Navigating first ice
Balancing safety and excitement
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.
DNR numbers show license sales, harvest numbers down slightly through gun deer season
On Dec. 2, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) put out their preliminary nine-day gun deer season numbers. According to the DNR, numbers were slightly off of last years numbers. DNR deer program specialist Jeff Pritzl said that while license sales were down slightly, they were about average for the last four years, as last year’s numbers were up slightly from the previous year.
2025 preliminary opening weekend gun deer hunt numbers in
Licenses down slightly, registrations up, one fatality
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released their preliminary opening gun deer season numbers on Tuesday, Nov. 25. As of 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23, total license purchases, including gun, archery, crossbow, conservation patron and sports licenses, numbered 777,843, which was down only 0.03 percent from last year at the same time.
While he is in the stand, she is out on the land Widow’s Weekend
Seven fun things to do for Widow’s Weekend in the Northwoods
Every November, as the blaze orange army heads to the woods for Wisconsin’s nine-day gun-deer season, women across the state celebrate something a little different: Widow’s Weekend. This weekend is that glorious kickoff to girl time where the only hunting is for good deals, good laughs, and good cocktails.
Hunters will find new boundaries, good bucks in Northern Forest Zone
In the Northern Forest Zone (NFZ), after years of hunters asking for unit boundary changes, 2025 marks the year they will get their wish. In 2014, the state moved to using county boundaries as Deer Management Unit (DMU) after the deer report stated there were too many DMUs that were too small to facilitate proper management. However, in the NFZ, there has been a push for several years to return to more of a habitat-based unit system.
Rhinelander youth bags second wall hanger
Oct. 8, 2025 will be a day youth hunter Claire Laddusire remembers for a long time. She will remember it every time she looks up at the wall. That is the day she arrowed a 10-point buck in Oneida County. The buck had a 16-inch inside spread and received a Northwoods Youth Deer Hunt Challenge score of 26.
Wisconsin Bass Team Trail anglers fight wind and weather at championship on Minocqua Chain
The weekend of Oct 4-5 was one of the windier weekends anglers of the Wisconsin Bass Trail could remember fishing their championship tournament. Spot-Lock ® or shallow water anchors, it was difficult at best to control boats and fish efficiently, many anglers reported. Others said it was impossible to fish docks and other structures in certain areas due to the wind.
Hunter Nation urges sportsmen and women to get out and vote
Hunter Nation held a town hall meeting with Congressman Tom Tiffany, also a 2026 gubernatorial candidate, in Green Bay on Nov. 14. The main topic of conversation with sportsmen, who came from across northern and central Wisconsin, was the progress made, or lack thereof, on wolf delisting.
Oneida County forestry, land and recreation committee stays course on snowmobile trail openings
The county’s snowmobile trail opening policy came before the forestry, land and recreation committee at their regularly scheduled monthly meeting this week. Committee chair Bob Almekinder said he had been asked to put the matter on the agenda for the committee, and said there was also some question as to who should be the representative for the county on the committee.
Wisconsin Headwaters Invasives Partnership steering committee looks at funding concerns, projects, communications plan
The Wisconsin Headwaters Invasives Partnership (WHIP) is one of several Cooperative Invasive Species Management Areas (CISMAs) in Wisconsin. The organization is headquartered in Rhinelander in the Lumberjack RC&D office.
Lumberjack RC&D helps to fund 2 local projects in 2026
Projects are 2 of 8 for the year
Each year, Lumberjack Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council funds several conservation projects around their nine-county area, and this year, two of those were here in Oneida and Vilas counties.
Vilas Lakes Partnership offers networking for local lake organizations
Each year the Vilas County Land and Water Conservation Department holds the Vilas County Lakes Partnership meeting at the Boulder Junction Community Center. It is an opportunity for lake organizations and members of those organizations to learn about what issues the county has been seeing in the way of lake health, invasive species and other water-related topics. It is also a place where the county and lake organizations alike can share their successes and stories of their work over the past year.
Nicolet College Learning in Retirement provides wide array of opportunities for members over 50
Nicolet College’s Learning in Retirement program is directed by retired and semi-retired Northwoods residents and was created for those who are retired or semi-retired, and is open to anyone 50 years of age or older. The program offers short-term learning opportunities that allow people to have a wide variety of experiences in what has been described as a relaxed, informal and friendly setting.
