Is the boat ready for open water?
Many have been there — waiting at the launch ramp while someone slowly slides their trailer into the water for the first time of the year. Excitement is high as the outboard of the boat at the landing turns over … again, and again, and again, but to no avail.
Spring brings bats back out of hibernation
Threatened populations could use human assistance
As temperatures continue to rise and daylight hours increase, bats across northern Wisconsin are beginning to emerge from hibernation, just as many other species are. With the bats’ nocturnal nature, however, they may be some of the less thought about species. This emergence can be observed not only in the forests, but even in residential areas. Spring can be a critical time for bat conservation efforts.
North Lakeland Discovery Center Woods and Water Conference planned for next Friday, April 25
North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters will once again hold their Woods and Waters Conference. Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m., with a welcome and programming beginning at 8:15 a.m. There are more than 15 speakers planned for the day, and attendees will have the ability to learn from scientists, lake association leaders, land owners and even fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Fish Like a GIRL
The good work we all do…
Last weekend was the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation annual meeting and banquet. It is a long weekend that consists of a Friday evening that can stretch well into the late night, with chatting and eating and camaraderie after the meeting itself.
Spring is prescribed fire season
DNR sets controlled fires for various ecosystem reasons
As spring settles in across Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is setting fire to parts of the landscape — on purpose, but there is no need to be concerned. Prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns, are a time-tested land management tool used by the DNR to maintain healthy ecosystems and reduce wildfire risk. While the idea of intentionally starting fires might raise eyebrows, DNR officials say the benefits are both immediate and long-term.
Oneida County land and water conservation committee looks at projects funded by Knowles-Nelson, drafts resolution of support for reauthorization
Part of Governor Evers’ budget includes reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for 10 years with annual funding of $100 million made available for projects around the state. So far, funding from the program have contributed to 10,274 projects for a total of $1.3 billion. In Oneida County alone, 135 projects have been funded for $56,512.90, according to the interactive map on the website.
Senator Ron Johnson pushes for gray wolf delisting, again
The legislative tug-of-war over gray wolf protections is far from over. In the latest round, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has reentered the effort, joined by with Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) to introduce a bill that would once again remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list.
Pet and Livestock Protection Act clears house committee, heads to full house
One of the most contentious debates in the realm of species management in Wisconsin, and, indeed across much of the country, is that of the gray wolf. The species has found itself on and off the Endangered Species List (ESL) many times over the years.
Wolf conflicts still affecting rural Wisconsinites
Some legislators, such as U.S. Congressman Tom Tiffany, have been working to get yet another delisting done for the gray wolf. As those battles continue, so, too, do the battles of hunters, producers and rural citizens of Wisconsin. While the former can be contentious, the latter can be traumatic for individuals and families. Already the depredation map on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website shows 17 conflict reports.
Learning to read a lake map before the season begins can improve success on the water
Know before you go
Before even backing the trailer down the ramp, anglers can give themselves a leg up by studying a lake map. Understanding a body of water before launching not only boosts confidence, but also speeds up the process of finding fish.
New technology could offer increased detection of CWD
Peter A Larsen, Ph.D. of MN Center for Prion Research and Outreach spoke in a recent webinar about chronic wasting disease (CWD) and some developments that have come out in the last few years that provide new tools to combat CWD.
Fish Like a GIRL
Boat draw kicks off new season, returns family bonds
This past weekend we had our boat draw event for the Wisconsin Bass Team Trail, the series that Chet and I run. It really kind of marks the beginning of the season for us.
2025 spring hearings are just over a week away
Each year the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) partners with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the state’s spring hearings. This is an opportunity that is unique to Wisconsin residents. Wisconsin is the only state that asks for public opinion in this open forum type of way regarding various issues involving the state’s natural resources.
Cyanobacteria presentation looks ahead to warmer weather
While it is still quite cold in the Northwoods and winter does not want to seem to loosen its grasp, soon some lakes in the Northwoods may see algal blooms as temperatures rise. At Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention this year, Gina LaLiberte, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) water resources management specialist and “algae lady,” spoke about cyanobacteria, commonly called blue green algae, how to identify it, and the causes of this potentially harmful summer foe.
Fish Like a GIRL
Another Lakes Convention in the books
As I write this, I am staying in a hotel in Ashland, watching the wind whip the rain/snow/ice mix across the bay of the big lake. It reminds one of the power of water, for sure. As I checked in last night, before the storm, it also gave me some time for reflection, looking out over the water from my room. Part of that reflection was the three-day conference in Stevens Point, which was still fresh in my mind.
Mosquito management aims for fewer bites, not just fewer mosquitos
With melting snow comes standing water. With standing water comes mosquitoes. But those mosquitoes that need the melting snow to turn into adults are not around all summer long.
What is the deal with shed hunting?
For the uninitiated, shed hunting is not spending a day in the spring at a big box home improvement store or an Amish village looking for a building in which to store the lawn tractor. Sheds, in this case, are antlers that are shed from buck white tailed deer or other cervids sometime during late winter or early spring. Some may wonder why this “shedding” would happen.
