Monday, July 7, 2025 at 5:12 AM

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While Allen Riggie says he “just got lucky” when still-hunting up to a 21-point buck on North Manitou, he’s a veteran island hunter who has taken a 10-point near his home in Midland. Courtesy photo

N. Manitou hunt successful

No matter how measured — from good behavior to bountiful harvests to the 21 points on perhaps the biggest island buck ever shot — the eight-day North Manitou deer hunt that ended Nov. 3 was one of the most successful on record. 11/13/2024 05:42 PM

David Stachnik shot this 14-point buck with a bow at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Courtesy photo

David Stachnik shot this 14-point buck with a bow at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. 10/23/2024 06:26 PM

From left, Tom, Abner, Laura Ann and Florence Johnson, who is the first executive director of the Friends of Sleeping Bear organization. Courtesy photo

From left, Tom, Abner, Laura Ann and Florence Johnson

From left, Tom, Abner, Laura Ann and Florence Johnson, who is the first executive director of the Friends of Sleeping Bear organization. 10/23/2024 06:26 PM

Some truly magnificent bucks are shot every year on North Manitou Island including this one in 2021. Fewer hunters will be attending the hunt this fall, due mainly to the higher cost of getting to the island. Photo courtesy of National Park Service

Island deer hunt will be more expensive

Expect fewer deer hunters to participate in a specialized hunt on North Manitou that begins Friday, an outcome linked to complications in reaching the Wilderness-designated island. Permits were issued for up to 200 hunters, but approximately one-quarter of them have notifi ed the National Park Service that they may not attend. 10/23/2024 06:26 PM

Bonnie Bastian and a buddy, an Alaskan sled dog. Courtesy photo

‘Friends have new leadership

The Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes organization is headed in a new direction in terms of both structure and personnel. So say hello to Bonnie Bastian, who was elected chair of the group’s board of directors, and the Friends first executive director in Laura Ann Johnson. 10/23/2024 06:26 PM

Outdoor recreation impact study

Outdoor recreation impact study

Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail almost in its fullest. We found a lot more of that in the spring and then it took off again basically after August 15th,” Killian said. 10/02/2024 06:25 PM

Veteran Jim Fellows holds up the head of an adult doe taken in Centerville Township during the Liberty Hunt. He is accompanied, from left, by guide Cody Campbell, recreational therapist Samantha Mahon, and his son, Steve Fellows. They were hunting courtesy of cherry farmer Greg Williams. C...

Hunting success for young/disabled

Six young Leelanau County nimrods and a Vietnam veteran were in the right place at the right time on the first day of the youth and liberty firearms deer hunt. The hunt was held Sept. 09/25/2024 04:23 PM

Conservancy land stewards Chad Jordan, left, and Emily Douglas prepare for a day in the field collecting data within deer enclosures at Palmer Woods Forest Preserve. Courtesy photo

Monitoring deer at Palmer Woods

Observing deer on a walk through a Leelanau Conservancy nature area is a good thing. But can you have too much of a good thing? The answer is yes for elderberries. 09/25/2024 04:23 PM

Collin Drow, 11, downed a 7-point deer with an 18-inch spread. A sixth grader at St. Mary, he is the son of Casey and Samantha Drow. Courtesy photo

Few surprises in deer survey

Think of deer herd density in Leelanau County as a checkerboard. Whether trying to avoid killing a deer while driving or hoping to hook up while hunting, the difference between success and failure depends upon whether you’re on a white or a black section. 09/25/2024 04:23 PM

CAMPBELL

Friends group makes leap

I’ve got mixed feelings about the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes organization deciding to make a leap into the officialdom of nonprofits by hiring its first executive director. On the one hand, I’ll miss referring to the Friends as an all-volunteer organization. 08/21/2024 09:15 PM

A mother and two young bucks spotted browsing in Glen Haven. Photo credit: Cindy Waldeck

Changes made to disability hunt

A Leelanau County hunter is swaying the opinions of members of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission, who last month removed a provision allowing disabled hunters to shoot bucks during their special firearms seasons. 08/21/2024 09:15 PM

Brianna Abercrombie, who gathers information about salmon and lake trout catches off the shoreline of Leelanau County, must be in the right occupation. She enjoys fishing so much that she goes out after work despite having examined dead fish all day. Enterprise photo by Alan Campbell

Fish counter monitors catches

It’s been a good time for Brianna Abercrombie to break in as a fisheries assistant for the MDNR because, well, she’s dealing with mostly contented people. “This year they are happy with the salmon fishing,” said Abercrombie while waiting for what she termed “DYI” anglers to return to the Leland Harbor. 08/21/2024 09:15 PM

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