State forestry leaders talk about why forestry and forest products matter to Wisconsin
Sam Rikkers, chief operating officer for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, on Oct. 20 led a panel of forestry industry experts to talk about opportunities, challenges and all of the facets of the future of forestry in Wisconsin for Forest Products Week on the University of Wisconsin-Steven Point’s campus.
DNR wolf advisory committee holds second meeting
Cooperation, compromise key to success
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wolf advisory committee met for the second time this month on Oct. 16. Wolf management is arguably one of the most contentious issues in wildlife management within the state, meaning the group is charged with no small feat.
Cutting to the chase
Oneida County land and water conservation committee tightens shoreland rules
Seeking to close what they called a loophole in Oneida County’s shoreland ordinance, members of the land and water conservation committee voted to prohibit clearcutting and other land-disturbing activities in lakefront access and viewing corridors — citing concerns over erosion, aesthetics and water quality.
Vilas County land and water conservation committee approves grant application resolutions
Resolutions to boost water quality, conservation efforts in 2026
At last week’s Vilas County land and water conservation committee meeting, the department brought forward several resolutions looking for support for various grant applications to keep department projects and tasks running smoothly for 2026. The committee approved sending all of these resolutions for grant proposals on to the full county board
Wheeler, Daniels make strong comeback to win MLF
Fishing Clash event held in Minocqua
Jacob Wheeler and Mark Daniels Jr. staged a dramatic late-day rally to capture the Major League Fishing-Fishing Clash Team Circuit title in Minocqua, overcoming an 11-pound deficit in the final hour.
Pack It In: DNR estimates 1,200 wolves roaming Wisconsin
New monitoring model revises past counts as debate over wolf management continues
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released their wolf monitoring report for 2024-2025. That report estimated that there are 1,226 wolves in Wisconsin. It is important to note that these estimates are created when the wolf population is at its lowest point during the year.
Oneida County forestry recreation and land committee looks at Almon Park improvements
The forestry department had brought several Capital Improvement Projects (CIPs) to the forestry, recreation and land committee for approval at the August meeting, but there were two for which they wanted to have a more solid idea of the costs involved. Those came back to the Sept. 9 committee meeting and were both regarding work at Almon Park.
A dandy indication
Some residents report seeing fewer dandelions this spring and early summer
While there are many reasons for declining dandelion populations some have seen this year, some of them could be a cause for concern. Whether this year’s low dandelion crop could be caused simply by unfavorable weather, or something more, is not fully known, but there are other early spring phenomena that could be linked, and are of even bigger concern.
Nokomis pumps brakes on DOT’s proposed U.S. 51 roundabout
The Nokomis town board last Monday approved sending a letter to the state Department of Transportation (DOT) opposing a proposed roundabout at the intersection of U.S. Highway 51, County Highway K and Swamp Lake Road. Russ Berg of the Nokomis Volunteer Fire Department said, from the department’s standpoint, it was a safety issue.
Forest History Association of Wisconsin’s Fall Conference heads to Manitowish Waters
Celebrate 100 years of the NHAL and 50 years of the FHAW
Join the Forest History Association at their Fall Conference to celebrate their 50th anniversary as well as the 100th anniversary of the Northern Highland American Legion (NHAL) State Forest on Oct. 3 to 4 at the North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters.
Minocqua lands Major League Fishing’s Heritage Cup
National spotlight hits Northwoods as fans and elite anglers discover lake locations in real time
Major League Fishing (MLF) is one of the premier bass fishing tournament series in the country, and their Fishing Clash Team Series Knighten Industries Heritage Cup will be coming to Minocqua next week, hosted by the Minocqua Area Visitor’s Bureau. Twenty-four of the top MLF anglers will team up to create 12 powerhouse teams that will compete over six days, starting on Sept. 14.
Increased revenue in DNR Fish and Wildlife Account shows money is flowing – but to where?
Audit looks into need to shore up funding, shows no glaring misuse
Last year the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources came forward to say they were expecting a $16 million deficit in the Fish and Wildlife Account for the 2025-26 biennium. While some called for higher license fees, sighting fewer people taking part in pursuits such as deer hunting, and a lack of increase in these fees in over 20 years as the reason for the shortfall, legislators such as Senator Rob Stafsholt (R–New Richmond) called for an audit of the expenditures from that account before they would accept an increase.
