Hunting with Mike

How much hunting “stuff” can you stuff into one small drawer I’ve often wondered? Well now I know!

In my garage I have an old dresser from when my kids were little. It’s just a typical 6 drawer dresser that I now use for miscellaneous household/fix-it items. Because I never have enough space for my hunting “booty” I designated a drawer for hunting stuff. Each time I open the drawer I think it’s going to break, as it weighs “an Irish ton!” Today I decided to empty it and see just what is actually weighing my ship down! Here is a list of what I came up with.

2-scope covers, 4-knives, 2-duck calls, 1-predator call, 1-grunt tube, small flashlight, cow elk urine scent wafers, ear plugs, old hunting license (unfilled) muzzleloader iron sights, broadhead sharpener, knife sharpener, Hoppe’s gun lubricant, gun cleaning rods, hand warmer, binoculars, bow release, string tracker, 2-30-06 rifle clips, 1-22 mag. clip, package of chalk, gun cleaning rag, scent masking wafers, directions to various properties, Hoppe’s gun cleaning patches, 1-box of 10 gauge shells, 1-box 12 ga. game loads, 1-box 20 ga, game loads, 2-boxes 22 long rifle, 1-box 22 mag’s, 1-pkg. 50 caliber bullets, 4-boxes 12 ga, slugs, 2-boxes 20 ga. slugs, 1-box of assorted shells and bullets, 1-box Winchester 3″ slugs, 2-boxes Remington 3″ slugs, 1-box 30-06 180 gr. core lokt rifle shells, 1-box S.W. 40 cal. 180 grain pistol bullets, primer cap removing tool (so thats where it’s been hiding!) broadhead cleaning toothbrush, and a stupid hearing aid I bought off an infomercial that was a total rip-off!

Man no wonder that little 14″x14″ drawer is so heavy! The sad thing about this whole story is I have five (5) other drawers just like this one. Don’t tell my wife!

Mike

I had to post some more recent pics. of my Canadian cousins. Of course that’s Nancy surrounded by five of her “Yankee” cousins. From left to right is myself, Randy, Brett, Darryl and Brad. Brother Dean was unable to make it to our luau. The second picture is of cousin Greg and Tom. Greg, on the left is the sports personality, and Tom is the talented and gifted travel writer, novelist, editor, and travel guide. Tom currently has a trip planned through France guided by himself. Check out his web page if you want information.

Cousin Norms picture was in a recent blog, so I did not include another one of the Honorable Justice Norman Douglas. Now that I say that, maybe I should have, just to keep on the good side of “His Honor!”

Mike

Tom, Greg, and my brother Randy (R to L.) Norm and Nancy came along later!

Ok so here’s the “skinny” on my Canadian wilderness cousins! You would think I would have ample opportunity to explore the far reaching forest, mountains, and tundra of the Canadian “bush,” with my three male cousins right? I mean aren’t all Canucks like Paul Bunyan, Daniel Boone, and Chingachgook? It is even rumored that my Canadian mothers side of the family has a little Cree blood flowing through their veins. Why that makes me a “shoe-in” for some high adventure chasing grizzly bears, caribou, moose, and Rocky Mountain bighorns right? Why after spending some time in the north country with my cousins I could probably do a sequel to “Dances With Wolves!” Well on all of the above the answer is “no way, no way, and no way!”

Now don’t get me wrong; it’s not that they couldn’t of all been Davy Crockett in their own right. It’s just that their dad (Mel) and their mom (Dorene) gave them guidance in a different direction. As far as education, natural abilities, and industriousness they far excel the norm. I’ll give you a small sample of what I mean.

Tom Douglas is my oldest cousin (around 66.) It is not hard to get information about Tom. Type in his name on the internet, and boom, web-site after web-site pops up about my famous cousin. The only thing that may be a little confusing is there is a chef, from the west coast, who goes by Tom Douglas, and he also has alot of internet ink! Tom is a noted free lance writer, journalist, travel writer, and author. He is a founding member of the Travel Media Association of Canada, and also a member of the Canadian Association of Journalist. He is an editor and has had columns appear in many newspapers and magazines throughout the world. He has authored several books about WWII, and is a walking military encyclopedia. Much of his inspiration came from his father (Mel) who was a tank commander during some of the roughest fighting in Europe.

