Bear season numbers down
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the 2023 bear hunting season saw a drop in harvest as well as hunter success rates.
Fish Like a GIRL
A look at classifying lakes in Oneida County
One of the best parts about being an outdoor writer is the number of people a person gets to meet and the different activities of which I get to become a part of.
Chew on This!
Readers may wonder why this is called Michigan sauce, and I wonder as well. To be honest, I never knew why it was called Michigan sauce.
Sportsmen’s Alliance signals intent to sue U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Last week the Sportsmen’s Alliance filed an intent to sue to United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), alleging that the FWS had not responded to a pair of petitions the group filed concerning the listing status of the gray wolf.
Gun deer season could bring mixed results
Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season opens this Saturday, and warm temperatures have some hunters concerned about how well the hunt will go.
Another Oneida County CWD positive in farm raised deer renews baiting and feeding ban
Oneida County has been under a baiting and feeding ban for several years due to CWD-positive findings in both the wild and captive deer herd.
Having the right first aid kit can make all the difference
As most outdoor enthusiasts know, anything can happen out in the woods, waters and fields. Having an appropriate first aid kit and knowing how to use all of the things in that first aid kit can make a big difference in the case of an injury or accident.
What hunters should know about CWD and processing a deer
New study shows possible cross contamination risk
A recent study conducted by the University of Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach pointed to the fact that there is a possibility for processing equipment to spread CWD from one animal to another.
Felzkowski, Swearingen hold listening sessions in Northwoods
Wake boats and enhanced wakes main topic of conversation
Wisconsin State Senator Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) and State Assemblyman Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) held three listening sessions this week in the Northwoods.
Fish Like a GIRL
Stepping into the fall transition
It is that time again! Time to pull out the blaze orange and try to keep some traditions alive. Deer hunting, for the last several decades, has always meant the start of hunting to me.
Ticks still a threat during hunting season
Wood ticks and deer ticks are topics that receive much more attention in the summer than in fall, but the fact is that ticks are still alive and well in the fall.
Limit deer carcass movement to help stop the spread of chronic wasting disease
Most hunters in the Northwoods have heard that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been found in both Oneida and Vilas County. The closest county to that has yet to be affected by CWD is Price County, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. In counties affected by CWD, carcass movement restrictions have been put in place in an attempt to help slow the spread of CWD.
Sportsmen’s Alliance files intent to sue U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Last week the Sportsmen’s Alliance filed an intent to sue to United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), stating the FWS had not responded to a pair of petitions they had filed concerning the listing status of the gray wolf.
CWD impetus behind Adopt-A-Dumpster and Adopt-A-Kiosk Programs
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) made its way to the Northwoods several years ago. Since then more Northwoods hunters have heard more and more about the always-fatal prion disease that affects cervids such as white tailed deer.
How to find public hunting land
Thousands of hunters will be headed out to public lands to hunt this weekend. While there are millions of acres of public land across the state, it is not always easy to know where hunting opportunities exist.
Hunters can mitigate risks in elevated deer stands
Each year hunters hear about someone who has fallen from a tree stand. Some are injured, or worse, each year in preventable accidents.
Hello? Hard water calling
While some are lamenting putting away the swimsuits for the year and others are enjoying some time in the woods, still others are looking forward to “hard water season,” as many ice anglers call it.
It is Salt Watch time again
Volunteers help others learn about responsible salt usage
With winter weather just starting to come to the Northwoods, it is time to think about salt use on roads, driveways and sidewalks.
New citizen science project focuses on ephemeral ponds and salamanders
Ephemeral ponds, vernal pools, temporary ponds, spring pools — they are all names for the same types of ponds that play a vital role on the landscape.
Fish Like a GIRL
Fishing’s other ‘F’ word
“What ‘F’ word?” You might be wondering. F as in Forward — Forward Facing Sonar (FFS). I have heard everything from you cannot fish without it to it will be the end of fishing as we know it, or it will ruin every fishery on the planet.
To peg or not to peg - That is the Texas rig question
A Texas rig is likely one of the first artificial bait rigs many anglers have learned to throw. The way the bait is threaded onto the hook makes it weedless, making it a great choice for a multitude of situations on the water.
Natural Resources Board passes wolf management plan, permanent rule
Amendment to further restrict sub zones around reservations passes
This month the Natural Resources Board (NRB) was charged with deciding whether or not to pass the state’s draft wolf management plan.
Research looks at including bryophytes in floristic quality assessments
Bryophytes do not have roots, flowers or seeds. They reproduce by spores. This group of plants consists of liverworts, hornworts and mosses.
Department of Natural Resources secretary Adam Payne resigns position
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) secretary Adam Payne announced his resignation from the department last week. He left the agency effective Nov. 1.
Time to be on the look out for spongy moth eggs
Spongy moths, formerly known as Gypsy moths, are known to defoliate hundreds of kinds of trees, shrubs and plants, but are a special concern for oak, aspen, birch and willow in Wisconsin. At this time of the year, spongy moth egg sacks can be found attached to nearly anything that is outdoors, whether that be trees or even garden equipment or outdoor furniture.
Fish Like a GIRL
My first meeting with Lumberjack RC&D
This month I attended my first Lumberjack RC&D meeting as a voting member. The conservation committee from Vilas County nominated me to represent the county for them, and I gladly agreed to do so.
Fishing a Carolina rig
The Carolina rig, also known as the “C-rig,” is a popular fishing technique with bass anglers. Catfish anglers also use the technique, but a bit more beefed up in the setup.
