tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48523913388557708232024-03-13T14:33:58.287-05:00Herman Brothers BlogThe official blog of the Herman Brothers! Get a behind the scenes look into their
Outdoor Adventures- fishing, hunting, camping, making tv shows and raising their families. The blog is family friendly with a handful of funny videos, stories, pictures, tips and inspirational messages mixed together.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.comBlogger667125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-5691021348949528442017-02-10T20:28:00.005-06:002017-02-10T20:28:49.419-06:00Bachelor Group and Wild Game Feed<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Bucks seem to be grouping back up and are hammering the food plots the last month. We keep checking our trail cameras to see when they will be dropping their antlers. Even my wife Brook just said last week she is looking forward to shed hunting this year!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Having good food available for the deer herd in January and February in my opinion is very important to deer hunting success in November. <o:p></o:p></div>
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January was a very mild but dry month, February is also very mild but not quite as dry. This has been my shortest ice fishing season to date. We only got out onto our main lakes for 3 days… That’s it just a 3 day season. But we did sure have fun during those 3 days! <o:p></o:p><br />
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I am still waiting for some reports of February open water bass fishing! Typically March is the month for diehard bass fisherman to catch BIG fish, but maybe this could happen in February this year. Will wait and see, but I bet someone will connect with a big one this weekend. </div>
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We have quite a few local events coming up the next few weeks that would love to see you guys at. <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://0/" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Saturday Feb 11</a><sup><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://0/" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="0" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">th</a></sup> I will be speaking at a Men’s Challenge Breakfast over at New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw. Then <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://1/" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Feb 24-26</a><sup><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://1/" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="1" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">th</a></sup> we will be at the spring home show at the <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://2/" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="2" x-apple-data-detectors-type="misc" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Peoria Civic Center</a>, <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://3/" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">March 3-5</a><sup><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://3/" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="3" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">th</a></sup> we will be at the Central Illinois Recreation Show at the <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://4/" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="4" x-apple-data-detectors-type="misc" x-apple-data-detectors="true">Peoria Civic Center</a>, along with the Elmwood All Outdoors show that weekend as well. <o:p></o:p></div>
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At the Elmwood show come by the Giant Goose Ranch booth to meet Arnie the bearded dragon… also on Sunday morning I will be speaking in the seminar room.....Oh yeah here is yet another fun event that same weekend you wont want to miss. <a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://6/" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="6" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">On Saturday, March 4</a><sup><a dir="ltr" href="x-apple-data-detectors://6/" style="-webkit-text-decoration-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.258824); color: black;" x-apple-data-detectors-result="6" x-apple-data-detectors-type="calendar-event" x-apple-data-detectors="true">th</a></sup> I will be speaking at the wildgame feed at New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw. Contact the church office for registration information <a href="http://www.myncbc.org/" style="color: #954f72;">http://www.myncbc.org</a>. This has been one of the area’s best wildgame feeds for almost 30 years! That is gonna be one jampacked weekend. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Oh yeah, this past duck season was indeed pretty good the last 2 weeks of season. Extremely tasty! <br />
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Also we had a fantastic upland game season at the Goose Ranch as well. Lots of youth learning to hunt! </div>
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With that hopefully we will be ushering out winter weather and having an early spring! </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-23127652584737926122017-01-19T14:14:00.003-06:002017-01-19T14:14:56.016-06:00Come visit us up at Rosemont and Schaumburg! We will be up at the Rosemont Outdoor show today thru Sunday and again next weekend up at the Schaumburg Outdoor show! Come on over and say hello.<br />
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Looks like there is a lot of cool new stuff and some family fun as well. Our booth is Giant Goose Ranch and we would love to talk fishing, camping, hunting, cabin rentals, and lake management! Hope to see you guys at one of the shows! <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-27721524993512740752016-07-07T21:21:00.001-05:002016-07-07T21:21:11.302-05:00Lake Life Season Two Premiers Saturday July 9th We are super excited to announce season two of Lake Life finally premiers on this Saturday, July 9th on DIY Network. Reruns of Season 1 will start at 6 am and the new episodes will begin at 9 am!
Here is a fun preview:
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/154756970" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/154756970">Lake Life Season 2 Sizzle - Final</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/user4786929">Back Roads Entertainment</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-70991504335891455182016-02-22T18:57:00.001-06:002016-02-22T18:57:33.705-06:00Epic Ice Fishing Season Recap Ice fishing season is now officially over, but I can say we made the most of our short season!! Simply incredible to see the private waters of central Illinois pumping out many trophy fish of so many different species! We took 1000's of pictures and it was hard to narrow the list down to just these below. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-72158287649314071102016-01-18T19:55:00.003-06:002016-01-18T19:55:59.044-06:00Ice Fishing Season is HERE!!Ice fishing season is finally here! But be very careful as the ice right now is very deceiving! Some lakes locked up early and now have solid 4-6" of ice, but some lakes did not lock up till just recently and only have 1" or less ice in places!! The super cold nights we had were also very windy so make sure to be extra safe out there! <br />
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JJ_YMnn_7Ao/Uy7dytquzUI/AAAAAAAAdV8/swK1g1SVKKY/s400-Ic42/giant%252520goose%252520renovation%252520017.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 300px; width: 400px;" /><br />
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I am getting some really good "first ice" fishing reports!! First ice is always my favorite time to fish, fish are typically active all day long making for some great days out on the water! I am especially excited about this year, since I wasn't able to ice fish much last year. <br />
<img height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MAfie21SUhs/Utc_4S6npTI/AAAAAAAAi1w/z03b0Nu7sdg/s800-Ic42/steve%252520ryan%252520pics%252520022.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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We are currently scheduling guided ice fishing trips from Wednesday, January 20th until Friday, January 29th. We have openings each day and are super excited to get on some awesome fish! Email <a href="mailto:nate@hblakemanagement.com">nate</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">@hblakemanagement.com</a> for more details and to schedule your trip. This season could definitely be short but sweet! Also new this year is we have 3 heated cabins available to rent for some multi day ice fishing adventures! <br />
<img height="315" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-S-iR5mbI2aw/UtdFiZGQnCI/AAAAAAAAa70/5n0pwnhKTgo/s640-Ic42/ice%252520fishing%252520bros%252520114.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wCTK9cRGYXg/Uy7dz3fKC1I/AAAAAAAAdWU/ozJ3mZjWVZ0/s720-Ic42/giant%252520goose%252520renovation%252520020.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-_4idLtvHNvw/VNfyh4YFq9I/AAAAAAAAlNs/R8mtR7IiYxc/s640-Ic42/ice%252520fishing%252520276.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Don't miss out on your chance for world class fishing right here in Central Illinois! We will be fishing for jumbo perch, boone n crockett bluegills, crappie, catfish, bass, brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, walleye and muskie! Here are some pics of what we are after this year!! Just let me know what species is on your bucket list and lets go get after it! <br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i6BawONcYKA/VNgBaXNJrRI/AAAAAAAAlRI/RYFddha1Euk/s512-Ic42/goose%252520ranch%252520006.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="388" /><br />
<img height="340" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1P0bCIej9ho/Uy7etdCRHkI/AAAAAAAAdgE/gEx9fXm7Gq4/s576-Ic42/giant%252520goose%252520renovation%252520102.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YMzewDoIufk/UwC_1ru-VuI/AAAAAAAAmHw/-gBW3liiWy4/s640-Ic42/perch%252520pics%252520033.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsPJjtiXM-8/VNfxd96UEMI/AAAAAAAAk9A/u4UOqLL-eNU/s640-Ic42/ice%252520fishing%252520131.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O7qLYHgRm48/UsArCF0XmaI/AAAAAAAAaHA/Rpw4zsdF-kU/s512-Ic42/ice%252520fishing%252520extravaganza%252520081.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TBWoxyUM5PU/Uy7dzWF-iYI/AAAAAAAAdWM/6_2Q9NlgHOU/s512-Ic42/giant%252520goose%252520renovation%252520019.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; width: 384px;" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5mnyfMMvbQ4/Utc_zprAlbI/AAAAAAAAi0k/Aw5uBiBT2ZU/s512-Ic42/steve%252520ryan%252520pics%252520013.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="225" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Iy7SLRhJl2Q/UsI_hh7yT3I/AAAAAAAAaNc/b9u5i8Rng1U/s512-Ic42/giant%252520bass%252520041.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="225" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UjLOXxpDgFo/UwXy0YHm4KI/AAAAAAAAdAE/N8H_LqXqsM0/s512-Ic42/giant%252520goose%252520ranch%252520026.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sV8OZyCtVbw/VNfyg44BN3I/AAAAAAAAlNc/-r7pYBD_gLk/s512-Ic42/ice%252520fishing%252520274.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-31690555783105441392016-01-02T17:39:00.001-06:002016-01-02T17:39:24.319-06:002015 Recap and Bring on 2016!2015 is now officially in the books and we are really excited to look back at everything that took place this year as well as look forward to what God has in store for 2016! I don't think there could possibly be another year with as much going on as was this past year. Typically we enjoy having a lot of irons in the fire, but this past year may have had just a few too many things happening all at once. <br />
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We started the year developing full bore at the Giant Goose Ranch. That included building a few miles of roads, planning for and installing a lot of water lines, electric lines, septic lines, septic fields, well houses with storm shelters, mucking lakes, planting grasses, creating campsites, cabin lots, and building cabins! We have now built over 40 cabins for clients at the goose ranch in just the past 18 months! You really do need to come out and see this amazing property and what it is becoming! <br />
<img height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-L0NJVhndsTU/Vog6GJK_l5I/AAAAAAAAl5Y/vR7J_NvABr8/s720-Ic42/IMG_3039.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dvbP3ldhLus/Vog6GqVs64I/AAAAAAAAl54/2gYxl8N3UiE/s800-Ic42/IMG_3040.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--8rtPTZuFoE/Vog--aOdPuI/AAAAAAAAmGs/LjUcwxptJRE/s640-Ic42/IMG_0588%252520-%252520Copy%252520-%252520Copy.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r6GJZNRKsF4/Vog-7cISc0I/AAAAAAAAmF8/8jS2ahFSXt8/s640-Ic42/IMG_0191.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wPLSSlqfMKU/Vog-6LgfvuI/AAAAAAAAmF8/A-UfNek-RgI/s512-Ic42/IMG_0066.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
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Once the summer hit we not only were working at Goose Ranch full time, but we worked full time filming 13 more episodes of Lake Life. Each episode in reality is every bit of 4-6 week projects that needed completed on average in 2 weeks. The chaos and long hours and tight deadlines really do make things challenging, but the challenge is part of the fun. Season two will come out in April/May 2016 and hopefully people enjoy it! We built some incredible stuff with some very creative and incredible clients! Some of the highlights are a 180' waterslide, mega treehouses, private cable wakeboarding course, paintball battlefield, rock climbing dock, zip lines, rustic cabins in the woods and a whole bunch more fun stuff! <br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hmUZnVviIdg/Vog_C6mHDAI/AAAAAAAAmGc/6NhogVwyjHA/s640-Ic42/IMG_0933.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Here is a cool link to an interview with MLB Network about our episode with Sean Casey and the St. Louis Cardinals: <a href="http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/7417714/v445901183" target="_blank">http://m.mlb.com/video/topic/7417714/v445901183</a>
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Also another fun link is the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lakelifeondiy/?fref=nf" target="_blank">Lake Life w/ Hermans</a> page. This page is full of biographies, profiles, stories, and fun Lake Life information and updates. <br />
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Then that brings me to <a href="http://www.hbpondmanagement.com/index.html" target="_blank">Herman Brothers Lake and Land Management</a>. We had a great year of fisheries management all across the Midwest! This year was a little different than most where we focused more on speaking and teaching than the hands on working. We spoke at several national and local conventions, workshops, and trade shows; along with consulting, electrofishing, and creating marketing plans for sportsmans clubs, campgrounds, lake associations, and private landowners.<br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CBRlmzM9N2Q/Vog6F8-mjtI/AAAAAAAAl5w/hp60JCZCNHs/s512-Ic42/IMG_3035.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9sZMrcTPShw/Vog_H405BWI/AAAAAAAAmGc/YkzwWLcgPbw/s640-Ic42/IMG_1364%252520-%252520Copy%252520%2525282%252529.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Some more exciting HB news was we finally hired a new fisheries biologist, Tad Locher. Tad graduated from Western Illinois University in spring 2015 and is currently finishing up his Masters Degree in fisheries. He spent this whole past year working directly with Nate, learning the ins and outs and art of private fisheries management.<br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WiijSH77Z6Q/Vog_RWOfUWI/AAAAAAAAmFY/5aQw6xs9FPo/s512-Ic42/IMG_2504.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
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With the addition of Tad, we are super excited about being able to get back to our roots of working hands on locally! We would love nothing more than the private waters of Central Illinois to be the finest fishing in the entire country! There is no better time to get your pond shocked than this spring, don't miss this opportunity! We are currently booking 50% off local electrofishing surveys for this spring until Tad is booked up solid. Typically we are booked solid for the entire season by about March so don't wait and miss this deal. <br />
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If you have or know anyone with a lake or pond of any size, now really is the absolute best opportunity to get in touch with us for some pond and lake advice for going into spring. This free fish and pond analysis form is an easy first step: <a href="http://www.hbpondmanagement.com/fishandpond_contact.html" target="_blank">http://www.hbpondmanagement.com/fishandpond_contact.html</a><br />
