WWW Chicago outdoors: Something new Show Week 3

Now here’s something different as we head into Week 3 of show season, which again leads this Wild Weekend Wanderings around Chicago outdoors.

There’s a reason for the photo above of an Indiana sunrise over Lake Michigan. I think it was taken on an August salmon trip with Capt. Ralph Steiger.

That’s because the show for this weekend is the Hammond Outdoor Sports Show at Jean Shepherd Community Center, Hammond, Ind. And the seminar I would like to highlight is “The Healing Effects of Fishing.”

I’m sorry, but I find it easy to become jaded with outdoor shows after awhile, which is why I love it when something new comes along. And there is a doozy this weekend.

The “Mik-Lurch Boys” will team with Dr. Abhin Singla on the healing seminar at 12:30-1:15 p.m. Saturday.

I remember when Ed McCain, one of the Mik-Lurch Boys, first mentioned the idea. I didn’t really expect it to go anywhere. But there it is. I am curious to both see how the seminar works, and whether guys show up.

My suspicion is that you have to be at a certain life point to truly appreciate a seminar like that. Don’t think it would have been something I would have stuck my head into as a 20-something.

As a father to four, a husband and a 50-something, that part of the outdoor experience becomes much more important than just the catching part.

Enjoy.

Other presenters include Chae Dolsen, Chauncey Niziol, Mike Mladenik, Don Dziedzina, Larry Coleman, Capt. Chuck Weis, Capt. Mike Orr, Steiger and Ed Mullady

The show runs Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $5 with 12 and younger free. Parking is free. If you bring in antlers for scoring, you will receive one free admission. There’s all kinds of kid stuff: trout pond, minnow races, bobber pond and Wii fishing.

For info, call (219) 554-0155 or go to sportsshow.gohammond.com

GUN DOG SERIES: I realize this is a bit of a specialty thing. But if you’re dog person, this is pretty neat, and something I watched one time. And Rooster Heaven is a solid club.

On Saturday and again on Feb. 28, regionals with divisions for pointers and flushers and classes for puppies and adult dogs will be held again at Rooster Heaven Hunt Club in Forrest. Go to roosterheaven.com.

ICE FISHING: Ice thickness should hold just fine, just be very sloppy. The areas to watch might be in far southern areas, but I suspect even they will hold up, other than water on top. Bill Lanham sent a note that Mazonia South lakes, which reopened Monday, were just explosive for panfish action.

FLY TYING: The Illinois Smallmouth Alliance Bassbuggers Fly Tying Event is at One More Cast at 6 p.m. Monday. Here’s the word from proprietor Joseph Meyer:

I couldn’t help myself, I had to include Meyer’s standard closing line. It’s a good reminder.

PERSONAL PICKS: I hope to make the seminar by the Mik-Lurch Boys and Dr. Abhin Singla at the Hammond Show, though it might take some juggling of family runng around. . . . Otherwise, I think it is a catch-up weekend (building up family credit, and if you don’t understand that concept, talk to me) in prep for a very busy show week next week.