Study indicates there may be no strong link between CWD and supplemental feeding of deer, other efforts also not successful
Recently the American Cervid Alliance endorsed a published study that suggested, among other things, there was no published scientific data regarding the risk of transmission of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) as it related to supplemental feeding of deer.
Fish Like a GIRL
Learning season soon to begin
When I was thinking about what to write for my column this week, it was not lost on me that the seasons are changing.
Hunters can help stop spread of invasive species
Fall is a busy time in the woods. Hikers are out enjoying the last of the season before pulling out their snowshoes. Hunters are headed into the woods in search of their quarry, whether that be deer or upland birds. One thing both groups have in common is the chance to help stop the spread of invasive species.
Vilas County land and water conservation committee forwards grant resolutions to full county board
Last week the Vilas County land and water conservation committee approved and forwarded on several resolutions for grants for which the land and water conservation department wished to apply. There were four approvals for support of resolutions for grants as well as an approval for a partnership with the North Lakeland Discovery Center for the Lake Monitoring and Protection Network program.
Safari Club International donates to Northwoods Youth Deer Hunt Challenge
The Safari Club International recently donated $1,000 to the Northwoods Youth Deer Hunt Challenge. The Safari Club International has been a leader in defending the freedom to hunt and promoting wildlife conservation worldwide for 50 years.
Chew on This!
Bear meatballs
Bear is somewhat of a favorite of mine. I am always excited when a friend gives me bear sausage or ground bear meat.
Fish Like a GIRL
Talking milkweed with the Lakeland Gardeners
Earlier this year The Lakeland Gardeners asked me to come and talk with them about prairie gardening, and last week I did just that.
Oneida County Forestry, Land and Recreation Committee approves user and permit fee increases
Last week the Oneida County Forestry, Land and Recreation Committee met for their regularly scheduled meeting. One of the agenda items included several user and permit fee increases for 2024.
Wolf management plan open houses well attended
Draft wolf management plan to go to Board at October meeting
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) held two open house sessions earlier this month to discuss the draft wolf management plan with interested citizens.
Surface Water Grant applications due November 15
The 2024 Surface Water Grant Program is currently taking applications, with the final application date being November 15, 2023. There are several categories and types of grants available under this program.
What causes discourse in issues of natural resources?
The University of Stevens Point Center for Natural Resources, as part of their “History, Successes and Challenges in Natural Resources Decision Making” presentation series, hosted by Dr. Scott Walter who spoke about discourse in natural resources issues.
Fish Like a GIRL
Just like that we entered the rainy season
Welcome to London. Not really, but it has been a bit gloomy here and there. Who am I kidding? It was almost monsoon like conditions the day the concrete was finally going to be poured for the first time.
Wolf plan seen by board as needed to get to delisting
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) large carnivore biologist, Randy Johnson, brought the state’s updated draft wolf management plan to the Natural Resources Board (NRB) at their meeting last week in Manitowish Waters. The plan, he said, has taken approximately 2.5 years to complete.
Weather made for difficult conditions on the Minocqua Chain for Wisconsin Bass Team Trail anglers
The Wisconsin Bass Team Trail presented by Arbor Vitae Marine held their 2023 two-day championship tournament on the Minocqua Chain on Sept. 23 and 24, 2023.
What is a bladed jig and when should they be fished?
Bladed jigs are not the most common baits on the market, but those who learn how and when to use them can often put more fish in the boat.
Boulder Junction pet attack confirmed as wolf conflict
Recently, Gary and Sue Fredenhagen’s dog Pepper was attacked near Boulder Junction by what Sue Fredenhagen said was an attack by two wolves.
Fish Like a GIRL
Still time to sign up for Project Feeder Watch
Just before sitting down to write this column, I checked the mail and found all of my Project Feeder Watch paraphernalia in the mailbox.
Fall is a great time to chase big musky
While many sportsmen and women head off into the woods, their fancies turning to chasing big bucks, others slide their boats quietly into the morning mist of their favorite lake, hoping to cross paths with what is known as “the fish of 10,000 casts.”
Plan highlights management strategies for walleye lakes of special concern
The Walleye Lakes of Concern Management Plan was created for Clear and Katherine lakes in Oneida County as well as Anvil and Laura lakes in Vilas County.
Lake sediment tells a tale of history
The “muck” or sediment at the bottom of the lake is more than just “muck.” It can reveal a great deal about the history of a lake. Paul Garrison, a paleoecologist with Onterra, LLC recently spoke about what sediment can reveal in his presentation entitled “History in the Mucking.”
Boulder Junction couple reports domestic dog attacked by wolves
Sunday evening Sue Fredenhagen went for a horseback ride on her property, taking her terrier mix dog, Pepper, along. Pepper was leading the way, she said in an email. Fredenhagen was headed to Street Lake from her Nichols Lake property. She reported she was trotting down a hill from her ridge trail and heard Pepper’s bark. The dog then yelped.
Lake toolbox kit workshop helps stakeholders create a plan for their lake
Last week Wisconsin’s Greenfire held its one of its first Northern Lakes Toolbox Workshops. This workshop invited lake stakeholders to learn more about obtaining and interpreting data about their lakes. This information, then, can be used to make management and planning decisions on a lake wide level.
Fish Like a GIRL
Here is to the memories of fall
For me, fall memories are some of the best out there. Is it that way for every sportsman? I am not sure. But there are just so many things that happen in the fall.