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“Carmel-Apple Wine!”

When you have a lot of apple, you make wine! This years production was extraordinary! We collected and fermented bushels of apples in early October.
By the time Minnesota’s deer season had arrived, the cider turned to wine and was ready to bottle. Golden in color. Fresh, sweet apples with caramel aroma follow through, gives this wine great dimension. Reviews are starting to come — the word is “EXCEPTIONAL!”

Fat Man’s Landing, LLC
MINNESOTA

“Holiday Cooking with Wild Game!”

Our friends at Fat Man’s Landing love to share hunting and fishing stories. Celebrate your harvest with easy-to-make appetizers and unique party planning ideas — all on FML Outdoors!

“Click Here!”

The Red Green Show!

“The God’s must be hungry!”

Friends enjoyed a four-course meal of Pheasant, Grouse and Venison. Salivating uncontrollably…I’m sure they’ll be back for more!

2009

“When Porcupines Attack!”

The day before Thanksgiving, my daughter and I went grouse hunting
at Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area. Towards the end of the day,
my dog Abby confronted a large porcupine. Unfortunately, we spent
the rest of the afternoon at the Vet, while the doctor use a scalpel
to remove quills buried deep under the skin.

Mille Lacs County, MN

Question: Do you have faith our environment issues will get better?
Do you wonder what each of us can do to make it so?

We can do things in right our own backyard. Flowers alone can attract many species of butterflies and the seeds provide food for many birds like sparrows.

A few good examples are sunflowers, daisies, black-eyed susans and marigolds.
(I let the seeds spread for the next year).
Timothy grass and Toro blueberries grow well as a hedge and have the most berries, Bluecrop blueberries grow easily as well and fast in the north.
Bushes are a favorite of many birds. If you have the room, Sugar Maples and Cherry trees are favorites.
Poplar trees are one of the fastest growing trees, as well as red Maples.
The Lombardy poplar or Willow Hybrid provide quick privacy
for the smaller yard.

The best time to plant is spring or early fall. Keep the garden area
away from the wildlife areas. Look for nice corners or areas where
the bushes will provide good cover for the animals you want to
invite, like doves, ducks, and ask yourself if squirrels, rabbits and
other more pesky animals will be welcomed. You can control wildlife
areas by getting bird feeders that are squirrel-proof and keeping
bird feeders close to wildlife area, up and away from dogs and cats.
A butterfly feeder should also be carefully placed.

  • Have pets? Birds are more tempted to be near dogs, they seldom see
    a cat-dog together and feel safer.
  • Milk-weed is the only thing a Monarch caterpillar will eat.
    Milkweed will spread each year, so allow them some growing space.
  • How to attract Monarch butterfies.
    For information on Butterfly feeders, Click here.
  • If you have a larger yard, Click here for more information on wildlife plots for deer

cider

We had a bumper-crop of apples this year! We have two apple trees in our backyard (Haralson and Fireside). My daughter Madeline and friend enjoyed picking and pressing apples into cider. Afterwards, we boiled the cider with cinnamon sticks and cloves. I just love being outside — smelling the fall air, watching geese fly overhead and tickling the taste buds with homemade
apple cider!

Fall 2009 Canoe Trip

2009 Deer Hunting

roadkill

“Bound-to-happen.”

This large 10-point buck was hit by a car 30-minutes ago
and was sent via cell phone by a friend who works for the City.
The venison will be harvested and shared with the local Food Shelf .

Bloomington, MN

rickdeer

“Personal Best!” (Archery)

It was mid-afternoon, the day before opening rifle season, when Rick connected with a nice 6-point buck. At deer camp, everyone was anxious for Saturday’s morning hunt. Congratulations Rick!

Makinen, MN

briandeer_09

“Not Your Typical Day… A 11-point Buck!”

I received Brian’s call Monday. A tall 11-point rack was not typical, nor was our 60-degree weather! I was asleep in my stand when this deer was harvested.

Bowstring, MN.

30pointbuck

“Congratulations, Mr. Schumacher!”

This truly is a deer of a life time. It’s rare to see a deer of this size, but to actually bring this beast into your sites and connect is even more rare.

It’s nice to know that you don’t have to go to the farthest reaches to find quality deer hunting—it’s right here in our backyard!

I’m sure, Mr. Schumacher will have plenty of opportunities to share his story.
Click here, to see more pictures of the massive deer.

Fond du Lac, WI.

When you’re camping, and hiking you may not always have medications on hand for minor emergencies. Where there’s poison ivy — my grandsons will be sure to play in it!