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For hands on fisheries experience in 2015, we focused on creating the beginning stages of what will be perhaps the most intensively managed and diverse fishery in the United States. The 52 lakes and ponds of the Giant Goose Ranch are coming along actually ahead of schedule! Lots of Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Crappie, Jumbo Perch, Smallmouth Bass, Bluegill, Catfish, Bullhead, Largemouth, and Hybrid Striped Bass all being stocked and getting bigger by the day! <br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QU35dB7Hdgc/Vog_B_oSj-I/AAAAAAAAmGc/mozQL-Gq4dA/s512-Ic42/IMG_0839%252520-%252520Copy%252520-%252520Copy.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ojO6JfaJeao/Vog-_JK7sOI/AAAAAAAAmGo/aW7RD0_CkK4/s640-Ic42/IMG_0681.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="225" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r0k1rifnxuI/Vog_JSY1YiI/AAAAAAAAmBo/dCJy2UoIkA8/s800-Ic42/IMG_1562.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Still we are only seeing just a glimpse of the future, but the backbone of the fisheries are being developed and the stage is being firmly set. Those lakes are already starting to make young, old, novice, and professional fisherman's dreams come true right here in Illinois! <br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O_mLA37R0uE/Vog_B3wLwoI/AAAAAAAAmGc/gawWwLUhB74/s512-Ic42/IMG_0833.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="285" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vdSzTixLb_o/Vog_DiUJt6I/AAAAAAAAmGc/mhRXVUVSM6w/s512-Ic42/IMG_0967.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Dms0FYj4TmM/Vog_EGrhC1I/AAAAAAAAmGc/Po-_wV33zdw/s512-Ic42/IMG_1070.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img height="298" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NIaNImy4Mgg/Vog_BOaQYmI/AAAAAAAAmGc/efjgj9JoaSQ/s640-Ic42/IMG_0830.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DO4-_FOm_8E/Vog_AMmLGwI/AAAAAAAAmGo/h0kpOzYzIys/s512-Ic42/IMG_0814.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
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Here is a link to more of our favorite GGR fishing pics from 2015: <a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/fishing_pics.html" target="_blank">http://giantgooseranch.com/fishing_pics.html</a><br />
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Some exciting new developments at the Goose Ranch for 2016 is that we have three cabins and even several camping lots available to rent by the night! Jackie is already taking reservations for this upcoming season! Here is some more information <a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/rates.html" target="_blank">http://giantgooseranch.com/rates.html</a><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-TaCy42saKIw/U17mE3IgByI/AAAAAAAAfMI/MKE4mWgd_HY/s512-Ic42/IMG_4748.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="267" /><br />
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We also still have opportunities in 2016 to own your own lakefront cabin inside the goose ranch! At the rate we have been selling and building the cabins though, this may be the last year these cabin lots are available. <br />
<img height="266" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2tz9EPLA1Uc/VohOJH7tJSI/AAAAAAAAmHA/qor3aFJuWhE/s600-Ic42/cabin_20big.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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We would love for you to bring your family out for a local mini vacation getaway! We have lots of family events throughout the summer so make sure to load up the kids and come on out! We also post a lot of event updates on the GGR facebook page. You don't even need to have a facebook account to check it out: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Giant-Goose-Ranch/1442589849289140" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Giant-Goose-Ranch/1442589849289140</a><br />
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<img height="267" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cnfy2NqgblA/Vog_Ezggh9I/AAAAAAAAmGc/DukbgPYb5T0/s720-Ic42/IMG_1086.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JfqYmDZzF4Q/Vog_FTP6n8I/AAAAAAAAmBE/X8CSSToqns0/s640-Ic42/IMG_1145.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6g7Rqp53IZo/Vog_Hf-yXgI/AAAAAAAAmAU/RWtTIVCxV3k/s640-Ic42/IMG_1323.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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So now the work recaps are done and we can get into some of the fun stuff of 2015... All work and no play is not a good thing so we made sure to have fun with family any chance possible. It never seemed like a convenient time to get away with all the pressing deadlines, but spending time with our families was a main priority. In July we headed up to family camp for the week at <a href="http://www.vacationwithpurpose.org/" target="_blank">Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conference</a> up on Lake Michigan. It was an awesome week of family fun!<br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rGsag1gnPGo/Vog_LGu6s-I/AAAAAAAAmCc/c3oK7TLlgo0/s512-Ic42/IMG_1697.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
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One good aspect to the busyness of 2015 was that for the most part it was with our families. The kids spent a lot of time this summer actually working right with us out on the jobs, coordinating events at the Goose Ranch, and even on the Lake Life projects. That was a huge highlight and something we are all excited about is having fun working and playing together. The kids really are learning a lot and wont be long before they take over for their dads...<br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-frWJ7ThhBxA/Vog_KPjp8EI/AAAAAAAAmGc/lx1cFh2Iwi8/s512-Ic42/IMG_1578.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KNJwdCeEcZw/Vog-8iM7bcI/AAAAAAAAmGs/Yg9hL_6_804/s512-Ic42/IMG_0249.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-OkBQmNziIoQ/Vog-8iD56xI/AAAAAAAAmGs/IsZqA5R3Gno/s640-Ic42/IMG_0279%252520-%252520Copy%252520-%252520Copy.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hQCNHIEGQsw/Vog-9qkosmI/AAAAAAAAl84/gYV3YVSkPS8/s640-Ic42/IMG_0285.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Another highlight of the year was a guys getaway trip to Ontario at the end of August. I spent a few years dreaming about and researching the ultimate Canadian adventure and came across the ultimate spot for our family! We are more hands on do it yourself kinda guys and <a href="http://www.pashalake.com/" target="_blank">Pasha Lake Cabins</a> was the perfect fit! We loaded up all our stuff and drove the 17 hours north for an amazing week of bear hunting and world class fishing! <br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BBecw7n7HXQ/Vog_NtZ8u4I/AAAAAAAAmFM/-OT95rNxZqg/s640-Ic42/IMG_2009.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yHQGe5QVU3U/Vog_PcTeblI/AAAAAAAAmGc/F-BWoNv_FjM/s512-Ic42/IMG_2068.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
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We actually spent more time bear hunting than fishing, but when we did fish, it didn't take long to find huge schools of walleye and all the weedbeds were loaded with pike. I'll definitely have more information about this trip to post at another time. I literally took a few hundred pics and wrote a diary/documentary about 20 pages long about this trip already! Some day I will post it! If your looking for a do it yourself trip to Canada, I would be glad to help you with all kinds of information we learned from our adventure! <br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-UV_Is0-HW-0/Vog_Pjl7OvI/AAAAAAAAmGc/ABpG_wYJEBo/s512-Ic42/IMG_2085.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6ji4wfI4TYk/Vog_P9fzTfI/AAAAAAAAmEU/0_0LxW46YYY/s640-Ic42/IMG_2087.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="350" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3kEv83FqtJ8/Vog_Pwh4OVI/AAAAAAAAmGc/gZpyu9o2dFA/s576-Ic42/IMG_2090.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p_IyNw-fi7Y/Vog_MmVVLQI/AAAAAAAAmFA/XHWximo773A/s512-Ic42/IMG_1992.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3sBjUtA5EpE/Vog_OBHFmEI/AAAAAAAAmGc/Dob-I20XLXs/s640-Ic42/IMG_2047.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gQ8452RBrU8/Vog_PU7GSWI/AAAAAAAAmEA/3ghsCxAhuBU/s640-Ic42/IMG_2069.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pbwoWX2DsFU/Vog_QNMv9VI/AAAAAAAAmGc/ImFOWcI8xMU/s512-Ic42/IMG_2099.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
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Chad Thompson is the ambitious owner of Pasha Lake Cabins and he offered us the perfect scenario for our dream trip. Comfortable cabins to stay in, access to amazing fishing lakes, unsurpassed knowledge of the local bear hunting and fishing! He provided just enough guidance and background prepwork for our hunting and fishing excursions to be perfectly successful, but yet still out there on our own. We brought our own food, atv's, stands, fishing equipment, etc.. Words cant describe the natural beauty of the Lake Nipigon area of Ontario and now we actually have real experiences to guide our Canada daydreams until we return. When we return to Canada, it will definitely be to Pasha Lakes. <br />
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Early November brought about some awesome archery whitetail hunting. More like observing the herd rather than shooting deer, but we are really encouraged about the amazing bounce back for our local deer herds! The last 2 seasons we haven't had much to get excited about with the devastation EHD had on our mature bucks and does, but this season offered us some really exciting glimpses of the future. Doe populations have rebounded nicely and 2-4 yr old bucks are all over our farms again! We are actually excited once again going into next season! <br />
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Tyler shot his first ever deer this year, a nice mature buck! Not bad for a first kill:<br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n7XHuQ2ALCw/Vog_Q-f3hfI/AAAAAAAAmFo/AcrytftEtKI/s640-Ic42/IMG_2424.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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I was able to get out shot gun hunting on the Sunday afternoon of the first gun season. The boys and I headed out after church and harvested a nice doe. They had a blast tracking her with the fresh snow! They led the way and followed the blood trail all the way to her!! These boys love every aspect of HUNTING! We passed on several small bucks and talked deer management the whole time we were out in the field! <br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZhynKRgOj74/Vog6EkknGZI/AAAAAAAAl5k/YzR3NJO4ICM/s640-Ic42/IMG_2738.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Between Thanksgiving and Christmas we filmed our last episode of Lake Life season 2 down in Gulf Shores, Alabama and that was an awesome time to spend with the family on a combo vacation/work trip! We had the perfect mix of sun, swimming, fishing, and working... The ocean was calm a couple days and we were able to take our Carolina skiff out 25 miles to some wrecks and reefs and catch some awesome fish on relatively light tackle! <br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sINd1Ch6pUY/Vog6E4QyGbI/AAAAAAAAl5g/u2Ol37VhLvg/s512-Ic42/IMG_2883.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-q_Yp6b_X9PQ/Vog6FMXDVkI/AAAAAAAAl5E/rxFXKMviOIk/s512-Ic42/IMG_2904.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="300" /><br />
<img height="300" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jPlRf835n-c/Vog6FW7mMKI/AAAAAAAAl4k/cW1dM2pQdHU/s640-Ic42/IMG_2905.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Now that we are back home and the holiday celebrations are behind us, we were hoping to be ice fishing right now! We will just keep on waiting for some colder weather and if it never comes I guess I wont be too disappointed at this stage. We had several ice fishing events we would love to have, but we will just wait and see what happens over the next 6 weeks. This is what I am looking forward to again once we can get back out on the ice!<br />
<img height="340" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-x3jBE0jIFvo/Vog6FRUqSRI/AAAAAAAAl5s/UWak_Tbvg-k/s576-Ic42/IMG_3021.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Looking back on 2015 we have a lot to be thankful for! However, the blog post naturally highlights the highlights. The journey God has us on is indeed exciting but definitely not easy. Thru all the good times and the hard times, He is shaping and molding all of us. This past year was a great year for not only learning the power of prayer, but learning how to pray as well. This Christmas really was a great time to reflect on the historical significance of Jesus' birth 2015 years ago; to re-evaluate goals and plans for 2016; and to truly live our lives for God's plan and glory. <br />
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Stay tuned cause we hope to be back on the blogging scene with more event updates and tips from the field (and the water)....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-31094508456359691482015-06-28T18:18:00.003-05:002015-06-28T18:18:38.076-05:00Workin and Playin and Whats Happening Outdoors! Jared and his girls are enjoying fresh farm raised blue catfish for dinner tonight from their 4 acre pond:<br />
<img alt="Jared Plattner's photo." class="scaledImageFitHeight img" height="394" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/l/t1.0-9/p296x100/11659375_10204292558143416_5279532174559557883_n.jpg?oh=5fa567c4d7fc9632c7277cfedfeb46ab&oe=56148D17" style="left: 0px;" width="296" />
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Justin and I were searching the bottom of our lake Saturday afternoon for a prop that fell off our boat earlier in the day... anyhow after an hour of unfruitful searching we got side tracked when we found a bunch of big channel catfish guarding eggs in their holes.<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="333" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/10432934_948640715187738_7642274318605530568_n.jpg?oh=e4e9fd7e3642810c7e3d1ba7579606c4&oe=55EA9D45" width="400" /><br />
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The bait of choice was actually our hands... swim down, stick your hand in the hole and the catfish would clamp down tight and then we would wrestle them up to the surface... my hand is a little sore today, but cant wait to go back looking for that prop again later this week! <br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/11217517_948640681854408_5418065368814495434_n.jpg?oh=9b2e25eee95d2974c8ce7d7756d0c790&oe=55EC77E3" width="300" /><br />
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In case you haven't noticed, its been raining quite a bit here in Central Illinois this month. I did a quick google search and found an article that said Peoria's 2nd rainiest June of all time.. that folks is a lot of rain. <br />
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We started filming Season Two of Lake Life a couple weeks ago. Part of the episode was fishing at our lake with Sean Casey a 3 time all star with the Cinncinati Reds and MLB Network Analyst. Season Two is gonna ROCK!!!<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11401556_936359799749163_4853993610353917167_n.jpg?oh=7e62cc5081129bed31cf5cf199d625bf&oe=5631E804" width="400" /><br />
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And a little fish shocking too... also of note is that we have hired another biologist and are currently taking reservations for fall fish shocking surveys!<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11110223_932593816792428_2126331484679497734_n.jpg?oh=241da5219d3bbd81aa7e472bfaf0557e&oe=56303DF8" width="400" /><br />
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If you don't have DIY Network or you keep missing it on Tuesday nights, you can catch Lake Life Season 1 on Amazon.com- <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XD5EDPW?ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_aiv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_aiv-20" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XD5EDPW?ref_=imdbref_tt_wbr_aiv&tag=imdbtag_tt_wbr_aiv-20</a><br />
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We have had alot of fun events this spring so far! Our fishing tournament at the Giant Goose Ranch with Camp Big Sky in May went awesome! <br />
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Our fishing tournament at the Giant Goose Ranch with Hooked on Fishing Park also in May went awesome as well! <br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1509962_1620274934853963_6955115538053181244_n.jpg?oh=2e6072e29b1365300f7cd41f555bb32e&oe=5634ED96" width="400" /><br />
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We had a fun corporate event for Precision Planting Sales Team last week that was a blast... literally... cast and blast to be more exact. We had a fun rifle shooting and clay pigeon shooting competition followed by catching enough fish for dinner for 30 people just 2 hrs before dinner... good thing the hybrid striped bass were biting! If your looking for the ultimate team building corporate event, I think we got you covered...<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpt1/v/t1.0-9/11111120_947172512001225_1226322907983708010_n.jpg?oh=2e1a5d1726ff87a74253126e27f0c3a0&oe=5630E9E9" width="400" /><br />
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Goose Ranch is pumping out some monster fish this year! With 52 lakes and ponds and its own fish hatchery, this is gonna become the top multi-species fishery in the country in just a few years! However, we aren't too far off already, here are some good ones from this year so far:<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11229541_1614649018749888_4866659609149135369_n.jpg?oh=0fd49fc1d5cdf56ee44af0dd3425bac4&oe=562EC269" width="300" /><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/11178321_1609343579280432_3250926186177930679_n.jpg?oh=d7ddd8e3c53b023876484062b122eae0&oe=5632C272" width="284" /><br />
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<img alt="Giant Goose Ranch's photo." class="scaledImageFitWidth img" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/s480x480/10410468_1617754488439341_3165662209592090494_n.jpg?oh=6487e2e6240c266f215fa515691179f8&oe=56147700" style="top: -18px;" width="400" /><br />
