Are you a YOOPER?

[Harryasaboy]

For those unfamiliar with the term, a Yooper is a resident of Michigan's upper peninsula. (Those south of the bridge are trolls)

My next story is about a young man fresh out of college getting a job as the keeper of the last manned lighthouse on the shores of Lake Superior. He's a city boy from California with no clue as to how to deal with either the four legged or two legged locals. If you are from that area maybe you can answer these questions:

Are there any wolverines in that area? Are they as nasty as some people say? If encountered, what's the best survival strategy?

What about moose? Same questions as with wolverines.

Are there any other nasty critters (not counting your uncle Sid) in that area?

 

[wheres_the_beef]

I was a troll for most of my adult life.

Wolverines are very rare. It is not really their natural habitat. The name mostly derives from the state being associated with the fur trade bringing in pelts from Canada.

No moose. Lots and lots of white tail deer. Deer hunting is practically religion up there. Understanding the culture of deer camp and why Nugent's "fred bear" gets radio air play every fall might lend authenticity.

There are wolves coming back although still limited.

We have bear. They are black though not brown/grizzly. They behave differently. Someone from urban CA might stilll freak out though.

Snow...seriously snow. Sometimes fall and spring snow. Some people own snowmobiles for transportation not recreation.

If your character runs into a troll they may point to their right hand when describing where they are from. It is the universal map of the LP.

That map might also lead to usage of my favorite masturbation euphemism, dating miss Michigan.

 

[wheres_the_beef]

Just a touch more on snow

Most people in Michigan do not own separate snow tires although I would guess yoopers do at a higher rate. If anyone but your character makes that sounds like an absolute requirement for light snow you will lose believability.

Studded tires are illegal in the state.

In the LP, even the lake effect snow belts, I never met anyone who owned snow chains. Even up there I would be surprised if they were common since you don't want to use them once roads are plowed. Don't make them a big deal except maybe to laugh at the Californian who doesn't know how too drive in winter.

Roof shoveling /snow blowing is not just a joke. My grandparents retirement home in the northern LP took damage one winter when my cousin couldn't make it over to shovel while they were snow birding.

Snow birding = migrating out of state for the snowy winter

 

[Harryasaboy]

Thanks this is great stuff

Snow is great. I plan for the main character to be as isolated as possible.

Here's a Yoopers video for ya.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnHNqvOB42M

Did this link work? If not, search you tube for Yoopers "30 Point Buck."

 

[Hypoxia]

In a LIT fantasyland tale, the SoCal guy can encounter many critters that Yoopers would never notice. Cue the mooses, wolverines, caribous. snow worms, a wendigo or walrus or three, some Yetis, eager Beaver scouts, misplaced Mounties, or my great-grandmother who was last seen walking into Lake Huron wearing a shift and a straw hat. The hat floated off.

 

[Handley_Page]

Harry,
I sure hope that you indicate in your story what a Yooper is, 'cus it's not clear to anyone else.

 

[Harryasaboy]

Didn't I explain it?

I thought my original post explained it. A Yooper is someone that lives in Michigan north of the Makinac bridge.

 

[YDB95]

Harry,
I sure hope that you indicate in your story what a Yooper is, 'cus it's not clear to anyone else.

I know what it means and I've never lived in MI. (I did go skiing in the UP once, it was beautiful.)