Greg is the next oldest cousin (65) and everyone always knew he would land a job in sports someday! He followed the Detroit Tigers religiously, and could give you every statistic on the team, from the bat-boy to the front office! He knew his baseball, hockey, boxing, football, ect. After a few years as a sports reporter, it was no small surprise that the Vancouver Canucks hired him as public relations manager, and later as assistant general manager. He is an “icon” in the Vancouver area sports scene, and does a spot on radio called”Dr. Sports!” He also does a sports segment on CKWX T.V. and is the featured sports writer for the Vancouver Sun. Not bad for a lad from Sault Ste. Marie Ontario.

Now my third cousin is Norm (61) who was named after my dad. You see my dad Norm was stationed in Sault Ste. Marie Michigan when he met my mom. He became good friends with my moms family, and Mel and him hit it off just great. They honored my mom and dad by naming their third son after my “pappy!” Norm studied hard and became a lawyer and eventually “Crown Attorney”for the Sault. His dad (Mel) worked for the Sault court system, and that’s where Normie got his inspiration. Norm was one of the rising stars amongst the lawyers and judges of Ontario, and even did a stint in Ottawa. He is currently The Honorable Mr. Justice Norman S. Douglas Ontario Court of Justice serving just outside of Toronto. As with the older brothers, you can get more information on my famous cousin on the internet. Oh I almost forgot Normie also does Elvis impersonations and is the led singer in his band called “The Boomerangs!”

Now I do have a fourth cousin and her name is Nancy. She may be the smartest of the lot, but she also is an introvert, and not an extrovert like her brothers. She is a beautiful women (looks like my aunt Dorene) and is content to stay under the radar, so to speak. She writes music, plays music, and has a beautiful voice to go along with her other talents. She is a real sweetheart.

Now you see why I don’t hunt with my cousins. Why in the world would “they” want to shoot or catch anything? They are quite happy and content with the lives they have, and I say God Bless them. Meanwhile back at the “lower forty” I can’t wait to do a little pre-season scouting, and soak up some contentment of my own.

Mike

My Canadian cousin Norm Douglas and his daughter Joanna just left Monroe for Chicago to visit his oldest daughter Leah.  Normie is named after my dad, and is a couple months younger than I am, even though he looks much younger than I do.  Heh I’ve had a rough life climbing mountains, fording streams, plowing through swamps, and battling  the elements, just to try and outwit the quarry I’m pursuing.  My cousin, on the other hand, sits in an oak paneled room, on his “judgment seat” and has his “quarry” brought to him!  You see he’s a judge, and rules a kingdom just outside of Toronto Canada.  People cater to his every whim (why wouldn’t they-he could give em 10 to life!)  So that explains why he looks so darn disgustingly good for a guy about to be 62 years young this year.

Norm just recently lost his beloved wife Mary lou to leukemia.   She was such a caring compassionate person and truly loved all people.   Putting others needs,  ahead of her own, was just  the way she went through life.  It wasn’t an act, or something she did from time to time, but  was the very essence of who she was.   She brought such unity  to her family and taught others how to give of themselves “unconditionally” without expecting anything in return.  All who had the honor of knowing her, eventually fell in love with her, as my cousin Normie did.  Regretfully I only met her on a couple different occasions, but her legacy has been deposited into the hearts of those that knew, and loved her best.

I mentioned in the above paragraph that Normie “lost” his soul mate Mary Lou, but that is not an entirely true statement.  His loss is only a temporary “blip” on the screen of eternity.  You see Norm, Mary Lou, Leah, Shannon, and Joanna (Norms three daughters from a previous marriage) are all followers of Jesus Christ and members of the Christian faith.  As believers, and Kingdom people, they know that they do not sorrow as others sorrow.  They have great and precious promises concerning the resurrection of the dead, a heavenly dwelling place, and life without end, according to the one that conquered the grave and death Himself; Jesus Christ.