Oneida County pasture walk scheduled for Sept. 10
The Oneida County land and water conservation department, partnering with the National Fish and Wildlife Federation, Golden Sands RC&D and Grass Works, Inc. will hold a pasture walk from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10. The walk will take place at Hanson’s Garden Village in Rhinelander.
Oneida County forestry committee tips hat to duck hunters, approving wild rice project
Oneida County forest director Jill Nemec and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife biologist Curt Rollman brought a Cassian wild rice project to the Oneida County forestry, recreation and land committee for consideration at the committee’s last meeting.
Trout Lake Station open house highlights world class research
Future of Long Term Ecological Research Program uncertain
Each year Trout Lake Station in Boulder Junction holds an open house to showcase the research graduate students and others are doing. One of the Northwoods best kept secrets, research done at Trout Lake is used by scientists worldwide.
Oneida County forestry committee tips hat to duck hunters, approves wild rice project
Oneida County forest director Jill Nemec and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife biologist Curt Rollman brought a wild rice project in the Town of Cassian to the Oneida County forestry, recreation and land committee for their consideration at their last meeting.
Hunting dog depredated by wolves in Oneida County
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services confirmed a 1.5 year old female Plott Hound was depredated by wolves at approximately 7:30 a.m. on August 10, in the town of Little Rice.
Northwoods Honor Flight benefit looks to educate veterans, the public
By now most have heard of the Honor Flight. However, organizers of the Northwoods Honor Flight benefit, Cynthia and Jeff Devor, said, many veterans have still not taken that flight. There are a number of reasons for that, but the Devors said the hope with this event was to encourage more veterans to make that trip. The benefit was held last month at Cabaret Cove in Rhinelander.
Northwoods Honor Flight benefit looks to educate veterans, the public
By now most have heard of the Honor Flight. However, organizers of the Northwoods Honor Flight benefit, Cynthia and Jeff Devor, said, many veterans have still not taken that flight. There are a number of reasons for that, but the Devors said the hope with this event was to encourage more veterans to make that trip. The benefit was held last month at Cabaret Cove in Rhinelander.
Vilas County forestry, recreation and land committee approves acquisition of Plum Lake parcel
One of the agenda items on this week’s Vilas County forestry, recreation and land agenda was concerning a 40-acre parcel of land, an issue first discussed in 2023.
Stovewood Daze to take place in Jennings Aug. 2
Family event celebrates history, heritage
The Mecikalski Stovewood Building and Museum in Jennings has a long history as a staple for what was once a thriving logging town. The building gets its name for the stovewood construction method used to build the building. The building was built around 1899 by Polish immigrant John Mecikalski. The construction method utilized logs comparable to those typically used as firewood or stove wood. The logs are stacked like a wood pile and held together with mortar. The building has served several purposes over its history.
Oneida County Fair slated for July 31 to Aug. 3
Donations appreciated
The Oneida County Fair will open later this week and run through the weekend. Many residents and visitors alike look forward to the fair all year, and for good reason. The Oneida County Fair offers something for everyone. Thursday evening features a Kids Power Wheels Demo Derby as well as the RC Car Extravaganza. The opening ceremony kicks off the fair at 6:30 p.m. with Bogfoot taking the stage at 7 p.m.
Oneida and Vilas County ADRC’s free Cycling without Age trishaw tours let seniors roll again
Cycling Without Age is a global movement to provide free bike rides to the elderly and those with special needs who would normally not get to partake in the great sport of bicycling. Events are held through both the Oneida County and Vilas County Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC).
Permaculture Convergence comes to Rhinelander
For the first time the Wisconsin Permaculture Convergence is coming to Northern Wisconsin. The event will be held Sept. 5 through 7 at Holiday Acres in Rhinelander. With the owners there working to move the resort to a carbon neutral vacation destination, it makes perfect sense to draw in a big event such as this that will help to showcase all the Rhinelander area has to offer.
Christmas in July Cards looks to leave no one alone at the holidays
Sherrill Willis and a few friends have gotten together every July to make Christmas cards for area nursing home residents. Last year the group made 500 cards, and this year they have set their sights higher, at 1,000 cards. The idea, Willis said, was to expand out to the tri-county area and to get Christmas cards to not only nursing home residents, but even people in situations such as low-income housing.
