Post on 29-May-2020
The Newsletter of the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association M.O.W.A.
MOWRITS
As most of you know, I was elected
president of the Michigan Outdoor Writers
Association a couple of weeks ago.
Thanks to all of you who voted for me,
although I suspect before my term is done I
might not be particularly grateful about it
anymore.
I served nine years on the MOWA board in
the late 1980s and the 1990s, starting
shortly after I joined the organization a few
years after I became Ken Peterson's successor
at The Flint Journal.
I had been working at The Journal since
1970 and had worked most of the major beats
at the paper, including covering Flint city
hall, county government, politics, urban
redevelopment, features and even for five
years, the paper's drama critic.
I also worked as the paper's special
projects writer, which was really an
investigative post. I did some major
investigations of corrupt politicians and
contractors, along with three major stories
about the Church of Scientology and the
Moonies.
For years, reporters were asked to state
their career goals were, and for years I
indicated I had an interest in succeeding
Peterson when he retired. For years, I was an
avid hunter, backpacker, canoe camper and
boater/sailor, so I was fairly familiar with
the beat even before the job opened up. When
the job opened up in 1985, I was overjoyed,
although the editor at the time didn't want
me to make it a full-time beat.
"If a local hunter comes in with a big
buck story, you can go talk to him," the
editor said. "Otherwise, we want you to stick
to investigations and your other beats."
I had the honor of being the outdoor writer
for my last 20 years at The Journal, along
with part-time work for six years after I
retired in 2005. I had a chance to go on
safari in South Africa twice, along with
several bird hunting trips in Iowa and a
successful muzzleloader hunt for a bull elk
Presidents Report INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Presidents Report – David V. Graham – MOWA President 1/2
Errington’s [Summer Meeting]—--Tom Pink 3-5
Adventures In Algoma – Tom Lounsbury 6/7/8
Merrill ‘Pete’ Petoskey 11
Dave Richey Memorial 11
MOWA 2013 Awards – Ron St. Germain - Chair 14 - 21
Post Summer Conclave I ssue
July 2013
Please see Presidents Column on page 2
By MOWA Pres. David V. Graham
David V. Graham, M.O.W.A. President, and his wife Susan on one of their African hunts David V. Graham photo:}:}
in the Colorado Rockies.
And of course I got a chance to do
stories about several major adventures
throughout Michigan, including an
overnight dog sled trip with my wife
Susan in the Upper Peninsula. Another
good story opportunity was a mid-winter
three-day canoe trip on the AuSable
River that required camping out in three
feet of snow.
Now as all of you know, daily newspaper
journalism in Michigan is a rare thing
any more, and there is no doubt that
digital media is the way of the future.
It appears that outdoor journalism is in
danger of fading away, at least in
newspapers.
That means MOWA has to change to
reflect the new realities, and board
chairman Bill Semion has already done
some major work in that area as the
previous president. I intend to follow
that up to ensure that our organization
does all it can to help our members adapt
to the new realities.
I would also like to see more of our
members join our MOWA Facebook page so
they can keep up with the nearly daily
news, photographs and humorous exchanges
of our members. We have about 70 members
in our organization and it is a shame
that only 30-some belong to our Facebook
page.
And I would also like to see more
members at our twice-a-year conferences
throughout the state. Not only are they
fun events that can generate paying
stories for our members, but they are a
good way to build fellowship among our
membership. Please consider making the
effort to go to a MOWA rendezvous once in
awhile.
Our winter meeting early next year
will be at Black Lake during the brief
annual sturgeon spearing season allowed
by the Department of Natural Resources.
We are also hoping to hold our
summer meeting on Isle Royale, but to be
candid that meeting may be in jeopardy
because lodge officials are reluctant to
give us a discount on lodging and food
because they have so many writers
visiting every year. We are working on
other ways to deal with the cost, but
plans may be still in flux for some time
yet.
