OUTDOORS
Shallow water success: The power of the square bill crankbait
If bass fishing had a toolbox, the square bill crank bait would be the multi-tool every angler keeps on the top shelf. Those unfamiliar with crank baits may wonder what the hype is all about. These little pieces of plastic with treble hooks are downright dangerous — in the best …
Free Fun Weekend is here!
Every year the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) holds Free Fun Weekend, formerly Free Fishing Weekend. Now the weekend means that not only can people fish on inland waters in the state (with certain exceptions such as a trout stamp when targeting trout) without a license, but they can also …
June yard & garden checklists
Now that June is here, there is considerable activity throughout Wisconsin yards and gardens. Summer officially arrives this month and with it peak growing season for many plants. Making checklists helps ensure everything gets completed in a timely manner.
Al Wirt brings years of outdoor experience to Vilas County conservationist position
On Jan. 6, Al Wirt took over as Vilas County conservationist after the retirement of Carolyn Scholl. He grew up in Brokaw, on the river. He spent many of his younger days on the river.
Spring is turtle nesting season
Each spring turtles make the trek from their watery homes to lay their eggs on nearby higher ground. Often in the Northwoods, that means crossing a roadway. This obviously poses a danger, not only to the mother turtle, but to the young who, once they hatch, now need to navigate …
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Little Bellas to hold half day mountain biking camp in July
Little Bellas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to girls ages 8-10 using mountain biking as a platform to personal growth and confidence. The organization as a whole started in Vermont in 2007 and had since spread across the country, including to the Northwoods. This July, girls will have the opportunity …
June vegetation and water temperatures can have anglers feeling froggy
As the water temperature starts to warm and winter is finally a thing of the past, anglers in the know start to turn to the hollow body frog for bass fishing. Vegetation is starting to grow, lily pads and weeds are emerging from their long slumber under the ice, and …
Fish Like a GIRL
As I write this, I have spent the last couple of days in and around the water — not a shock to most, I understand. Many of us love the Northwoods specifically for the water resources that are all around us. That is one reason why I dedicate time as …
May is Wetlands Month
May is Wetlands Month, and wetlands provide a variety of ecological services, for both humans and wildlife. Earlier this year, Peter Levi from the Nature Conservancy was the speaker for the Wisconsin Wetlands Association Wetland Coffee Break entitled For the love of wetlands: Exploring wetland protection and restoration. He looked …
DNR reminds hunters to apply for a 2025 elk hunting license by May 31
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds Wisconsin hunters that they have until May 31 to apply for a chance at a 2025 elk hunting license.
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Trappers convention and expo in Escanaba, Mich. July 11-12
For the 63rd time the U.P. Trappers will host its Annual Trappers Convention/Outdoor Expo on July 11 and 12 at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, Mich. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days (all times EDT).
The Lake Where You Live
My brothers Steve and Jim are joining me for Memorial Day weekend, and they’ll expect to fish almost nonstop. They’ll also expect to catch fish and will rely on my guide service, such as it is. Of course we’ll fish Birch Lake, where I live, but we’ll also visit a …
Musky opener is tomorrow, get your bucktails ready
The Wisconsin musky season for the Northern Zone opens tomorrow, which means anglers will have an opportunity to catch one of the most elusive freshwater fish around until the season ends Dec. 31. Daniel Oele, who co-leads the state Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) musky team with Zach Lawson, has …
Spring hearing results in for 2025
Each year, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) team up for the annual spring hearings. This is an opportunity that is unique to Wisconsin. It allows citizen input on a variety of topics regarding the state’s natural resources and can help to shape regulations …
Understanding the fly
Fly fishing is a centuries-old angling method, which seems to come with a lot of technique, gear, and more quiet, alone time than other hook-and-line fishing. It has a certain allure and continues to captivate anglers with its somewhat difficult, artful cast and careful imitation of aquatic insects.
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