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.
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.
Tribal spearing nets nearly 2,000 walleyes in Minocqua Chain
Walleye recruitment in the Minocqua Chain has been a source of concern for stakeholders for decades, bringing about a 10-year study of the chain that included zero-harvest limits for both state-licensed hook and line anglers as well as tribal spearers. The tribes, eager to see walleye populations in the chain come back as well, agreed to not declare any harvest from the lakes in the chain.
How to have a food safe Fourth
Fourth of July weekend means celebrating with friends and family. Those celebrations also mean having picnics and cook-outs. Nothing can ruin an Independence Day gathering more fully than a food-borne illness. It is easy to let foods sit out a little too long in less than ideal conditions while having a good time with others. This can include both hot and cold foods. Some food are what restaurant industry workers would call “potentially hazardous,” while others are not.
Fish Like a GIRL
A holiday weekend off from fishing
People often ask where I am planning to go fishing when a holiday weekend is coming up. Honestly, we tend to stay off the water on holiday weekends. We leave Memorial Day, Labor Day and Fourth of July weekend to the people who may not get on the water as often.
Cool off at an area beach this weekend
A day at the beach can bring memories to treasure for years to come. Not only is swimming great exercise, but it is a great way to cool off, too. Exploring many of the lakes in the Northwoods is a great way for outdoor enthusiasts to spend a day. With swimming beaches dotted throughout the area, there is sure to be one that will become the family’s new favorite. Many have playgrounds, disc golf and even picnic areas where the family can enjoy lunch.
Oneida County Invasive Species ID Day answers questions for area residents
The staff from the Oneida County Land and Water Conservation Department celebrated Invasive Species Awareness Weekend by holding Invasive Species ID Day at the pollinator garden at the Oneida County Courthouse. Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) coordinator Stephanie Boismenue said this was the opportunity for residents and even visitors to bring in specimens they had found in their lake or even on their shoreline.
A field guide users will be ‘lichen’
I recently came across the North Woods Naturalist Series of field guides. My first purchase was the “Dragonflies of the North Woods.” Let me say, for those who may not have seen my review of that book, that it is not of the “Northwoods” as we think of the term, but rather the woods of the north: northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and part of Ontario.
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
A focus on native plants brought me to think about my own changes over the years
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.
Fish Like a GIRL
Garden battle 2025 has begun
Ah yes, the yearly garden battle. This year, I have noticed that having older dogs who were in the yard at all times of the day and night was truly beneficial to my garden battle. Obviously a beagle and a rat terrier will do a lot to keep bunnies away and deer as well.
Oneida County forestry, recreation and land committee takes a further look at policy to regulate memorials in county parks
The idea of memorial plaques and benches in county parks and along trails has come up in the Oneida County forestry, recreation and land committee meetings for the past few months. The committee asked county forest director Jill Nemec to work on a policy, which she has been doing, making tweaks and changes as the committee has directed.
Crescent town board floats enhanced wake ordinance
On June 11, the town of Crescent monthly board meeting drew a sizable crowd with an enhanced wake ordinance on the agenda. The public was divided, with some advocating tougher regulations and others arguing that local wake boaters had not posed enough issues to justify more rules.
Crescent town board floats enhanced wake ordinance
On June 11, the town of Crescent monthly board meeting drew a sizable crowd with an enhanced wake ordinance on the agenda. The public was divided, with some advocating tougher regulations and others arguing that local wake boaters had not posed enough issues to justify more rules.
Northwoods visitors, residents celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest
The Northern Highland-American Legion (NHAL) State Forest was created in 1925 and marked a turning point in the history of Wisconsin’s public lands. The NHAL started its life as the Northern State Forest Park. In 1937, the property was renamed to Northern Highlands State Forest. In 1929 another swath of land was purchased, which would be named the American Legion State Forest and Preserve. That would become the American Legion State Forest. In 1968, the two properties merged, creating the NHAL.
Oneida County land and water conservation department celebrates Pollinator Week 2025
Several free tours look to inspire native wildflower planting
On June 16, 2025, three free tours in Oneida County will inspire attendees to learn more about native wildflowers and how they can be incorporated into their own landscapes.
Blue green algae causes dog death
Pet owners, parents, should take special precautions
A dog death in Lincoln County has already been attributed to ingesting blue-green algae this year. Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is present to some degree in all lakes. Not all lakes have blue-green algae blooms, and not all blooms contain toxins. But the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR’s) “Algae lady,” Gina LaLiberte, has always used the phrase, “When in doubt, stay out.” Because it is impossible to know whether an algae bloom is toxic, if there is a bloom present, it is important to stay out of the water in that area.
June 16-22 is Pollinator Week
Pollinators need a variety of land types, including forests
When most people picture pollinators, the image that comes to mind is often a field of wildflowers buzzing with bees. But researchers say the forest, often overlooked in pollinator conversations, plays a vital and under-appreciated role in the lives of native bees.
Fish Like a GIRL
Karner blues spotted
I am a self-proclaimed citizen science geek, as many already know. This year I decided to put my hat in the ring to do something new. I let my frog and toad survey route go this spring as there were others who were interested in the route and I had had it for several years. With that off my plate, I wondered what else I could get myself into. Enter the Wisconsin Karner Volunteer Monitoring Program.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Northern Highland – American Legion State Forest this Saturday
The Northern Highland – American Legion (NHAL) State Forest is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors and Northwoods residents alike enjoy hunting, fishing hiking and both motorized and nonmotorized activities on this 236,000-acre property. Indeed, over 3 million visitors take part in all the NHAL has to offer every year.
Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series kicks off season on Lake Mohawksin
The Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series central division kicked off their season last Sunday on Lake Mohawksin. Spring fishing conditions are fickle at best and can change not only from day to day, but even throughout the day at this time of the year. Once the spawn is over, fish tend to go into a “post spawn funk” for a bit where they are difficult at best to catch, before putting on the feed bag again. Even with practice and pre-fishing, it can be a challenge for anglers to stay on the fish as conditions change.
Fish Like a GIRL
And away we go… tournament season in full swing
This past weekend the tournament season went into full swing. Chet and I prefished a few times and jumped in one small, local derby, but this weekend would be what I would call the official start of the tournament season.
Mike Miller talks Neonics on The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast
Chemicals affect non-target species
Outdoor enthusiasts, and especially fly fishermen, can attest, at least anecdotally, to the drastic decrease in insects in the past few decades. Insects may fall into the “pest” category for some, but at the same time, they are an incredibly important part of the food web, making up a good portion of the bottom layer of many food webs. Without that vital layer, upper layers, too, feel the effects. This subtraction could, indeed, cause a collapse of an entire ecosystem. Without energy coming in, energy cannot go out.
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