I sit here glancing out the window of my office. It seems to me trees are changing from luscious greens to beautiful shades of reds, oranges and yellows. Just before my eyes Fall is here. I must say it is my favorite time of the year. All the outdoor lovers’ activities are in full swing or soon will be.

The fishing in October is remarkable, with salmon, trout, walleye, perch, pike and even cisco waiting to be caught and become great filleted table fare. Bass have become super hungry to fatten up for the approaching winter. Smallmouths are the true stars to me, they seem to try and fly as they shoot out of the water like a Trident missile. And I can’t forget the water wolf, or muskellunge. When I was young, an old fisherman told me if you can just get one muskie to take your bait you’ve had a great day. I’m sure that rule doesn’t apply to Lake Erie though. If the brutes I’ve seen at fishing shows, along with some exciting recounts of muskie action, are any indication, Lake Erie is the place to head for Fall muskies. The past couple years in autumn, colossal muskie have been caught right here in the Upper Peninsula on the Big and South Manistique Lakes. A big muskie mounted on my log cabin wall is on my bucket list.

A steady falling of leaves this time of year heralds the start of small game and bird season. Grouse and woodcock are delicacies that can’t really be described adequately. You must eat this delectable meat to experience this delight. With time and more leaves falling, my hunting success should only get better. Ducks along with geese are flying south now, so I must make time for the blind. And with the right recipe these game birds will look wonderful on the plate.


Deer season has begun with bow hunters getting the first crack at some venison. Rifle season will soon be here and an army of blazing orange will be hitting the woods and local watering holes. That huge 12 pointer on my trail cam? You’ll soon be mine! Then there is black powder season for those not opposed to a shiver or two along with some cold snow down the back of the neck. And if you can’t bag a deer, make sure you give squirrel a try. Mother Nature has given us a pretty tasty animal in that nut lovin’ woods dweller. Fall can be a really happy time of year!









So, get out and get ready for the fall and early winter if you haven’t already. Do a little more exercising than normal. I hope I never have to carry a fallen sportsman out of the woods. By getting that gear all tuned-up, cleaned, and working well, you’ll be glad when that trophy buck gets in your sights! You’ll really be pleased that you’ve done your duty and spent some extra time throwing lead down range at targets too. We owe it to the beasts we hunt.

One more forgotten preparation in the fall – make sure all your line your reels are in good shape. Most guys put new line on in the Spring only. Just think about it, a summer of wear and tear can be the bad luck that lets the big one swim away.












Please, Please, Please! Leave the woods and water better than you find it. Leave only footprints. I am appalled by the amount of trash I find when I head out fishing or hunting. It’s not that much to ask to “NOT BE An ECO-PIG”! You’ll get a warm fuzzy feelin’ when you pick up after an eco-pig too, I promise! One more important thing – please take a kid fishing, hunting, or both. They really are our future in these outdoor sports we enjoy so much. It’s a fight against the digital world, but a worthy one. Our lives, and especially theirs, will be better off for it.