For an online digital that you can receive online instantly and print out your own copies go to
You are currently browsing the archive for the Fishing category.
Morelbook.com has just undergone a revamping and now you can get the Morelbook instantly and print out your own copies and/or order a hard copy too.
Go to www.morelbook.com see the video
For a great and inexpensive gift on finding Morel Mushrooms, go to www.morelbook.com guaranteed deivery before Christmas.
If you are looking for that perfect gift for $20 or under for that person who is hard to shop for, here is the perfect solution.The “Morel Mushoom Book” gives both the novice and experienced mushroomer everything they need to know about finding and preparing this highly sought after morsel including specific directions to hot morel mushroom spots.
Go to www.morelbook.com
If you are looking forf information about finding Morels, the where, when, what trees and terrain to look for, or you want to find them by the hundreds and even thousands, you need the Morelbook. You will never regret spending $20 for a book that you will use the rest of your life.directions to several
It even gives precise directions to several thousand acres of prime Morel Mushroom ground…guaranteed.
To and order click here on www.morelbook.com
Personal checks accepted
The most informative and in depth book on how to find morel mushrooms for both the begginers and experienced morel hunters. A must: www.morelbook.com
For the very best recipe and best information on finding morels go to www.morelbook.com
To learn where and when and how to find Morel mushrooms get the best book available at www.morelbook.com
For complete description of how, when and where to hunt Morel Mushrooms order the Morelbook at
The season has just started with the first gray Morels found yesterday, A must to have is the Morelbook:
www.morelbook.com
Go to www.morelbook.com
How, when, identify, prepare, keep & know exactly where to find, with precise directions, fo to:
www.morelbook.com
Inexpensive gift for the out of doors type person. Delivery by Christmas. He/she will love it!!
Go to www.morelbook.com
Questions: e-mail morelbook@msn.com
Jim
If you are interested in totally free bingo games on line where you can actually win money with no cost to you and no registering on your info except basically your e-mail address and zip code, there are 2 types that I have found and play.
For either one, click onto www.gsn.com then if you want to play the TV version, click onto BINGO AMERICA and click onto PRINT CARDS. then check the station and times and play along with the tv program. You can win $50 except on Weds when it appears that you can win $250.
OR Instead of printing out your cards, scroll down the page until you see BINGO AMERICA-PLAY ONLINE, then click on PLAY NOW and when the next screen comes up, click onto PLAY NOW again. It will take several moments for the game to download. Hit PLAY again and you are into an online game where you can win up to $25. At new game happens every minute and 20 seconds.
These are for real games and are definately addicting with many winners.
Also check out: www.morelbook.com
Looking for a Full or Part-time Job then click on these websites:
www.bullitin.aarp.org/yourmoney/work/articles/over_50_and_looking.html
www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
Here’s a site that I also enjoy. About 6 months ago I did win a free $100 gas card in one of the contests Speedway Gas Stations were doing. Right now they have another one in which you can win 1,000,000 speedy reward points. It only takes 66,000 points to get a free $100 gas card, you do the math!
Log onto www.speedyrewards.com
Other sites: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
This is a great site on which youi can turn in codes from your coke bottle caps and earn points which can be used for buying products or entering sweepstakes. Recently I did win a $1,000 free gift card to Best Buy. I highly recommend this site. You can also use your points and donate to your local school. Check it out at:
other sites to check out: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
Due to the discovery and confirmation of a deer with Tuberculosis , in southern Michigan (Shiawassee County) the DNR has established a new early doe gun season from Sept 18-22nd in Zone 3. Doe permits can be purchased for $10.00 at any license retailer. This is for private land and if you are hunting on someone else’s land, you will need the owner’s phone nmber.
1-Trimax Machine in excellent condition for sale. Value $800+…Priced at $110
Contact Jim at 1-517-204-8886 or mcksold@msn.com
1- Weider weight/exercise machine in exellent condition for sale $1,200 value…reduced to $175
Contact Jim at: 1-517-204-8886 or mcksold@msn.com
Now private showings only
Shaftsburg Rd. (just north of Bath Rd.)
Weight and exercise machines marked to sell
Bar bells, clothing, dishes, oak table , ceramic doll and much more!!
Humungous sale with many items for everyone still remaining
Terms cash on the barrelhead
call Jim for details or mcksold@msn.com 517-204-8886
Hope you had a terrific Morel Season this past sping. I had a superb season, finding literally thousands of the wily morels. I still have many frozen & dried, which not the same as fresh morels, but really great when the snow is swirling in January, etc. Just had some thawed morels in my verison, stir fry. all ingredients came off of my property, which I think is kindof neat.
Now if you ar not having consistantly great Morels Seasons, you owe it to yourself to get the “MORELBOOK”, which will tell the secrets of Morels and truly guide you by both odometer and GPS readings to the very spots that I have been getting Morels for over 30 years and I still do. Yes with this book more folks go there now, but there are so many Morels and thousands of public acres there that you will still do well.
To buy a MORELBOOK you can oder on line at www.morelbook.com (Yes you can send a personal check if you prefer.) $20.00
or e-mail morelbook@msn.com
or send check or money order & address to Morelbook PO Box 438 Haslett, Mi 48840
GUARANTEED TO PUT YOU ON MORELS IN MOREL TERRITORY
2 really super East Lansing Homes
***627 Gunson Street *** This is a great 3 Bedroom, 2 Full bathrooms, Cape Cod with a Fireplace, in mint condition, ready to move into. Why pay the high costs & throw rent money out the window and then put up with the noise of dorm life, when you could build equity for yourself or your student and pay much less for house payments!! This is not a rental but your student could live here. Located a short but comfortable distance from campus and downtown. This is a family neighborhood, not a student rental area. Priced to sell at $164,000
***510 Kedzie . Nearly 2000 square feet of ranch living with 3 Bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms with 2 Fireplaces and unique wine celler area and loads of extras.
$209,000
www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
Newly remodeled, this quality 3-Bedroom Ranch features New Kitchen, Ceramic & Hardwood Floors, New Roof, New Seamless Eavestroughs, full basement. This neat, quality interior & decor are a must to see, as it is definately not a dive. Priced to sell at $94,500
Call Jim McKibben at 204-8886 or mcksold@msn.com for more info or to view this home at a time that fits your schedule.
Certified Buyer Representative
Go to www.morelbook.com Free delivery within 7 days, use your credit card or Pen Pal
Ok, I admit it, I found 43 Morel Mushrooms last Saturday the 26th April. For directions to the exact spot, go to www.morelbook.com
Happy reading and schrooooming!
J T McKibben
Go to www.morelbook.com
In the city of Mason there are:
11 Homes for sale for under $100,000
112 under $200,000
52 over $200,000
For as complete list of homes in any city go to mcksold@msn.com or www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
Everything you need in www.morelbook.com
www.morelbook.com
www.morelbook.com
Everything you need to know and exactly where to go. www.morelbook.com
It is just around the corner. Go to www.morelbook.com
For morelmushrooms, go to www.morelbook.com
To to www.morelbook.com
There are currently 1488 homes listed for sale in the city of Lansing. For a free list e-mail mcksold@msn.com or call 517-204-8886.
You can also search for and view homes at www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
For Coldwell Banker Hubbell-Briarwood Real Estate contact Jim McKibben, Broker at 517-204-8886 or mcksold@msn.com www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com for all of your real estate buying and selling needs. Buyer Representation and Seller Representation agreements available.
Briarwood Realty Co. Broker, James McKibben mcksold@msn.com www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
517-204-8886 for buying or selling your home. Free buyer or seller booklets on website.
If you are looking for James McKibben, e-mail him at mcksold@msn.com or call 517-204-8886
To search for your home go to www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com or e-mail or call James and he will do your search for you.
If you are looking for Jim, you are at the right spot. Jim has been a Realtor and Broker for around 21 years and is an ABR. mcksold@msn.com 517-204-8886 www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
Jim McKibben
Looking for a home in the Greater Lansing Area, go to www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com or e-mail
Jim McKibben at mcksold@msn.com to have Jim, an ABR do the searching for you.
If you are thinking about buying your fist home or your 20th home, you should find an ABR-Accredited Buyers Representative, to represent you 100% at no cost to you. Secondly you should obtain a home buyers’ booklet as a guide. To obtain a free buyers’ booklet on line, go to www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com click on buyer booklet .
Also, for aa ABR e-mail Jim McKibben at mcksold@msn.com
Thinking about buying a repo or a home to live in, go to: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
e-mail= mcksold@msn.com
cell= 517-204-8886
Morel Mushroom Season is just around the corner. For $20 you can know how to identify, care for, cook, and also exactly where to go to find them and where in the woods, which trees, plants, slopes ete to find them. This book has both odometer readings and GPS readings to the exact spots my family has been picking thousand of Morels each year for nearly 40 years. Why am I sharing my secret place? My family is now all passed on and now only me and my wife fo looking and we have way more spots than we can possilby cover. You can use your credit or debit card via Pay Pal, a secure and safe way of paying. The $20 covers everything, including postage. If you give me your e-address, I’ll keep you informed of when the first schrooooms are up and which stage is up. It makes a great gift, too.
Go to: www.morelbook.com
www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
Even though the snow is coming down, as I write this, it won’t be long before the Morel Mushrooms start poppingup in the Michigan woods. In less than 50 days, I will be in some of my favorite schrrom woods looking for the tasty morsels. In my paperback book on just Morels Mushrooms, I tell you where, when and how to find them. I give actual, accurate odometer readings and GPS readings to the exact spots where I and my family have been findings them for over 40 years. Everything you could need to find them is carefully laid out for you.