David
Presidents Column – from page 1
Middle Right: A view of Errington's Wilderness Island lodge from the water. Bottom Right: Sault Ste Marie Ontario's Mayor Debbie Amaroso addresses MOWA at dinner.
Jeff Nedwick photos
Page 2
Above: MOWA member Bob Garner and his wife Beth. On 6/22/13, at the RAM Center, Bob was inducted into the Michigan Conservation Hall of Fame. Congratulations Bob. Brenda McCall Archambo photo
Page 3
Canada trip to Errington's Wilderness Island Resort
with Michigan Outdoor Writers Association, May 18-21, 2013
By Tom Pink
While MOWA meetings always provide great photo and story possibilities, the summer meeting
in Algoma Country was chock-full of such opportunities. I’ll bet that even black bear
expert Richard P. Smith likely came away from the event with some of the best black bear
images he’s ever taken, thanks to our hosts at Errington’s Resort and their pontoon boat
wildlife cruises. Strutting ruffed grouse at our feet provided MOWAns with spectacular
poses, and loons did everything but jump into the boats (with the other loons). The story
below, which was published in June in The Evening News, Sault, Mich., only touches the
surface of all of the story possibilities that the trip provided. – T. Pink
Reprinted with permission from the Evening News, Sault, Mich.
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. -- Eastern U.P. residents are lucky to live in an area that has so
much to offer outside. With the St. Mary's River at our doorstep and inland lakes and
rivers in public forestland, one doesn't have to go far to find a place to have fun.
Because of our proximity to this abundance of natural resources, it's easy to understand
why we may stay close to home. That's been the case for me. I've found plenty to enjoy
close to town. However, many of us, fishermen and paddlers especially, are missing out if
we don't expand our horizons.
In May, the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association held its summer meeting north of Sault
Ste. Marie and got a taste of what's to discover in this region. The Algoma Kinniwabi
Travel Association -- Algoma Country -- treated MOWA to a great deal of what the region
has available, starting from the Canadian Bush Plane Heritage Center Museum downtown, to
Errington's Wilderness Island Resort on Lake Wabatongushi due north at the 206 mile marker
along the Algoma Central Railway.
Hostesses Carol Caputo, Heather Bot and crew at Algoma Country went all-out to show off
the region. We started with a tour at the Bush Plane museum and presentations on Atlantic
salmon by LSSU Aquatic Research Laboratory Manager Roger Greil and DNR Northern Lake Huron
Management Unit Supervisor Dave Borgeson, along with an exposition of a variety of the
area's natural attractions.
From that point, it was all new to guys like me who had never been north of Batchawana.
Over the years, I've heard stories from fishermen, especially ice fishermen, who load
snowmobiles on the train and fish on lakes where there are few other anglers. I had no
snowmobile on this trip, but I did bring my stand-up paddleboard, figuring it would be
ideal for checking out Lake Wabatongushi's wildlife. I hoped to slide a big pike across
the bow while fishing from it.
Please see Errington’s Page 4
At Erringtons’s this particular
loon was a bit of a ham and
provided some of us with a great
photo-op.
Jeff Nedwick photo
Errington’s From Page 3
Bringing a stand-up board to Lake Wabatongushi aboard the ACR was interesting. I was amused by the reactions from the ACR crew members, led by Mike Morrow, manager of ACR Passenger Marketing, as they loaded the board into the freight car. "Goin' surfin' are ya?" was the most-often-asked question. The crew took great care of my board. The train ride was a highlight. The passenger cars are comfortable and the view is incredible. The train seemingly clings to cliffs along the Agawa River canyon. At Montreal River, the view of Lake Superior is breathtaking. The trip took us between 7-8 hours, but I did not tire of looking out the window. At mile marker 206, resort owners Al and Doris Errington, their children Devin and Morgan -- who grew up at the resort their family has owned since the 1970s -- and their staff were on hand to take us down the lake. Errington's Resort says in its literature you will be "roughing it in velvet." It's no exaggeration. From the moment you step off the train -- or float plane -- everyone is exceedingly interested in making sure you enjoy your experience. Cedar-strip boats took us to the lodge and cabins, and the 18 ft. boats made by B. Giesler and Sons (gieslerboats.ca) in Powassan, Ont., are something any fisherman would enjoy. They are sturdy, not only pretty to admire, but functional. They're seaworthy and quieter
than aluminum boats. I would love to have one.
