The BackCast Podcast

The BackCast Podcast episode 74 with guest Ken Szabo of Grouse Tales

This week Richard and I chat with Ken Szabo.  Ken is the editor and publisher of Grouse Tales. Grouse Tales is the “official” newsletter of the Loyal Order of Dedicated Grouse Hunters.  The newsletter is a work of passion that Ken has been producing for 47 years.  Listeners interested in information or joining may email Ken at grousetales1@gmail.com

 

The BackCast Podcast episode 73 with guest Dr Paul Mesack DVM

This week, Richard and I are joined by veterinary doctor Paul Mesack.  Paul is an avid outdoorsman and ran a very successful veterinary practice for many years in Grayling.  Paul sits down with us to talk about getting your dog ready for bird season and other items that are relevant to owning a dog in the Northwoods.  Paul is a fantastic gentleman and we hope you’ll enjoy this episode.

The BackCast Podcast episode 72 with guest Glen Blackwood

Richard and I are joined this week by Glen Blackwood.  Glen is our Regional Director of Development for the Ruffed Grouse Society.  He also sits on the Board of the Voelker Foundation.  When he is not tending to those duties, Glen also operates The Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company a wonderful fly shop and bookstore out of Rockford Michigan.  On top of that; Glen was recently named as the Fly Fishing columnist to Sporting Classics Magazine.

 

For this episode, Glen tells us about recent RGS/AWS developments, an update from the Voelker Foundation and a little Northwoods recon to get you fired up for bird seasons.  We always enjoy our visits with Glen and hope you will, too!

 

TheBackCast Podcast episode 71 with guest David Boerema of Voyager Canoe Trips

Our guest, this week, is a gentleman named David Boerema.  David started the Voyager Canoe Trip program.  The Voyager Canoe Trips offer young men an opportunity to get away from the everyday world they live in.  This opportunity to learn about tools of the trade, include identifying stars such as the North Star, direction (orienteering), learning survival skills, methods on how to make camp or prepare a meal in all conditions.  The experience provides a fundamental understanding of why conventional wisdom is not always the safe choice, and that true understanding comes from learning, reading, listening.  This produces a healthy respect for the world in which they will live in.

 

David and his team have positively impacted a large number of young people.  For more information on David’s program, check out the Voyager’s website at https://www.voyagerscanoetrips.com  Within the site you’ll find loads of information, along with their latest newsletter and some great photos!

The BackCast Podcast episode 70 with Hunter Eurich and Logan Clark

This week, Richard and I are joined by Hunter Eurich and Logan Clark.  These young men are spending their summer working with Richard at the North Branch Outing Club.  More importantly, they are doing some great river work.  Logan is assisting with the trout telemetry study in conjunction with Mark Luttenton and Hunter is working with Steve Sendek to restore and create river habitat on our beloved North Branch.  I think you’ll find both of these young men to be engaging and entertaining.

The BackCast Podcast episode 69 with Brett Baer and Richard Perry

As we head into our brief summer break (we’ll be back in early August) we’re joined by Brett Baer.  Brett is a Michigan native who now divides his time between Texas and California.  His primary business is construction, property management, and staging high properties to optimize marketability and revenue.  He is also the new owner of the North Branch Outing Club and joins us on the Podcast to talk about this Historical Venue and his plans for the Lodges’ future.   This is a great chance to hear what is going on with this beloved historic property.

The BackCast Podcast episode 68 with guest Ron Barch

With Grayrock just concluding; it seemed appropriate to sit down with one of the rod makers.  This week, we’re joined by Ron Barch.  Ron is the former editor/publisher of The Planing Form, an international newsletter for split bamboo rod enthusiasts. Ron also conducts rod making schools and seminars and has successfully instructed dozens of anglers and craftsmen in the art of split cane rod making.

 

He was instrumental in establishing the first Rod Makers School at the Catskills Fly Fishing Center in Livingston Manor, New York. His list of credits include: skilled woodworker, rod maker, angler, author, publisher, and dedicated environmentalist.

 

Ron and his wife, Carole, live in Hastings, MI.  When he is not in the shop or at his desk, he chases trout and grouse and sometimes his grand kids.  You may also check out Ron’s website at aldercreekangling.com 

The BackCast Podcast episode 67 with guest Vanessa Perry

We have a special guest this week.  Vanessa Perry (Richard’s daughter) is a glowing example of a successful woman in fly fishing and conservation.  She has a plethora of experience with both the Ohio and Minnesota DNR, the EPA, the National Park Service, the Peace Corps and a slew of others.  As icing on the cake, she is also a classically trained concert cellist.  Vanessa is a fantastic ypoung woman and we are really happy to share this conversation with you!

The BackCast Podcast episode 66 with guest Steve Johnson

After an unplanned week off; Richard and I are back and have a neat guest for you.  Our fellow board member and unsung hero of the Au Sable, Steve Johnson, sits down with us this week.  Steve’s family has been in the Lovells area for a very long time.  Steve shares insights into his childhood and formative years as well as his adult experiences.  Steve has seen a lot and done a lot.  We hope you enjoy this conversation.

The BackCast Podcast episode 65 with special guest Dr. Ben Jones of RGS

This week, Richard and I are joined by special guest Dr. Ben Jones.  Ben is President and CEO of the Ruffed Grouse Society & American Woodcock Society. RGS & AWS unites conservationists to improve wildlife habitat and forest health for ALL forest wildlife. We promote forest stewardship for our forests, our wildlife and our future. We envision landscapes of diverse, functioning forest ecosystems that provide homes for wildlife and opportunities for people to experience them. Ruffed grouse and American woodcock are bellwethers of forest condition - they can only persist in healthy, diverse forests. These same forests clean the air, filter water, and support local communities.

Working forests work for wildlife!

 

RGS/AWS website: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org

 

RGS Migration Mapping: https://ruffedgrousesociety.org/migration-map/