To check out and to order the book go to www.morelbook.com To contact me mcksold@msn.com
Knowing that “camping” is created by basically the setting up or erection of anything or sleeping in any type of vehicle on DNR land, by my reading of the regulations. In doing so, I find that I have on occasion broken the law totally unknown to me. I have found out that it is illegal to: Camp in a state park,recreation area, access site, other than a designated camp site (note the sleeping in any type of vehicle, constitutes camping), to camp in a designated spot for more than 15 consecutive nights, to leave a campsite for more than a 24 hour period, for an unregistered camper to remain in a designated campsite between 10:00pm and 8:00 am., to discharge a bow-n-arrow, gas guns, spring loaded guns, slingshots, to build fires except in designated places or in stoves or grills authorized by an authorized representative of the DNR, to bring a dog or other animal that is not under direct control of a leash 6 foot or shorter. to ride a bicycle of any kind except on paved and unpaved roads, parking lots, and designated signed bicycle trails, to allow a dog within water or land area designated as a bathing beach or in any other water used for swimming or wading. For more rules and regulations fo to http://www.michigan.gov/dnr . For all of your buying or selling of homes, go to www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com . Check out www.morelbook.com .
Over the past several years, I have noticed a unique odor, while I have been in the Outdoors, Woods and the like. This aroma reminds me of the stable areas of our barn on our former farm in Indiana. It also is the smell that I noticed while hunting in Southern Texas, which I recognized there as belonging to Wild Javelinas and Feral Hogs. I never connected the two, with the smells here in Michigan, as I knew that we did not have wild pigs here in Michigan. However, according to 2 articles that I just read, we do in fact, have Wild Feral Hogs in over 20 Michigan Counties. In his article in the November issue of Michigan Out Of Doors Magazine, Tracy Breen clearly points out that these pigs are here, now, but also that they can destroy not only farmers’ crops, but also destroy our wildlife habitat and even the young of our large and small game animals. According to his article, in is legal to shoot these wild Feral Hogs, as long as we possess and current hunting license. In fact, we are encouraged to shoot them to help hold done their rapidly increasing numbers. It would also be recommended that we check with any farmers, if we are hunting private farms, to be certain that we are not shooting the farmer’s domestic pigs. It is also noted that these Wild Pigs are great food fare, so do have them processed and it is also recommended that we take the hogs to the DNR to be tested for disease. They apparently can remove the head and we can then have the meat processed. www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com www.morelbook.com
Last Wednesday, the 24th of October marked my 64th Birthday. My day began at about 5:00am, at which time I got up, took my maintenance medicines (don’t you just love getting older??!!), brushed my teeth and shaved. Then to my pole barn to change into my camouflage clothes, and out to my tree blind, with my back pack and my bow-n-arrow, arriving there about 6:15am, early enough to beat any deer getting back to their bedding areas. Day Break was gorgeous, as I munched away on the no sugar no chloresteral oatmeal cookies which Sandi had made for me. Then at Sunrise, I pulled my thermos out of the back pack and poured a steaming cup of Decaf Coffee, as I watched and listened to some of nature going to bed and many waking up and loudly telling the world about it. As I sipped on the hot brew, I noticed a group of 5 deer in the distance and watched a V of Geese fly overhead, straight South. I always love to see and hear them. At about 9:00 am, I decided to call it a morning and got down and walked back to the pole barn to change back to civies, no luck on having a deer close enough to shoot. Later my wife and daughter treated me to lunch at the Red Lobster, which was followed by a long power nap, for which I have become infamous for. Soon it was time to hit the tree stand again, for the evening hunt. As luck would have it, at approximately 6:45pm a deer appeared on the trail and it slowly made its way to the shooting lane that I had cleared several months prior. When I came to full draw, the deer hesitated and I let the arrow fly and away the deer went, into the thickest tangle of brush and briars. I thought that I heard that sound which was once described to me as someone falling into a dry brush pile, which generally is when the deer goes down, for good. Waiting quietly for 15 minutes, before I got down, I proceeded over to where the deer had been, when I shot. There was my arrow, minus the broadhead, which had buried itself in the dirt after passing through both lungs and on through the deer. By now it was getting dark, so I walked back to our house and told Sandi and showed her the arrow, which had good blood from one end to the other. She got her boots and coat on and with flashlights, headed back to track the deer. Sandi is a great tracker and she found first blood in about 30 feet and tracked the deer about 30 more yards and there it was. Having field dressed the deer, we dragged the deer back, washed it down with the hose and hung it up in the pole barn. Needless to say it was a perfect way to start and to end my 64th birthday. Today I will begin processing the deer myself to get rid of all bones and tallow for many very tasty meals.
One of our Propane Gas tank fill up bills last year was over $800, which lasted about 1 1/2 months before we needed another fill up. Even though we were on a monthly budget payment plan, this cost is just too much for us to afford. In addition to doing several “greening” projects to our home, this year we are heating with wood, using an inexpensive wood burner and wood that I cut up, for free. At this point in time, we have not used our furnace even once. We are enjoying free heating and our home temperatures range from 70-75 degrees during the daytime and from 67-71 during the nite time. The living area of our home stays several degrees warmer than our bedrooms, which is really as we would want it. I generally stoke the fire once in the evening and once in the morning and it is good to go, for the interim. At 64 years young, the exercise is great when cutting up and hauling the wood.
I’m not certain if you are aware, that we are now entitled, by law, to a free, no cost copy of our credit report. We can do this online and print it out, ourselves. Due to mistakes that are becoming more and more common and due to “identity theft, we should check our credit report at least once every year. In the past 5 years, I discovered 4 major reporting errors on my report, ranging from a car loan that I didn’t have, to a mortgage for over $400,000, in Ohio, which I also didn’t have. Fortunately the real people were making their payments on time, so my score wasn’t affected negatively, but it took some doing to get them off the report. To get to the link to get your free credit report, click onto www.annualcreditreport.com If you, like many of us, have difficulty navigating through the pages of instructions, contact the Federal Trade Commission at: www.ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-Help. If you give uo on getting it yourself and for free, you can buy your report at www.myfico.com When we find errors on our reports, we should notify the reporting agencies who have 30 days to investigate and correct errors. Be aware that there are bogus companies out there who will offer to take care of the errors for a fee ranging from $100 to more than $1000. We can do the same thing ourselves and for FREE.
As an avid Steelhead fisherman, I have learned the value of a pair of quality sunglasses for locating the Steelhead on their Redds, especially if they are also polarized. If fact, for Steelhead and for Bluegills, a good pair of polarized sunglasses are worth their weight in gold for both. They come in handy for viewing other structure, such as weeds, drop offs, logs, and even cruising fish, if on the flats, for fish such as Bonefish. If addition, the polarization blocks our the harmful glare rays which can not only keep you from seeing, but also will tire your eyes out in a hurry. Polarized glasses are also great for every day living, especially while driving, riding, walking and other outdoor activities. I have 3 favorite brands of Sunglasses that I use regularly which are the Solar Bat Company, the Oakley Company, and the Smith Optics Company. You can view their selections and shop for glasses by clicking onto these sites: www.solarbat.com www.oakley.com or www.smithoptics.com For your Real Estate Questions click onto www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com or www.forkidsover50.com if you or a family member are over 50 years young.
Well, my experience hunting my new property and new placement of deer stands has proven to be a positive experience, at least in terms of deer seen. I need to clear a few more branches in the shooting lanes, as I couldn’t get off a clean shot Tuesday. However, I did see 3 bucks and 5 does and could have taken a shot. It appears from my personal observations and my readings, that we are in for an even better year than last year which did see over a 12% increase in bow taken deer. Remember to take a youngster hunting this year.
As I went to my blind this morning and again this afternoon, I was actually wondering why I was going out in the heavy downpour. Of course, in my rain gear, I was dry and warm, actually a little too warm, with the humidity. Since this is my first day hunting my “new” property, I know that part of my reason for going out in this rain, was tradition of being out on openers and to see what I would see. Also, to see how my ladder blind would feel in this spot. The results are that I truly enjoyed being out there, but no deer were dumb enough to be out in this deluge and also, I learned that I need to tie another support to my ladder to keep it steady, plus I need to do some more clearing of two shooting lanes. That I’ll do tomorrow and also set uo a second blind. Normally I would have this all done a month or more ago, but this year, our moving to this new home just seemed to take all of my time and it also seems that everything now takes longer than it used to take.
As I sit here looking at the huge rising sun against a “Blue Bird Sky”, without even a cloud, I give a little silent thank you for another georgeous Fall Day. With the Archery Deer Season Opener on Monday, October 01, I am even more thankful! I have to stop and also thank my parents for getting me involved in the out-of doors, from the time that I was in diapers. Hunting small game including Quail, Pheasant, Rabbits, Squirrels, hunting for Morel Mushrooms, in Southern Indiana got me interested and basically set the mold for my adult passion for the out-of-doors. Yearly vacation trips to the Baldwin, Michigan Area fishing on the lakes and trout streams cemented my love for fishing and I owe my parents much for that. Next month, I turn 64 on October 24th and daybreak will find me in my tree blind with my bow-n-arrow, for deer season. My point here is that I and you owe someone for getting us involved in outdoor sports and maybe it is time that we repay them for that deed by taking our own kids out or temporarily “adapt” a boy or girl and take them fishing, hunting. hiking or camping or one of the many other outdoor activities. I have done this and I enjoy the looks on their faces as we enjoy nature. So, take some time and do take one or two kids out of outdoors this year. You’ll be more than rewarded for your deed. Let me also mention that MUCC has a neat website for involving kids. I recommend that you check out: www.mucc.org/youth/index.php
For your buying or selling property click onto” www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com or www.mcksoldrhome.com
With all of the publicity that I and others have given to Scam Artists, I was actually astonished that I would be the target for Scammers. I did actually receive an e-mail from a person in Saudi Arabia trying to get information and money from me. The e-mail was written in “broken english”, as one might imagine how someone with poor command of English might speak. The scammer was very polite and was simply asking for my help to get over $3,000,000 out of his account in Jordan. To do this, all that he required or needed was my checking and savings account number and my Social Security Number, plus I was to transfer $10,000 to his account, following which he would trasfer his over $3,000,000 to my account. Then in 2 days, I was to transfer $2,500,000 to a new account number for him in the USA. The other $500,000 was for me to keep, for my helping him get it out of Jordan, plus I was to get my $10,000 back at that time, also. If this sounds too good to be true, it is. Had I bit onto his scam, I would never see my $10,000 again, I would never see his money either. Apparently this scam does trick some folks into losing their money. By the way, he would also have acquired my checking and Savings account numbers, plus my SS # and he would have drained both accounts. IF IT SEEMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE, IT IS!!