GOOD TIMES, DEAD AHEAD --
Errington's Wilderness Island Resort
as it looked off the bow of Tom Pink's
stand-up paddleboard. Tom Pink photo
Errington's is a treasure. The cabins are
immaculate, well-maintained, each heated by
an air-tight woodstove. A quick walk through
the woods takes you to the lodge to get your
meals and, yes, check your e-mail if you
must. I left my phone at home (and wondered
what time it was all day) but I did check
weather reports from my computer while in the
middle of nowhere.
You can cook your food in the cabins, or you
can go with the "American Plan," which
provides meals in the lodge, including shore
lunch with the fish you caught that morning.
The meals were outstanding, including chicken
stuffed with spinach, shrimp and walleye, to
fresh-caught fish and delicious "bannock,"
similar to Native American fry bread but with
sweet corn added.
If the train trip isn't billed as a wildlife
tour, the experience at Errington's is. The
ice left the lake three days before we
arrived, but the waterfowl were taking over.
Ducks, sandhill cranes, loons and Bonaparte's
gulls were staking out territory along the
shorelines. Ruffed grouse were drumming and
strutting at our feet! Bald eagles were
abundant. The lodge provides pontoon trips
around the lake each day, where visitors can
see bears and, if you're lucky, moose. We
were lucky.
We were lucky when it came to fish, too. With
the ice just leaving, walleye were just
finishing their spawning so it was tough
fishing, but we still caught all that we
wanted.
Catching the train home, I found myself
wondering why I'd waited more than 30 years
to take this trip. I hope to return soon.
More photos page 5
Page 4
Larry Harvey - Errington guide Tom Pink photo
Counter clockwise from above:
*Out the cabin window
*Tom Pink ‘boarding it’ [Jonathan Schechter
pic]
* MAKINGS OF SHORE LUNCH – Al Errington…a.k.a. ‘Shore Lunch Cook’
*Errington’s boat dock
* Walleye (or pickerel,as guide Larry Harvey and fellow Canadians often call them
*Have board, will travel. Pink's gear and box
lunch, courtesy of Errington's, wait to be
loaded on the Algoma Railway train that is
just arriving.
Tom Pink photos [except #2…Jon Schechter
photo]
Page 5
Larry Harvey, the intrepid guide
for Tom Pink and Tom Carney,
shows off the beginnings of a
shore lunch. All of the guides
put members on to fish, but
Larry was the only one that
found a moose for a couple lucky
travelers to watch. Tom Pink photo
At the March 2 board meeting
the board recommended
including a reminder in
MOWRITS that the deadline
for paying membership dues
has past and members who
haven't yet paid are at risk
of losing their membership
in MOWA.
Page 6
Adventures in Algoma Country
By Tom Lounsbury
There are only two ways to get to
Errington’s Wilderness Island, train or
plane. We went by train, the Algoma
Central Railway, and it is a nice relaxing
way to travel and about as scenic as you
can get. My traveling companions were
fellow members of the Michigan Outdoor
Writers Association (MOWA) and we were all
attending our summer conference being held
in northern Ontario, thanks to the great
assistance of the Algoma Kinniwabi Travel
Association.
The train took us deep into the
Chapleau Game preserve, and dropped us and
all of our gear off on the shore of
Wabatongushi Lake (basically in the middle
of nowhere), where several fishing boats
were waiting to transport us to the
island. Actually it is a pair of islands
connected by a bridge and entailing about
10 acres that hold the lodge and an array
of nicely built and uniquely secluded
cabins that are equipped with wood burning
stoves, flush toilets, hot showers and
very quaint gas lights. It was truly in a
wilderness setting yet with all the
comforts of home. Both my wife Ginny and I
loved everything about it.