I’ll do a follow-up on Norm and Joanna’s visit in upcoming blogs.  We had a great time of fellowship (a bunch of fellows in the same ship) and did a lot of reminiscing.  I will tell you this I have three male cousins living in Canada, and none of them hunt!  Can you believe it?

Mike

Guess what mom was doing in the front seat?  These are Mary and Derek Ansel’s kids Tristan, Jacob. Francesca, and Jackson.  Derek is my nephew who is one of the managers at our Dundee Cabelas.  They are kind of a typical Michigan family trying to make ends meet, in a economy that seems to have “flat-lined!”

I’m not sure what their summer vacation plans are, but many I know are opting for “staycation!”  That’s where you take a vacation, but spend it at home, or very close to home.  My wife and I drove past our neighbors house around 11:00 p.m. last evening, and they were sitting around a campfire in their backyard.  They had pulled their travel trailer into the yard, and had it all set up, complete with awning and a string of festive lights.  It looked like about 6 people around the fire, so they had family or friends with them.  I’m thinking with gas at an all time high, and groceries not far behind this could be the summer of many “staycations!”  Wherever you spend your time this year I hope you return with fond memories from Tim-Buck-To or just your back yard.

Just an update on the bird I couldn’t identify in my previous blog.  Reader John Grimes correctly identified it as a Green Heron.  John lives across from 15,000 acres of water and marsh, and is an expert on the wildlife in the area.  Tom Sorenson verified John’s conclusion so “thanks” guys for grandpa getting his “brains” back.

Mike

Ok you bird experts out there, I need help on this one!   I spotted this bird around my son-in-laws pond last weekend, and  was able to get a pretty decent picture of him.   At first I thought it was a coot, but upon further inspection ruled that out.   It could be a member of the coot family, or some type of heron.   I couldn’t find him in our bird book, so I’m hoping  one of you readers can help me out   My grandkids think I know everything, and they couldn’t believe I was stumped on this one.  Bail me out guys and gals!

My Pope and Young 500 pounder!

Tony’s from 4-years ago, and Darryl’s #2 state record (recurve class) bruin-below!

The Michigan DNR has released the names of those fortunate enough to “draw” a coveted Michigan bear permit. It has been several years since the Ansel brothers (and family) has drawn a 1st. hunt permit. Well by golly we ended up drawing two first hunt tags, with my brother Randy getting one and my son-in-law Tony getting the other. This is Tony’s second first hunt permit in four years, which is kind of hard to do. Michigan has a “new rule” where a hunter who draws a permit can transfer it to a “youth” hunter, so Tony is transferring his license to his 13 year old son Quinn. Randy will no doubt use his bow, but Quinn is going to use a muzzleloader.

The fun will start as soon as we have our first meeting to map out plans for bait, 4-wheelers, vehicles, bait storage facilities, groceries list, and pre-baiting plans! The pre-baiting is the real butt kicker, as the 1000 mile round trip is usually done over a weekend. If I’m involved this year I’m going to opt for a few more days to be added to that “little” jaunt!

We have a great private area we can set at least three baits out in, and we have taken some great bear off of state land also. Sometimes your in competition with other bear hunters on state land, but in some years you might have the area to yourself. We’ll probably do at least three baits on state land also, which means we will need a couple tons of sweets, meat, fish, bread, syrup, and some honey from Tony’s hives. I’ll keep ya posted on our progress.

Mike

Boy did I hit the “mail jackpot” this past week.  I received my new issue of Michigan Bowhunters News, Christian Bowhunters Volume 22, and the Cabelas archery catalog.  What more could a guy ask for?