I have been following the issue, debate, and controversy of the Rights of 5 Indian Tribe Groups, as it pertains to hunting, fishing, trapping and the commercial taking of game. In reading an article in the Michigan Out Of Doors Magazine (October, 2007) the issue stems from the Treaty of 1836, signed by the Indian Tribes and the US Government. While the government did pay for the lands, the treaty had a clause, that is very much open for interpretation, as while it made sense then, under the conditions existing in terms of settlement and use by Indians and Settlers, now it is being used to fit today’s conditions, which are totally changed. The clause that is the problem states: “The Indians stipulate for the right of hunting on the lands ceded, with the other usual privilages of occupancy, until this land is required for settlement”. Of course, some of this land mentioned is now US Forest or State Land and some is privately owned. This is a tough issue to resolve and the Michigan United Conservation Club is one of the parties involved in the discussions. If you would like to find out more detailed information on this issue, MUCC has an in depth article on their website: www.mucc.org
For all your Real Estate Needs & Questions, go to: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
I read an article or possibly it was an ad written by the Rottweil-Brenneke Co. regarding a recall of some of their shotgun shells. According to what I read, some of their shotgun shells may fail to clear or leave our shotgun barrels. This in and of itself, is not a real problem, however if you or I then fired aother shot while the first slug is in the barrel, a “catastrophic failure” of the barrel is very likely to happen (BLOWS UP) which will likely destroy the barrel and at the same time cause you or me very serious personal injury or even death. The company is trying to recall all of these shells and to reimburse us for our cost. This recall applies only to rifled Rottweil-Brenneke slugs which bear the letters: X,Y, or Z as the fourth digit and batches numbers 52 VW 4 & 53 KA 3, only.
If you have questions or need more information, please contact them at 1-866-464-4767
Most of us who have low credit scores have them because we are not organized or dedicated enough to pay our bills and stay within our income level. It is possible to rebuild our credit. For example, if I have a credit card nearly maxed and if I have other cards with little on them, my credit can be improved by reducing that nearly maxed card by shifting some of the balance to my other credit cards. In doing so, it is very important to keep all balances less than a 30% margin of available credit. Also, my readings point out that it is not good for my credit score to close out credit cards, even if they have low or no balance. I was surprised to learn that I would be better off, score wise, to keep a small balance on them. If you have any questions about your credit score, please contact me at: mcksold@msn.com
Having read about a Asian-Food Marketplace in the Southeast Michigan Area having 84 Grass Carp for sale illegally, which were being sold alive as that is how customers prefer to buy them, I was relieved to find that they were confiscated by the DNR. I would like to remind everyone that the Possession or the Transportation of Grass Carp, Silver Carp, Bighead Carp, Black Carp and SnakeHead Fish is prohibited by Michigan State Law. If you are or become aware of anyone possessing these fish, the contact the DNR Hotline at: 1-800-292-7800.
I noticed in my readings, that the DNR has implemented new rules designed the enlist the help of anglers and the bait business in fighting the spread of (VHS) Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia in MIchigan waters. Some of the new rules include: **All water in boat livewells and bilges must be emptied upon leaving a body of water. **”Bait” includes live, dead, and frozen bait and parts, or cut bait, including fish eggs and spawn bags. **Anglers buying bait will receive a receipt, good for seven days, telling them where they can use it. **Uncertified bait can only be used in VHS positive waters and bait from VHS Free waters can be used anywhere. **Anglers cannot release minnows when done fishing and must dispose of them when leaving the water. **Catch and Release anglers can only release back into the same waters that the fish were caught in. This includes fishing tournaments. If you are like me, you’ll want to check out the DNR website, at: www.michigan.gov/dnrfishing
As an avid Bow-n-Arrow Deer Hunter (& gun Hunter), I was excited to learn about another scouting camera that allows me to check it without going to the camera site and thereby disrupting the site and contaminating the area with my scent. The “Smart Scouter” will take both day and night time pictures of game activity and allows us to access the photos via our cell phones and/or the internet. So, I (& you) can access the pictures right here at home on my laptop or cell. For those areas where there is no cell coverage, the Smart Scouter performs as any non-wireless device as well, with an on board CF (compact flash) card that we would with any other trail camera. For having instant access, sharing photos with others (friends or clubs), saving gas money and travel time, this camera is just the ticket. If you would like more information on the Smart Scouter just click right here at: www.smartscouter.com
For your buying or selling of real estate needs or questions, click onto: mcksold@msn.com or visit: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com or call 1-517-204-8886.
I have been researching regarding Trail Cameras, which would also be used to capture all forms of widlife, not just deer & other hooved creatures. Trail Cameras could also be used as a security camera, even for “Peeping Toms”, if needed. Moultrie Co. offer 5 digetal “Game Spy” cameras that use D-Cell Batteries and have very fast trigger times so no shot is missed not do you get partial pictures of just the back half of the animal. Two are infrared and the I-60 is a 60 megapixal camera that has no visible white flash. The I-60 also has a remote control, so you can activate it from your tree or ground blind. It also can take pictures up to 50 yards away, providing color daytime photos and infrared night photos. A 150 day battery is included and also provides the moon phase, temperature, date, and time on your photos. I obtained my information by clicking onto: www.moultriefeeders.com For information and answers to how to sell or buy your home, click onto www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com or e-mail me at mcksold@msn.com .
One of the issues that I observed when I was an educator and a parent was that back to school, meant a lot of stress for both kids and parents. Fear of separation hits both the child and the parent, especially the first day of Kindergarten. Many times I saw parents who were their own worse enemies, as they hung around the classroom door after leaving their child and when the child spotted their parent still there peeking into the classroom. What was once a great and happy situation and child, quickly turned into a sobbing, clinging scene. Instead of hanging around, take some time prior to the first day of school and talk about it and visit the school and classroom, if possible. Verbally walk your child of any age, through the process and explain that when it is time you’ll say good bye and leave, & explain that you will be there when school is over or at the bus stop or at home, for sure, for sure, and then be there as you said. Never say or promise anything that you cannot insure will happen. Help and involve your child in packing their lunch for the next day, lay out (& pick out) the clothes that they will wear in the morning, and be excited and happy as you do it. Assure them that the bus will arrive and WILL bring them right back to home, and have something nice planned for the end of the first day, like their favorite snack. Send a note or family photo in their lunch box and say god bye to them when it is time, just like you told them that you would, and a good bye hug is always appropriate. At the end of the school day, put aside your work and focus on them and being a parent and talk and ask about their first day. Also, relax when it is time for your child or you to leave, as they will pick up on your relaxation or tension. Both of you WILL have a great day! mcksold@msn.com www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
Having been a teacher, school Principal, and administrator with a county school district, I observed too many kids whose backs were being ruined by back packs that were ill fitting and in some cases largr than I would use to go camping. Here are some suggestions that I would recommend for school age kids as well as “kids out of school and even those over 50″. 1. Wide padded shoulder straps can make a world of difference as narrow straps can dig into shoulders, causing pain and restricting blood circulation. This is true of the hunting back pack that I use for deer hunting. 2. Choose a backpack with a padded back to protect the back from sharp edges of books, etc., inside the backpack. 3. Insist that your child use both straps and not just sling one over a shoulder as this can cause pain and may increase curvature of the spine. 4. Pack light and never more that 10-20% of the person’s body weight. 5. Organize the items with heavier items closest to the center of the back. 6. Consider using a rolling back pack, remembering that they must be carried at times, like up and down stairs, so take it easy on the total weight.
In my researching and talking with mortgage companies, I have determined that there are 5 basic Factors that determine our credit scores. **Our Loan Payment History and Pattern regarding paying on time have a Credit Balances and the available credit have a 30% Impact.
We should not have used up more than 10% of our available Cedit Amounts Potential.**What our Credit History is, in terms of how long we have had the loan count counts at 35% of our scores. **The type of credit that we have have a 10% effect on the total credit score. Having a mixture of mortages, auto loans, & credit cards is better than only credit card debt. **How many inquiries about our credit has a 10% impact, with then more inquiries, the more negative the impact. Generally speaking, 3 major credit bureaus scores are used by underwriters who throw out the low and the top scores using the middle score. For more information and answers to your questions, contact me at mcksold@msn.com or 1-517-204-8886 or click onto: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
Tonight, I listened to Katie Couric report again regarding how Seniors are literally being robbed by scam artists over the phones. I’m somewhat at a loss as to what to say that I haven’t already said. Basically anyone who calls you and asks for money or personal information, is simply not legit and is trying to get your money. Legitimate companies, banks, credit card companies simply do not call and ask for personal information or money. Hang up and call the number on your bank statement or credit card and tell them about the call. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER GIVE ANY CALLER ANY PERSONAL INFORMATION OR MONEY OR PIN NUMBERS OR ANYTHING THAT A CALLER ASKS FOR. JUST HANG UP!!