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Here is a shot of the new campground under construction. We have 87 new premium lots that should be ready in just a couple weeks! We have already presold over half of them and hope to have the rest spoken for by the end of the year. Don't miss your chance to join the Midwest's Premier Camping, Fishing, and Family Outdoor Recreation Area! <br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="266" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11265057_1619929018221888_4417642447238410014_n.jpg?oh=59908f7bc818dd7661da703453f10baa&oe=55E9CA95" width="400" /><br />
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At the Goose Ranch we have about 30 more of the new campsites still available for yearly camping lease and about 25 buildable cabin lots also available for yearly lease as well. With each lease you get membership to the whole property and your own private lakefront lot suited for your camper or we custom build portable cabins on the cabin lots. <a href="http://www.giantgooseranch.com/">www.giantgooseranch.com</a> <br />
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We are having a big party this Friday July 3rd starting at 5 pm! This is a free event for members and only $5 per adult for guests. Its a potluck so bring a desert or covered dish and we are supplying the pulled pork along with a lot of fun carnival games for kids and of course Fireworks at dark! If you are not a member, but would like to come bring the family out for some fun and check out the goose ranch, just contact <a href="mailto:nate@hblakemanagement.com">nate</a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">@hblakemanagement.com</a> to be our guest. We would love to have you come hang out with us! <br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/13203_1597247260490064_3467013398419741179_n.jpg?oh=d7a91525f5f92ade6239555b79553fae&oe=562DE5AB" width="400" /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-63756098859807495922015-05-10T06:42:00.003-05:002015-05-10T06:42:52.103-05:00Herman Brothers TV Show Premiere May 12th! About three years ago we were approached by some tv people who said we think what you guys are doing would make a good tv show...family outdoor related business working with fish and building cool lake front creations.... Quite a bit has happened since then, and here we are just a few days away from our very own tv show premiere!! <br />
<img alt="DIY Lake Life Premiere" src="http://cdn.frontdoor.com/99/4f/59d7eb274fa5a43b1642adc82bd1/promo-diy-network-lake-life-premiere.jpg" height="60" width="234" /><br />
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The show is called <a href="http://www.diynetwork.com/shows/lake-life" target="_blank">Lake Life</a> and it premieres Tuesday night May 12th at 9 pm on the DIY Network. we will have a new episode out every Tuesday night all summer long! Its a build show but its not your typical DIY or HGTV build show. Its actually a lot more real to life in the construction world and everything doesn't always just go together perfectly or is made to look simple. <br />
<img class="rsImg rsMainSlideImage" src="http://diy.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/diy/fullset/2015/4/24/0/0011_DAHU101H_101605_228157.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.1280.853.jpeg" height="266" width="400" /><br />
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The show has at times been dubbed as the term "reality tv", but again its not your typical reality tv show. In fact its actually not reality tv, its not scripted... Lake Life is a <strong>build show</strong>, that captures who we are, what we do, and how we go about doing it. Being a family business, our families are very much involved. Here are is a link to some pics and some more info about the show: <a href="http://www.hbpondmanagement.com/lakelife.html" target="_blank">http://www.hbpondmanagement.com/lakelife.html</a><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10847842_10204521930202499_3697894471534235497_n.jpg?oh=f2c4a7fff57ea69bdce0b067c9519b71&oe=55D42DF6" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10801980_10204565141842763_1688748985142425371_n.jpg?oh=a96daf3fa732509b52049117c8be8392&oe=55CF2E97" width="400" /><br />
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So anyhow, we are very excited for the show to come out. We hope you all tune in on the 12th and hopefully will share with your friends and family as well. Also shoot us some feedback as well if and when you do end up watching! <br />
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Also while I'm putting together a blog post, you are all invited to our Giant Goose Ranch open house on Saturday May 23rd from 9-4 pm! <a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/" target="_blank">http://giantgooseranch.com/</a> We have a brand new 2 acre Inspiration Fishing Pond filled with trout, catfish, bullheads, bluegills, crappie, perch, bass, and many other bonus species for your kids to come out and catch at the open house, along with pony rides, face painting, and all kinds of other fun stuff. Lunch is provided as donations for Camp Big Sky. <br />
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We actually have an awesome fishing derby going on that day as well. 30 professional tournament anglers will be taking out 30 handicapped residents for the ultimate fishing derby! The weighin starts about 11:30 am and we would love to have a huge crowd on hand to cheer on the contestants as they stand up on the grand stage and hold up their fish!! <br />
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Hope to see you all at the Goose Ranch on the 23rd! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-15796099651537443182015-04-12T21:48:00.000-05:002015-04-12T21:48:14.654-05:00Springtime Recap, Pics and Upcoming EventsWell, I think I can hopefully confidently say that spring has officially sprung! Vegetation is finally turning green, no more frost on my windshield in the morning, and crocs are our footwear of choice from here on out... Oh yeah and we actually made it out fishing Saturday late afternoon!
We were after as many different species as possible at Herman Brothers 30 acre proving grounds lake and we accomplished our goal: <br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/11100351_10205462848124859_5364210680238846311_n.jpg?oh=7592a3f1d2f0d5c5c1d454d6ac580509&oe=55E58D95" style="height: 578px; width: 434px;" width="720" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xft1/v/t1.0-9/11129918_10205462849484893_7634356985397229659_n.jpg?oh=18a791b5d69afb0ef44161a92d782d13&oe=55A9FD37&__gda__=1436479429_9f48c10ec866ac4cb15fd02742584829" style="height: 578px; width: 434px;" width="720" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/11136671_10205462848404866_9174330492444449293_n.jpg?oh=91f7c265df7f0f56218781b0266aa3dd&oe=55A6468A" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/1898214_10205462848804876_5781813500781157746_n.jpg?oh=cedfbf8e83641945a7a82de840fd49ff&oe=55B20B3C" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/l/t1.0-9/11138604_10205462849924904_7763090739755326293_n.jpg?oh=a65f805fc0e2cd69e647aecd231cbd6f&oe=55A38192" style="height: 578px; width: 434px;" width="720" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10451907_10205462849124884_4238111698869883702_n.jpg?oh=07b8a62e05b55dd3bbd3d2e175273386&oe=559BBE33" style="height: 578px; width: 434px;" width="720" /><br />
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It was good to get back out fishing. This spring we have been working 'round the clock getting the <a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/" target="_blank">Goose Ranch</a> ready for the upcoming season! Man, I'm telling you it is by far the most impressive outdoor recreational project I have seen to date anywhere in the country. We have built, connected, and renovated tons of lakes, put in miles of roads, constructed tons of cabins, created bigger campsites, working on pavilions, bathhouses, beach, and stocked more fish than one could even fathom. We are up to 56 lakes and ponds now on the property...If you havent been out to at least visit the goose ranch in 2015 you need to come and take a peak!<br />
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We have been putting all our updates, events, and pics on our Giant Goose Ranch Facebook Page. You dont need facebook to view it, here is the link: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Giant-Goose-Ranch/1442589849289140" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/pages/Giant-Goose-Ranch/1442589849289140</a><br />
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Here are some of the coolest fish we have stocked this spring, Albino Channel Catfish:<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="852" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xta1/v/t1.0-9/11115590_1601166443431479_5285100762401920839_n.jpg?oh=4b8e4c6af947cdce5a9224cc73840229&oe=55DCD6B0&__gda__=1440616781_a078cfc407bd29112b272b8a3da5754e" style="height: 578px; width: 434px;" width="640" /><br />
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Here is a pic of our new rental cabin at the goose ranch! This cabin is available to rent by the night and includes full access to the whole ranch. <a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/cabins_rental.html" target="_blank">http://giantgooseranch.com/cabins_rental.html</a><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xat1/v/t1.0-9/11130281_1600628086818648_1471200791870393972_n.jpg?oh=895f0bfa5f404bbfdabe99a9f9cd21fc&oe=55A297AA" width="400" /><br />
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You can bring your own boat or rent a deluxe fishing boat as well. <a href="http://www.buellsmarine.com/" target="_blank">Buell's Marine</a> in Canton is conveniently located just a few miles from the ranch and has been servicing all our boat needs for us and our members at the ranch! We have the perfect family fishing boat for rent, its a brand new Lowe Stryker 16' fishing machine! It has enough amenities for the perfect day on the water, but simple enough for anyone to operate and manuever! <br />
<img height="300" name="big" src="http://cdn-2.psndealer.com/e2/dealersite/images/newvehicles/2015/nv449088_0.jpg" width="400" /><br />
Here is an event at the Goose Ranch that I hope you all can attend and bring your friends and family out to as well. Its not only our spring Goose Ranch open house, but its also one of the coolest fishing tournaments in the country! The Camp Big Sky handicapped fishing tournament will be held on Giant Goose Lake on Saturday, May 23rd! The tournament pairs up 30 handicapped anglers with 30 tournamant fishing anglers and every species of fish counts. We are setting up a big stage area for the weigh in and our goal is to have over 500 people there cheering on the contestants as they stand up in front of everyone holding up their fish with the biggest smiles you have ever seen! <br />
<img alt="" class="auto-style1" src="http://campbigsky.org/images/fishing_tournament.png" usemap="#ImgMap0" /><br />
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<strong>Also on that day bring your families out to fish in the kid fishing pond, hike the trails, and tour the ranch! This will be a super fun event for the whole family! </strong><br />
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One last big event is our tv show season premiere is scheduled for Tuesday night May 12th on the DIY Network. I believe there will be a new episode out every Tuesday night all summer long! I think they are going to start playing the reruns from last season earlier in May too. Here is some more information: <a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/lakelife.html" target="_blank">http://giantgooseranch.com/lakelife.html</a><br />
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I was a little tired today and ended up taking a 4 hour nap this afternoon. Man am I thankful for Sundays, I guess God knew what he was doing by putting in a day of rest... All the HB and Goose Ranch crews have been working round the clock! We now have 26 guys and gals working full time for Goose Ranch and we are super excited about the opportunities that lie ahead!!!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-13730690256534824622015-02-08T20:35:00.004-06:002015-02-08T20:35:55.409-06:00Ice fishing reports and picsWell, it looks like we are going to have at least a 10-14 day window for ice fishing here in mid-February in Central Illinois.The last few days there have been several groups out ice fishing, here are the reports and pics! <br />
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Out at the <a href="http://gooseranch.com/" target="_blank">Giant Goose Ranch</a>, several groups went out over the weekend, and everyone did great!!Mike from Chicago had an awesome day on the big lake where he iced over 40 bass using a swedish pimple in 8-14' water around submerged islands. He somehow managed to land several very large bass through the tiny hole:<br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-g6R3SUp6UNg/VNfySRfWWBI/AAAAAAAAlJ4/zUZCjQdylTA/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520245.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img closure_lm_738233="null" height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZOfHAIhAFwE/VNfyRa9OhSI/AAAAAAAAlJo/-I1R7MhsnDU/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520243.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Mike also found an awesome limit of panfish as well. Im pretty sure he stuck with the swedish pimple most of the time, since the fish were pretty active. <br />
<img closure_lm_738233="null" height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_4idLtvHNvw/VNfyh4YFq9I/AAAAAAAAlNs/8oJnJ7NGPc4/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520276.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 115px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
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Dave and his son fished the old duck blind island on big lake and their first fish was this nice rainbow trout! <br />
<img closure_lm_738233="null" height="225" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-LsDQuWbznhE/VNfyU-e976I/AAAAAAAAlKs/TwOEgNUvzLc/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520252.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Several groups hit High Rise lake for yellow perch and everyone did awesome with limits over the weekend. Most reported 30-50 perch. Here is the Woodson boys catch, they are gonna be eating good! <br />
<img height="225" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--_CuiuK1rt0/VNgBcpMmrWI/AAAAAAAAlRo/0tcU_ihAuzY/s400/goose%2520ranch%2520010.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 75px; top: 53px;" width="400" /><br />
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Steve and his group hit up one of our other lakes and did really well on giant bluegill!<br />
<img closure_lm_561397="null" height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-7pVK7CrBKeY/VNgBZ8KQigI/AAAAAAAAlRE/MxXk_5agnsw/s400/goose%2520ranch%2520005.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 115px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kArVe92PjJk/VNgBbIOWrLI/AAAAAAAAlRQ/BU9odLuyBQA/s512/goose%2520ranch%2520007.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-852z0LeYlWw/VNgBY2Hvy7I/AAAAAAAAlQw/-knApjHzRv8/s400/goose%2520ranch%2520003.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 115px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="400" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-i6BawONcYKA/VNgBaXNJrRI/AAAAAAAAlRI/gWI6T8gTeTw/s400/goose%2520ranch%2520006.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 243px; top: 0px;" width="388" /><br />
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They saved enough time to hit the perch zone as well:<br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QHQTcIwPSjs/VNfyl_ZR5AI/AAAAAAAAlOw/gGgc1GFHeXQ/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520285.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-XiU2NBlHLeE/VNfymaAtkTI/AAAAAAAAlO0/IGF9Fe_0bmo/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520286.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Chef Todd also did pretty good over the weekend! <br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-a-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10959770_1590852121148874_34394376154890890_n.jpg?oh=e7b73bbbc289fabf32ffa3b7054f5432&oe=55575968" width="400" /><br />
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This albino catfish was on his bucket list!<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10985530_1591092521124834_2944334839143183024_n.jpg?oh=942fca06bb6a994916b4ceb383e36d26&oe=554BB25B&__gda__=1435957860_f0fa74297dce6553d3fa673559c5cbbc" width="225" /><br />
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Chris had the most safe ice and hosted a large group to raise money for hooked on fishing park and one lucky guy caught this monster:<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://scontent-b-lga.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/s960x960/10974234_10203618786370287_6811637962565553613_o.jpg" width="305" /><br />
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Christian and Justin did some perch fishing awhile back in Justins backyard and did pretty good finding some Dakota Gold!<br />
