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.
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.
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.
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.
Fish Like a GIRL
I can see the light, but even more in the dark
I can see the light, migrating birds can, too. For me, lights at night can be helpful. They make sure I do not trip over a bunny while walking into the house with groceries (Our bunnies are not the smartest and think if they are completely still, we cannot see them, no matter how close we are).
Now is a good time to plan next summer’s lake projects
Healthy Lakes Grants help homeowners create habitat, secure shorelines
Each year, riparian landowners across the Northwoods take steps to keep their lakes healthy. Healthy lakes are good for all of the organisms who live in them, including fish. With fishing being a billion-plus dollar industry every year in Wisconsin, keeping fisheries healthy and productive is big business.
Aerial herbicide application on invasive wetland plants: Planning, process and lessons learned
Wetlands provide habitat to a wide variety of species of plant and animals. Everyone from nature lovers and photographers to hunters and anglers, in their own ways, target species that utilize wetlands and need them in various parts of their life cycles.
Registration open for the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention
The 2025 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention is set for March 26-28 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens Point. The theme this year is, “The Power of Words: Working for Our Waters.” The convention was created by the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Partnership. That partnership consists of the Department of Natural Resources, the Extension Lakes Program and Wisconsin Lakes.
Fish Like a GIRL
Get a cat, they said…
The question is, can a dog person do well with cats? I suppose it depends on the definition of “well,” as well as the day, if I’m being honest.
Tip ups or jigging poles: Which are best for ice fishing?
The initial answer is that they are both great! They both have pros and cons, of course, just like any other fishing decisions when there is more than one option in gear. Every experienced ice angler has their favorite way of fishing.
Chew on This!
Hearty winter soups
There is something about a hearty soup in winter. Whether a person is out snow shoeing, skiing, making a snowman with the kids, or simply shoveling the driveway after a snow storm, there is something ultra comforting about a big, steaming bowl of soup that makes for the perfect end to the day.
Trapping provides ecological services
Trapping is a pursuit that is not for everyone. Indeed, some are dead-set against it. For those who take part in the pursuit, however, the challenge of pitting a human mind against that of a wild animal, who truly has many of the advantages in their corner in many situations, is a challenge to which they will come back year after year.
Book Review: ‘The Total Outdoorsman Manual’
“The Total Outdoorsman Manual: 374 Skills You Need” is a book put out by Field & Stream. It covers topics such as hunting, fishing, camping and survival, but does so in a way that seems nontraditional and fun. One of the first things to strike the reader about the book is the layout. Each of the four sections is color coded, making it easy to find the information for which a reader may be looking.
Pet and Livestock Protection Act looks to delist wolves with no judicial review
Arguably, wolves are the most contentious wildlife species not only in Wisconsin but in many states where they are found. Wolves have bounced on and off the Endangered Species List (ESL) several times in recent years.
Fish Like a GIRL
A look at mapping platforms
A lot of people ask me if I ice fish. My answer usually is I will ice fish, but I honestly prefer “soft water” fishing over “hard water” fishing, as my Uncle Dave used to say. He was definitely the “hard water” specialist in the family. I love the taste of panfish out of that super cold water, I will admit. But, the majority of my fishing is still summertime tournament fishing.
Bear season recommendations approved by NRB
Recommendation is for more licenses to be issued
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) large carnivore biologist Randy Johnson came to the Natural Resources Board (NRB) this month to request approval of the 2025 bear season permit recommendations. These recommendations were based on an increased harvest target of approximately 6 percent. Total licenses for the 2025 bear season would also be up, then, with 13,110 tags being made available.
Study shows CWD creates higher annual mortality probability
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer research scientist Dan Storm spoke with the Natural Resources Board (NRB) about the Southwest Wisconsin CWD, Deer and Predator Research Study results, which were recently released. This study showed drastic effects of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) on decreasing annual survival rates.
Report on invasive species released by DNR
Recently the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released the 2022-24 Invasive Species Report highlighting the work that has been done on both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species in the state, including efforts to stop organisms in trade.
University of Minnesota study looks at gaps in knowledge of and preparedness for CWD
Earlier this month, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota released a report entitled “Chronic Wasting Disease Spillover Preparedness and Response: Charting an Uncertain Future.” The report looks at gaps in preparedness for the possibility that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) could become zoonotic, meaning that a disease could cross over to human beings.
Fish Like a GIRL
iNaturalist app looks for phenological data
Regular readers have probably heard me talk about iNaturalist before. I would venture to guess that many also have the app on their smartphone, even if just for the fun of it. I have to admit that I do not use it as much as I should. I will try to make a more concerted effort this year, because it really is interesting to look back at everything a person has seen over the course of the year. The cool thing about iNaturalist is that you can track all of the plant species and animal species that you find and wish to record, all in one app.
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