Whether you are involved with your own children or your grandchildren, dealing with their homework is an issue to be concerned with. Here are some hints that I used to recommend to parents when I was a school principal and teacher: **Have a regular place for your child (ren) to do their homework, a desk or a table in a quiet room without distractions or interruptions. **Set a regular time to do the homework (Sometimes a rule of “no TV or computer, etc until homework is done, is helpful. **Set aside ample time for doing the homework and help your child plan how they’ll use the homework time. **Be very available to help your child, but never do their homework for them. **To avoid fatigue, have your child take a 10 minute break every hour. **Have the child do the most difficult or disliked homework first, to get it out of the way. **Praise your child’s good work. **If your child continues to have difficulty with a or some subjects, consider a tutor, to help them. Questions, contact me at mcksold@msn.com
As a Realtor and Educator for 31 years prior to selling real estate, I have seen the effects of moving to a new home has on kids. Often a new home includes leaving good friends behind, a new school and unfamiliar territory. Actually a move is stressful for us adults too! For our children, the more advance knowledge and involvement in the process we all can have, the easier the move will be on everyone. When I was a school Principal, I always recommended that parents let the kids know about the potential move as soon as possible, several months ahead or more is great. Involve the kids in looking at new homes, so they can spot their “new” room and what the home looks like. Drive them around the neighborhood and the new school, followed by a short visit to the school, Mall, parks and the like, when the new house has been selected. Encourage them to srite down their friends’ addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Let your kids know that the move is necessary and that you will also miss many things about the old home, the neighborhood, your friends, too. Let them know, that we are all kids, it is just that some of us are a little older kids than they are. For answers to moving from a Realtor’s, Parent’s, and Educator’s experience and viewpoint, cantact me at:
When and if you find that what is owed on a property is more than what it would sell for, you definately have a problem, but one that is resolveable. It is possible to avoid foreclosure and bankruptcy to rid yourself of this debt. One possible remedy is called “A Short Sale” and it is quite often an excellent solution to possible financial ruination. Basically a short sale involves determining the worth of your home, adding up all leans against the home and the costs of selling it. The you need to contact your mortgage company(S) and get them to agree to a short sale. There is a lot more detail, as to what is involved. To learn all of the requirements and details, I recommend that you log onto:
If you would a free list, of addresses, prices, and description of all Greater Lansing Homes and properties, listed by all companies, contact me at: mcksold@msn.com or 1-517-204-8886 No gimmicks, no catches, no cost, just FREE!!
To find out homes that are available through myself or Briarwood Realtym click onto: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
As you know, you and I are entitled to 1 free credit report each year, from each of the 3 major credit companies, which would actually be a total then of 3 reports, if we get 1 from each companies. I really recommend that y ou do this every year since as a Realtor for over 20 years, I have seen loads of errors, mistakes and wrong entries on credit reports. Everything tghat is on your credit report affects your score, which can go from a low of 300 to a high of850 for a score. Your score determines if you get a mortgage or not and if you do, what the interest rate will be. If your score is 720 or higher that is wonderful…700-719 scores are excellent…680-699 scores are good credit….660-679 scores are ok …..640-659 scores are Borderline..ok if everything else is strong….620-639 scores are weak. The rest of your file must be absolutely perfect….600-619 Scores Will need some work or a special program….If your score is below 600 it spells trouble and you might likely not be approved for a loan. If you have questions, contact me at: mcksold@msn.com
From my readings, I have discovered that a fair number of Fallow Deer, which are not native to Michigan, but are in Europe and Asia, are being brought into Michigan illegally then often times released into the wild. There is a legal process and registration to import deer from out of state, however it is still illegal to release them into the wild lands of Michigan. Fallow Deer, especially several that were purchased in Wisconson, which has an established existance of “Chronic Wasting Disease” (CWD) in their deer population. This illegal importation definately poses a threat to our MIchigan Deer Herd. The DNR wants and encourages Michigan Deer Hunters to shoot any Fallow Deer that they encounter during deer season, they are free ranging. While Fallow Deer can vary greatly in color, they are basically brown with white spots. Any person who does shoot a Fallow Deer is asked to immediately contact the DNR to let them know, in order that they can test for disease. Anyone who sees a Fallow Deer or knows of or anyone illegally importing or releasing Fallow Deer are asked to contact the nearest DNR Office call the DNR’s Report All Poaching (RAP) Hotline at 1-800-292-7800. To learn more about the law regarding the importing and raising of deer & learn more about Fallow Deer, can click onto: www.michigan.gov/dnr Remember that both native and exotic deer must be registered to be penned, sold, or reaised.
Blue Cross now has an on line help called a Health Coach available 24/7 to help you learn about, answers to your questions and help you manage treatment for back pain and afflictions, at the BlueHealthConnection. The get help and advice for your back issues, click onto: www.bcbsm.com or call: 1-800-777-2583 or 1-800-240-3050.
This year saw Michigan’s very first Virtual Archery Tournament for Michigan school students. There were close to 30 students participating who were also involved in the National Archery In The Schools Program, even though they were often a hundred or more miles apart. For a list of the winners, click onto: www.michigan.gov/dnrarchery To learn about the Michigan Archery in the Schools, e-mail Mary Emmons at emmomsm@michigan.gov
If you are looking for a home to buy (or Sell) in a 30-40 Mile Radius of Lansing, Michigan, then we want to talk with you. As an ABR. (Accredited Buyer Representative) Sandi and I are also licensed Realtors, in Michigan. We invite you to contact us to be your personal agents, in buying your home. There is no cost to you what-so-ever for any of our services. Please contact us at mcksold@msn.com or 1-517-204-8886 or search for homes at: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com 24/7
We in the Great Lakes Areas are blessed with a major chunk of the world’s water supply and while we at least somewhat take this for granted, there are areas of the US and the other arid parts of the world that weant our water. The day could easily come when the US Congress could be comprised of representatives that would favor the arid parts of the US and even the world, perhaps even favor an agreement of water for oil??!! We need to take legal steps now to protect the Great Lakes’ Water. “The solution is the proposed GREAT LAKES-ST. LAWRENCE RIVER BASIN WATER RESOURCES COMPACT”. The compact would keep control of our water in the hands of the Great Lakes States. This compact needs the legislative approval of all of the Great Lakes States and then the US Congress. Several of the states have approved it, however, Michigan has not even conducted a hearing on it and this is just plain unacceptable. We need to contact our legisators in Michigan and get them in gear to get this bill a hearing and then passed. Please do it now! It is SB-212,HB-4336 & HB 4343. You can read more about it in the September issue of Michigan Out of Doors, page # 08. Also check it out at www.mucc.org We need to get this “WATER RESOURCES COMPACT” into law and soon.
To sell or buy a home, contact me at 1-517-675-7923 or 204-8886 or mcksold@msn.com
My readings have discovered that tributaries of the Saginaw River, the Shiawassee and Carroll Rivers were chemically treated to kill sea lampreys this spring by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. The lampricides were administered to kill the larvae of Sea Lamprey in these tributaries. Lampreys much like the Salmon swim up streams to spawn. After several years in the streams, the Lamprey return back into the Great Lakes where they prey on fish. Lampricides kill the larvae. For more information on Sea Lampreys, click onto the Great Lakes Fishery Commission at: www.glfc.org
The Michigan Historical Museum in Lansing would like to tell the story and history of hunting in Michigan and would like the imput from MUCC members. They will present a special exhibit titled “The Story of Deer Huting in Michigan” They are looking for deer hunting artifacts. For a list of needed items, please click onto: www.mucc.org or weiperte@michigan.gov ,also see page # 36 of “Michigan Out of Doors” July/August 2007 issue.
I just read that the State of Michigan is trying to find new revenue and a proposal has been made, to tax all cellphones and all calls made. Unless you want more taxes, please visit: www.mywireless.org and click onto the state of “Michigan” to protest to your legislator or to let him/her know how much you want more taxes.
Today’s (08/27/07) Lansing State Journal Front Page boasted an article (by Kathleen Lavey) regarding a contest being put on by Grand Magazine, with a 7-day Carriberan Cruise prize. You can enter/nomonate a grand parent into this contest. Entries are due September 05, 2007To enter a Grandparent and to find out more information, click onto: www.grandcontest.com To learn more about the “Grand Magazine”, log onto: www.grandmagazine.com also www.grandmagazine.com/forum/default.asp To read her article go to: www.lansingstatejournal.com
Remember that National Grandparents’ Day is Sept 09, 2007.
With the current mortgage crisis the conditions for getting a mortgage are changing daily, with the requirement for the buyers, getting more and more strict. If a buyer has any isssues like credit, money, employment or the like, and IF they have been pre-approved, they should go ahead and buy now. This is because their approval will expire after 90 days and they might not be eligible for approval as the requirements are changing daily. Now is definately the time to buy. If you have any questions or are wanting to buy or sell a home, please contact me at: mcksold@msn.com or 517-204-8886 If you would like a list of available homes, contact me at mcksold@msn.com or search at www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
VHS is another “exotic” disease that produces fish “die offs” that can range from a few fish dying to hundreds and even thousands. Of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior is still considered to be free of VHS. Lake Huron and Lake Huron are infected, with Lake Michigan a high probability of being infected, however I have not read nor heard of any fish die offs in Lake Michigan. From my readings, healthy and strong fish stand a good chance of not dying , although I have read of heavy die offs, following fishing tournaments. Apparently the stress of the fight to get free from the hook and then even the careful releasing immediately, back into the water, weakened the fish enough for VHS to kill them. According to an article in “Michigan Out of Doors”, July/August 2007, magazine (my favorite magazine), the Michigan Natural Resources Commission (MNRC) has issued an order regulating the use of live bait. Basically this order regulates the use and the transportation of bait and the release of bait and/or any fish into another body of water, especially if they are in a “VSH-positive” body of water. This is an extremely important issue. To learn more details, log onto: www.mucc.org
In my research for Retirement Communties, I found a site that boasts a complete list of retirement communities. To view it, log onto: http://www.virtual-retirement.com
There is also a FREE and comprehensive resource to help us make informed decisions about housing, care services and related matters for us or a loved one in Canada. For more information, log onto: http://www.thecareguide.com
For cards and stories from “The Best Grandpa in The World” in England to his Grandson, click onto: http://www.ultimategrandparent.com
As an indicator of the Mortgage/Credit status, last week American Home Mortgage and American Brokers Conduit filed for bankruptcy, leaving nearly $800 million in loans unable to close. This makes well over 100 national lenders having now shut down their business, one way or another. Buyers who are now qualified had best get their home purchase closed, as if they have any issues ithe their qualifying, if their current pre-approval expires, they may no longer qualify, due to tightening mortgage conditions/restrictions. This also takes many buyers out of an already tough market for sellers. Sellers can no longer afford to be picky and hold out for top dollar. With so many repossessed homes on the market, with their reduced prices, sellers need to lower their prices to be competitive. Seller assist is a given in many cases. For more info and/or questions contact me at mcksold@msn.com or www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com or www.forkidsover50.com or 1-517-204-8886.