<img closure_lm_31675="null" height="267" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i7cj7QNx8qs/VNfxkOzO0MI/AAAAAAAAk-o/U9oFbcJ2j-k/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520144.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="267" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ssK_XTN895c/VNfxl_-b6WI/AAAAAAAAk-w/X3FhxuGWggk/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520145.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UqZcw9JP6hQ/VNfxfeJ_j6I/AAAAAAAAk9Y/dc00YSUzsKE/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520134.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cxfnocODHXA/VNfxhW9aypI/AAAAAAAAk90/GD2iTvPBSqE/s512/ice%2520fishing%2520138.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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We have been working nonstop out at the Goose Ranch building cabins and have only been able to ice fish just a few minutes here and there but I did find a nice walleye while scouting around on thin ice earlier this season:<br />
<img height="278" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--islXdlrzlY/VNfxde_c0DI/AAAAAAAAk84/CTchqWYcPkw/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520130.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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Us Herman Bros took our wives and kids out for an hour Sat evening and got on an insane hybrid striper bite! The fast action had alot to do with the new boost product from Zebco. In 10 yrs of hybrid striper fishing through the ice, I have never had them biting this well through the ice, they were on fire with all that fish scent in the water! We landed about 30 of them and kept 4 of the smaller ones for dinner! We literally had 1-3 fish on at a time for 30 minutes straight!!<br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-9GkKgrjwNv8/VNfyZxi-YbI/AAAAAAAAlL0/L_yWuq6PLVA/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520261.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QCfvJW31Txg/VNfyemTplzI/AAAAAAAAlNA/FfpQuz2HTYA/s512/ice%2520fishing%2520270.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
<img closure_lm_738233="null" height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EcoYTheupR0/VNfyc5K4qII/AAAAAAAAlMg/-Wmo3SaXXwI/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520266.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cVQHOU8_seM/VNfyhBmnc-I/AAAAAAAAlNo/0aXk2wcHSzI/s512/ice%2520fishing%2520275.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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So anyhow, when the ice is safe the fishing is GREAT! I couldnt be more thrilled with how everything is progressing at the Giant Goose Ranch. The fisheries there are well on their way to becoming the best multi-species fishing lakes in the entire nation! Next week we are chainsawing a big hole through the ice and stocking 5000 more rainbow, brook, and brown trout into big lake. <br />
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Also another really exciting fish stocking program is the specialty species that are native to Illinois. We are working with the Illinois DNR to stock 13 of the goose ranch lakes and ponds with many different native broodfish species! This is super exciting!!<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-28097451031244926092015-02-03T21:23:00.002-06:002015-02-03T21:23:30.436-06:00Feb 7th Ice Fishing Derby CANCELLEDSad to say we have to cancel the upcoming ice fishing derby scheduled at the Giant Goose Ranch. We only have 3-5" of ice and many weak spots along the edges so no go for the event. <br />
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This was a fundraiser for the hooked on fishing park 2015 operating expenses. I am hoping some of you will still donate time or money to the park this year to help keep that awesome program running full bore! <br />
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Here is more information: <a href="http://hookedonfishingpark.com/" target="_blank">http://hookedonfishingpark.com/</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-59944474218042651302015-01-26T11:33:00.000-06:002015-01-26T11:33:18.122-06:00Jan 31st Ice Fishing Event CANCELLED<strong>Our Ice fishing Extravaganza scheduled for Jan 31st unfortunately has to be rescheduled due to unsafe ice.</strong> We are moving the event to Saturday, Feb 7th and joining up with the Fishing Derby already scheduled for that day. <br />
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So here are the new event details: Cost is $50 per two man team for those entering the derby. For those who just want to come hang out and eat lunch on the ice, the cost is a $10 donation to Hooked On Fishing Park. <br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="400" src="https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/v/t1.0-9/1660287_632165503596234_2472114720775300578_n.png?oh=b8c261c2081451f7260d4ee232a113ef&oe=55632110" width="284" /><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-38639059612428188732015-01-20T20:38:00.003-06:002015-01-20T20:38:41.035-06:00Upcoming Pond Boss Conference and Expo<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img src="http://www.pondboss.com/images/userfiles/image/events/20140425121909_6_7_pondboss6logo.jpg" height="320" id="cboxPhoto" style="border: currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="226" /></div>
I would like to personally invite you to the National Pond Boss Conference and Expo. Every pond, lake, and land owner along with every young buck hoping to learn a thing or two about cutting edge management of fish and wildlife wont want to miss this event February 19-21 2015 at the Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront on Lake Ray Hubbard. <br />
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Seriously, this is a superstar collection of the nations top private fishery and wildlife biologists sharing their secrets to success. Not only just sharing their information, but you will also have time to talk to most of them all personally throughout the weekend about your exact situations and experiences. <br />
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The information and networking you will gain from this event is life changing and priceless. I stumbled across <a href="http://www.pondboss.com/" target="_blank">Pond Boss Magazine</a> about 10 years ago. The things I have learned and the people I have met through the magazine and conferences have shaped my core management techniques.<br />
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The magazine is packed with information for property owners who want to push the envelope in attracting wildlife and growing abnormally large fish; and the conference brings it all to life! <br />
<img src="http://www.pondboss.com/images/userfiles/image/magazines/20150105101016_6_141_janfeb2015cover.jpg" height="400" id="cboxPhoto" style="border: currentColor; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="308" /><br />
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You can Register online at <a href="http://www.pondboss.com/events.asp?id=7" target="_blank">Pond Boss Registration</a> or just click the link for more information. Also you can always register over the phone at 800-687-6075<br />
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This will be my 6th conference, but the first time I will be speaking at it! I am super excited. Here is a line up of speakers for the event. <br />
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<a href="http://www.pondboss.com/images/userfiles/file/20150120153931_6_PondBossVISpeakerProgram-TalkDetails.pdf" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;"><b>Pond Boss VI Speaker Program - Talk Details</b></span></a><br />
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Hopefully will see some of you guys down in Dallas! You can always contact me direct for more information as well- <a href="mailto:nate@hblakemanagement.com">nate@hblakemanagement.com</a> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-16116157051955187102015-01-11T07:25:00.001-06:002015-01-11T07:25:59.554-06:00Upcoming Ice Fishing EventsThe ice is getting thicker and we are planning some really fun ice fishing events for the end of this month! Right now its too cold to be out fishing, but once this polar equinox or vertex or cold front moves or whatever you want to call it, once its gone and things warm up a bit the fishing will be on FIRE! <br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Vf0sPEskGJU/UtvL1C33y5I/AAAAAAAAbbk/o-Ipf0gmW2I/s400/bad%2520day%2520ice%2520fishing%2520080.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 77px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
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The perfect day of ice fishing involves alot of friends, a big bonfire, hot chocolate, Chef Todd's famous pot of soup, and of course catching lots of fish! Even if you have no ice fishing gear or dont care to fish in general, just getting outside with the family and hanging out with everyone on the lake is a great way to help stave off those winter blues! Not to mention that experiences and adventures like this are life changing for those kiddos.<br />
<img closure_lm_512398="null" height="480" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ne0S90zC-mk/UwDAB46-wSI/AAAAAAAAc6I/46rbRtr9Fd8/s640/perch%2520pics%2520063.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 300px; width: 400px;" width="640" /><br />
<img closure_lm_632188="null" height="225" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_ZA7SfRMax4/UwFAxu5Z-zI/AAAAAAAAc9E/Hb5VySULAFI/s400/crappie%2520005.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 18px; top: 53px;" width="400" /><br />
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We have two big events planned for this winter. The first one is the <a href="http://www.giantgooseranch.com/fishing_pics.html" target="_blank">Giant Goose Ranch</a> family ice fishing extravaganza on Saturday, January 31st. We will be ice fishing from 8-4 pm that day with Chef Todd's famous lunch at Noon. <br />
<img height="481" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-T-fkq-31GJ8/UtdF9bjZH2I/AAAAAAAAbCI/FuewyX4MgkU/s720/ice%2520fishing%2520bros%2520166.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 290px; left: 36px; top: 15px; width: 400px;" width="720" /><br />
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Bonfire and Hot Chocolate will be available all day, and you can make plans to stay all day or simply come for however long you think your kids can make it outside. We will have a portable outhouse with a cold seat out near the lakes, but also have a heated bathouse up at the goose ranch office as well....<br />
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We will have 100's of ice fishing holes drilled and plenty of helpers to help everyone catch some fish! We even have a special kids fishing pond set up for ice fishing that is full of plump rainbow trout, feisty bluegill and bass, and even a handful of big bonus crappie for the kids. <br />
<img height="480" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jd7OCPwa4r0/UrzlaQgqBdI/AAAAAAAAZ6Y/-sBO3m9fgg4/s640/icr%2520fishing%2520024.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 300px; left: 207px; top: 0px; width: 400px;" width="640" /><br />
<img height="480" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Pg6vpQujHhc/UrzlbfnZaDI/AAAAAAAAZ6o/AZ-FJKaKUwI/s640/icr%2520fishing%2520026.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 300px; left: 79px; top: 16px; width: 400px;" width="640" /><br />
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The cost for this event is free for kids 15 and under, $5 per goose ranch member, $5 for women (non-members), and $75 for men (non-members). Just email <a href="mailto:nate@hblakemanagement.com">nate@hblakemanagement.com</a> for questions, directions and details. <br />
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The next event we are hosting is on Saturday, Feb 7th! It actually is an ice fishing derby with not only great prizes, but braggin rights on the line. More than the competition though, this ice fishing derby is a fundraiser for the <a href="http://hookedonfishingpark.com/" target="_blank">Hooked on Fishing Park</a> in East Peoria. <br />
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Each year Hooked on Fishing teaches thousands of kids and takes senior citizens fishing free of charge over at their East Peoria ponds. Its an amazing facility that is picture perfect for introducing children to fishing and taking bus loads of residents from nursing and handicap homes. <br />
There is no shortage of kids and seniors that are on the list to come fishing each summer, but the limiting factor is simply raising the funds and having the volunteers necessary to do so. <strong>We could use your help!</strong><br />
<a data-ved="0CAcQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=hooked+on+fishing+park+east+peoria&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.heartlandoutdoors.com%2Fscattershooting%2Fstory%2Fgreat_chance_to_take_a_kid_fishing&ei=63eyVJyLGIi1yASH_IDoCA&bvm=bv.83339334,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNHfx9ors-WsN2LaPh5Gsb0rfIwoAw&ust=1421068643211391" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img height="223" id="irc_mi" src="http://heartland.ehclients.com/images/Hooked-on-fishing-2.jpg" style="margin-top: 18px;" width="400" /></a><br />
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If you like to ice fish come on out and enter the derby with a partner. The entry fee is $50 per two man team and 100% of the funds go directly towards 2015 operating costs at the fishing park. The derby runs from 8-12 with a famous Chef Todd lunch and weigh in right at noon. Following the weigh in, the Goose Ranch will also be open for more ice fishing until 4 pm. <br />
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Presley's Outdoors in Bartonville is sponsoring and putting on this event so stop on down and sign up there or contact <a href="mailto:dan@presleysoutdoors.com">dan@presleysoutdoors.com</a> for more information. <br />
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One last event is for any pondmeisters up in Wisconsin! <br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="626" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/1979704_10204838773083373_564687139862908634_n.jpg?oh=5fd98727357d588cb8301d59e94868b0&oe=556742E4" style="height: 593px; width: 444px;" width="469" /><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-68090947890691912582015-01-06T07:26:00.002-06:002015-01-06T07:26:19.476-06:00Meadows Lake Renovation Here is a neat video of the Meadows Lake renovation that is just about completed. We've been working nonstop renovating the <a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/" target="_blank">Goose Ranch</a> out in Canton, IL for the last year. The Giant Goose Ranch is quickly becoming the Midwests' Premier fishing, hunting, camping, and family recreation area! <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/u2fnBZY8MII" width="560"></iframe>
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The meadows lake area is at the north end of the property and was a low, swampy 40 acre jungle. We raised the elevation of the whole field by adding 3-4' of dirt along the east edge of the field and gradually sloped the water to the west. We raised the level of this lake by 2.5' and we pulled the dirt needed for all this from along the edges of the lake. By doing all this, we more than doubled the size of the lake and created the coolest future camping area ever. <br />
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This area is being turned into a new premium camping area. We have 70 new lakefront campsites going in this area. The sites are all 60' wide and apprx 60-100' deep. These campsites lease by the year and along with having your own private lot, you also have access to all of the other lakes and ponds on the property. Over 35 of these sites have already been reserved in advance, and I'm thinking the remainder will be spoken for sometime around Memorial Day. <br />
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The Goose Ranch really is the coolest concept ever for outdoor family recreation. You and your family have your own private lakefront lot on an 830 acre intensively managed property with tons of lakes and miles of trails to explore and here's the best part: Herman Brothers does all the work, you guys just come out and have fun! Catch some trout and about 15 other species of fish, hike, cookout, hangout, and top off the evening with a campfire! <br />
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Here is a before and after shot of the Meadows Lae area. The main lake and field in the center of the image was the main focus. Oh yeah, we also needed even more dirt so we dug a new lake on all along the south edge of the field and connected it to meadows lake as well. <br />
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lTYaBSV0p1E/VJt-oF2zFhI/AAAAAAAAksA/PyhyiCxtjE4/s512/before%2520after%2520006.jpg" /><br />
<img alt="Meadows lake after a major remodel." class="_46-i img" height="280" src="https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfa1/v/t1.0-9/q81/p280x280/1453258_10100108243008912_2608871028334751100_n.jpg?oh=ef70351c891072fb7116ec8f08260b74&oe=5547335A" style="left: -5px; top: 0px;" width="497" /><br />
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It sounds kinda crazy for a property with 52 existing lakes and ponds to be digging new lakes, but thats the best way for us to get the dirt we need is to simply dig a pond.... When moving dirt, a big key to efficiency is to not move it far. For us at the goose ranch, that means there are going to be quite a few more lakes and ponds all over the place, cause we need alot of dirt all over for various projects!<br />
