OUTDOORS
DNR bear advisory committee backs higher quotas for 2026 season
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) bear management advisory committee met on Dec. 1 and rolled out preliminary recommendations for the 2026 bear season. Those proposals could put significantly more tags in hunters’ hands.
The Lake Where You Live
After our series of cold days, your lake is likely iced over by now. Birch Lake froze on Nov. 30, pretty much typical if our year-by-year record is to be trusted.
The great Christmas debate: live tree or artificial
There’s been a long-time debate over Christmas trees — should one choose a live or artificial tree? I have to give my side of the story. My family and I have always gotten a live Christmas tree, cut straight from a tree farm. That makes it pretty easy for me. …
A fawn’s first winter
Have you ever given any thought to what a fawn from this year is about to go through facing their first winter. Personally, I really can’t say there is a winter that goes by, that I don’t think of a particular winter years ago, when the snow was up to …
DNR seeking public input on statewide turkey management plan
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public input as the revision process for the state’s turkey management plan begins. Wisconsin’s current turkey management plan, adopted in 2015, was designed to guide and inform statewide turkey management practices and priorities for a period of 10 years.
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Deer hunters are encouraged to take advantage of late season opportunities
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds deer hunters that although the 2025 nine-day gun deer season is now closed, additional harvest opportunities remain available throughout the late fall and early winter.
Navigating first ice
With winter setting in across the Northwoods, anglers’ thoughts are turning to ice fishing. But the allure of early ice comes with its dangers as well, as some anglers have had the misfortune to find out.
Deadlines approaching for 2026 bear and turkey harvest authorizations applications
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds bear and turkey hunters that applications for the 2026 black bear and spring turkey hunting seasons are due by 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 10. Hunters can apply for harvest authorizations or purchase preference points toward future drawings, or edit an existing …
The Lake Where You Live
Those who live on and advocate for lakes can easily (and appropriately) obsess over everyday demands. What’s happening with the Secchi readings? Will we get that new invasive species grant? How can we do more to protect natural shorelines?
Northwoods Almanac
According to the DNR, “The first snowy owls of 2025 reached Wisconsin on Nov. 6. While early November is a typical arrival date, the total of 17 owls reported as of Nov. 17 is above average for this early in the season. The last year with a higher total at …
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Invasive species council announces nomination period for 22nd Annual Invasive Species Action Awards
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council is accepting nominations for the 22nd annual Invasive Species Action Awards now through Feb. 15, 2026.
Bailey awarded for volunteer work on Big Arbor Vitae Lake
At the Big Arbor Vitae Lake Association annual member meeting this spring over Memorial Day weekend, Dr. Gary Bailey was honored for his exceptional service. He accepted the prestigious Don and Nancy Wallace distinguished service award which is presented to a member whose contributions have made a lasting impact on …
Thoughts from deer camp on opening weekend
While my hunting adventures carry on without a buck in hand, I had a little time here at deer camp to provide a quick update. The day before gun season opened last Saturday, Nov. 22, I decided to go sit in the woods and see if I could still fill …
The process of hibernation
Winter is coming. With cold temperatures and harsh conditions approaching, animals like to go into a state of hibernation or torpor. Hibernation is described as “the condition or period of an animal or plant spending the winter in a dormant state.”
The Lake Where You Live
I recently met an old friend for lunch at a place on the far west side of Manitowoc. I can’t be that close to my home water — Lake Michigan — without paying a visit. The attraction is like gravity.
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