*Home Sweet Home*
Fishing Report In Your Area
Forums-Hot Tips-Secrets
Distinctive Outdoor Sites
Gear So Advanced It's Easy
Business Services
Statewide Resort Directory
Minnesota Fishing Guides
Boat Dealers
Lakes Area Property
Lakes Information
Statewide Campsite Listing
Ice Leaders
Walleye News

How to Connect With
Over 150,000 Anglers

Do you operate a well-run business that caters to anglers? Most of them want to know more about you. Would you like to discover how to reach them?
Click here and find out.

A satisfied FishingMinnesota member says,
"Business has been very good. We're filling the cabins, and also our RV overflow sites. Some have mentioned your site. Thanks for your help!"

Joe Martin
Bigfoot Resort

ATVAM Convention = Muddy FUN!
by by Lisa G

McQuoid's Inn, on the southeast corner of Mille Lacs Lake, was the location for this year's All-Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota (ATVAM) Convention.

This busy four day event included events such as, Guided trail rides, Bon fire with the Vikings Alumni, ATVAM Board meetings, Awards and Raffle Drawings, Catered meals, and more. The purpose of the guided rides on Thursday and Friday was to publicize the existing Soo Line and Red Top Loop trail for ATV's and promote relationship with the County and State DNR Officials and the ATVAM Association.

President of ATVAM, Sonia Bartz, made sure all members who attended the meetings and seminars were well informed and up to date on the Association's events and happenings. Editors, photographers and writers from ATV Magazine, ATV Sport Magazine and Minnesota Off-Road Magazine took part in the festivities and had the opportunity to get some awesome action photos.

Representatives from Polaris and Arctic Cat were on site with new products including ATV's, snowmobiles, accessories and more. Factory personnel were ready to make quick repairs and keep the ATV's trail ready. Pat Leopold, Chairman of the Vikings Children's Fund, arranged for several Minnesota Vikings alumni to attend and take part in the fun event. Representatives from various civic organizations and local media were also invited.

Following a safety training course, we lined our machines up to enter the ATV trail system. Everyone felt like a fourteen year old. Trail developer, Paul TenBruin, guided our group on a preview ride through a new section of trail called Foxy. This challenging course takes you through dense woods and marshy areas. It should be open to the public this summer.

After conquering Foxy, Terry McQuoid received a call on his cell phone that Bud Grant would be joining us. Terry arranged for him to meet us at the Sink Hole.

This is an enormous mud puddle that reaches depths of nearly four feet. Hidden stumps, rocks and debris make it all the more challenging. As you pull up alongside the Sink Hole, you think, "there is no way I am going through that!" Until someone initiates the maiden crossing, then you cannot help but get into the spirit of things and follow.

Bob Lurtsema and Sonia made it through the muddy pond with no problem. Bob yelled back across to Pat Leopold and said, "Hey Pat, Sonia says you are a chicken! That came from the lovely lady!" Since the challenge had been made, Pat had no choice but attempt to cross. He succeeded.

Bud Grant finally joined the group and we continued on to TenBruins Adventure. This section of trail is very difficult. Heavy rains this spring have made the trail wetter and muddier than usual.

We made it through with few problems. If someone did get hung up, there were plenty of helpers at hand. (Riding with Polaris and Arctic Cat service professionals really makes a difference!)

Within an hour or so, we were famished and thirsty. Appropriately enough, we were guided to the Snake River Campground for a BBQ lunch. Dusty grins, aching backs and muddy feet were the norm for this middle-aged bunch. Following our outdoor feast, we headed for home.

Upon returning to McQuoids Inn, we hosed the mud off of our machines and ourselves. As Terry McQuoid assisted Doug Sutherland by washing off his boots, he summed it all up very nicely, " that's what I call good dirty fun!!"

To find out more about the All Terrain Vehicle Association of Minnesota, contact President, Sonia Bartz, at 1-800-HI-ATVAM, or atvam@aol.com.

Red Pine Resort
Ice Fishing on Kabetogama.