The State of Michigan has land available for Exchange, Auction, and Direct Sale in August and October. For more information and details, log onto: www.michigan.gov/dnrparcels or by calling 1-517-373-1240.
In reading a report from Mayo Clinic Health Letter Special Report (June-2007), I found that several heart attack/failulre symptoms were surprising to me. The following is a list that the Mayo Report stated.
1. Shortness of Breath–Because the heart cannot pump our blood fast enough. If experiencing this symptom, especially when lying down, seek medical assistance.
2. A Cough or wheezing–Similar to shortness of breath, leaking fluid into the lungs produces a coughing or wheezing.
3. Swelling of your body tissues–When the flow of blood back to the heart slows down, fluids builds up in the lungs, feet, legs and abdomen.
4. Weight Gain–Caused by fluid retention.
5. Fatigue–When the supply of blood is reduced, blood is diverted away from less critical organs, especially muscles.
6. Reduced appetite and Nausea–The digestive system receives less blood reducing appetite and digestive tract issues.
7. Difficulty Concentrating–Changes in blood content can cause problems with alertness as well when the brain doesn’t receive enough blood supply.
8 Increased Heart Rate–when the heart trys to makeup for blocked vessels.
When experiencing these symtoms, seek medical assistance.
As I am always on the lookout for new (& oldie but goodies) arrows and where to buy them for the least amount of money, I found the following web sites. My favorite arrows are the Easton Game Getter’s arrows which sell for $50-$150. They have revamped them and you can check them out at www.easton.com Three other companies that have produced some arrows worth checking out are the Beman ICS Hunter, click onto: www.beman.com & The Carbon Express Rebel Hiunter at www.carbonexpress.com & The GoldTip Pro Hunter at: www.goldtip.com
For sunglasses designed with the angler in mind, Solar Bat has one of the widest range of prices in the industry. Offering polarized lenses to block out the glare rays at prices ranging from $40 to $150. You can check these out at www.solarbat.com.
Oakley is one of the sunglass giants, with products that are very well known and easily recognized. They were not content to simply manufature a top-notch polarized sunglass lens. They went one step further and added their own special touch: High Definition Optics. HDO process intends to produce a polarized lens that is crystal clear and exceptionally sharp. The HDO system is avaiable in a variety of frames. Check them out at: www.oakley.com
Smith Optics offers an array of polarized lenses and frames that anglers and non-anglers should find intriguing. In addition to standard polarized lenses Smith Optics also offers photochromic lenses that will adjust the tint of the lens as light conditions change from bright to low light. For more info, log onto: www.smithoptics.com
In my researching for pertinent information for my Boomers and both over & under 50 crowd, I became enrolled with an automated website of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This is an e-mailing that gives me updated reporting on the latest scams, arrests, investigations, convictions and the like, on a national and sometimes international level. I just received the TOP 10 FBI STORIES OF THE WEEK, and found it to be great reading. To read these and other FBI articles and issues, log onto: http://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel.htm also: http://www.fbi.gov or call 1-800-439-1420
Actually, August 15th was the first day of our being able to purchase left over Doe Permits, for private land. As long as one knows which area you want to have a doe permit in, a driver’s license or Michigan ID and that there are permits available and left, we can purchase a maximum of 1 permit per day and a total of 3 doe permits per year. The cost of each permit is $3.00 and is a license that stands on its own. The total number of doe permits available varies with each area and when they are gone, they are gone, on a first come, first serve basis. Doe permits help control and manage our deer herd and cut down on the deer/car accidents, so do purchase one and do use it.
August 01 always signals the start of daily bow n arrow practice for me, as it should do for all would be archery hunters. Whether you are a novice or experienced hunter, if you haven’t started practicing daily by now, start tomorrow. If you cannot be extremely accurate, you do not belong in the woods. If you do instinctive shooting, then you need to practice even more. I know one “hunter” who does no real practicing and considers himself to be a great Sportsman as Fr__ flings arrow after arrow in the direction of deer, scaring the lucky ones and wounding the less lucky deer, as he considers himself to be an instinctive archer. Now is also the time to wrap up your scouting of the areas to hunt. Actually July is the last month that you should be in the field scouting for deer. Basically scouting in the field after July is just telling the deer that you are back in the area and will cause bucks to change their routine and routes. I know another supposed hunter whom I’ll refer to as Hawk___ who continues to scout after July, right up to and including during gun season. He just does not comprehend that he is doing himself and others who hunt the area a dis-service. I used to hunt the same property that he does, as it was just behind my home, however his continual ruining of the hunt, was a major factor in or moving a property where we can hunt on our own land without having to deal with him. Hawk___ is one of the poorest hunters that I have ever known. In any case start your practicing and with broadheads and from elevated heights and with 3-D targets if possible. If your blind or stand isn’t already in place, set them up and as quietly as possible. If you need to scout binocculars and from your vehicle, preferrably without getting out of your vehicle.
To take or book a charter boat for Salmon, Lake Trout or Steelhead, go to just about any Great Lake port to do so. If you want to climb aboard a Walleye charter boat on Lake Erie or Saninaw Bay many charters run out of Detroit or the Monroe area. Try any of the local Tourism Bureaus in the Port of your choice or gp to www.micharterboats.co For Lake Erie information go to www.monroeinfo.com For information in the Upper Penninsula Area, try these sites: www.mqtcty.org or www.co.marquette.mi.us or www.michigan.gov/deq or www.nbaa-bass.com
Often times, when I want to find a website to get information about fishing, I just cannot find them, so I thought that I would put posted here for both my and your convenience. For information regarding THE MICHIGAN WALLEYE TOUR, click onto: www.saginawbaywalleyeclub.com which is one of my favorites. Also, for Brown Trout fishing for the family, click onto: www.alpenami-browntrout.com . Another great site is: www.travel.michigan.org . For great fishing locations and festivals, click onto: www.michiganbackroads.com . For information in the Ludington area, log onto: www.ludingtontournament.com . If you know of other great sites, please let me know at mcksold@msn.com . If you know of anyone wanting to sell or buy a home or property any where in Michigan or even the nation, please let me know at mcksold@msn.com .
My wife, Sandi, actually found this tidbit of information while reading her “Prevention” (September 2007, page #20) magazine. It caught our attention as we had just been discussing cutting health care costs, especially for a friend of ours who has no medical insurance, for her or her family. Michelle Katz, author of “Healthcare For Less” will be online September 4th to the 14th, to answer questions about how to slash medical expenses. Log onto: www.prevention.com/healthcaresavings Read “Save Thousands on Your Health Care” on page #51 for some of her money savings tips. Also click onto: www.prevention.com and scroll down and click onto “Diabetese” for more info.
This past week Sandi and I were involved in making the final move of our household goods into our new home, as we are downsizing to a smaller house and upsizing to a little more acreage, so that our cleaning and budget are downsized, yet I can do a little deer hunting on our own property. In this process, I hired 2 high school age fellows to help with the muscles and also made reservations for a Penske Rental Truck to haul our goods. Upon arriving onto the scene, I was informed that “my truck” would not arrive for at least 1 hour and would be much larger than the one I had reserved. Although I was not a happy camper, I bit my tongue and indicated that while I was not very pleased with the fact that what I had reserved 2 days prior was not what I would get, plus the 2 boys were now being paid for waiting also. This was again, stated in a low key voice and volume, and I waited patiently. When the truck did arrive, I was told that since it was their error, my charges would be lowered to about 30%. This did help a little. Since on Saturdays, they close at noon, I was to drop the keys into a drop box and they would call me to tell me the final charges to my credit card. Following my use of the truck, I did as instructed and left the truck and dropped off my keys. After having not been called regarding the final charges to my credit card, I called Penski Rentals and inquired about the charges and why I had not been called as promised. I was completely taken off guard when I was informed “that since we didn’t have the size of truck that I had ordered and that it wasn’t ready and I had to wait for over an hour, they did not charge me anything for my use of the truck”!! Again this was done without my protesting very much all, and I was so taken back and so impressed, that I am compelled to share this happy story with you. While I cannot guarantee you this kind of great service, I have never been treated so well by any other Rental Company in my 63 years. It is up to you who you choose to rent from.
Buyer surveys indicate that homes that go the extra mile, by including environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient features—or improving the overall design for a better living experience, will play an important role in creating a home that buyers are wanting. Formal living rooms will give way to larger family rooms and 2 Master Bedrooms with Master Baths, especially with at least 1 Full Bath on the main level, plus first floor Laundry. Building better and efficient homes (& CARS) seems to be the way to go in the future, and smaller seems to be the trend, even towards downsizing. To check out you and your home’s impact on the environment and to receive an estimation of your own carbon footprint, as well as tips for improving your overall environmental score, click onto:
http://green.yahoo.com/index777php?q=calculator or www.usgbc.org/leed/homes
CFL’s have emerged as one simple way to cut energy costs, but with so many unfamilier options to choose from, how can we know what’s the right bulb for the right applicaiton? Environmental Defense offers an easy to use online guide. To acess this guide, click onto: www.environmentaldefense.org/go/cflguide
In my readings, I find that the American Lung Association has guidelines tao help create homes that do not impact our health negatively. While their emphasis is obviously on the air quality, “Health Houses” also encourage energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly homes. Specifically trained builders and certification experts focus on the site selection, building enclosure, finishes and furnishings, mechanical equipment, construction hygiene, safety and health. For more information, click onto: www.healthhouse.org
Also, the “Sustainable Buildings Industry Council” has published “Green Building” guidelines and are a valualble resource for guiding all decisions related to green building. They address community and site planning, efficient water use, indoor environmental quality, materials, and operation & maintenance. To access their information click onto: www.sbicouncil.org
Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT) homeowners who make energy related improvemets in 2006 and 2007 may qualify for tax credits. Improvements covered include: *Exterior Windows & Skylites *Exterior Doors *Certain Roofing Materials *Storm Windows *Storm Doors *Certain Water Heating Equipment *Insulation *Main Air Circulating Fans *Central Air Conditioners *Gas, Oil or Propane Furnaces and Hot Water Boilers *Air Source and Geothermal Heat Pumps. There are even higher credits saving more money for solar harnessing devices. Always consult your Tax Professional and for a general summary and more details, click onto: www.energy.gov/taxbreaks.htm and www.energystar.gov
Having used this Plumbing Service guy on several occasions over the past 3 years, including using him yesterday, we are pleased to report that we are completely satisfied with his work and his prices. Too often we find that some plumbers are less than what we would hope for. If you need the services of a plumber, we recommend this company and plumber: “Victory Heating & Cooling, Inc., Brad Hurley, at: 1-989-224-7171, for all of the Greater Lansing Areas. We will be having our Web Master add them to our list on our website. For other Recommended Service Companies List of many categories, click onto: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com , then click on the “Preferred Companies” button and then scroll down the list, or e-mail us at mcksold@msn.com
For owners or buyers of existing homes, an Energy Improvement Mortgage (EIM) allows owners and buyers of existing homes to fold the cost of energy upgrades into their mortgage uo to15% pf the appraised value of the home. To qualify, a home’s Energy Rating and Energy Audit must show a net positive cash flow after upgrades. With an average of $8-10,000 9n improvements, the mortgage increases about $65/ month, but utility bills are reduced anywhere from $80 to $150/ month. You end up spending less on your home than you would if you did nothing at all. For more information on this type of mortgage, click onto: www.resnet.us/ratings/mortgages/default.htm then follow the prompts for Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA and VA.