The first thing I noticed when our
boat approached the island was that there
was still a small amount of snow near the
shore and our guide informed us that the
ice had just left the lake four days
before our arrival. That all worked for me
and I didn’t expect anything else that far
north in the middle of May. This wasn’t a
trip to the tropics and my instincts told
me that with the ice just leaving, that
the pike and walleyes the lake is well
known for just might be in a hungry and
scrappy mood. Ginny and I couldn’t wait to
dig out the fishing tackle and give it all
a whirl.
The wooden fishing boats used here are of
cedar strip construction and are light as
a feather in the water. Powered by Mercury
outboards, they performed admirably in the
big lake environment. The fishing turned
out to be, quite frankly, phenomenal. By
working lead jigs tipped with either
minnows or leeches next to the bottom and
you discovered right away that the fish
were in a feeding frenzy. Our first day of
fishing was in overcast but very
comfortable weather. The second day it
began to rain, which seemed to make the
fish even more hungry and willing to
strike. The fishing went from phenomenal
to even better yet.
On the first day, our guides provided a
shore lunch for us by cooking the fish
we caught over an open fire. Included in
the meal was bannock, the fry bread of
the far north country. I savored every
bit of the meal and heard nothing but
compliments to our guides from my MOWA
cohorts. We would have had a shore lunch
the next day as well, but a heavy
downpour dampened that opportunity. Our
main meals were done in the lodge and
when the camp cook’s title is actually
“chef”, well life in the wilderness just
doesn’t get any better than that (I
absolutely enjoyed the seafood stuffed
chicken).
Listening to loons singing continually
across the lake and seeing bald eagles
soaring about didn’t hurt a bit either.
The trilling sound of countless tree
frogs (peepers) that had just come out
from a long winter’s hibernation was a
lullaby that caused me to have very
restful nights.
The island also had a nice quantity of
ruffed grouse roaming around that were
about as wary as barnyard chickens. The
fact is the grouse were starting their
mating ritual which includes the males
doing their “drumming” routine with
their wings on a handy rock or stump.
See ‘Erringtons’ Page 7
MOWA
waiting
for the
wildernes
s train,
and well
worth the
wait
Tom
Lounsbury
pic
The "Minnow
Races" were a
MOWA highlight
on the last
evening at the
lodge
Tom Lounsbury pic
Errington’s from page 6 To avoid bear problems around the lodge and cabins, the Errington’s have created a
feeding area across the lake where they dump all their food scraps (called “Bear
Point”). Of course the bears are often waiting close by for a dependable meal. This does
give visitors an excellent opportunity for black bear viewing. I watched as Al Errington
and his daughter Morgan landed their boat on the beach and Morgan bailed out to confront
a somewhat territorial black bear with only a leaf rake in her hands. Morgan made swipes
along the ground with the rake and moved steadily in on the bear that performed nervous
yawns yet gave ground to Morgan’s advance, which allowed Al to safely unload the food
scraps. This is all a part of knowing black bears and how to communicate with them
without people or bears getting hurt. The rake obviously represents a very big “paw” the
bears automatically respect. Needless to say I was very impressed with the entire matter
and will probably consider having a leaf rake around on future wilderness excursions
(not to mention pepper spray and a stout firearm when allowed – I’m a tad more
conventional).
I had originally wanted to use my fly rod for pike and walleye fishing (Errington’s
Wilderness Island is well known for promoting fishing for these two species with a fly
rod) and a good friend had especially tied some pike/walleye flies for my Algoma Country
adventure, but due to the ice just being out, the fish were down way too deep to use a
fly rod. However, with the fish biting so well, I had absolutely no complaints at all on
whatever fishing tackle I used, trust me.
