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Fun Times at the
SENEY
WILDLIFE REFUGE 2007
Visit their website at: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/seney/index.htm
Article
and Photos by: Julie Freeman (c) Saturday, June 9, 2007, the Seney National Wildlife Refuge held its 18th annual Children’s Fishing Day. Doors
opened for registration a half an hour early to accommodate eager kids and families in line anxious to fish. A total of 81
participants took advantage of the sunny weather for an enjoyable day of fishing on the Refuge. 14-year-old Cody Ott, of Germfask,
caught the largest northern pike measuring at 26 ¼ inches, 11-year-old Henry Sawaski, of Newberry, caught the largest
yellow perch measuring at 9 inches. Their youngest participant was 2-years-old and our oldest one was 17-years-old. By the
end of the day, 21 pike and 17 perch were brought to the weighing station, as well as several bullheads and sunfish.
Throughout the day participants took a break from fishing to play games in the Visitor Center, while volunteers measured
and recorded fish. After a long day of fishing, participants indulged in a free fish dinner served by volunteers and members
of the Seney Natural History Association. 70 pounds of whitefish was served, along with corn, beans and brownies. Hundreds
of prizes, including fishing poles, tackle boxes and lures were awarded to participants. No one walked away empty-handed.
Sponsors for this event included the Seney Natural History Association and these fine businesses, from the Germfask area:
Big Cedar Campground, Northland Outfitters and The Trading Post, from Seney: North Coast Realty and Seney Party Store, from
Curtis: JR’s Sports Shop, The Trading Post and Fish and Hunt Shop; Manistique: Hoholik’s Do It Best Hardware,
Top O’ Lake Sport and Gift and Jack’s Super Value; Munising: Glen’s Market, Holiday 155, Madigan’s
True Value Hardware, Bob’s IGA Store; Newberry: Holiday Gas Station, Duke’s Sports Shop, Foster’s True Value
Hardware, Snyder Drug Store; from the Cooks area: Garden Sports Shop; Marquette: Wal-Mart, Super One; Ishpeming: Wilderness
Sports Shop. A big appreciation goes out to the VFW and United Methodist Church of Germfask for lending many chairs and tables.
Chris Homeister, Public Use Intern and Children's Fishing Day Event Coordinator said, “This event
began 18 years ago in hopes of encouraging children to get outside and go fishing. If children can experience nature
hands on; maybe catch a fish, or see a few neat animals, then they maybe inspired to participate in more outdoor activities
in the future.” The event really hasn’t changed much over its history, they still have the same format and usually
get anywhere from 50-100 participants.
Chris added, “The event was a success overall, even though not
every participant
caught a fish, they all had smiles on their faces!" he continued, "With fish to catch, games
to play, prizes to win and a free fish dinner at the end of the day, it’s no wonder that so many people decided to venture
onto the Refuge. I heard no complainants at the end of the day, the Refuge staff, volunteers, and participants are all looking
forward to taking part in this wonderful event next year.”
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