As I read about the Green Housing, it is obvious the concern for the environment is definately a driving force, however it is also true that we now can obtain more and better green products at a more competitive price, as building green no longer has the high premium that it used to have. Energy costs are now a major driving force, especially as energy costs continue to reach record high levels. Builders, archetects, and developers are all pauing close attention to buiding green. Improving energy efficency with high performing appliances, heating & cooling equipment, windows and insulation and solar power are all seeing greater popularity with buyers. Reducing water consumption can also be very important. Adding inexpensive aerators to faucets and to show Theer heads save both water and the energy to heat it. 2 Flushing Buttons on new toilets, one for flushing liquids (0.8 gallons) and one for solids (1.6 gallons) save on bo h water and the amount of waste water to be treated. Some homeowners add systems for collecting rainwater, wash & bath water, dishwashers and washing machines (grey water), which comprises 50-80% of the waste water in our homes–is collected and treated, then used for toilet flushing and lawns. The National Association of Home Builders has published its, “Model Green Home Building Guidelines” (2004) and is now moving to create a National Green Certification Program, to be released by or in 2008. For more information, click onto: www.nahb.org
While checking out a new outboard engine for my boat, I found several websites that outboard motor companies maintain to show off their products. I am more or less getting into this online shopping or at least online “looking at products”. Sometimes, I still want to go and actually try products out and or test drive them, prior to purchase. Here are some of the websites that I came across: www.evinrude.com www.honda-marine.com www.mercurymarine.com www.suzukimarine.com www.yamaha-motor.com www.motorguide.com www.minnkotamotors.com
For buying or selling a home in the Laingsburg, Michigan Area, click onto: www.mcksoldrhome.com or www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com or e-mail: mcksold@msn.com
Having been in the market for a fishing boat, I came across some manufacturers’ websites that were especially helful for me to see just what is on the market our there. Here they are and I hope that you will find them as useful as I have. They are: www.alumacraft.com www.basscat.com www.blazerboats.com www.carolinaskiff.com www.championboats.com www.crestliner.com www.fisherboats.com www.hurricaneboats.com www.lundboats.com www.nitro.com www.princecraft.com www.procraftboats.com www.rangerboats.com www.sundanceboats.com www.stratosboats.com www.trackermarine.com www.tritonboats.com Happy boating!!
As a Baby-Boomer, Senior, or person of any age, few experiences can be as enjoyable and rewarding as a day on the Great Lakes or on one of its tributary rivers. Most Charter Captains will provide great fishing for Perch, Walleyes, Lake Trout, Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout and more. If you want to find a list of charters available, call the “Michigan Charter Boat Association” at 1-800-MCBA-971 or log onto: www.micharterboats.com One final note, is to choose only a Charter Boat/Captain that IS a member of the Association to insure that you have a licensed and experienced Charter.
www.morelbook.com www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com www.mcksoldrhome.com
Forget the old wives tale about Bats flying into your hair, because that is just not the case and totally untrue. The Brown Bat, as well as all bats, fly by radar emitting high frequency sounds, that bounce back to them. The last thing bats would do, is to fly into an object, including your hair. Bats eat mosquitoes and other insects pests at a rate of over 1,200 per hour. This is why I welcome bats of any kind and have installed a bat box on our home. Another wives tale to dispose of is that bats are common infected with rabies. This is not true, as while bats can get rabies at the same percentage that any other animal can. As with any animal, if they are acting abnormal, avoid it or dispose of it. Since bats feed on insects, not other animals, their odds of contracting Rabies is very small. Bats give birth to 1 baby a year and can live in excess of 30 years, if they can avoid being eaten by racoons, owls, hawks and similar animals.
For all of your Real Estate needs, please click onto: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com or e-mail mcksold@msn.com
As a retired teacher after 31 years, I was pleasanty surprised when I read in the Michigan Sportsman Magazine the the Michigan Department of Resources are now offering international style archery in our schools. They even offer equipment grants to the schools! Entitled “Archery in The Schools” is part of the physical education program for grades 4th through 12th and it covers archery history, safety, ntal concenttechnique, equipment, concentration, and self improvement. At this point in time, 68 schools in 32 counties have implemented this program. For more information click on: www.michigan.gov/dnrarchery I salute the DNR for providing such a program!!
According to the Michigan Sea Grant folks, a new invasive plant “Hydrill Verticillata” has been discovered in northern Indiana, in Lake Manitou, close to Rochester. This is just a few miles from Michigan and close enough for us to watch for it, especially if we do any fishing in that lake or area. Hydrilla can spread by one of several ways, including if a piece of it gets transferred to a new location, where it spreads and literally chokes out the lake. So, if you fish in that area, clean your bost and equipment completely inside and out. Do not transport any lake water. For more information on Hydrilla click onto: www.miseagrant.umich.edu/ais/plants
In reading an srticle about ethical wills by Kathleen Lavey in the June 23, 2007 “Lansing State Journal” I was really impressed by her article(s), as she continues her series regarding us Seniors. As we know, growing older definately has its pluses and definately has its challenges. One thing that we can do to pass on some of our beliefs, standards, and ethics, is to do an ethical will and attach it to our main will. In doing this, we can pass this on to the younger generations. Whether we are doing our wills and/or seeking financial advice, keep in mind that there are true “Elder Attorneys” and true “Elder Financial Advisors”. There are also many who call themselves this, but are simply out for the “bucks”. In a previous article here on my blog, I gave the names of several. If you would like, check out my articles and/or e-mail me at mcksold@msn.com . You can also go to my real estate site www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com and click onto “Preferred Service Providers”. Also, you can e-mail Kathleen Lavey at: klavey@lsj.com Kathy also gave us 2 websites for us to check out and I highly recommend them: One is by Dr. Barry Baines, a doctor and author of “Ethical Wills”, Click onto www.ethicalwill.com Kathy also gave us a site address for a PBS interview on ”Religion and Ethics”, to access it, click onto: www.pbs.org/wnet/religionandethics/week717/feature.html
From my research, there have been over 160 alien aquatic species introduced into the Great Lakes. Most of these species have no natural predators and they damage the environment and do damage to Michigan’s fishing industry, sport fishing and our economy, costing us over $5,000,000,000 ever year. While these invaders are often introduced through ballast waters, agriculture, canals & water ways, recreational activities, they are often introduced by fishermen dumping their remaining bait from their bait buckets into our lakes and streams. To counter and discouage this, the DNR & DEQ have “Don’t Dump Your Bait” bumper stickers. To view the stickers and for more information, click onto: www.michigan.gov/deqaquaticinvasives , then click on AIS Awareness Week.
In reading about the increase of women of all ages, from teenagers to Boomers and to our Senior group, who are participating in the out of door activities. I am pleasantly surprised to find that more and more females are doing what was once considered by some to be a sport just for men. I also read about Sue Tabor having been awarded the “Marion P. Hammer Woman of Distinction” award by the National Rifle Association, in 2006. This award recognizes women who have demonstrated ourstanding performance and dedication in competitive shooting, hunting, ethics, and conservation, or recreational shooting activities. For more information about the award and the Women in The Outdoors Program visit NWTF at: www.womenintheoutdoors.org For information about the Marion P. Hammer Women of Distinction Award, click onto: www.nrahq.org/women/awards.asp . In any case, my hat is off for the women who are participating in the Great Out of Doors—-Welcome!!!
Many thanks are due the National Wild Turkey Federation’s efforts to restock the wild turkey in Michigan. They and their partnership with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has most Michigan counties seeing nice flocks of wild Turkey. In 1967 when Michigan held their first Turkey Season, it was estimated that around 4,000 turkeys lilved in Michigan. By the 1970’s, the number had grown to twice that number. Today, over 150,000 turkeys are estimated to be in Michigan and we hunters bag over 40,000 per year. The NWTF and the DNR do more than stock turkeys, as they now also improve thousands of acres of turkey habitat. For more information on the National or Michigan Wild Turkey Federation, call 1-800-THE-NWTF or click onto: www.nwtf.org
In reading about missing persons and seeing the Amber Alerts and other news cast of people who sudddenly are gone and missing, I find that this is an occurance that happens quite often. In this event the family and friends of the missing person are often left feeling frustrated and helpless, due to public policies and procedures regarding how soon searches and alerts can be posted also with overwhelmed police departments, who are often spread to thin and/or run out of leads & resources. There is HOPE in a lady named MONICA CAISON and her organization who are there to help in finding your lost loved one or friend. To learn more, go to www.rd.com/missing or to: www.ncmissingpersons.org
If your boat has engine or other trouble and you need towing into a marina or back to the launchpad, there are several available companies to contact to get your recreational boat to where ever you want it to be. The Boat Owner’s Association of the United States lists several such services. The “Great Lakes Shores Marina at Standish is the latest and the nation’s largest such service.