The scratchy nettles always seem to find me! Nettles are an itch weed after the plant reaches a foot high.

Many people eat nettles. Only the very smallest leaves on very young plants (mix in salads).

*When using home remedies, a person must make sure an infected person is not allergic to the properties used to cure.

poisonivyPoison ivy is the most common to cause irritation. Once you have identified the plant causing a rash. The next thing is to see what’s available to cleanse the area. Time is important here because the plants oils are seeping into your skin and within 2-hours a serious rash can develop.

Sumac is another pesky plant.

See below to identify poison ivy: www.remediesforpoisonivy.com

Below is a list of at natural remedies and quick fixes:sumac

  • Water or ice cubes (Wash immediately to relieve affected area)
  • Full strength dish soap (Rubbed lightly over affected area for 25 seconds, then rinse)
  • Mud (It works!)
  • Oatmeal (Mixed with water into a paste)
  • Banana peels, lemon peels, garlic cloves or green tomato (Rubbed over affected area)
  • Chalk or Baking soda (Mixed into a paste with water)

When camping with kids, it’s a good idea to bring a septic pen for bee bites. These days, using butter or raw steak on a skin infections is not advised. Bacteria in meat can make things worse! Spider bites can be bad, and in some places chiggers and jelly fish.

Quick fixes:

  • Soap and water immediately.
  • Salt or Meat tenderizer mixed with water.
  • Listerine or other mouthwash (Soothes and helps to dry out faster, use for 30-minutes or so)
  • Baking soda or Cornstarch and water.
  • Olive oil or vinegar (Rubbed on lightly)

blueberriesThe Blueberry season is apon us!

Have you noticed lately, Black Berries along the paths or signs now advertising, “Pick Your Own Strawberries?” This is the time of the year when Blueberries begin to ripen.

I’ve never been Blueberry picking, but after my experience Morel Mushroom hunting this year, I feel compelled to search for this allusive—all so sweet, die my fingers purple, Blueberry plant.

Thanks to our contributing writer, Betty Vandenheuvel, I have a couple spots to check out. Wish me luck!

catfish

“No one deserves it more!”

Our esteemed fishing buddy and this years 2009 Eelpout King showed off his talents, once again, with this 15-pound song-of-a-catfish. Eye witnesses to the event commented that landing this fish and beaching the boat on a mid-river sandbar, could have been handled better with a net! Do I see a pattern developing? Stoney, you deserve this fish!

catfish3This humongous catfish still holds the record for being the largest Freshwater fish in the world! It weighed 646 pounds. The fish was caught in the Mekong River Basin, Southeast Asia by researchers studying and identifying large fish around the world. It was not caught by rod and line but with a net. They say it was the size of a large Grizzly bear.

52inch_muskie

“Personal Best!”

You know it’s going to be a great night when you forget the net at home. This 52-1/2 inch Muskie was caught at night on Lake Minnetonka, Minnesota. It’s about time Brian shows-up his old man! This fish was released for you!

150 years ago, Lake Superior Whitefish was called the daily bread of the Ojibwe anglers, as it was very abundant. Sue Erickson Staff, writer for the Wisconsin Mazina’igan paper, says that today’s wholesale market prices are well below what they were twelve years ago or more. Prices of salmon and whitefish are low, but both are a wanted and needed commodity. More on the website: www.lakesuperiorwhitefish.com

salmon_skinInformation on whitefish, lake trout and lake herring can be found there, and information on the health benefits of N-3 (omega-3) fish oil and how to protect your heart and protect your family from dangerous chemical contaminants like mercury found in local and state fish and imported fish such as walleye from Canada as reported by the Chicago-Tribune story, Toxic risk on your plate, found at: www.chicagotribune.com/news/specials

Women who may be pregnant or nursing, and young children should eat types of fish lower in mercury. 1-888-SAFEFOOD for more information. Alternatively, go to: www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/admehg3.html

For a great source for A to Z fish recipes, go here: www.justseafoodrecipes.com or www.justsalmonrecipes.com

*At the above website, more recipes can be found like: Beaver, deer, muskrat, opossum, rabbit, squirrel, turtle and many more.

Hikers enjoying this years fall foliage will not be alone!

clearcut_ruffedgrouseDrumming counts increased 44-percent over 2008 numbers. Last years average drum count was 1.4. This year the state average is a staggering 2.4!

When I was 14, my dad gave me a single-shot 410. We’d travel north to Central Minnesota’s, Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area just south of Lake Mille Lacs, hunting Grouse around clearcut logged fields and clover lined hunting trails. Continue Reading »

tentsChris Walden continues his quest to help others plan and prepare trips to the majestic waters and rugged lands of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area.