All too soon our wonderful sojourn to Errington’s Wilderness Island came to a
close. Saying goodbye to everyone involved there was like saying goodbye to family,
which says something about the atmosphere. I know for a fact Ginny and I plan on
returning.
For more information on Errington’s Wilderness Island go to
www.WildernessIsland.com and vacation@WildernessIsland.com or call (705) 884-2215.
For more information on what Algoma Country has to offer go to
www.algomacountry.com or call 1-800-263-2546.
Clockwise from top:
Mom and her kid. These black bears were as
curious as we were [Ginny Lounsbury photo]
16 year old Morgan Errington using a leaf
rake to back a black bear off
while her father Al Errington unloads food
scraps from the lodge. [Ginny Lounsbury photo]
Ginny Lounsbury really appreciated being able
to attend the MOWA get
together in the Canadian wilderness. Rainy
weather only enhanced a wonderful
experience. [Tom Lounsbury photo]
Page 7
Top Left: Richard P. Smith using his favorite black bear
calling technique...."Come
here bear, come here bear!!"
Top Center: According to Tom B. ‘you have to hold your tongue just right to get the perfect photo." (Actually he
was hamming it when he saw me photographing him….you know
MOWA folks).
Top right: Tom C. getting ready to go to "work".
Center Left: David Graham and Bill Semion with their first fish.
Left: MOWA President David Graham takes train travel through a scenic wilderness very seriously.‘You can only
wonder what he is dreaming about with such a "serene"
smile. Since we are traveling through the pristine
wilderness, it must be very wild, primitive….funny:}:}
Bottom Left: According to Bill Semion...the one that go away really was that big....
Bottom Center: Lodge owner Al Errington begins the boat burning ceremony on the beach to honor MOWA friends.
Bottom Right: The mantle at Errington's Wilderness Island Lodge says it all.”May the peace of the wilderness be with
you.”
All images on this page Tom ‘Rambo” Lounsbury photos
Page 8
Ed Note: Actually, I think
that David is smiling while
thinking,
‘Yeah…Rambo?…right”
Left: Illegal
minnow races at
the lodge
complete with
betting
Page 9
Big and Little Dave enjoy
some Kool-Aid on the train
Tom Buchkoe photos of the Errington’s Trip/meeting
Mowans enjoying a shore
lunch
Shore lunch
of fresh
fish
Traditional ‘boat burning’ at
Errington’s Lodge to welcome MOWA
members
Snuggling to keep warm are Big
Dave and Jonathan Ed note: He’s NOT a tree Jonathan:}:}
Right: Waiting
for the train
at milepost 206
Richard Smith supplied this quote from Tom Carney relating to Tom’s
thoughts about the recent trip to Algoma/Erringtons:
"I told my niece last night at dinner that I went there with the idea
that I wanted to get story material, have fun, and maybe catch some
fish, in that order. Got all three and the best part was I think I was
smiling or laughing the entire time, even in the downpour while
fishing!! I think that was the best MOWA meeting I've ever attended.
It's not like we slept in a nice motel, such as in Munising for example,
went off to the wilderness then came back to the nice motel. It was
wilderness and nature and the outdoors the entire time. What fun!"
MOWA member, Richard P. Smith is
understandably proud of winning this
years Harold ‘Opie’ Titus Award for
‘Best Published Book’ for his recently
released ‘Deer Hunting - 4th Edition’
[Pictured right]
In the picture to the left his wife,
Lucy J. La Faive captured Richard
proudly holding a copy of his award
winning book and his MOWA plaque awarded
to him this year for his achievement.
Richard’s books and DVD’s can be
purchased from his website:
www.richardpsmith.com or by calling
Smith Publications
906-225-1002
Upper left: Carol Caputo, our hostess with ‘Algoma Country’ (red shirt), seated on the train across from MOWA member Jonathan Schechter.
