ever experienced.  I went bow hunting for Elk in the Arapaho National Forests. I began scouting areas in Colorado in July close to where my Mother-in-law lives. I figured that if I chose a spot close to family, I wouldn't be completely helpless if something went incredibly wrong, or right.  -Plus, the food is always amazing (thank you Barb)   I chose to hunt the September Archery season for a few reasons.       1. I wanted the challenge of bow hunting, coupled with the "rutting season".       2. Colorado's Archery Elk Season is Sept 2-30 and offers hunters the opportunity to hunt any unit that's also an OTC (over-the...

"I spent most my time tying knots"      No joke. The first year of fishing of the F/M area was mostly a flop. I caught some fish, but I was constantly freeing my line from trees and snags while re-tying hooks and lead. I bet I put over 2 pounds of sinkers in the Red River.  I felt like I spent most of my time tying knots. You could say I was a slow learner. I wasn't even using gear the folks at bait and tackle shops had recommend me to use. Stuff like circle hooks, sliding weight set ups, mono-filament leader, using any bait other than just worms...I thought "Nahh that stuff won't make a that much difference".    It was hard for me to change my tactic when what I was using was yielding some results. "Don't fix what ain't broke. Right?" I thought that I was doing pretty good, compared to my surrounding fishermen. I had a something on the line every 8-10ish casts. But reality eventually set in, and I was tired of loosing fish. I won't ...

"You'd never know that this river held that big of fish"  My brother in-law Paul is the man who had introduced me to catfishing 4 years ago now.  He and his family have had a long standing tradition of heading over to the Red River for a weekend of fishing and playing in the muddy banks of the Minnesota/North Dakota border. I'm so grateful for getting an invite. Now, 7/25/20 A few miles short of the Canada Border. I'm sitting on the tiller end of my 14ft boat, tiny ripples in the river tap gently on the sides in a continuous rhythm. The brownish clay like silted water, churning in slow motion on what appears to be a mudslide instead of a river.  The Red River of the North boasts 70 species of fish. You would never know it by the mere 5 inches of water clarity.  My fishing rod is pointed off the rear of the boat facing down river (North). A tiny brass alarm bell is clamped onto the end of the rod. The braided line is tight, held on the bottom with 3 ounces of lead....