OUTDOORS
Vilas County LWC hosts regional speaking, poster competion
“Essentially, all life depends upon the soil ... there can be no life without soil and no soil without life; they have evolved together.”
Minocqua Forest Riders Vintage Snowmobile Day set for Feb. 21
Last year’s Minocqua Forest Riders Snowmobile Club’s Vintage Snowmobile Day drew almost 1,000 people. Organizers say this year’s program is shaping to draw even more people to the event. The event will take place at the Area 31 complex at 13050 Gilbertson Road, Minocqua.
Hunting, trapping and fishing season calendar
Note: 2026-27 licenses through the Department of Natural Resources will go on sale early March of 2026, check your GoWild account for more information.
The Lake Where You Live
What looks more lifeless than a snow-covered lake on a February morning when I can’t remember that last day the temperature topped 32 degrees? I know there’s life under the ice, but there certainly isn’t any on top of it. From our shoreline I can see one fishing shack positioned …
2026 sturgeon spearing season opens Feb. 14
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is preparing for the sturgeon spearing season opening Saturday, Feb. 14, on the Winnebago System. With one of the largest lake sturgeon populations in North America, the Winnebago System supports an annual spearing season that runs for a maximum of 16 days (closing …
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Northwoods Almanac
I typically write in this column entirely about the outer landscape – the stories of all the species that form this natural community we call the Northwoods. But actually I’m also writing about the inner landscape – yours and mine – which is the emotional landscape we employ to love …
Wisconsin Waterfowl Association holds town hall meeting
On Monday evening, Jan. 19, the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association invited Department of Natural Resources game bird ecologist Taylor Finger to a Zoom call looking at Mississippi Flyway changes and to take input on setting the 2026 season. He stated a public input form would be available in March and urged …
The rare animals of Wisconsin
There are many animals that one has seen while living in the Northwoods. At the same time, there are plenty of animals that are hard to spot, very rare or non-existent. Here are four animals that may or may not be seen in Wisconsin.
The Lake Where You Live
It’s not easy to think of snow as an insulator, but in fact it is, and that characteristic significantly affects conditions on our lake ice. The insulating power of snow depends on how deep it is and how densely packed. Think of the goose down inside a coat or jacket. …
DNR is seeking nominations for 2025 hunting instructors of the year
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting nominations for the 2025 Hunter Education Instructor of the Year, Hunter Education Group of the Year and Archery Education Instructor of the Year awards. Current hunter and archery education instructors and hunter education groups that have significantly advanced hunter safety on …
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DNR warns of increased law enforcement for upcoming Sled Safe Weekends
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports six snowmobile fatalities so far in this new year and urges all snowmobile operators to wait to drink any alcoholic beverages until they get home for the day. This is the top safety message operators will hear from DNR conservation wardens patrolling …
Mercer Lions Club Fishing Jamboree Feb. 14
The Mercer Lions Club Fishing Jamboree is on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Mercer Community Center. Compete for the biggest fish on three local lakes, then head indoors for a 50/50 raffle, additional raffles, bingo games and treats. 50/50 tickets are on sale Friday and Saturday mornings at Snow’s Country …
DNR asks public to report black bear den locations for winter den survey
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages the public to report any black bear den locations they find in Wisconsin to help with an ongoing statewide study on black bear reproduction and population. The DNR’s bear den team has begun surveying dens for the season, but welcomes additional den …
Northwoods Yard & Garden
Now that February has arrived and weather conditions moderate across Wisconsin, gardeners can consider venturing outside for the task of dormant pruning of trees. Bare trees this time of year makes it easy to see what issues can be corrected via pruning. While individual trees may vary in specific pruning …
Making memories: A friends ice fishing adventure to remember
Three close friends of mine stayed with me this past weekend for an ice fishing trip. Among the four of us, two have ice fished a good amount, one had ice fished before but not much, and one had never ice fished. To be honest, I wasn’t even sure this …
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