Six County Lakes and Rivers meeting draws riparian owners from across the Northwoods
Nicolet College in Rhinelander was the home to the 15th annual Six County Lakes and Rivers Meeting. The meeting is sponsored by Oneida County Lakes and Rivers Association (OCLRA) and Vilas County Lakes and Rivers Association (VCLRA) and targets Oneida, Vilas, Iron, Forest, Florence and Lincoln County riparian owners and water stewards, but all are welcome to attend.
Seventh Annual Rod Gaskill Memorial Bass Tournament to benefit Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
The Rod Gaskill Memorial Bass Tournament is in its seventh year, and this year the proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation. The tournament will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23, and there is still time to register. The tournament is held at Boom Lake in Rhinelander, with take off and weigh in being at the Hodag Park boat landing.
Sand Lake is a small lake with a big problem
Sand Lake is a small seepage lake in the town of Cassian that town chair Ed Phebus called a best-kept secret. That is until recent years. The lake is under 100 acres, and has served area residents well when looking for a quiet place to enjoy a swim or a day on the beach, an area of property which was gifted to the town.
Vilas County committee OKs $35K towards culvert fix
Pickerel Creek project aims to avert flooding, protect nearby homes
At this month’s Vilas County land and water conservation committee meeting, one of the items needing attention was the Pickerel Creek culvert. This culvert has been problematic for years, as it handles drainage from a 13-square-acre watershed.
NRB approves County Deer Advisory Council recommendations for 2025 deer season
For hunters in the Northern Forest Zone, deer hunting season will look a bit different this year. Hunters in the Northwoods have been asking for years to split both Oneida and Vilas County when it came to managing the deer herd. Doing this would allow them to manage deer in differently in what was seen as drastically different circumstances from one part of the county to the other, they said.
Changing fishing line helps improve angler success
Anglers know they should change their line occasionally but how often? Many tournament anglers respool all of their monofilament and even fluorocarbon after every tournament. They may also respool braid once or twice per year, often taking the line off of one reel and spooling it onto another once, then changing it out the next time.
High water, heavy current meant lower weights for UMBCS Boom Lake tournament
Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series (UMBCS) took on a tough Boom Lake and Rhinelander Flowage on Sunday, June 30. The challenge with this tournament each year is a mental one for anglers who often wonder if they should head up the river in search of big smallmouth, or take their chances on the lake and target heavily pressured largemouth.
Wisconsin Bass Team Trail anglers find Willow at full pool for the first time
Several years ago, the Wisconsin Bass Team Trail started holding an annual tournament at the Willow Flowage. This year, for the first time, anglers launched onto a full pool at the flowage. Most knew it could make finding fish more difficult, but some had had some success during practice and were just hoping their fish had not moved too far from where they found them previously.
Fish Like a GIRL
Master Naturalist program leads to new experiences
Many people know that I went through Master Naturalist training in the late summer/early fall of 2023 at the North Lakeland Discovery Center. I had wanted to go in 2022, but with Chet still not doing well from his heart attack in June of that year, I decided to put it off. I wanted to take the training at Discovery Center, and I did not like being that far away should something happen or should he need something.
Bike the Heart of Vilas County this holiday weekend
Traveling from one town to another in Vilas County on a bicycle is an experience that is nothing like making the same journey by car. Not only is biking great exercise, the paved trails from St. Germain to Sayner to Boulder Junction to Manitowish Waters to Mercer make a great excursion for riders of all levels.
Jitterbug fishing is a great mid-summer tactic
Largemouth bass, small mouth bass and pike provide some great top water action all summer long. There is nothing quite like a top-water bite. The fish explodes out of the water, inhaling a top-water plug and dives back to the depths. The angler’s heart is racing and their hands start to shake as they lean back and set the hook, driving the treble hooks into the meat of the fish’s mouth. The fight is on, and it is like hand-to-hand combat between the angler and the big fish at the other end of the line.
Fireworks, flags and fire starters
Camping hacks for a Northwoods Fourth
While parades and fireworks tend to steal the show on the Fourth of July, many Northwoods families are gearing up for an equally cherished tradition: a long holiday weekend at the campground.
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