Upper right: MOWA member Tom Lounsbury and wife Ginny seated on the train to Errington's
Wilderness Resort as Dave Rose looks on in the background.
Richard P. Smith photos
Page 10
Far Left: SNOW!!! So this
is supposed to be a
"summer" conference?
Close left: One of several
scenic stops along Highway
17 between Sault Ste.
Marie and Wawa.
Jeff Nedwick photos
A nice tribute for an old friend of MOWA's...from the Montmorency
Tribune:
Merrill “Pete” Petoskey honored on 90th birthday Merrill “Pete” Petoskey of Lewiston was honored on his
90th birthday on last Monday as over 200 friends gathered
at Garland Golf Resort. The event included dinner,
beverages, a “toast and roast” and music for dancing. Jim
Hilgendorf served as master of ceremonies. A number of
former colleagues, friends and family members told stories
about their memories of Pete over the years.
Petoskey was Wildlife Chief of the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources in the 1970’s, and a wildlife biologist
graduate of Michigan State University. He worked in
conservation in many capacities, and provided leadership
in local, state and national boards of directors.
Donations given at the event went to endow a scholarship
in Petoskey’s name in the MSU School of Agriculture and
Natural Resources. Anyone wishing to add to those
donations may send a check made out to MSU to Raietta Ott,
CR 489, Lewiston, MI 49756.
June 25, 2013
Writer dedicated life to outdoors BY MICHAEL WALTON mwalton@record-eagle.com and BRIAN McGILLIVARY bmcgillivary@record-
eagle.com Traverse City Record-Eagle
TRAVERSE CITY — Dave Richey, a contributing writer for the Record-Eagle and longtime
hunting and fishing writer for the Detroit News, loved everything about the outdoors.
”That was his religion,” said his wife, Kay Richey. “That was his time with God.”
Dave Richey, a Grand Traverse County resident, died June 20 at age 73 following a
hemorrhage and stroke.
Dave Richey covered hunting and fishing for more than 23 years as a staff writer and
photographer for the Detroit News. He wrote an award-winning series that exposed the
illegal practice of poaching for profit during his tenure with the Detroit newspaper. He
retired from the News in 2003 but continued to work as a freelance writer. He wrote 22
books on fishing and hunting, and thousands of columns and articles for publications
like Field & Stream, Outdoor Life and Sports Afield.
Dave Richey’s writing career started in 1967, the same year he began working as a
fishing guide with his late twin brother George on Lake Michigan tributaries. His
lifelong love of outdoor sports started during his childhood, Kay Richey said. Dave
Richey suffered from severe asthma as a youth. The respiratory problem limited his
participation in many sports, so he turned to fishing.
Dave Richey joined the Outdoor Writers Association of America in 1968. The organization
honored him with numerous awards, including an Excellence in Craft Award and the Jade of
Chiefs Award in 2012, the highest conservation award given to outdoor writers.
Dave Leonhard, owner of Traverse City’s Streamside Orvis fly fishing shop, said he
admired Dave Richey’s work and read his columns for ideas about where to hunt and fish
in Michigan. “Anyone who read his columns engaged the outdoors more fully because they
read his columns,” Leonhard said.
Bob Summers, of Traverse City, hunted deer with Dave Richey on occasion. The two also
shared a love of outdoor books. Summers said Dave Richey, unlike some outdoors writers,
truly lived the life he documented in his work. “Dave really did get out and do it,”
Summers said.
Dave Richey is survived by Kay and his children Kimberley Richey, Stacey Richey, David
Richey and Guy Richey. His ashes will be spread on the Sturgeon River. “That is where he
and his brother caught their first steelhead,” Kay Richey said. Please see Richey page 12
Page 11
Jeff
Richey from page 11
Dave Richey wrote on his website he never promised “fast fishing or full bag limits” in his
columns and articles. “Frankly, I get skunked at times just like you do,” he wrote. “However,
even on those days when fish don’t bite, deer do not move and pheasants don’t fly, there is a
beauty in the outdoors to be savored and that is an important commodity to me.”
