What a beautiful spring day in Northern Michigan. I woke up this morning to temps already in the 40's and as the sun came up and I headed out for chores it quickly climbed to the 50 and then 60 degree mark.
Today I spent another day in Alcona county running my government coyote line. It was a pretty productive day, especially for only having the traps set 3 nights ago. My first stop was unproductive but as I came to the next pair of sets I had caught a gorgeous yearling female coyote. Her coat was still pretty heavy from winter but starting to thin as the weather warms. This was my first coyote running this line in Alcona.
After gathering the biological samples we take and resetting my trap I cruised through some more empty sets until I got to a place I call the "Slash". The first three sets were blank but as I came over the hill to the fourth in this group I was frustrated at the thought the trap had been stolen. As I walked towards the set it appeared someone had found the trap and looked as though they had used a shovel to dig the anchor out. But then I could see the trap but no critter. As I got closer the scene started to look all too familiar from past trap lines. I had a Badger. I still could not see him but the site was in a state that only one of these critters could dig. As I approached the set I could see down a small hole my little buddy sleeping the morning away. With a large stick I got him turned around, much to his disapproval I might add, and was able to get him released without any incident. He sure was a grumpy fella, but I guess I am too for a bit when woken up from a nap.
Once released I was able to remake the set again after a lot of back filling and smoothing. Then it was off to my next series of sets 10 miles North. As I parked the truck and strolled towards the next location it was Deja Vu. Same scene, only this time Mr. Badger was not sleeping and did not appear too happy to see me from the get go. After a rather lengthy conversation about keeping cool while I let him go and with a little help of a strategically placed log I was able to pin the grump long enough to get my trap open sending him on his way. Standing back watching both these guys run through the woods as we went our own separate ways I was reminded like every time I see a Badger on the move, looks just like a pancake flopping its way through the woods. Always brings a grin to my face.
So all in all a fun filled day at the office playing with these cool critters and getting some valuable data for the Tb study.
This evening I had the pleasure of my good friend Sherry's company for a bit of conversation. Sherry is the one responsible for this lifestyle of dog sledding I have gotten myself into and coming over to see the pups for the first time was like a proud grandmother visiting her new grand kids. And as always Sherry came bearing a gift. This time it was some blueberry preserves she picked up at her latest visit to Amish friends in Claire. Cannot wait until morning toast to try some out.
“Live like it is heaven on earth” author unknown
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