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Also as part of our renovations, you will see lots of islands. To gain depth in many situations where depth is critical, the most efficient way to do it is to make islands. You only need to touch the dirt once with the machine and can quickly turn a shallow area into fish heaven with good depth and contour. Fish tend to congregate around islands, just as much as people do! <br />
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Alot of people have asked about the stocking strategy for this lake. My answer is there wont be any additional stocking, and the fishing is gonna be dynamite quic!. You see, when you double the size of a lake whether it be by excavating or flooding, the existing fish typically respond by growing much larger than usual! This lake already had a good population of average sized crappie, bluegill, and bass. By the end of this upcoming summer, this will be one of the better fishing lakes on the property just from these average sized fish getting more room to roam and more food to eat....<br />
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You will see in the video, alot of Caterpillar machinery. None of these renovations would be possible without the guys from <a href="http://www.altorfer.com/index.shtml" target="_blank">Altorfer</a>- the local Cat Rental Store. This portion is gonna sound like an endorsement, and it kinda is, but I feel is appropriate because it will help many landowners knowing this information. <br />
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Renting bigger machinery or any machinery is a pretty intimidating thing for most guys to do, or they dont even know its possible to begin with. The guys at Altorfer have helped us tremendously, by not only providing equipment, but helping us utilize the exact right equipment for each specific task. <br />
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This summer we have used Altorfer's equipment on properties all over the midwest. Skid Steers, Concrete Mixers, Lighted Generators, Mini-Excavators, Big Excavators, Bulldozers, Manlifts, Water Pumps, Vibratory Compactor, and many other items. They drop the equipment off for us at the jobsite and then pick it up for us when we are done. <br />
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The reason I mention this, is because MOST landowners do not know how convenient and affordable renting equipment is compared to owning. No maintenance, no trailering, no storing, and no worries. Just rent the right piece of equipment for the specific task at hand and let the rental company take care of the rest. <br />
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Fixing roads, spreading rock, clearing food plots, clearing timber, making trails, creek crossings, digging ponds, or anything you can think of at your property is now possible once you start a relationship with your local rental company. Don't be intimidated by any job (big or small) on your property ever again, just rent the right machine and get er done. <br />
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Not only have we been doing projects around the area this summer, but weve been tackling projects across the country utilizing rental equipment. We've had crews working down as far as Alabama for a couple weeks at the same time as crews are still working full bore up here. Starting our relationships with equipment rental companies this past year has helped us take on 5 times as many projects as normal, because we dont have to tie up manpower transporting or maintaining equipment, and we dont tie up capital purchasing 20 different high dollar machines. <br />
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This project in Alabama we utilized small skid steer type machine along with a transit, a trailer, and a compactor from a local rental company. Here are some befores and afters. You can see tv cameras in some of the pics. Starting in April, we will have a new episode of our show Lake Life out every week all summer long on Great American Country Channel and the DIY Network. The camera crew from New York followed us around for over 4 months putting together the episodes for a whole series this upcoming summer! <br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jCmbqtOlAMs/VJlzF_kj_4I/AAAAAAAAkNs/3woMMWInINs/s400/nates%2520phone%2520gulf%2520shores%2520068.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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So now we are into 2015 and it is flat out cold outside. December was relatively mild and we just got about 4 inches of snow and looks like the temps are gonna be potentially as cold as negative 15 degrees tomorrow night. <br />
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Ice isnt safe quite yet for ice fishing, but should be soon with those cold temps predicted. We are planning an ice fishing day on Saturday, Jan 31 and February 7th. Just email <a href="mailto:nate@hblakemanagement.com">nate@hblakemanagement.com</a> for more details. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-41607078219653956692014-11-25T16:45:00.006-06:002014-11-25T16:45:49.891-06:00First Shotgun Deer Season RecapFriday was cold. Deer moved, but my brothers and I didnt shoot anything.<br />
Saturday was warm. Deer didnt move much, and we didnt shoot anything. <br />
Sunday was by far my favorite and most memorable deer hunt to date. <br />
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At 4:30 am I woke up my two boys Noah (7) and Drake (4) and got their hunting coveralls on and we were out the door by 4:45. En Route to the hunting farm, we stopped at the gas station and loaded up on donuts and chocolate milk. <br />
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When we got to the farm, we had about 3/4 mile walk thru the woods to get to our deer hunting blind. We needed to hunt in the enclosed blind because of the rain in the forecast. I not only carried the backpack with snacks and drinks along with the gun, but had two little hands clinched tighter than you can imagine on that little hike thru the woods in the complete darkness. <br />
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We got up to the blind about 5:55 am and it started to rain shortly thereafter. The dark, overcast morning meant that it was gonna be awhile yet before it would be light enough to shoot, so the boys curled up and fell asleep. <br />
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About 6:45 am we had 2 does walk into our food plot, but it was still a little dark and I wasnt gonna shoot one till the boys were awake and I wasnt gonna wake the boys till it got a little lighter out. <br />
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7 am the boys got up with the sun and we had a couple coyotes come down a trail about 60 yards away. We tried to get one, but they kept moving away too quickly for us to shoot. <br />
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Then 15 minutes later a small 8 pointer comes down the same trail.... We talked about letting the boy deer grow up to become a big daddy deer... big daddy is something they can relate to all too well as their father is a pretty large guy. <br />
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We saw some deer off in the distance a few different times, ate all our snacks, talked about life and told some hunting stories about coyotes, deer, and of course wolves and bears... That time spent in the blind, none of us would trade for anything in the world, but that warm fuzzy feeling wouldnt be able to last too much longer with such young boys filled with that much sugar, couped up in such a small space....<br />
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I knew time was running short and finally about 8:15 am a young doe comes trotting straight to us! Literally not 5 minutes after praying a short silent prayer of please Lord bless us with a deer to harvest... I dont usually pray those prayers when I am hunting by myself, but this day I wanted to harvest a deer more than any other day of hunting. We were able to spot her 200 yards out so that gave us just enough time to get situated, ears covered, and in good shooting/observing position. <br />
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She stopped 25 yards from us and she dropped right in her tracks. All three of us immediately looked at each other with a moment of silent amazement and then the excitement couldnt be contained when we all fully realized we had just actually harvested our first deer together... we have been watching a few hunting shows and playing pretend hunting in our living room since these boys were old enough to walk, but now this was the real deal. <br />
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Harvesting this first deer together is a moment in time that we will never forget. After 15 minutes of waiting and talking about harvesting an animal, it was time for the boys to go down and find her. <br />
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They spent a few minutes alone down by the deer looking at her up close and then I came down and taught them how to drag her and we got her cleaned up and snapped a few photos. <br />
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Then it was time to go get the truck and load her up and get her processed when Drake would not let us leave the deer. He didnt want any coyotes or anyone else to come and get her while we went to go get the truck. He had two solutions- either we drag the deer all the way to the truck or he would stay and guard the deer. He was worried, but Noah and I finally convinced him to come with us and that we would be right back. <br />
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So we made it back to the deer safe and sound, loaded her up and took her to my parents place just a few miles away to get her skinned and processed... We learned that she was eating alot of corn and alfalfa, we examined her heart and liver and packed up all the meat. We saved the loins and roast for some upcoming venison recipes and froze the rest of the meat for grinding later this winter. <br />
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By 1 pm we were on the road for home and some Sunday afternoon naps. The boys learned more today on this day of hunting than they could ever learn in a lifetime of schooling. It was a moment that will forever be etched in their minds and will help shape them into not only responsible hunters, but respectful humans. A special moment like this I dont think you can have by playing sports or video games together, a moment like this is something that goes far beyond quality time together. <br />
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God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them<br /><span class="indent-2"><span class="indent-2-breaks"> </span><span class="text Gen-1-26-Gen-1-28">reflecting our nature </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-1-26-Gen-1-28">So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-2"><span class="indent-2-breaks"> </span><span class="text Gen-1-26-Gen-1-28">the birds in the air, the cattle, </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Gen-1-26-Gen-1-28">And, yes, Earth itself,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-2"><span class="indent-2-breaks"> </span><span class="text Gen-1-26-Gen-1-28">and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.”</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-2"><span class="text Gen-1-26-Gen-1-28"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-2"><span class="text Gen-1-26-Gen-1-28">Right now, our deer population is indeed lower than it has been in the past few years. This d<span class="indent-2"><span class="text Gen-1-26-Gen-1-28">oesnt mean we are gonna throw in the towel and stop hunting and stop teaching and stop managing.</span></span> What this means is that we are going to work harder and harvest smarter so that we can continue to teach our future hunters and help our deer herds prosper. Being good stewards will be a combination of boots on the ground habitat management along with some necessary legislation changes to ensure hunting opportunities for future generations. My motto is that anything and everything can be improved upon, so lets get to work...</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-2"><span class="text Gen-1-26-Gen-1-28"></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-2"><span class="text Gen-1-26-Gen-1-28">At our farms we are harvesting very few deer (much fewer deer than in the past), controlling predators as much as possible, and we are making sure necessary food, cover, and water are available for our animals all year round. Then next year we will improve upon what weve done and so on so forth until we are old men sitting back in reclining chairs hearing stories of our boys' boys harvesting their first deer! </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-12314302743057568852014-11-17T20:22:00.002-06:002014-11-17T20:22:47.248-06:00Deer and Everything Else Update<img height="400" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-JI1RNRh9xSI/VGlAGXlejeI/AAAAAAAAjDI/2nXFURbhRbY/s400/nates%2520phone%2520summer%2520112.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="337" /><br />
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Illinois Shotgun Deer season is just around the corner. If all goes as planned, we will be taking off work on Friday and Saturday and hunting all day, both days... If everything doesnt go as planned, we will probably still be delivering over 10,000 walleye and 1000's of muskies and northern pike to lake owners all over central Illinois. (at least to the ones not deer hunting)<br />
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As for deer numbers, I have been asking friends and clients all over the state and the general consensus is that trail cam activity and deer sightings are up considerably from 2012 and 2013, but mature deer numbers are still much lower than usual... basically if everything goes normal, we should be looking at a very good crop of mature deer in 2015-2017! My brother Chad harvested an awesome mature, thick 8 pointer with his bow earlier this year:<br />
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As for my hunting report, I have bowhunted a handful of times so far this season, but havent even considered shooting a deer yet. Ive seen plenty of deer, I just have been enjoying sitting in a tree watching nature that has no clue I'm watching them. I've seen and experienced things while sitting in silence that most non-hunters will never see or experience.... for me, its been the only chance to shut off the world completely and just sit in Awe of God and His creation. <br />
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The year 2014 has been by far the busiest and most challenging year humanly possible, but here we are just days away from Thanksgiving and Christmas and 2015... In 2014 we tackled the <a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/" target="_blank">Goose Ranch Renovation</a>, filmed a whole season of our new Tv Show <a href="http://www.centralillinoisproud.com/story/d/story/new-tv-series-filmed-in-central-illinois/75247/Jag8B-UgBkSrMQuHTx5w9w" target="_blank">Lake Life</a>, and went full bore with <a href="http://hbpondmanagement.com/index.html" target="_blank">Herman Brothers Lake and Land Mgmt.</a> all while raising children and spending time with our spouses. Every second has been accounted for, but now hopefully for the next few months we will muster up a more normal life with at least a few hrs each week to sit in a reclining chair or a tree, write a blog post or two, or maybe even shoot a deer or catch a fish! <br />
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While 2014 has been challenging and pushed me to the brink of exhaustion and mental overload, it also has been the most amazing fairytale, stuff dreams are made of, kind of a year. The Goose Ranch Project has gone tremendously better than anticipated, our Tv show will premiere in the Spring, and HB Lake and Land will be hiring some more help spring 2015 as well to keep up with demand, not just locally but across the Midwest. <br />
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Here are some of the pics from the last few months, the rest of the story you will have to catch next spring and summer on the Great American Country Channel and the DIY Network. There will be a new episode out every week all summer long! <br />
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It was an unforgettable year, gonna hopefully get the kids out shotgun hunting this weekend, give thanks for everything next weekend, then head south for a few weeks with the whole family to film a couple more episodes, then come back to celebrate Christ's birth and then hopefully do alot of ice fishing! We are planning on several big ice fishing fridays and saturdays this winter with good food, great company, and maybe even a few fish!! Just email <a href="mailto:nate@hblakemanagement.com">nate@hblakemanagement.com</a> for more details as the lakes start to lock up!<br />
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<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-obkhuwJ-dK4/UsAq-JpF9cI/AAAAAAAAaGU/fF-qzkCo8to/s400/ice%2520fishing%2520extravaganza%2520076.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 76px; top: 16px;" width="400" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-65221506936958614262014-07-13T08:41:00.001-05:002014-07-13T08:41:13.790-05:00The Road That is Ever WindingIts 6 am on Sunday morning. In a couple hours the kids will be awake and we will be frantically getting ready to make it to church on time. After church (hopefully not during church) I will sit in my chair and fall asleep instantly with kids crawling all over me. It seems as if my best rest of the week is Sunday afternoons when all systems are completely shut down and relaxed.
