Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 12:31 AM

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Outdoors

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

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

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

SWIMMERS DIVE IN FOR WATERSHED CENTER

SWIMMERS DIVE IN FOR WATERSHED CENTER

Between 75 and 100 swimmers took the plunge Saturday in Greilickville to support the efforts of the Watershed Center Grand Traverse. A large crowd of swimmers conquered the wet conditions for a 2-mile open swim called “Swim for Grand Traverse” Saturday at Greilickville Harbor Park. 08/14/2024 04:33 PM

Conservancy docents and guests took on the Cedar River in an evening paddle that coordinated with the summer solstice. Courtesy photo

Conservancy docents ‘really great people’

There’s freedom in walking. There’s art in walking. 07/24/2024 03:46 PM

CAMPBELL

Groups support disabled hunting

I had a preliminary conversation this spring with Kingsley parents who wanted to take their son who has a developmental disability out turkey hunting. A question arose: How could we get him a license? 07/24/2024 03:46 PM

First mate Austin Rubin, a NMC student, holds a 24-pound salmon hooked by charter fisherman Adam Collett as the sun rises over the Manitou Passage. Courtesy photo

Slammin’ salmon near the Manitous

Salmon aficionados anticipating summer surges of kings in the Manitou Passage have for years been let down. They’re smiling now. 07/24/2024 03:46 PM

Families with young children lined the banks of Kids Fishing Pond in Veronica Valley Park. Courtesy photo

Kids Fishing Day a hit

Bluegills were prolific, and so were young people hooking them Sunday at the biggest-ever Kids Fishing Day. Prompted by good fishing weather — cooler with clouds — families flocked to Veronica Valley County Park and were rewarded with plenty of fishing action to go with amphibian displays, kids painting tables, flyfi shing lessons and free hot dogs. 07/02/2024 05:21 PM

CAMPBELL

Kids Fishing Day at Veronica Valley Sunday

Kids Fishing Day wouldn’t be complete without something new, and he is professional bass fisherman Tony DeFlippio. DeFlippio is a past Michigan Bass Angler of the Year and a consistent top finisher with the Fishing League Worldwide, the world’s largest fishing tournament organization. 06/26/2024 04:30 PM

A salmon that neared 20 pounds was caught earlier this month aboard the Mariah charter boat off the shores of North Manitou Island. Courtesy photo

Trophy lakers a trend

Charter fishing out of Leland has been very good for lake trout with more salmon already showing up in catches than in recent years. “We’ve got good lake trout fishing,” said Jack Duffy, a veteran charter captain who runs out of Fishtown. 06/26/2024 04:30 PM

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