Study shows metal and plastic surfaces can be contaminated with CWD when processing venison
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an always fatal neurological disease affecting cervids such as white tailed deer, mule deer, elk and moose. CWD is prion disease, which are misfolded proteins. These prions have the propensity to actually bind to surfaces. A recent study looked at their ability to bind to surfaces when processing contaminated venison.
Get ready to fish a Neko rig this spring
The Neko rig has truly been around a long time. But it has not gained popularity, perhaps due to its previous lack of a name, until the last few years. The Neko rig is a finesse fishing tactic that can be deadly any time of the year, but works especially well in the prespawn and spawn time of the year.
Fish Like a GIRL
Does the ‘no information rule’ in professional bass fishing go too far?
There’s been a lot of talk lately in the bass fishing world about a thing called the “no information rule.” I totally understand the rule, at its heart, but I also feel like it is being carried a little too far in some instances.
Crescent Lake shifts focus to walleye conservation: trophy bass regulations abandoned
Plummeting walleye numbers prompt sweeping regulation changes by the DNR
After over two decades of being managed as a trophy bass fishery, with a one fish over 18-inch bag limit per day, regulations on Crescent Lake west of Rhinelander are about to be turned on their head. After seeing walleye recruitment fall off drastically starting in 2018, concerns over that species’ population now trump concerns over the bass population.
Wetland management plays an important role in waterfowl management and regulations
At this year’s Wisconsin Wetland Science Conference, there were several talks related to wetlands and waterfowl. One of those was presented by Taylor Finger, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) game bird ecologist. Waterfowl and migratory birds, he said, are federally regulated by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Save the Chain campaign rallies to raise $250,000 by July 5
Manitowish Waters Chain tackles Eurasian watermilfoil head on
The battle for the Manitowish Waters Chain of Lakes is one, and the enemy if an unfortunately all-too-familiar one: Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM). EWM has made its way into many Northwoods lakes, and many of those lakes, too, are fighting back against this common enemy. Now it is the Manitowish Waters Chain’s turn to take on that fight.
Clean Boats Clean Waters helps keep lakes healthy
The Clean Boats Clean Waters Program has become almost synonymous with summer in the Northwoods. While there are some paid water craft inspectors in this program, by far the majority of the hours spent at launch ramps are volunteer hours.
Plastic rain?
In years past, there was a great concern about acid rain. Those fears have largely been put to rest. Now it seems as though plastic could be replacing that threat with something new. A June 2020 study, published in Science stated that no place is safe from plastic pollution.
Fish Like a GIRL
March 22 is World Water Day
World Water Day is a construct of the United Nations, with this year’s focus being glacier preservation in the face of climate change. But I think it is a great time to also focus on our waters in Wisconsin, and right here in the Northwoods. Readers will see I have decided to dedicate this week’s Outdoors section to water-related things.
Invertebrates can be indicator of stream health
In a recent Water Action Volunteers (WAV) Winter Water Talks presentation, Dr. Jessica Orlofske, associate professor of biological sciences at UW-Parkside spoke about invertebrates and how they can inform ecosystem health. She said invertebrates are capable of telling the story of their stream or the habitat in which they are found.
Beaver provide valuable wetland ecological services
Still human conflicts
Beavers were favorite targets of trappers long before settlers and colonists came to what is now known as Wisconsin, and indeed America. By the mid-1700s Europeans had all but wiped out beavers in North America.
Lakes and Rivers Convention kicks off next week
A look back on a Public Trust Doctrine talk
Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Conference kicks off next week. The convention includes workshops, plenary sessions, and concurrent sessions that run over the course of three days at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Stevens Point.
Studies look at effects of ProCellaCOR
ProCellaCOR, (active ingredient florpyrauxifen-benzyl) is an aquatic herbicide used in managing invasive and nuisance macrophyte species such as Eurasian water milfoil (EWM). It was registered for use in 2018 and has become what many feel is a safer alternative to the 2,4-D formulations that had previously been shown to have a negative affect on unintended species.
Wisconsin Conservation Congress sends spring hearings questions to Natural Resources Board
Each year the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) partner for the spring hearings. The spring hearings are held in person in each county in the state at 7 p.m. on the second Monday in April. This year, that will be April 14. These hearings are unique to Wisconsin and offer the public a chance to give their input on possible regulation changes regarding the state’s natural resources.
Natural Resources Board hears recap of 2024 deer season
Northern Forest gun totals down, shored up to five-year average by archery totals
Several members of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff were present at the last Natural Resources Board (NRB) meeting to give the board a recap of the 2024 deer season. Both license sales and harvest were up, but not unilaterally across all zones.
Rare plant monitoring program looks for volunteers
The rare plant monitoring program is one of Wisconsin’s many citizen science programs and is looking for interested volunteer plant enthusiasts. It is an opportunity to get into the outdoors, get some fresh air, and help to monitor important plant populations across the state.