If the canoe is not the most important piece of gear on a BWCA trip, your tent is. Anyone who has sat inside a tent during a rainy night understands this completely. Whether you were wet or dry, you understood the value of a quality tent.

Continue Reading »

greg_northern

“Odd?…No water skiers on this lake.”

This 36-inch Northern persuaded to consume their bait, as they were fishing for Walleyes on Birch Lake, Ontario, Canada. Nice Catch Greg!

By Chris Walden

canoetypes

(Shown left to right) Aluminum, ABS and Kevlar canoes.

Continually renting from an outfitter is like golfing with rental clubs. It’s OK the first few times, but you end up needing your own custom gear selected for your own needs. The first – and arguably most important – piece of equipment is the canoe itself. Let’s discuss some of the materials and lengths to consider, and a few other important features to keep in mind. Continue Reading »

Fat Man’s Landing Logo

Fat Man’s Landing Logo

Good Times Had By All

Do you have a memory of your father fishing or perhaps an old hunting story that gets a few laughs each year at deer camp?

I invite others to share your experiences, tips and pictures that will help others appreciate and enjoy the great outdoors.

Please respond within Comments (shown below) and I’ll get right back to you as soon as possible!

A great way to relive and archive precious moments with family and friends.

On this trip — Avid outdoorsman, Erik Paulsen and I, along with our two daughters, planned a three-day weekend on Lake Four within the BWCA. We enjoyed all kinds of weather from 50-mph squalls to sunny 60° blue skies. In the BWCA you have to plan for just about everything. The week before it snowed!

The story behind these pictures…
On this years spring canoe trip to the Upper Iowa river we experienced something called, “Fresh-Air Apnea” a condition sometimes brought on by over-paddling, staying up late and consuming numerous beers by the fire.
What’s the cure? Apparently, a good dose of antiquing, breakfast at the local bakery and an a espresso in the neighboring town of Decorah, Iowa. Everyone’s recovered and feeling OK now.

bwca_mapThe first thing to do when planning a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area is to plan your entry point and route as soon as possible. This should be done several months in advance allowing you to reserve the desired entry permit. Some points only allow one access per day, so the earlier you decide the better. So, what should you consider when deciding where to go?

This article was submitted by Chris Walden. Follow Chris, as he provides helpful tips and techniques for planning your BWCA Canoe trip. More great information to come!

Continue Reading »

BWCA Canoe Trip

donutholeButtermilk Donut Holes

This recipe came to me at a good time! Thanks Betty! My family planned a local one night camping trip. In the morning, we cooked donuts over the fire. It’s quick and easy and my daughter loved the hole process!
Click here for the recipe.

bwca1By Chris Walden

A few summers ago a friend invited me on on a trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for a six night trip. I had not been camping in twenty years, and never in a wilderness setting like BWCA. Reluctantly, I agreed. Fortunately, I loved it! I’ve been there a few times since and am eagerly awaiting my next trip later this summer.

Having a good plan is paramount to a successful trip.

I’ve learned a lot about what to do (and not to do) while in the BWCA — some thing’s I wish I would have known before heading out. Having a good plan is paramount to a successful trip. In this series of articles I will to share some tips about wilderness camping.

Articles will include how evaluating your group and planning a route. How to choose a canoe — including: materials, types of canoe, sizes, and just enough technical information to understand rocker and weight distribution and even a video about paddling basics and what do if you capsize. We will talk about tents, tarps, and other necessary equipment. I will discuss choosing a good campsite and how to pack enough food without having too much.

With good plans and correct expectations — you can have great trip. A bad plan can ruin a vacation quickly. Fat Man’s Landing wants you to enjoy your wilderness adventure and we are here to help. Check back soon for the next article.

It won’t clip your toenails. It won’t skin a rabbit. It won’t slice rope, repair a canoe or tweeze out a splinter, and it’s not going to do a damn thing to get that fallen boulder off your chest. But when the chips are down and all hope is lost, a hazelnut chocolate bar isn’t the worst multi-function tool to have at arm’s reach—though tequila might be our first choice. See www.swissknifeshop.com

steakMeat tips: On refreezing meat, you can refreeze meat that has been thawed in a refrigerator, the problem is home freezers are slow to freeze, so make sure to put package well into the back of the freezer as you can. Ice crystals form in slow freezing, these crystals rupture cell walls of the meat, permitting juice to escape during cooking.