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More stuff is happening each day this summer than what can begin to be written in this blog... Its an amazing, but yet somewhat difficult transition for me because I have spent the last 8 years with a camera in my pocket each day taking pictures and documenting the process of creating a lake and land management business from scratch. All of us Herman Brothers have been working nonstop like crazy focused on building this business, but now we find ourselves on a different path.
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When we finalized the purchase of the Giant Goose Ranch in January, we had visions of being able to work there full time managing that property in 5-7 yrs... Well, here we are 7 months later and we have more work lined up to do on that property than what we can accomplish in the next 5 years!!!
Our goal for the goose ranch for this year was to give it a face lift and fill up our 240 existing campsites, get 50 fishing memberships and 15 hunting memberships. <br />
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Those goals were met pretty much instantly so then we started working on years 2, 3, and even 4 of our 5 year plan!
We are currently creating 70 more premium annual campsites and about half of them are already reserved before we are even finished! Also we are creating a cabins only section with 155 lake front cabin sites that also lease out by the year and we already have 58 of those sold! The cabin lots lease out for $2300-$3500 per year and we custom build the camping cabins 14' wide by 24-36' long. Camping cabins start at $25,000. These cabins you own, just like owning a camper or motorhome. At this pace we will be sold out by next year, but its gonna take a few years to get em all built. <br />
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We have alot of them under contruction now!!<br />
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We only have 2-3 fishing memberships left at $900 per year and then any new fishing memberships after that will be $2500 per year. 100% of the fishing membership funds goes directly to fish! The fishery at the goose ranch is well on its way to becoming not only the best in the midwest, but the most diverse in the nation! <br />
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The brook and rainbow trout in big lake have grown rapidly into the 12-18" range. The tiger muskies and walleye in spool lake are jumping up a bit better than expected as well. The hybrid striped bass and brown trout in ski lake will start stripping drags next summer. The northern pike for west lake and the smallmouth bass and yellow perch for highrise lake are coming this fall! We have started a walleye and crappie lake, and even have plans on creating the ultimate trash fish ponds with bowfin, gar, and carp! <br />
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Here are some pics form the goose ranch so far... you have to work for the big ones, but are rewarded big time for your efforts:<a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/fishing_pics.html" target="_blank">Goose Ranch Fishing Pics</a><br />
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Anyhow, the goose ranch is a culmination of everything we have learned and experienced working for other people on their recreational properties. For the next 3-5 years HB crews will be working nonstop out at the goose ranch building cabins, docks, beaches, pavilions, bathhouses, swimming pools, archery ranges, playgrounds, orchards, gardens, and the best fisheries on the planet!<br />
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One other super cool note is that I am not the one documenting the projects any longer. Backroads Entertainment and the Great American Country channel are the ones documenting the progress and projects everyday with a full film crew. The show we are making is called the Lake Life and the Giant Goose Ranch in Canton, IL is the home base for the show! We will be filming everyday for the next 4 months. <br />
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We had an awesome Independance day celebration at the goose ranch!! lots of food, fun, rain, and then fireworks! <br />
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Couple weeks ago I took a group of 12 fishing at the same time, we had a blast:<br />
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Also a couple weekends ago we had 200 boys out for boys camp at our place. We did a<br />
little catfishing Saturday morning. We needed a bunch of fish to feed them boys...<br />
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So the story of our lives is the path is ever winding. I can't quite say one chapter is closed and another is opening, but probably more like every experience is leading towards the next. God has big plans and we are excited every chance we get to peak around the corner and see whats next. He has instilled in us a passion for fish, wildlife, and family recreation. Our job the last 8 years has been helping families around the midwest develop their own private recreational properties and now our occupation will be helping families around the midwest spend time together outdoors at the <a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/" target="_blank">Giant Goose Ranch!</a> <br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-4599512503298030262014-06-23T21:49:00.000-05:002014-06-23T21:49:19.386-05:00Archery, Horses, and 5th of July BASHSummer is officially here! Spring was full of fish stockings, electrofishing surveys, aeration systems, camping construction, and all sorts of fun stuff. Couldnt have been better or busier. At the end of this blog post I am gonna invite you all to a big 5th of July bash at the goose ranch, but first a little recap.<br />
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This months InFisherman Catfish guide 2014 we have a fun catfish article with Steve Ryan. Make sure to get a copy!!!<br />
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Each summer we host all kinds of various boys and girls camps, church groups, family reunions, etc at our property near Norris, IL... Our passion has always been to get families introduced to the outdoors! Now with the Goose Ranch we will be able to really get lots of families outside spending time together!!<br />
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This weekend we had a HUGE group of girls for a weekend church camp. Normally they stay at the Old School Center in Farmington, and come out to our lake during the day.... But the Old School Center burned down a month ago, so we set up a bunch of tents in our field so the girls didnt have to cancel camp....<br />
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New to camp this year was our Archery range! <a href="http://www.lancasterarchery.com/" target="_blank">Lancaster Archery Supply</a>, <a href="http://www.martinarchery.com/2014/" target="_blank">Martin Archery</a>, and <a href="http://presleysoutdoors.com/" target="_blank">Presley's Outdoors</a> teamed up to help us put on a super fun archery shoot for the girls. My boys Drake and Noah helped get everything set up, break in the new bows, and show the girls how to shoot. <br />
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They all had a blast... while it may have been the first, I guarantee you that wont be the last time many of these girls shoot a bow. I overheard many conversations about girls excited to start target shooting with their dads this summer!! <br />
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So camp was also full of all the usual fun stuff: swimming, singing, eating, fishing, boating, scuba diving, and another big fan favorite- horse back riding.... Horses have a huge advantage over all the previous fun items, because they inhabit the childhood dreams of most girls most nights while growing up... <br />
<img closure_lm_202921="null" height="267" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-V1OESmp3R9A/U6bEs4EUFAI/AAAAAAAAhqs/UBbd-k_NYG0/s400/girls%2520camps%25202014%2520219.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 44px; top: 15px;" width="400" /><br />
<img closure_lm_202921="null" height="326" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fX9NbAkSLmE/U6bEt-El5SI/AAAAAAAAhrA/9ZqStSvMRJY/s400/girls%2520camps%25202014%2520221.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 116px; top: 20px;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="361" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t1N5oujV98Y/U6bEzxXM4fI/AAAAAAAAhsU/14_E2iYTJDs/s400/girls%2520camps%25202014%2520232.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 148px; top: 24px;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="340" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-i7ZI0F2Lgg4/U6bE3gcJv1I/AAAAAAAAhs8/Q4e5u459P5M/s400/girls%2520camps%25202014%2520237.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 116px; top: 10px;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="320" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-pkzFN8fMVz0/U6bE9q1TiOI/AAAAAAAAhuY/Zwqpc6rCjFA/s400/girls%2520camps%25202014%2520248.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 116px; top: 25px;" width="400" /><br />
<img height="253" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-AH-6jPKGGaA/U6bE5LUKyyI/AAAAAAAAhtU/RUe69NOO_Bg/s400/girls%2520camps%25202014%2520240.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 4px; top: 2px;" width="400" /><br />
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So girls camp 2014 was a huge success. This weekend is high school boys camp... I already know I will be callin in to work sick from exhaustion on Monday......<br />
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So anyhow this Saturday, July 5th we are hosting a special family day out at the Giant Goose Ranch in Canton, IL. Normally the ranch is a members only facility, but for this day we are putting together an EPIC family day from 2 pm- 11 pm and we are inviting you all to come join us!<br />
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We will be having a big hog roast for dinner, archery shooting, fishing, hiking, pony rides for kids, jump houses and all kinds of other fun activities and of course FIREWORKS! Here are some more details and how to sign up for the event. <br />
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It is a free event for members of the goose ranch. For non-members the cost is $5 per person and for reservations simply email <a href="mailto:nate@hblakemanagement.com">nate@hblakemanagement.com</a> in advance. Just let me know an apprx number in your group. Pay and sign in at the Goose Ranch gate. Bring your own chairs and blanket for the fireworks. There will be film crew at the event so you will need to sign a waiver stating its ok to use any video and images as well. <br />
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The $5 entry fee covers admission and the hog roast, but also at the ranch there will be vendors selling fun items like ice cream cones, snow cones, popcorn, cotton candy, lemonade, etc with all the proceeds going to help out the Farmington Old School Center that recently burned down. One super cool activity is an extreme horse back trail ride that is available for $15 donation for riders age 12 and up. You will want to reserve your time slot in advance for this, just email <a href="mailto:nate@hblakemanagement.com">nate@hblakemanagement.com</a> for your preferred time slot.... Dads, you need to make this trail ride happen for your daughters and wives...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-43081557467065209472014-06-09T22:31:00.000-05:002014-06-09T22:31:12.190-05:00Gulf Shores, Alabama Red SnapperSaying life has been a little crazy lately would definitely be an understatement. Shew boy it has been quite the whirlwind. In response to the chaos, and at the worst possible moment during the year, my brothers and I decided to jump ship and head south on a getaway fishing trip to Gulf Shores, Alabama. <br />
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We left our friends, families and jobs on Friday afternoon, May 30th and didnt have a return date. We had all been working 80-100 hr weeks since March and needed to get away for some down time. There is no better place than on the Ocean to reconnect and get rejuvenated!!<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10348198_10203217554993934_6809041096827240831_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Red Snapper season opened up down in Alabama on Sunday, June 1st so our timing couldnt have been more perfect in that regard..... Alabama doesnt have any natural structure for Red Snapper and many other similar bottom fish, so they have spent 100's of millions of dollars over the last 20 years building AMAZING habitat in their waters! <br />
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=alabama+artificial+reefs&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=1-7DJHUiQt8iNM&tbnid=6DDmQAhe-f3-0M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcoastalnewstoday.com%2Falabama-nations-top-artificial-reef-program-builds-habitat-while-recycling-waste-gulf-coast-news-today%2F&ei=o3OWU4a6NJCOyATxzYCoBw&bvm=bv.68445247,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNGqdYS16XOMvtvLgcgbz1S94IHxqA&ust=1402455280007126" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img src="http://coastalnewstoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Artificial-Reef-2-Flickr.jpg" height="224" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 56px;" width="400" /></a><br />
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Im talking over 17,000 artificial reefs that consist of bridge rubble, culverts, habitat pyramids, army tanks, and barges have been strategically placed off their coast from 3-40 miles out all in a grid.... for a fish guy like me, this is super impressive! Everybody in the whole Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Fort Morgan, and Mobil areas has pitched in and have been working together creating this fishery. Pretty much all the businesses in the entire area have pitched in and sponsored various reefs and habitat projects.... banks, hotels, condos, bait shops, grocery stores, souvenir shops, marinas, restaurants, and pretty much any business you can think of have joined together to create perhaps the most impressive man made fishery in the Ocean. <br />
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<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=alabama%20artificial%20reefs%20gps&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=Bu_4cwASnD1jsM&tbnid=6UdkEJVMrsi30M:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.outdooralabama.com%2Ffishing%2Fsaltwater%2Ffisheries%2Fartificial-reefs%2F&ei=X3WWU5iJHtOwyAT1oIHYDA&bvm=bv.68445247,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNFzD2sitvzztWFz5jpAfAHbgAK49A&ust=1402455764617796" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img src="http://www.outdooralabama.com/images/image/AMRD/Reef-Cover.jpg" height="393" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="304" /></a><br />
<a data-ved="0CAUQjRw" href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=alabama%20artificial%20reefs%20red%20snapper%20underwater%20footage&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=PS6ZB4jzQ6hucM&tbnid=VhOPluPPgeq6oM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fastoundingideasmarineresources.blogspot.com%2F2013_10_01_archive.html&ei=8nSWU_aNN9CiyATK0IGYBQ&bvm=bv.68445247,d.aWw&psig=AFQjCNHFOUBv0GOlurNN9MV7wHHJhgSZSA&ust=1402455518405550" id="irc_mil" style="border: 0px currentColor;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicqgW2hNIZgqXPlssVs7PcBWXhqk2g_I-xkkXEN82zxc9BnJpIc4oEdyRC0hktqsRZPaAGMG2FloZCdLnfnCRcnyoRXx3KUZRZ5swmGEev4RsoP7pXlJT5XItp1_Fi1nKD_Gl8zqYpvsPE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-10-28+at+12.34.38+PM.jpg" height="372" id="irc_mi" style="margin-top: 11px;" width="566" /></a><br />
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They all joined together and made something amazing out of pretty much absolutely nothingness. The reason they did this was to attract fisherman and their families to come down and spend a week or two every year in their community. Their plan was working great, until the Federal Government stepped in and is on the verge of crushing everything they have worked so hard creating. <br />
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You see right now there are more and bigger fish off of alabama's coast than ever before in their history and the Federal Govt over the past few years has restricted their fishing seasons to almost non-existence due to declining numbers of fish populations 100's and 1000's of miles away..... Get this, Alabama has done one of best management jobs ever and they only get 9 days this year to harvest their fish.... yep, you heard me right; just 9 days out of the whole year to utilize what they have spent 100's of millions and 20 years creating......<br />
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Just a couple years ago the season was 6 months, then reduced to 40 days, and now this year is the biggest slap in the face at a whopping 9 day season. There are more and bigger snapper in Alabama than ever before. I spent a week down there and you couldnt not catch a snapper if you tried. If I lived in Alabama and was part of creating this fishery for the betterment of the whole community and I had the federal government trying to manage and sabotage what I just helped create I would be sick to my stomach.<br />
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The federal government is punishing Alabama for the sins of Florida and Texas and Commercial fisherman. Those fish have absolutely nothing to do with the fishery in Alabama.... Everything about the federal government managing this situation is inefficient, outdated and very costly to the hardworking people who have made something very special but cannot utilize it....<br />
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Here is a sneak peak of a big red snapper:<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10389674_10203217555673951_4607017690354809941_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