Fish Like a GIRL
Spring is for the birds
There is something about the first greens of spring, something I look forward to all winter long. Those fresh spring colors are some that just cannot be duplicated. They seem to remind that spring is a time for growth and change. But it is also a time to welcome in the things we love the most that we may have been missing. For me, one of those things, oddly, is birds.
Register now for Wisconsin Coverts Project
Four-day workshop set for Kemp Station
The Wisconsin Coverts Project helps land owners manage their woodlands for ruffed grouse and other species. Each year four-day workshops are held for private landowners to give them the experience and tools they need to make decisions for their properties.
Oneida County forestry committee considers ATV season changes, memorials in parks
With the mild winter weather in the last few years, Oneida County supervisor Robert Briggs brought the idea of opening winter ATV/UTV trails under certain circumstances to the Oneida County forestry, recreation and land committee at their meeting this week.
Racine County man sentenced to 4.5 years for assault on warden in Forest County
In July of 2022, what started as a UTV being stopped for speeding left both a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warden and another UTV rider injured. At approximately 9:37 p.m. on Friday, July 15, 2022, a DNR conservation warden conducted a traffic stop on Keith Siding Road in the town of Lincoln in Forest County.
DNR wildlife advisory spring hearings proposals set for this year’s questionnaire
Every April, Wisconsin residents have a chance to shape the future of the state’s natural resources through the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) spring hearings. This annual event allows the public to weigh in on proposed regulation changes related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and other environmental concerns.
Deer Management Units in Northern Forest receive go ahead from the Natural Resources Board
Emergency and permanent rule pass
At the last Natural Resources Board (NRB) meeting, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer program specialist Jeff Pritzl brought for approval the changes to the Deer Management Units (DMUs) in the Northern Forest Zone as well as changes to be made to the County Deer Advisory Committees (CDACs) based on those boundary changes.
Wisconsin Senate committee faces divided testimony over wolf management rule
This week the State Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage, chaired by Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond), held a public hearing on the permanent rule package relating to wolf management.
Natural Resources Board approves spring hearings fisheries questions
Each year in April, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partner for the spring hearings. The spring hearings are a unique opportunity for the public to weigh in on matter affecting the state’s natural resources.
Oneida County land and water department talks high quality water grants in ‘A Watershed Moment’
Recently the staff of the Oneida County land and water conservation department held a virtual meeting entitled, “A Watershed Moment: Keeping High Quality Waters High Quality.” JoAnn Lund, special projects coordinator for the department, headed the meeting, discussing the state’s Healthy Watersheds, High Quality Waters Action Plan as well as the county’s high quality water protection project.
Invasive Species Control Coalition of Watersmeet to hold 2025 Musky Fishing Expo
Save the date: Saturday, March 29
The Invasive Species Control Coalition of Watersmeet (ISCCW) will hold their second annual Musky Fishing Expo from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the Northern Waters Casino Event Center in Watersmeet, Mich. The event doors open at 9 a.m.
National Invasive Species Week reminds about aquatic, terrestrial invaders
This week has been the National Invasive Species Week, an event created by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to raise awareness of invasive species, the threats they pose to ecosystems and what people can do to help prevent the spread of invasive species.
State to update Wildlife Management Strategic Plan
The Wildlife Management Program of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in the process of revising their Wildlife Management Strategic Plan, a process which began in January of 2024. The window for public comment closes after today, so those looking to make comment should do so today.
Neonicotinoids impact more than insects
Neonicotinoids, or neonics, seem to be an almost ubiquitous insecticide in the United States and beyond today. Almost all of the corn seed planted and the majority of soy bean seeds planted have been pre-treated with this insecticide.
Fish Like a GIRL
No one talks about their desperation bait
As I write this column, the Bassmasters Elite Series is on the St. John’s River in Florida. I am watching two guys I used to fish against, and still do when they have a break and there’s a local derby they can jump in, Pat Schlapper and Jay Przekurat. They are both great guys, and they still come back and try to jump into some local derbies when they have a break and get a chance.
Hiking does not stop for cold, snow
While hiking is certainly more popular during warm summer months, great hiking and snowshoeing opportunities still exist all winter long. Those who head out in winter, though, should expect to see fewer other outdoor adventurers on the trail and should also be even more aware of possible weather changes.
Natural Resources Board to vote on emergency rule related to DMU shifts in north
Matter to return to February meeting for approval
Most deer hunters in the Northwoods have at least heard rumblings of some possible changes to Deer Management Units (DMUs) in the Northern Forest Zone. Hunters expressed great concern after the 2023 deer season, which produced meager results at best for some.
Learn what wildlife is doing on the cold, winter landscape
In the warmth of summer, it can be fun to think about what various animal species are doing. But while humans are warm in their homes in winter, animals are still out doing the things they always do. They are traveling the landscape, looking for food, and doing their best to keep from becoming food.
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