Beckie Gaskill
Recent Stories
Summer crappie fishing heats up
Crappie are arguably the tastiest panfish to come out of Northwoods waters. This time of the year can be an excellent time to target crappie. Water temperatures have warmed, aquatic plants have grown up to the point that they make great habitat and cover, and the forage for big crappies is abundant in many lakes. This can make for some great fishing, as long as anglers know where to look for their quarry.
Summer shooting helps hunters stay sharp for fall deer season
In Wisconsin, the nine-day gun deer season is still a big deal to many. There is not only the chance to bag the buck of a lifetime, but it is also steeped in tradition with generations coming together to hunt together and to share stories.
Fish Like a GIRL
One of the best parts about my career as an outdoor journalist is the different events I get to attend and all of the experiences I get to have, that I may not have had without this career path. One was the pollinator garden tour put together by the Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department recently. It started at Hanson’s Garden Village.
‘Dragonflies of the North Woods’ is a must have book as dragonflies start to emerge
One of the phenological phenomenon that happens in early summer is the emergence of dragonflies. Their larva, which has been growing in stream bottoms and other places, start to emerge, their wings start to form, and soon we see them dipping and darting around the landscape. They are quick and agile, making them hard to identify at times.
June is invasive species awareness month
Invasive species can cause a host of issues, both on land and in the water. In general, they all share some common traits, the biggest of which being that they do not belong where they are found. Most often, they do not even belong in this country, let alone in ecosystems in Wisconsin.
Lead tackle alternatives are a better choice for anglers, and for the environment
Sinkers are important for fishing. Whether it is a small split shot crimped to a line to make the bait sink just a bit, a worm weight used to get the bait to the bottom quickly in deeper water, or a skirted jig for pitching around wood, lead was historically seen as the go-to compound for anglers targeting a variety of species.