If you are in need of towing assistance contact TowBoatUS station at Standish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call them via VHF Radio on Dhannel 16, or by calling them at 1.989.846.6065 or call BoatU.S. at 1.800.391.4869 .BoatU.S. has over 540,000 members nationwide and also offer group rate Insurance. They have a marine towing fleet of 400+ towing assistance vessels. For more information on either TowBoatsU.S. or BoatU.S., go to www.BoatUS.com .
Here is a house that gives the owner all lake access and use rights on Park Lake. Located near the lake itself, this home is just like “brand new”, both on the outside and inside the home. It features 1,550 square feet of Ranch living area, 3 Bedrooms and 2 Full Bathrooms, First Floor Laundry, Dining Room, Huge Living Room with Wood-burning Fireplace and a Garage that would fit 4 cars. It is priced 164,000, having just been reduced $10,000. It is open on July22nd from 2:00-3:30pm. Stop in and say hi !!
For more information or a visual tour click onto: www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com e-mail mcksold@msn.com or call 517-204-8886
I read recently that the price of fur pelts are up again thanks to foreign markets such as China and others. This past season, trappers saw prices ranging from $10 for a Muskrat pelt and up for Raccoons, Grey Fox and a variety of other pelts. As a Boomer or Senior with lots of free time on your hands, this can be a very profitable hobbie. Trapping Fox, Coyote,Raccoons and other has a side benefit of eliminating so many preditors that deplete other species that we enjoy viewing. If you have some interest in this activity, plan to go to the “Michigan Trappers Association’s” convention the August 24-26 at the Evart Fairgrounds. For more information, click onto: www.michigantrappers.com
It has seemed to my wife and myself that when we moved into our home in 1989, there seemed to be a very high number of what I would call paper wasps. They seemed to be making nests everywhere and they still seem to be. We thought that we had just moved to a house that just had more of them than anyone else, for some reason. This was a fact that we did not discuss with anyone, as we thought that our problem was unique. Today, Sandi was checking for something in our car, parked outside, when she came in, explaining that she had just been stung 3-4 times by bees that seemed to be coming from our car door. Upon checking it out, I found that a dozen or more paper wasps were on and around our side mirror, with a nest inside the mirror. I dispatched them with spay from a wasp killer sprayer.
At that point, I mentioned to Sandi that I had recently read in an article by Tom Huggler in the “Michigan Out of Doors Magazine” (November 2006) that these wasps are European Paper Wasps, first noticed in the Eastern States around 1996 and in Michigan they were uncommon prior to 1999. Apparently we had an early gift of the little creatures, as ours were here prior to 1989. These wasps look a great deal like yellow jackets, but are longer and sometimes build nests underground. Basically there isn’t a lot that we can do about them, as they are here to stay. However, if we can kill them early on before the queen lays lots of eggs, we can keep their numbers down. After Spring it is best to stock up on cans of wasp spray. It is best to spray at night when they are all on their nests and less active. MSU has a website you can check out, at: www.cyberbee.msu.edu
If you are wanting to have a really neat experience, take a kid fishing, even if you must borrow a kid. Always start slowly and set small goals and expectations according to the age and experience of the child. Try to arrange a successful outing, however the child will enjoy just the fact that you are taking them fishing. Consider the Whitney Wegner Memorial Take a Kid Fishing Day in Pentwater in July. The event shows kids how to fish for Lake Michigan Salmon and educates them on fisheries management. For more information click on: www.pentwater.org or call 231-869-4051.
Or you could head out to one of 17 State Parks in Michigan that will provide young visitors with a short education on fishing knots, casting, using bait and how to hook the bait. The instruction is free and if the child doesn’t have a rod and reel, the park will provide one. For a list of participating parks log onto: www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10365-95047-,00.html .
Perch fishing on the Great Lakes is a great way to introduce youngsters to fishing. The Miss Port Austin out of Port Austin at the tip of the thumb runs daily trips after Perch. Equipment, bait, and instruction are provided. Contac the Thumb Area Charterboat Association at 1-989-738-5271.
On Lake Michigan head for South Haven’s Captain Nichols Perch Charters, which also offers daily trips. 1-269-637-2507.
To show them the big ones, like Salmon, Lake Trout, and Stelhead, go to: www.monroeinfo.com
Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) has been confirmed in the Lake St. Clair, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie and in the St. Lawrence River by the DNR and Michigan State University. This VHS is more than likely the reason for several cases of mass fish die offs last year. It can affect any fish from Perch to Muskies and bait fish. Even Rainbow & Brown Trout and Salmon and others. It is theorized that while many fish can be infected, mostly the weakened or diseased fish will diw and the healthy will survive. If you want more information go to www.michigan.gov/dnr Also, if you spot dead fish occurances or what appears to be weak or sickened fish, report it to the DNR at that same web page.
If you are thinking of selling or buying a home go to www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com or e-mail at mcksold@msn.com
This is another imported exotic bug that threatens to eliminate our Ash Trees statewide, which is why there is a ban on transporting firewood across county lines and on transporting it practically anywhere. It is particularly of interest to us who lived throught the Dutch Elm Disease, which killed so many huge, georgeous Elm Trees, at least in Indiana and Michigan, from my personal experience. Once they were dying, these Elms, around which our wonderful Morel Mushrooms preferred to grow around, produced many more Morels. Once totally dead and few and far between the Elm Trees stopped producing Morels. We noticed that the Black Ash seemed to take over this job of producing Morel Mushrooms. Now the Ash Trees seem to be doomed unless this Bug is stopped.
This is only one of many reasons that we need to stop the Emerald Ash Borer, in its tracks, and one way is to not transport any firewood, anywhere. To learn more about this pest and how to fight it and save our Ash Trees, click onto: www.michigan.gov/mda , then click onto the Emerald Ash Borer “button”. Also click onto: www.morelbook.com www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
A site that I recently noticed illustrates ways to save money and reduce chemicals in our homes by making our own cleaning products, with common ingredients can be accessed at: http://www.theworldwomenwant.com/yourworld/home/cleansers.php?page=cn Also you can find state, local, untility and federal incentives for Renewables & Efficiency can be found by clicking onto: http://www.dsireusa.org/
Our appliances can be real energy hogs, so when its time to replace appliances be certain to purchase those with the “ENERGY STAR” label. Meanwhile, here are ways we can reduce our energy consumption: Preheat ovens, ONLY when absolutely necessary…..Don’t open oven door frequently to check on food….Plan ahead and make several meals at the same time…Reheat food in the micro-wave or toaster-oven, not the stove’s oven…..Use the proper size burner for the task. It’s wasteful, for example to simmer a pan on a large burner or flame….Do only full loads and use cold water for clothes washer….Wash only full loads in the dish washer…..Cut energy consumption by letting dishes air dry versus the heat dry setting…Automatic ice-makers and through the door dispensers increase enery use by 14% to 20%…..Clean refrigerator coils to improve efficiency….A full refrigerator retains cold better than an empty one….Keep refrigerator between 35-38 degrees and freezer at zero Fahrenheit. For more energy savings, click onto: http://www.fypower.org
As I continue readings about nature, I came across some interesting facts about our Mooses in Michigan. Our Moose consume an average of 44 pounds of food daily, mostly from lakes and swamps if available. Their long legs make grazing in lakes and swamps a breeze for them. In the Fall of the year, our Moose consumes up to 130 pounds of food daily, to fatten up for Winter! In you wondered, that flap of skin that hangs from their throats is called a Dewlap, for some reason. When first born, they are called calves and do not have spots like fawns do. Since Moose cannot sweat, they live in cooler climates. They are excellent swimmers and can run up to 35 miles per hour, therefore they can easily outrun us. Moose have several natural enemies, including Wolves, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, Humans, and White Tail Deer (Deer can transmit brainworm, a disease fatal to Moose, but it does not affect deer, which therefore are classified as “carriers”). If attacked, a Moose’s first defense is to kick, with their sharp hooves. In Europe, Moose are called Elk.*
If you would like to give a child, a grand child, or a classroom access to a great Nature Magazine, buy them a subscription to “TRACKS” magazine, go to www.mucc.org , then click onto “Youth Education”.
*Exerpts-Article in Michigan Out of Doors, by Amanda Hathaway-November, 2005
In reading articles on Michigan, I discovered that the word “Michigan” is derived from the Algonquian Indian words “Michi-gama”, which mean “Large Lake”. The state fish is the Brook Trout. Michigan has a population over 10,079,985 ie: 2000 people per square mile, compared to the nation at 290 million. We became the 26th state in 1837, and our leading income producing industry is tourism and high tech ranks 2nd. Our state has 11,037 inland lakes and the largest inland lake is Houghton Lake. Michigan ranks 5th in the USA inlands covered by forest with about 50% of our state covered by forests and 2/3rds of our forest are made ou of Birch, aspen and Oak. About 750,000 people enjoy hunting in Michigan and 1.4 million enjoy fishing in Michigan
While many of us think of Mercury in fish caught in Michigan waters, as per a prior article of mine, and the Michigan guide discusses cleaning fish to remove fatty tissues, trimming off the belly, removing the skin, scraping out the lateral line, and cooking the fish in a manner that allows the fat to drip away from the meat. These cooking practices are always good to follow, but are highly recommended for fish that are contaminated with chlorinated arganic chemicals like dioxins, PCBs, DDT, and chlordane. The guide also mentions that commercially caught fish can also contain some of these contaminates.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a joint nationwide mercury advisory entitled “What You Should Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish”. For more information check out: http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/admehg3.html
SLM Seniors has special channels for PC help, The Home, Health, Fun and more for Boomers and us Seniors. This might be your favorite place on the World Wide Web!! Check it out at: http://www.SLMSeniors.com
I also came across another site that you will really like also. This is called the “Siver Lining News” which boasts to being “THE FIRST WITH THE GOOD NEWS”. It features updated world wide news stories, International Stories From Readers, Grandparent’s Fun & Children’s Happiness, Captain Moke’s Quests. Web Ring Membership and Awards Available. Click onto: http://www.SilverLiningNews.com
In an effort to help anglers and their families avoid the eating of fish that are contaminated with unhealthy chemicals due to the waters that they are caught in, the Michigan Department of Community Health (DCH) publishes the “FAMILY FISH CONSUMPTION GUIDE”. If we follow the guide’s recommendations, we and our families can enjoy the health benefits of eating the fish and at the same time, avoid eating too much, if any of the fish that are heavily contaminated. Women of child bearing years and young children are most affected by these contaminates and (their parents)should pay particular attention to this guide which can be viewed at: http://www.michigan.gov/mdch-toxics then click on “Michigan Fish Advisory” in center and scroll down…or phone: 1-800-648-6942.