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Here in Illinois we have some really dumb rules, but nothing even close to the injustice of what Alabama is going through. Here we can build a lake and buy fish for stocking into it, but we can only legally harvest 6 bass per day out of it. Even if we just bought the fish and put them into our own private lake we can still only harvest 6 per day... to me rules like that are just plain ignorant. But I can live with ignorance of that magnitude, what I could not live with is the ignorance of the magnitude of whats happening in Alabama.... <br />
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So anyhow here is what is happening in Alabama. We downloaded the gps coordinates to their list of reefs, we headed down and gave many of their local businesses our money in exchange for food, fuel, bait, and lodging and we went out fishing in our little carolina skiff every day. Oh yeah, on our way out of town we even stopped in and grabbed some souvenirs for our children back home...<br />
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Anyhow, we caught amazing fish at every single reef we pulled up to. In fact, they were so loaded with fish that we would have 100's of snappers right below our boat just by throwing out a few chunks of bonito or cigar minnows. We were light tackle fishing monster bottom fish!!<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10447628_10203217556593974_8199797736137499550_n.jpg" style="height: 571px; width: 428px;" width="720" /><br />
<img closure_lm_54326="null" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-VdbLh1T8O4w/U5Z5Ap6JC4I/AAAAAAAAhF8/dKLUDQrnU7Y/s512/gulf%2520shores%2520red%2520snapper%2520457.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 81px; top: 16px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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We were trying out some new Fin-Nor saltwater rod and reel combos and just out having a blast every day reeling in these fish. <br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="363" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10368213_10203217554833930_6055041790493842928_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/t1.0-9/10407605_10203217555833955_890582028197171941_n.jpg" style="height: 571px; width: 428px;" width="720" /><br />
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<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="300" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpf1/t1.0-9/10414909_10203217556153963_6744482677132413235_n.jpg" width="400" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/t1.0-9/10351831_10203217556313967_4304841497559290489_n.jpg" style="height: 571px; width: 428px;" width="720" /><br />
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We also had several really cool up close encounters with big sea turtles, dolphins and various sharks. We even caught almost an 8 foot shark! Here is a still shot pulled from a video.. Hopefully will post the video soon....<br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/10402638_10203217555193939_4862985998565559221_n.jpg" style="height: 571px; width: 321px;" width="540" /><br />
<img alt="" aria-busy="false" aria-describedby="fbPhotosSnowliftCaption" class="spotlight" height="960" src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xpa1/t1.0-9/10343688_10203217557033985_2545993027654100426_n.jpg" style="height: 571px; width: 428px;" width="720" /><br />
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We were kinda supposed to come home around Wednesday, but we decided to stay to the utmost maximum time possible which was Friday afternoon. We were fortunate to fish for 6 of their whopping 9 day season....<br />
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Next year if they even have a season, we will definitely be back! Now its back to work and time to get stuff done. I have never been more anxious to get back rockin and rollin. I feel the alabama fishing situation is just an overall good example for what can be created with good management (on many levels) as long as we can manage what we have created with minimal interference. <br />
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We can also relate here in Illinois because overall we are a pretty worthless fishing state, but with good management we are making something out of nothing and starting to turn some heads just like Alabama did!!!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-68237649142968320552014-05-21T23:05:00.000-05:002014-05-21T23:05:32.914-05:00Lake Life on DIY Network! We are super excited for our new tv show to air on Memorial Day, May 26th at 10 pm on DIY network! <br />
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The show is called "Lake Life" and it basically starts out as a design build show for fun lake projects, but also incorporates a little family life in Central Illinois for not just us, but our clients as well! <br />
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Here is a little preview video:
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="280" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/80283362" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe> <br />
<a href="http://vimeo.com/80283362">Lake Life Sizzle - FINAL</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user4786929">Back Roads Entertainment</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
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So anyhow here is a little more information about the show as well: <a href="http://giantgooseranch.com/lakelife.html" target="_blank">http://giantgooseranch.com/lakelife.html</a><br />
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Hopefully you guys will watch the show and if its on a little too late, make sure to set your DVR's. If America likes the show, we will be filming more episodes in Peoria and Fulton county this summer. If America doesnt like the show, we will just chalk this up as an amazing adventure and keep on pushing some other envelope to the max. <br />
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It really is crazy how this has all come about. About two years ago, a production company sent us an email saying they would like to make a tv show about what we are doin.... I kinda totally blew them off at first, thinking yea right, but then a couple weeks later Justin and Allen did a skype interview with them that I walked into and things started rollin from there....<br />
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For two years its been quite the ride with many hurdles passed and hoops jumped through and here we are on the brink of the actual airdate. Honestly the chances of actually filming and then getting the show on the air were pretty slim to none, I still am kinda surprised each step of the way... Anyhow, filming the episodes was actually way more fun than I ever thought would be. <br />
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Hope you guys tune in and like the show. I will definitely keep posted the latest of whats happening. The episodes will air a few times on the DIY network and then there is a chance that they will also air on the Great American Country Channel as well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-68679454684074363962014-05-18T20:55:00.002-05:002014-05-19T20:07:16.577-05:00Goose Ranch Bass Fishing Tourney ResultsSaturday, May 17th started out at 38 degrees. The water temps were in the low 60's whereas just 5 days earlier they were in the low 70's... The wet, dreary cold overcast weather from the day before was gone and we had the typical post cold front bright blue bird skies for our fishing tournament. Basically what I am getting at is although the weather was very nice for being outside, it wasnt optimum fish feeding conditions....<br />
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Here is a pic of the weigh in overlooking the big lake. We ate very good at weigh in. Chef Todd and my mom put together a nice spread:<br />
<img closure_lm_864327="null" height="480" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-DeCtvYgsRs0/U3irZguiALI/AAAAAAAAgFI/HW3ZGENO2ro/s640/goose%2520ranch%2520tourney%2520247.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 480px; left: 81px; top: 16px; width: 640px;" width="640" /><br />
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So naturally the tournament got off to a slow start, but after a couple hours fish started to wake up a bit and some of the guys were able to string a few bites together to make for a very respectable weigh-in! There were about 50 bass weighed in over 3 lbs. <br />
<img closure_lm_864327="null" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-leif65QdZSo/U3irYS0xejI/AAAAAAAAgE8/JLFRlpDSNTg/s512/goose%2520ranch%2520tourney%2520245.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 81px; top: 16px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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This tournament was alot different than most typical bass tournaments... Actually it was more like two tournaments in one. The grand prize was for the team who caught the most bass and the other grand prize was for the team who caught the heaviest 5 fish over 15"...<br />
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Let me just say in private lakes and ponds, largemouth bass OVERPOPULATION is the NUMBER ONE problem. Bass are born every year, and 95% of them need to be eliminated in order to grow BIG bass. In my opinion, only about 5 bass out of a 100 should be returned back into most private bodies of water.... <br />
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Here is something you must keep in mind when fishing private lakes and ponds- you still need a fishing license and you still need to follow state fishing regulations. I dont agree with this law one bit for following state regulations on private property with privately stocked fish, but hopefully someday it will change. The law is outdated, because the state no longer gives out fish for private pond stocking, so the laws need to be updated accordingly as well. <br />
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Anyhow Joe and Jon won the tournament for heaviest 5 fish with 4 fish totalling exactly 14.00 lbs. Curt and Joe had 5 fish for 12.79 lbs and Mike Q had 3 fish for 11.58 lbs and Matt and Elliot had 4 fish for 11.44 lbs....<br />
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Bryce Wegman had big bass of the tournament from highrise lake: 5.64 lbs <br />
<img closure_lm_864327="null" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-MImcU2BRMws/U3irahQXNjI/AAAAAAAAgFc/VGKyCIpCGBk/s512/goose%2520ranch%2520tourney%2520249.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 209px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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Chad Schieler came in close second also from highrise lake at 5.60 lbs. That fish needed to keep down her breakfast and she woulda easily won!!<br />
<img closure_lm_864327="null" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-GNkxAZo54rc/U3irb-UgxTI/AAAAAAAAgFo/gK2ehtTCcDI/s512/goose%2520ranch%2520tourney%2520251.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 209px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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We will be tracking data like crazy of all the bass from all the lakes at the goose ranch. Our goal for next year is to have 5 fish limits for the tournaments in the 18-22 lbs range to win. You will see the weights going upward from here, fish can grow fast when they have what they need to do so!!<br />
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Total payout for prizes for this tournament was over $4300! We hope to have another tournament this summer on Saturday, June 21. Email <a href="mailto:nate@hblakemanagement.com">nate@hblakemanagement.com</a> if you would be interested in reserving your spot. More details for it will come. <br />
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Hunter didnt get to weigh in a big fish for this his first bass tournament, but he was excited to still win a $50 presleys gift card and get to hold up one of the big bass for a pic!! <br />
<img closure_lm_377951="null" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bwuWHRK5hSI/U3irCk9sK1I/AAAAAAAAgBI/ZtQSFT-g33k/s512/goose%2520ranch%2520tourney%2520215.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 209px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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We actually saved all the big bass in our big white hauling tank, hit em with a good dose of oxygen and medication for a couple hours and then redistributed them accordingly back into the goose ranch lakes best suited for them!! That helps the fish recover from the stress of the tournament big time! Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-65405830677488762182014-05-04T08:42:00.002-05:002014-05-04T08:42:41.854-05:00Doug Stange and Chef Todd Fishing ShowDoug Stange and his film crew from InFisherman TV came to Central Illinois for some fishing Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday this week to fish with Chef Todd. <br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-00_APtGkwt8/U2Wsz5Yk93I/AAAAAAAAfig/rrFY9Qqk_Wc/s400/infisherman%2520tv%2520fishing%2520013.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 73px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
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While eating dinner in Canton, Pete the camera man, had some funny stories to tell about the adventure! The funniest would be his recollection and account of Doug explaing to Todd that he probably shouldnt mention Fulton County Fat Girls anymore everytime a pregnant bass gets caught... Pets's a funny guy, you can see by his apparel it wasnt a pleasant spring fishing trip...<br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-h2nTENc1SfY/U2WsxfI-b1I/AAAAAAAAfh8/ijw6rElxrbo/s512/infisherman%2520tv%2520fishing%2520009.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 201px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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The next funny story on the list would be the audible level difference between Doug and Todd.. Anyhow, forgive me Chef for mentioning this stuff right off the gate, but for those who know you this is funny stuff. For those who don't know you, the bottom line is this: Chef is very passionate about fishing and this episode of InFisherman TV could be thee episode that gets talked about as FUN, yet also informative, and also has the signature BIG fish InFisherman TV is famous for! Or the editors could do ALOT of editing. <br />
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So anyhow Mondays weather (the day before the fishing trip) was 70's and the rest of the week was 50's with off and on cold rain and wind. Basically what I am saying is the weather was less than ideal for filming a fishing show, but them boys hardcored it and got er done. It took 2 full days to film one segment, but they got er done and Chef finished up the show with a good catch in the bottom of the ninth...<br />
<img closure_lm_680294="null" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-wHaHT0xO8x0/U2WtA9T5eRI/AAAAAAAAfk0/fo6k5k8gX3g/s512/infisherman%2520tv%2520fishing%2520032.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 201px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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Here is a sneak peak of the big fish Doug caught. This is the biggest bass that he has filmed in the state of Illinois. She was caught on the Big Lake at the Giant Goose Ranch!! I'm telling you guys the big lake <br />
<img closure_lm_863917="null" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-24JUvKP5GaE/U2Ws1KTAWCI/AAAAAAAAfis/NkSCeYGpKd0/s512/infisherman%2520tv%2520fishing%2520015.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 201px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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The whole gang stayed in the cabin at the ranch. They ate meals from area Canton Restaraunts and obviously anyone who watches the show is going to know that FULTON COUNTY is a bass fishing destination! <br />
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Then on Thursday Doug and Dr Ed filmed a show up in Princeville at a clients lake before heading back to Minnesota. These shows will air in quarter two of 2015. <br />
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While Todd was filming his show, Dr. Ed was putting a hurting on crappies at the goose ranch and some surrounding strip mine lakes:<br />
<img closure_lm_680294="null" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_22ZIWK13fM/U2WtALx_8MI/AAAAAAAAfkw/rABbexyghd4/s512/infisherman%2520tv%2520fishing%2520031.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 201px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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While them boys were fishing, we were out stocking lots of FULTON COUNTY lakes and ponds... Kevin left work a little early to help with the stocking of his new 3 acre smallmouth pond!<br />
<img closure_lm_680294="null" height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-fnW9sb_oM68/U2WtC2D5FpI/AAAAAAAAflM/C-k0yDmys2M/s400/infisherman%2520tv%2520fishing%2520036.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 73px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
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Friday we spent working in the Chicago area, and then got to spend a few hours at the Max Mcgraw Wildlife Foundation. The fisheries biologists there know how to grow some big walleye, pike, and tiger muskie, but they havent made much of an effort towards growing big bluegill (until now)....<br />
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Saturdays we spend working at the goose ranch... these boys love working with dad probably more than anything... I just give them wood to carry and nails to pound and screws to pick up and they eat that stuff up... the more real it feels the more they like it:<br />
