Since the first week of April I had heard turkeys gobbling in the woods across from the house, but my license wasn’t good until mid-April. Not being able to hunt I had to be content to listen to the birds, and watch them feeding in the corn field south of the barn where the neighboring […]
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Understanding Geese
Understanding Geese by TR Michels article copyright Shortly after I began guiding goose hunts in 1987 I met Dr. Jim Cooper, one of the most highly respected waterfowl researchers in the world. He is an Associate Professor of Wildlife with the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife at the University of Minnesota, and has studied Canada […]
Understanding Elk
Understanding Elk by TR Michels article copyright Understanding what type of habitat elk prefer; where they like to bed, what they like to eat, and what they use for escape cover, can help you locate productive areas to see, and hunt, more elk. Habitat Elk are grazing animals; therefore they are primarily a species of […]
June Deer Management
June Deer Management by TR Michels article copyright Whitetail bucks and does should be on their summer home ranges by June, and the does should be done fawning this month. It’s time to start working on habitat improvement: fertilizing, mowing, spraying, and clearing trails and paths. Antler Growth If you want to see more big-racked […]
Spring Turkey Calling
Spring Turkey Calling by TR Michels article copyright When I hear the first sounds of the turkeys in the spring, just before daylight, I tree yelp softly to get their attention. If there are hens roosted nearby they may respond with their own tree yelps, toms often gobble. If you aren’t fully awake yet the […]
Duck Hunters
Duck Hunters by TR Michels article copyright Each fall as the cold descends upon the northern lands many species of waterfowl begin their migration south to warmer climates. Duck hunters also begin their yearly migration. They leave their everyday lives as farmers, laborers, clerks, doctors, lawyers, businessmen and the thousands of other jobs that occupy […]
Whitetail Security Factors
Whitetail Security Factors by TR Michels article copyright During my study of white-tailed deer I discovered that deer are affected by several meteorological conditions that I call Comfort Factors. Many of these same factors also affect the health of the deer and can be considered as Security Factors. Deer rely on their sense of smell, […]