Page 12
Jim Low (right) presents the Jade of
Chiefs Award to Dave Richey in Alaska
in 2012, OWAA’s highest conservation
award.
Tom Ulrich photo
Roger Griel, Manager of
the Aquatic Research Lab
in Sault Ste. Marie,
Michigan, helps two Lake
Superior State
University students
check the status of
Atlantic Salmon fry. Jeff Nedwick photo
MOWA President Dave
Graham admires a
decommissioned bush
plane that was
previously used to
fight forest fires. The
tanks mounted atop the
pontoons were filled
with water by skimming
the surface of a lake. Jeff Nedwick photo
The staff at
Errington's treated
MOWAN's to a terrific
shore lunch.
Jeff Nedwick Photo
Left: This black bear was kept at bay by a garden
rake while food refuse was
deposited nearby.
Right: Jonathan Schechter recovers his cap from Lake
Wabatongushi, despite
numerous attempts by
Captain Al Errington to
sink it.
Jeff Nedwick photos
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Bill Semion 734-552-6872 or David Graham 810-659-4485 2013 MOWA Craft Awards Winners of the 2013 Michigan Outdoor Writers Association (MOWA) writing and photography awards were announced on the evening of May 20 during the organization’s summer meeting held in Ontario at Errington’s Wilderness Resort at mile marker 206 on the Algoma Railroad. Since craft awards chairman Ron St. Germain from Grand Ledge was unable to make the meeting, he recorded a hilarious DVD filled with entertaining skits to announce each category of winners. Most of the awards were given for articles and photos published in newspapers and magazines during 2012. Books written and/or published by members over a period of years were eligible for awards. All MOWA craft award categories are named for deceased members who made major contributions to the organization. Members of the Ohio Outdoor Writers Association did this year’s judging. The Cliff Ketcham Awards, for instance, were for the best newspaper and magazine articles about hunting and fishing. Ron St. Germain took first place in the newspaper division for an article in the March 2012 issue of Woods-N-Water News titled “Michigan Fishermen – You Think You Have it Bad?” Second place went to Bill Parker from Lake Orion for an article published in the September 2012 edition of Michigan Outdoor News, “Destination Alaska.” Third place went to Bill Semion from Plymouth for the article “Three Generations of Bass Fishing Greats Compete” in the February 2012 issue of Outdoor Guide Missouri. In the magazine category, Tom Carney from Belmont claimed first place with an article in the Winter 2012 edition of The Upland Almanac that was titled “Stepping Back and Forth in Time.” Second place went to Andy Duffy from Evart for an article in the March 2012 issue of The Cedar Sweeper titled “Winter Brookies.” Ron St. Germain also won a first place C. A. “Frenchy” Paquin Award in the newspaper division for an article in the July 2012 edition of Woods-N-Water News titled “Salmon Debate Has Fins Flaring.” Jonathan Schechter from Ortonville came in second with an article published in the March 25, 2012 edition of the Oakland Press titled “Why Are They Burning Parks in Oakland
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See page 14
County.” Roger Beukema from Davisburg collected third place for an article in the August 22 edition of the Oakland Press, “Asian Carp Detected in Lake Erie.” The first place James Hall Award went to Jonathan Schechter for an article in the March 2012 issue of Woods-N-Water News that was headlined “Deadly Killers in Our Rivers.” Steve Griffin from Midland took second place for an article titled “New Access Site Caters to Kayaking Boom” that was published in the May 6 edition of the Midland Daily News. Tom Lounsbury from Cass City placed third for his article “Sweet Flavor of Spring” that was published in the March 17 edition of the Huron Daily Tribune. Jonathan Schechter took another first place in the James A.O. Crowe best newspaper column category for his column called “Oakland Outdoors” that is published in the Oakland Press. Steve Griffin came in second