<img closure_lm_680294="null" height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Q-DwSrzGits/U2WtNe9HPMI/AAAAAAAAfnE/o6WQujWVxE8/s400/infisherman%2520tv%2520fishing%2520053.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 73px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
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Finally with some good weather forecasted this upcoming week, its crappie time! This is THE week to go crappie fishing so my advice would be to make it happen and then when you get your limit of crappies, get out and fill a sack of mushrooms too.... I dont know what this mushroom season is going to bring, but do know that folks are finally out finding some! Today after church hopefully we can find some for dinner like these that Kyle found:<br />
<img alt="Kyle A. Essex's photo." class="_46-i img" height="260" src="https://scontent-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/p261x260/10262259_10101002890456657_2031350326653546031_n.jpg" style="left: -47px; top: 0px;" width="346" />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-9521056591616316832014-04-28T20:47:00.000-05:002014-04-28T20:47:06.630-05:00Bass Fishing Tournament May 17th!Saturday, May 17th we are planning a Lake Management Bass Fishing Tournament at the Giant Goose Ranch in Canton, IL. We have a surplus of bass in 3 lakes that we need to get out ASAP. Also we have some big bass we are relocating so we have come up with a pretty unique format for the tournament. The tourney will be from 7 am to 1 pm, and you can sign up at Presleys Outdoors or by emailing me <a href="mailto:nate@hblakemanagement.com">nate@hblakemanagement.com</a> . <br />
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Here are a couple big bass pics from the lakes we will be fishing during the tournament:<br />
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<img height="266" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-sDrbqzCwU7c/U176f-yEusI/AAAAAAAAfg0/JuFK51P4M-w/s400/goose%2520bass%2520101.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic;" width="400" /><br />
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We will be fishing ski lake, spool lake, and highrise lake. We are looking for 30 two man teams to participate in the tournament and help us manage these lakes. Our goal is to create the best bass fishing lakes in the state of Illinois... The cost for the tournament is $50 per person (non-members) and $25 per person (members) and lunch will be provided by Chef Todd at the weigh-in. <br />
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Two man teams, and basically its two fishing tournaments at the same time. The team with the most weight for top 5 bass will win two annual fishing memberships. Bass over 15" we will put in livewells and keep alive to relocate to some of the other lakes on the property.<br />
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The team with the most bass will also win two annual fishing memberships to the Goose Ranch. Bass under 15" you will put into coolers (not the livewell) and can take home to eat or we at the Giant Goose Ranch will fillet and eat them for a big fish fry. Just a note, we will be keeping every bass caught, so bring a cooler and our goal is that hopefully we will catch over 1000 bass during this tournament!! <br />
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Also we will have cash or gift certificate prizes for Big Bass, Second and Third Places of each of the categories. Plus dont forget Lunch will be at the weigh-in. All three lakes have good boats ramps for any size boat and there are no motor restrictions. You can move from lake to lake if you like throughout the day.<br />
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Here is a pic of Ski Lake. Its 1.25 miles long.<br />
<img height="267" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-grT6qzckZ3A/U17mKquFqoI/AAAAAAAAfNA/e9VVFNWR_50/s400/IMG_4765w.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 33px; top: 15px;" width="400" /><br />
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Here is a pic of Spool Lake. Its 1.4 miles long<br />
<img height="320" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-K81YdrKhAeQ/U17mr_1g3YI/AAAAAAAAfSQ/FpYnEh9gPBs/s400/IMG_1372.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 73px; top: 0px;" width="400" /><br />
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Here is a pic of HighRise Lake. Its not nearly as long or big, but it is a respectable 12 acres:<br />
<img height="267" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-p6KWLnPnk5o/U17mM964--I/AAAAAAAAfNY/0IsvpLx7Cw8/s400/IMG_4777w.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 33px; top: 15px;" width="400" /><br />
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This week Doug Stange and the film crew of InFisherman TV are staying at the Goose Ranch and filming a couple bass fishing and maybe even a crappie fishing episode! These shows will air next year on the Sportsmans Channel. Right now we have 3 or 4 segments airing on Sportsmans Channel that we filmed last year...<br />
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We have been catching some really big bass out at the goose ranch already this spring, here are some pics and stay tuned to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Giant-Goose-Ranch/1442589849289140" target="_blank">Goose Ranch Facebook</a> page for live updates this week of the fishing and filming... Oh yeah, dont forget to sign up for the tourney, it will be a great chance to check out the lakes at the ranch, and also to help us really manipulate and manage the fish populations! And also you wont leave hungry...<br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jNU9A1GaY4o/U08ztc9LUNI/AAAAAAAAeWE/E4AIT9BInDk/s400/giant%2520goose%2520bass%2520220.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 73px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4852391338855770823.post-61214306692004506362014-04-23T22:32:00.001-05:002014-04-23T22:32:53.121-05:00Big Smallmouth and WalleyeWe have been growing some nice smallmouth bass and walleye here in Central Illinois in private lakes and ponds. Its been a breath of fresh air so to speak from the traditional largemouth bass pond. Anyhow the fish we encountered this past week was beyond a breath of fresh air and leaning more towards unbelievable!!<br />
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We traveled north up to Port Clinton, Ohio to do some work for <a href="http://mark1sportfishing.com/" target="_blank">Mark 1 Sportfishing</a> at <a href="http://baysedge.com/" target="_blank">Bays Edge Resort</a>. They have a really awesome lake on their property that they want to turn into the best private fishing lake in Ohio for their guests to enjoy after they catch their limit of perch and walleyes out on Lake Erie...<br />
<img closure_lm_200835="null" height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7sA1DtdrL4k/U1hvy5SRCUI/AAAAAAAAfHo/JRYCvTD0vow/s400/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520224.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 90px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
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Anyhow we arrived at Bays Edge and didnt waste any time electrofishing the lake to see what fish were in there and what kind of body condition they were in coming out of the winter. We dialed up some very nice fish: <br />
<img height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6POwLn7fXg0/U1htC9PmhDI/AAAAAAAAesw/w3T0edRUPlM/s400/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520006.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 90px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
<img closure_lm_187991="null" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-dhMigyTgnZ4/U1htFNAgG_I/AAAAAAAAetI/8aR_0xEexXM/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520009.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 218px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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The smallmouth overall were doing pretty good, but the largemouth, bluegill, and walleye really needed some help... Anyhow we are creating a cutting edge management plan for this lake that is gonna turn it into the pond of dreams. Our goal is 1.5 lb bluegills, 4-6 lb smallmouth and largemouth, but we are eliminating the walleyes... its gonna happen, the owner Mark is very passionate about FISH!!<br />
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So Jared and I got done with our work at their lake, had some daylight left so we went out walleye fishing on Lake Erie with some of guys that were at the resort. I don't have much experience fishing on big water, but Randy and Ray have been fishing Erie for combined 60 years. Also Kenny from Florida didnt have much experience either, but came along for some entertainment... Also I am not a fan of big diesel boats, but this big boat was actually a gas engine, so no fumes to worry about! That was literally a breath of fresh air, Diesel fumes get me sea sick much faster than waves do.<br />
<img height="316" src="http://mark1sportfishing.com/Site/gallery/album1/image8.jpg" width="263" /><br />
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We didnt have much time, so we only headed about 2 miles out and started fishing. We each trolled 2 rods with 6-7" reef runner lures on them back about 40-60 yards. It took all of 10 minutes of trolling for Jared to land our first fish and when we saw it coming to the boat we literally were almost in a shell shocked disbelief to see the biggest walleye of our lives coming into the net. Almost as if it were too easy... Our trip was complete with just this one fish! <br />
<img closure_lm_200835="null" height="300" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-y2TdOzwkTDg/U1ht6piLEVI/AAAAAAAAe1A/PRfptDfODBo/s400/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520072.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; left: 90px; top: 16px;" width="400" /><br />
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<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-QMp3wHo_eWk/U1htkghlq2I/AAAAAAAAeyo/J7FkXswuGMg/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520053.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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Then just a few minutes later it happened again, only on my line! Kinda like a fairy tale, only this fish was even bigger!! Im talking the calibre of walleye you only dream about catching, but know full well you have no hope of ever actually catching a double digit fish....<br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k1b4wvtr4bA/U1htrr9UbAI/AAAAAAAAezw/Ei9q-9q0ba0/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520062.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 218px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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Then bam again:<br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-x2MkKhTK4g4/U1ht-IwhcaI/AAAAAAAAe1o/S4UWJfeUGPA/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520077.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 218px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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And again:<br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rmZCq_AY2Sk/U1huHy1JJUI/AAAAAAAAe3Y/vmEKTMVTvl0/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520091.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 218px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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And again and again:<br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-1X__gXhr-FU/U1hufXYUv5I/AAAAAAAAe7Q/ZIFGs-OlsEQ/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520125.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 218px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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For the next hour and a half we caught 8 walleyes from 7-11 lbs! <br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bKDuNf1okUk/U1hujF1zfeI/AAAAAAAAe74/wYnaJCgdWFM/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520130.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 218px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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So we were flying high! Literally in just 2 hrs from dock to dock we caught the most amazing stringer of walleyes ever imaginable. We took the whole crew out to the Crow's Nest for supper and headed back to Bays Edge with a cooler full of 70 lbs of walleye!!<br />
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We had other obligations in Ohio the next day, but Mark, Randy, and Ray with tons of leg pulling and arm twisting actually talked us into going out on the big lake again for just a couple hours early in the morning before heading South....<br />
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A cold front had moved through and the sunny skies from the day before were dreary overcast skies, and the morning bite was a little different than the day before.... It took about 20 minutes before we hooked up with our first fish, and it was a dinky 5 lber... <br />
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We kept catching pesky 4-6 lbers, but then it happened... we went on a streak of 4 fish in a row over 10 lbs!!! Here is a pic showing the difference between a 4 lber and an 11 lber..<br />
<img closure_lm_200835="null" height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ExorBd2JP90/U1hvOGDaiWI/AAAAAAAAfDA/WiDmyCwf2pE/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520187.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 218px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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Here is my biggest walleye of my life! 32.5 inches long!!<br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-bH8fhtz4voI/U1hvDtetKxI/AAAAAAAAfBI/WqPSCemaZsw/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520172.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 218px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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We again limited out real quick and were headed back in less than 2 hours!<br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EWF0zhfBTqg/U1hvgnd8AkI/AAAAAAAAfEg/2AWmw_q3h5E/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520199.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 218px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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We kept our fish from the day before on ice back at the fish house and picked out the 8 biggest ones for the taxidermist. We knew our wives would absolutely kill us for getting fish mounted, but we also knew we wouldnt be able to live with ourselves if we didnt get these fish mounted. The story of these double digit fish all hanging on the wall together will hopefully be told for 40 years or more! It was funny listening to Jared mentioning this to Amy, but no so funny when it was my turn to mention it to Brook... <br />
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Here is the tote heading to the taxidermist. If you subtract the weight of the tote we are talking a 10.5 lb average for these 8 fish!!<br />
<img height="512" pageoffsetid="_off_0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5JB-Co8dNVo/U1hvro4PZ3I/AAAAAAAAfGY/54kyhtTwn2M/s512/Mark%25201%2520SportFishing%2520214.JPG" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; height: 512px; left: 218px; top: 0px; width: 384px;" width="384" /><br />
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Mike, <a href="http://www.gallery-classics.com/index.php?act=viewDoc&docId=1" target="_blank">the taxidermist</a>, said the walleye mounts will be done about September. Before going over shipping options, I asked Mark Cahlik whats biting in September and he said limits of big perch and some really big smallmouth.... I have a hunch we will be picking up these fish from the taxidermist personally in September and maybe just maybe dropping off a smallmouth bass or two...<br />
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Anyhow we still made it to the next place in Ohio, we just didnt make it home till much later than planned... Also as a side note both Jared and I are still happily married to our wives, but I think these fish mounts are going to cost us more than money for the next few weeks.... also the girls dont know quite yet know about plans for a return trip to Ohio in September... We def wont spring that on them for awhile and hopefully will be able to disguise and label this trip as a "work" trip, because it wont happen as a "fishing" trip...<br />
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Basically what needs to happen is I need to find some more work in Ohio for an excuse to get back up there! Is there anyone out there between Peoria, IL and Port Clinton, OH that would like their lake or pond electrofished? Mid-September is the perfect time for a fall survey! <br />
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Seriously, if you havent been walleye fishing on Lake Erie, this is a must do trip. The last couple years have been fantastic all year long for walleyes, perch, and smallmouth. There are tons of Lake Erie charter fishing options, but the resort we are working for <a href="http://mark1sportfishing.com/" target="_blank">Mark 1 Sportfishing</a> is first class, top notch with really nice lodging and fishing boats for up to 36 guys! 2 day fishing and 2 night lodging packages are the most economical if you have increments of 6 guys and only cost about $300 per person. These guys specialize in multi-species trips where you can perch and walleye fish for a day and perch and smallmouth fish for the next day!!<br />
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Im still on cloud nine, and now I am back in the land of 1-3 lb walleyes. Oh well, at least we will grow some monster largemouth bass here....Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07326840765883088336noreply@blogger.com0