Keep It Moist

A great way to help add moisture is to soak a meat in water, like a whole roast or ham, for 1 to 2 hours before cooking and decreases cooking time. On the grill add an ice cube to tin foil covered meat or vegetables for moisture. If lean meat is needed in your diet, trim off fat from beef and skin from chicken or turkey, it can take away from moisture.

Wild meats: Bear, deer heart, roasts, etc, marinating for 24-hours in water and herbs can really add to the taste and take away from the wild taste. Include herbs like: ground sage, bay leaves, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper. To get creative with marinade add in things such as: chili powder, tarragon, wine, vinegar, ketchup, lemon, soy sauce, or onion. Turmeric and curry can be used in marinating for exotic taste. Marinating can take as little as 2-hours, 24-hours for jerky, and up to 48-hours, depending on taste.

Special Note:

  • Use a clean wooden cutting board, this will not dull the knife, a plastic board can chip off small pieces of plastic into food.
  • Always store raw meat on the bottom of the refrigerator so juices won’t leak onto other foods.

fatmanslanding.com_monsterpikeTwo Northerns On One Line

I felt a bite – or so I thought? I was reeling, when the line pulled tight. I jerked on the line, “I’m snagged,” I called out. As we prepared to backup the canoe, I felt
a tug. “Wait! —No? It’s two fish and boy is he big! Get the camera!,” I shouted as
Erik Paulsen, U.S. Congressman and avid outdoor enthusiast, prepared the net.

With Erik’s help we got some great action shots!

We’ve all seen pictures of large Northerns, but catching one trying to eat the other is an incredible sight!

The big one we let go to fight another day.

grandpamadeline_mtka It was a slow Crappie bite…all of a sudden, this 28-inch Northern Pike came along! If I were a Crappie, I’d hide too.

Pictured Left: Grandpa and Granddaughter Madeline Nelson
on Lake Minnetonka, MN

barbecue_grillAre you ready for the barbecue season?

Before you invite the neighbors or ruining a good steak by grilling on an old, rusty —never been properly seasoned grill. Below are tips to get you cooking right!

Instructions:

  1. If you are starting with a new grate you can skip this part. Remove all rust and corrosion with a steel wire brush. Rinse with water until all the orange rust is removed.
  2. With the grate dry, wipe with olive oil using a rag. Do not us a paper towel! This will only leave little pieces of paper.
  3. Preheat the oven to 400-degrees. Place the well oiled grate in the oven for 45-minutes. Remove and let cool.
  4. Repeat step 3, three or four times, until there is a nice black layer built up.

With a well seasoned grate, your food will taste great and will not stick as readily.

tims_turkey2

“A Successful Spring Turkey Hunt!”

This 20-pound turkey was taken in West Central Minnesota near St. Cloud. Congradulations Tim!

Upper Iowa RiverIowacampingcanoeinghikingUpper Iowa River

The Upper Iowa River is a tributary of the Mississippi River located in the northeast corner of Iowa. This weekend we canoed the most picturesque portion, bordering rolling hills and shear limestone cliffs, from Bluffton to Decorah, Iowa.

There’s a wonderful campground just outside of Decorah called, Pulpit Rock Campground. We arrived late Thursday night. Once our tents were assembled, we cracked-a-cold-one and proceeded to sit around the fire-pit swapping stories and conversing about the news.

We didn’t have any firewood so, I placed my Coleman LED lantern in the middle of the fire-ring, which gives-off a yellow glow when set to low. As the cold night air began to take over and the conversation grew wearisome, I quickly scooted off to bed. Continue Reading »

morel mushroomsI’m so glad we went south for this years annual canoe trip. With all the research I’ve done, I knew this area was good for Morel mushrooms.

As we pulled out of the river Saturday, I noticed a red pickup truck parked next to mine. We proceeded to load our canoes. I heard someone in the woods. A young college kid carrying what I hoped were mushrooms. It was exactly what I had hoped — Wild Morel mushrooms!

Morel Mushrooms — As beautiful as the day my daughter was born!

I talked to him for a little bit and tried to get some inside (or shall I say, outside) tips. He said, “Look for the tree with the bark falling off.”

I read about this but didn’t realize how important that information was — until later. Continue Reading »

Wild Morel MushroomReady for this season’s morel mushrooms harvest? This will be my first year hunting for these tasty little morsels! I have an idea that Southern Minnesota is going to be plentiful!

For the past two years, places like Rochester and Zumbro Minnesota have seen extreme flooding. As a result, massive areas of dead-fall have been created.

See our Outdoor Recipe section for Morel Mushroom Soup and other tasty concoctions.

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