for his column “Midland Outdoors” in the Midland Daily News. Tom Pink from Sault Ste. Marie garnered third place for his “Outdoor Ramblings” column in Michigan Outdoor News. Ron St. Germain, who is also known as “Da Photo Dude,” won first place in the Gil Clark Best Color Photograph Category for a photo published in the April 2012 Woods-N-Water News of a chipmunk photographing St. Germain. Second place went to photographer Tom Buchkoe from Marquette for a dramatic image of a number of lightning bolts striking Lake Superior at the same time that was published on the cover of a phone book. Third place went to Bill Parker for an action shot of a German short-haired pointer on a hunt that was published in Michigan Outdoor News. The Harold “Opie” Titus best book award went to Richard P. Smith from Marquette for his 4th edition of Deer Hunting, a 448-page volume with almost 300 color photos, which was published by Stackpole Books during 2011. Bill Semion from Plymouth took second place in the book awards for the 7th edition of Fun With Family Michigan published by Globe Pequot, which includes hundreds of ideas for day trips with kids throughout the state in its 300 pages. Ron St. Germain’s self-published, 201-page book titled True Funny, Fish Stories and Only ONE Lie came in third. The funny fish stories book can be ordered for $18 postpaid from St. Germain at 7670 Jon Scott Dr., Grand Ledge, MI 48837. The other two winning titles can be ordered from bookstores or the publishers. Autographed copies of Smith’s book can also be ordered from his web site (www.richardpsmith.com). MOWA is one of the oldest organizations of outdoor communicators in the country. With a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities in the state and millions of outdoor enthusiasts interested in learning about the outdoors, Michigan is a great place for MOWA members to practice their craft. Outdoor communicators interested in joining MOWA can get more information by going
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to the organization’s web site: www.miowa.org, or by contacting its membership chairman, Tom Buchkoe, at 906-226-3459, or President David Graham, 810-659-4485, or Board Chairman Bill Semion, 734-552-6872.
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Presented by Ron St. Germain – MOWA Awards Chair
James A. O. Crowe Award Jonathan Schechter
Irst Place
James A.O. Crowe Award Steven A. Griffin
2nd Place
See Page 16
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James A.O. Crowe Award Tom Pink
3rd Place
“Frenchy” Paquin Award Ron St. Germain
Irst Place
“Frenchy” Paquin Award Jonathan Schechter
2nd Place
See Page 17
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“Frenchy” Paquin Award Roger Beukema
3rd Place
Gil ClarkAward Ron St. Germain
Irst Place
Gil Clark Award Tom Buchkoe
2nd Place
See Page 18
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Gil Clark Award Bill Parker
3rd Place
James Hall Award Jonathan Schechter
1rst Place
James Hall Award Steven A. Griffin
2nd Place
See Page 19
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James Hall Award Tom Lounsbury
3rd Place
Cliff Ketcham Award Ron St. Germain
1rst Place
Cliff Ketcham Award Bill Parker
2nd Place
See Page 20
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Cliff Ketcham Award Bill Semion
3rd Place
Cliff Ketcham Award [mag] Thomas Carney
Irst Place
Cliff Ketcham Award [mag] Andy Duffy
2nd Place
See page 21
‘’
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Harold ‘Opie’ Titus Award Richard P. Smith
1rst Place
Harold ‘Opie” Titus Award Bill Semion
2nd Place
Harold ‘Opie’ Titus Award Ron St. Germain
3rd Place
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Left: Dave Borgeson:
Michigan DNR Fisheries
Biologist describes plans
for stocking Atlantic
salmon in several Lake
Huron locations.
Jeff Nedwick photo
Left: Bullwinkle J. Moose
was captured in a photo in
Canada by Jonathan
Schechter two days after
leaving Errington’s. Rocky
and Natasha were a bit more
elusive though and evaded
Jon’s lens.
Jonathan Schechter photo