Cabin Life

Grouse, Pheasant, and Woodcock Hunting Tips

26 October 2020
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

It’s woodcock, pheasant, and grouse hunting season in Minnesota, and we are fortunate to have some of the best bird hunting in the country  here in our own state! Whether you choose to hunt in the 34,000-acre Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area, the 1.6 million acre Chippewa National Forest, or the far northern forests bordering the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Lake Of The Woods, Minnesota grouse season does not disappoint. 

Here are a few tips for hunting grouse, pheasant, and woodcock in Minnesota:

  • Hunt single file in woodcock covers. It’s safest to walk single file in woodcock cover; when the dog goes on point, you can then spread out with defined shooting lanes.
  • Walk in a line for grouse.  Grouse prefer to run, so spreading out and walking in a horizontal line works best. Grouse are known to be skittish, so it’s best to keep your conversations to a minimum.
  • Don’t rush your shot. Taking your time is especially important for woodcock. Quick shots kill birds, but rushed shots tend to miss.
  • Take time to enjoy the experience. Hunting is about so much more than bagging your limit. Make sure to take some time to enjoy the experience, appreciate the dogs and the company you are with, as well as the beautiful Minnesota land you’re hunting on.

Stay safe and enjoy hunting season!

Readying Your Minnesota Cabin for Winter

8 October 2020
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Property

Haven’t we had a gorgeous fall?! Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and winter will be approaching soon.

Here are some essential steps to take to ensure your Minnesota cabin is ready for the winter:

  • Turn off the water. If you don’t use your cabin in the winter, make sure you turn the water off at the supply point. Nobody wants the headaches that frozen pipes bring. Don’t forget to clear your dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators of water. 
  • Turn down your thermostat. But not all the way! If you have a furnace, lower the temperature but keep it above freezing.
  • Unplug appliances. It’s best to unplug all of your appliances when you’re preparing your cabin for winter. Doing so reduces your electricity bill and reduces fire risk due to old or faulty wiring or nibbling rodents.
  • Seal your foundation. Check your foundation for cracks and seal up any you find with steel wool and spray foam to ensure no critters find their way in when it’s cold.
  • Secure the property. When you leave for the last time, close the blinds and curtains and double-check that all doors and windows are locked. Consider installing outside security/motion detector lights that could deter would-be burglars. 

Properly preparing your cabin for winter protects your investment and helps ensure you don’t return to a mess when spring rolls around. Enjoy these remaining gorgeous fall days!

Up North Minnesota Leaf-Peeping Tips

25 September 2020
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

You don’t have to go far to see spectacular fall color where we are in Walker, Minnesota! Minnesota DNR’s Fall Color Finder shows we have reached peak color all around us in Schoolcraft State Park, Itasca State Park, and La Salle Lake State Recreation Area.

Some people say these are the most vibrant colors they’ve seen in several years, so be sure to get out there this weekend and do some leaf-peeping. Here are a few tips for your fall color excursion:

  • Find some water. With the thousands of lakes in Minnesota, you don’t have to go far to find a lake. Seeing the fall colors reflecting off the water is breathtaking, so don’t forget your camera. 
  • Take in the sights on two wheels. Riding a bike path through the many wooded trails is like riding through a brilliant wonderland; check out this link for a list of the numerous bike trails in the area.
  • Take advantage of Golden Hour. For Instagram-worthy photos, get out early (an hour after sunrise) or an hour before sunset to capture amazing soft, golden light.

Enjoy this beautiful time of year!

How to Ensure Your Dock is Ready for Winter

15 September 2020
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property, Minnesota Cabin Real Estate, Minnesota Real Estate, Vacation Property

It’s hard to believe summer is over, and we’re already talking about closing up your lakeshore cabins for the winter. Here’s hoping we have several weeks left to enjoy comfortable but cooler weather and no mosquitos!

But, when it comes time to winterize your Minnesota lakeshore cabin, here are a few tips:

  • Remove your floating dock, so it doesn’t get damaged if the lake freezes. Secure it once out of the water, and don’t forget to bring in the anchors!
  • Clean your dock’s surface. Whether you can see it or not, you may have algae and fungus on your dock. Cleaning it thoroughly ensures it will be in good shape next spring/summer when you’re ready to put it back in the water
  • Inspect your boat lift if you have one. Check to make sure all parts look good and are working properly.
  • Verify insurance coverage. If you haven’t insured your dock, you might want to consider doing that. Docks are expensive, and insuring them can save you a lot of pain down the road if something happens!

When warm weather rolls back around, your dock will be ready to use and enjoy.

Wildlife Food Plot Tips for Northern Minnesota

25 August 2020
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Lake Property, Northern Minnesota Things to Do, Vacation Property

Wildlife food plots can be a component of wildlife management on your property up north in Minnesota. Though natural habitat provides suitable cover, food, water, and space, planting annual or perennial crops on your land can provide a supplemental food source for wildlife.

Here are a few tips to help you with your food plot this year:

  • If you have a lot of land, several smaller plots are better than one large plot. Also, irregular edges and shapes are best.
  • Test your soil for pH and nutrients and add appropriate amounts of lime and fertilizer to maximize plant growth. 
  • Purchasing expensive seed mixes is not necessary. Single species seeds can be purchased at your local store and mixed together. 
  • Good choices for your food plot include clover, alfalfa, and brassicas (rapeseed, turnips, etc.)

Birdwatching in the Land of 10,000 Lakes

22 June 2020
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Categories: Blog, Cabin Life, Lake Life, Minnesota Real Estate, Northern Minnesota Things to Do

At the end of the day, Minnesota is much more than the land of 10,000 lakes. It’s also the land of all the wildlife and landscapes in and around those lakes! Cabin owners, vacationers, and outdoor enthusiasts love calling northern Minnesota their home away from home because of the natural wonder of the surroundings. Endless afternoons on the lake. Miles of shoreline and trails. The distinct call of loons or the melodious call of various common songbirds. 

One of the most fascinating — and tranquil — pastimes in Minnesota, and particularly in the northern part of the state, is bird and loon watching. Some birds are easy to spot while others require much more skill and patience. All of them are unique in their own right, and every bird watcher, from the seasoned veteran to the casual observer, has a unique blend of birds to discover throughout the state. It varies by location and time of year, and it requires the ability to be wait long enough to see and hear something you can recognize. But wherever you’re looking, the idyllic surroundings of Northern Minnesota will give you a chance to experience the beauty of Minnesota’s birds up-close-and-personal.  

It wasn’t that long ago that bald eagles were rare to see. Now you can spot them circling overhead on lakes around the state. Or try trying to track down the hard-to-spot peregrine falcon. See if you can spot one of the 12 species of owls found in our state! Or listen for the distinct, calming call of the white-throated sparrow. 

For some tips on birdwatching in our great state, check out this advice from MPR!

Whatever you’re looking or listening for, the North Woods of Minnesota has what you’re looking for. And whatever kind of vacation property you’re looking for, Bill Hansen Realty has you covered. Find out more by checking out our local listings and searching for the cabin, bare land, or year-round home that’s right for you. 

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