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) also has an extensive fish contaminant monitoring program (FCMP) in place which collects pertinent data to keep a current fish consumpton guide available to us, in order that we can choose a more “user friendly” consumption of fish. You can access this fish contaminate data by clicking on: http://www.deq.state.mi.us/fcmp/ We can search by county and by water body name. If we use this data properly, we can enjoy our catches of fish by being selective as to the type, size, quantity of fish we eat and how often.
It has been my experience as well thousands of other fishing folks, that Saginaw Bay is one hotspot for catching nice Walleyes. Thanks to a Walleye stocking program in the first part of the 1980’s by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and also by several local fishing clubs, the Saginaw Bay and its tributaries have become one of the best Walleye producing waters, in the state of Michigan. This stocking program of more than 500.000 walleye fingerlings annually, plus some natural spawning, will keep this Walleye bonanza a permanent and quality Bay and so will its tributaries.
Historically, a hot lure in the bay has been the wobbling crankbaits, such as the Hot ‘n Tot which imitates the formerly prominate Gizzard Shad. However, now that the Zebra Mussels have invaded these waters and filtered out/consumed the once plentyful Plankton, the Shad have been mostly replaced by Emerald Shiners as the forage fish. Now you will be much more successful using the Rapala Minnow #18, the Husky Jerk. Other producing lures include the Smithwick Rattlin’ Rogue, Storm Thunderstick, Reef Runner Ripstick, Bomber Long A, Yp-Zuri’s Crystal Minnow and the Rebel Minnow.
As the season gets warmer, try deeper diving lures or other methods to get your lure down deeper.
My research into what makes a real and safe life jacket for myself and especially my kids and grandkids really startled me, as I uncovered the facts and how some so called “life jackets” could actually allow or cause the wearer to drown. A safe Personal Flotation Device (PDF) first has all of its materials tested, then the completed PDF is tested by the Underwriters Laboratories (UL), after which and only after which it is given the UL’s approval and is so stamped or printed and only then is it given a Coast Guard number and tag of approval. All of this MUST be done and on the PDF for it to be safe to wear as a life-saving devsice.
A “COAST GUARD APPROVED PFD” will bear the UL and Coast Guard Approval. If it doesn’t, it is not a device to be worn to save a life for you, your children or grandchildren or for your friends either. An approved PFD is not to be confused with those devices sold to “assist” in swimming, as these truly drown many a wearer. As a former life guard, I lost count of the number of children that I and my colleagues had to pull out of the water, as the unapproved devices were triuly letting their wearers down. There are a number of “swim assist” jackets that say coast guard approved. Look for a tag sewn inside that says “Coast Guard Approval #—and the number will start with 160. If there is no such number, so not use the device as a PFD. Actually I recommend not using it at all. All Coast Guard Approved PFDs must be sold with a special “Think Safe” pamphlet included.
Have a safe summer!
www.greaterlansinghomesearch.com
We were thinking about making a trip into Canada to do some hunting and some fishing also. As we began checking into what was involved in obtaining licenses, permits and crossing the border, it became very obvious, that much had changed since our last trip over 20 years ago. Anyone transporting firearms or ammunition into Canada needs to obtain the proper permits, $25 per person, for a 60 day permit. Check way ahead of the trip date. Also you need to check months earlier to find out about fishing licenses and regulations. For this and for finding out about hunting licenses log onto: www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing/gen.html
To bring Moose or other big game meat out of Canada, you must obtain an Import/Export Permit from one of the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources Offices. As a non-resident, it will cost you $35-Canadian. Also you need to check with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding importing wild ruminant meat. Check at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/ncie Click onto “Imports Alert”, found in the “News and Information Section”.
Do not bring firewood into Canada, to learn more click onto: www.inspection.gc.ca Also we need to learn about packaging meat and fish fillets to be able transport them into the USA. In general, we need to check on all of the above several months prior to our trip.
In this day of organized anti-hunters and other negative forces, we Boomers and Seniors can still get lulled into a false sense of security, as we have always had the right to to hunt, fish, trap, camp and in general enjoy the out of doors. We cannot assume that it will continue and that our elected officials will be there to protect it. Consider and mark down the name of Rep. Wenke, who recently introduced House Bill 4497 to eliminate leg traps. As Sportsmen we need to deliver a definate and permanent end to the political careers of politicians like Rep Wenke, who introduce such trash legislation. Many thanks to Michigan United Consevation Club (MUCC) who got the word out and to our members and others who got on the phones and wrote the letters to our legislators to get this bill killed. I am not personally a trapper, however, I defend my brothers and sisters who are and to my and their right to do so.
It has been fairly proven that having a loving pet can extend our lives and if not, they certainly can make our senior years more enjoyable. In any case, for many of us, our pets are beloved family members and almost like children (somedays they are a whole lot less headaches than some children can be!!). I know that for my wife and myself, we have some anxiety from worrying about what would happen to our two dogs if something should happen to the both of us or if we whould become incapacitated and we couldn’t properly care for out pets. It is recommended that we all should, at the very least, make a pet plan and ask trusted friends or family to care for our pets and that we should write out instructions about how best to care for the animals. Feeding preferences and schedules, medications, special medical conditions, and our pets’ preferences-sleeping habits, favored toys, dislikes and so forth-all should be noted. We are told that many folks take it a step further and include their wishes for their pets in their wills and earmarking funds for pet care. If you are interested in information for long term planning for your pets, here are several websites that we found helpful: www.estateplanningforpets.org http://www.animallaw.info/topics/spuswillstrusts.htm
In 2006 Michigan’s Office of the Great Lakes, which is within the DEQ awarded 8 grants under its Aquatic Invasive Species Information and Education Program, according to the Michigan Sportsman Magazine. This program is intended to teach people about invasive species and how to slow their spread. Aquatic invasives, such as Sea Lampreys, Zebra Mussels, Spiny Water Fleas, and Gobies have drastically changed Michigan lakes and their fishing. The 2006 grants totaled $22,427 and included educational field courses for teachers and environmental professionals, protection for unique state and national treasures such as Isle Royale and Beaver Island, plus edication for boaters and lake groups about preventive mesaures. Funding comes from the 2005 Great Lakes Protection Fund decal. For details and more information, visit the Office of The Great Lakes at: www.michigan.gov/deqmiglprotectionfund
Actually these are not “Michigan” Zebra Mussels at all, but are alien invasive mussels brought into the Great Lakes, probably from released ballast water from foreign ships, who took on the ballast water in foreign waters. Unfortunately the Zebra Mussels were thereby introduced to the Great Lakes. Now, Great Lakes Boaters have accidently introduced this invader into some of our inland lakes. More than likely, this was done by the Zebra Mussels hitching a ride either on the hull of their boats or in bait or holding tanks on the inland boats, when they were on one of the Great Lakes or connecting waters.
In 2006, it was reported by the Michigan Sea Grant, a coopperative program between Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, a part of the National Sea Grant College and which is supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), that 23 more Michigan inland lakes were confirmed infested by Zebra Mussels. This brings the known total of 227 Michigan inland lakes infested.
Crawford, Kalkaska, Luce, Montgomery, Otsego, Presque Isle and Van Buran Counties were new additions to the list of infested Michigan Counties, which brings the list of infested counties to 53 out of 83 counties and the list is certain to grow.
Having noticed an article in one of my outdoor magazines that described how Upper Peninsula land owners can get some help to increase the wildlife deversity through plantings on their property. If you have 40 acres in the Department of Natural Resource’s “Landowner’s Incentive Program” (LIP) priority areas or 200 or more acres in a non-priority area, you can receive assistance to re-establish Mesic Conifers, especially White Pine and Hemlock. Due to over lumbering in the early 1900’s and other commercial uses, Mesic Pines were removed from the forests. This has led to a major decrease in some native wildlife such as: the Red Headed Hawk, Northern Goshawk, and the Cerulean Warbler. For more information, call DNR Wildlife Biologist, Kevin Swanson at 1-906-226-1357 or log onto: www.michigan.gov/dnr under the ”Wildlife and Habitat” section, then under the “Landowner Incentive Program”
In an article I read recently, in the Michigan Sportsman Magazine, Michigan is among at least 8 states that had fewer hunters buy licenses in 2005. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), records show a record total dollars in license sales, however a lower number of licenses were sold nationally, for a 2.8% increase in license sales dollars. However, we had a nationwide 1.4% decrease in the number of hunters buying licenses. We in Michigan joined 4 other states in contributing 83% of the nation’s hunter loss. Michigan had 832,835 hunters in 2004 and in 2005 a total of 789,244 hunters, a 5.2% loss.
There are several reasons given for this decline, including the loss of access to hunting lands. My view is that what we really need to turn this around, is more adult involvement with youth in hunting, fishing and all out of door activities. Here is a grand opportunity for us Boomers, Seniors and the kids under 50 to team up with our sons, daughters and grand kids to take them out to enjoy the woods and waters of Michigan and other states. There are so many 1 parent homes now where the “dad” is missing and mom often has two or more jobs, to make ends meet, with no time or energy to take the kids out. If you have no kids or grandkids to take with you, check out “Big Brothers” or that single parent down the street or road. If we do not reverse the current trend of fewer hunters, soon the anti-hunters will, in fact, get the upper hand, simply by having more numbers to go to the polls. So, let’s get at it.