I have been a member of the Michigan Bowhunters organization for over 20 years, and they are the premier club, in Michigan, supporting and advancing the rights of bowhunters and archers.  Bruce Levey is the current president 0f MBH, and Dan Frein is membership secretary.  Dues are $20.00 a year for an individual and $30.00 a year for a family.  For the money, you can’t beat the representation that the officers of this club give in forwarding our cause!  These guys and gals volunteer their considerable time and talents to protect, and advance, the sport of archery, for all residents of this great state.

Michigan is divided up into 12 district’s, with each having an elected governor.  Michigan Bowhunters work with girl scouts, boy scouts, Archery and gun clubs, and host various 3D and Invitational events, throughout the state, just to name a few areas of community involvement.  An awards banquet is held on a yearly basis, along with the Rendezvous, held in Marion Mi. this year on July 19 & 20th.

This is truly a worthwhile organization for all archers/bowhunters to get behind and support.  Currently I have been awarded my Expert Bowhunter award, and am working on my Master award.  The club keeps good records and works with Michigan Legislators, the DNR, and Commemorative bucks throughout the year.  If you would like more information, or are thinking of joining this great club, here is the website www.michiganbowhunters.com

Mike

This is part of the Ansel family crew celebrating the 4th. of July at my daughter Alena’s and son-in-law Tony’s place. There are the four “F’s” that help make our get-together’ s great - family, food,  fun, and fireworks. Eight of our ten grandkids were present, even though they are not all in the picture, with the “painted turtle!” Among other things we did some 4-wheeling, and I came across this little fella on one of my rides. I knew the kids would want to see him. It took some coaxing to get the younger ones to touch his “hard” shell, but we turned the whole thing into a lesson on nature. After a few pictures we all walked back to the pond, and let Mr. Turtle go. Everyone got a kick out of seeing him swim under the water, and disappear in the cattails.

We had great food cooked on the grill (hamburgers and brats) along with potato salad, pasta salad, chips and dip, and plenty of sweets. My wifes parents, Leo and Kay, supplied all the meat for the whole gang, which I hope didn’t force them into a second mortgage!

We played in the pool, even though it was a cool 73 degrees, played volleyball, and had a bonfire. Tony had a few fireworks, and we did some smores as we watched his and the neighbors pyrotechnic display. The mosquitoes had there own 4th. of July celebration, as they feasted on our “independent skin!” Someone finally came up with some “off” to keep them little buggers at bay! It was a great day and I think everyone slept well last evening - I know I did.

Independence Day, more commonly known as the forth of July, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th. of 1776. We as a nation declared our independence from Great Britain and determined to “go it alone!” We are still a young nation as far as “nations” go, but right from the “get-go” we were a world leader in progressive thinking, innovation, determination, self reliance, exploration, with Christian values and morals woven into the fabric of our laws and government declarations. The old commercial saying “We’ve come a long way baby” seems to hold true concerning where we came from, and where we are now, as a nation. It would appear that the good old United States of America has dropped more than a few “notches” as far as being a “respected” world power! Others nations have taken over in the world markets, and we now import far more than we export! We are no longer Independent of other nations! Just look what our dependence on foreign oil has done to our economy, and how the Koreans, Japanese, and even Indian automakers have humbled the “Big Three!” There is not a day goes by that one can’t read about Christians, churches, Scriptures, or pastors coming under attack for proclaiming the message of the gospel. Special interest groups, corrupt politicians, greedy companies, law making judges (not law interpreting) and the rewriting and reinterpreting of our constitution are just a few of the things, that have done their share, of “helping” this country become UN-INDEPENDENT! Whew! Now that that is off my chest I will still say I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in the world except in the United States of America.

My family is going to spend the day together at my daughter Alena’s place. Her husband Tony always does the “grilling,” we swim, play volleyball, and ride the four wheelers. In the evening we have a bonfire, and my grandson Quinn has a fireworks display. He’s kind of a pyromaniac, but Tony keeps a good eye on him. The problem is “who keeps an eye on Tony?” There are always plenty of oohs and ahs for the evening. The fourth of July always seems to officially get the summer season in high gear. May each of you have a safe and enjoyable “Independence Day!”