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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
State’s updated walleye management plan now available
Walleye are the state’s most sought after game fish. They are part of Friday night fish fries across Wisconsin and provide endless hours of angling enjoyment to many sportsmen and women.
Could venison be a possible pathway for PFOS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Fall boat-care tips to make sure the season starts off great next year
For many fishing season is coming to an end. As visitors close up their cabins and cottages, year-round residents take some last trips to enjoy a more quiet time on their favorite lake. Areas once busy with boat traffic and skiers is now fishable once again, making for a few great memories before the sun sets on another fishing season.
Fish Like a GIRL
It is NaNo time again
I cannot believe summer is gone already and we are into fall. I welcome the cool, crisp mornings and the occasional blanket of fog hanging low over everything. Before I realized it, suddenly NaNo Prep is right around the corner — and here I sit without an idea or a plan for this year.
Deer hunt 2023 kicks off with archery and crossbow season this weekend
The 2023 deer hunting season is finally ready to kick off. Archery and crossbow season starts this weekend. Hunters have spent countless hours in the woods scouting and preparing to harvest that big buck or get some meat for the freezer.
Deer donation program open to all hunters
Once again Wisconsin’s Deer Donation Program is open to hunters who may be looking to donate their deer meat and provide nutritious meals to those in need. Since the program’s inception in the year 2000, over 94,000 deer have been donated, which equates to approximately 3.8 million pounds of ground venison. Venison is processed and distributed to food pantries across the state.
Public comment for permanent wolf rule brings few surprises
A meeting was held Tuesday evening regarding the permanent rule to be put into place for the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) proposed wolf rule WM-03-21.
Tips for processing deer and limiting exposure to CWD
Many hunters prefer to process their own deer. However, with Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) found in the Northwoods for the last several years, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have put together some recommendations for hunters to be sure they minimize any possible risk of exposure to the always-fatal neurological disease affecting cervids such as white tailed deer.
Fall brings user groups together in the woods, on the water
Silent sports enthusiasts enjoy being out to view the fall colors. With the heat of summer being replaced by cooler temperatures and the smells of autumn in the air, there is arguably no better time to hit the trails in the Northwoods.
Movement of deer carcasses restricted in attempt to limit spread of chronic wasting disease
Chronic Wasting Disease, or CWD, is a term many sportsman know all too well. It is an always-fatal prion disease that affects cervids such as white-tailed deer.
Tree stands call for an extra level of safety
Hunting from an elevated position has many benefits. But it also comes with a need for extra precautions.
Tips for a successful turkey hunt
Fall turkey season is one to which many hunters look forward each year. In the fall, as with a good portion of the year, turkeys have two goals. Those are survival and finding food.
Department of Natural Resources Learn to Hunt Bear webinar focuses on new hunters
Recently the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) put together a Learn to Hunt Bear webinar focused to newer bear hunters.
Fish Like a GIRL
So, who needs some zucchini?
That is a typical question one might hear in the Northwoods if they happen to hang around with any gardeners. I have been trying to pawn off zucchini as well. I saw a joke the other day warning people not to leave their vehicles unlocked — not because of car thefts or people stealing things out of vehicles, but because car owners would surely come back to find someone had put zucchini in their car.
Early teal, early goose and mourning dove seasons get underway
Early seasons offer up first chances at fall hunting
Today is the day many waterfowl hunters in Wisconsin have waited for since last fall.
2023 hunting seasons about to kick off
Season dates
Migratory bird seasons Early seasons Early Canada goose: Sept. 1-15. Early teal: Sept. 1-9.
Tips for fall pan fishing
As the temperatures start to fall, fishing season starts to heat up, as most anglers know. Creature comforts may not be at their highest for the angler, but fish are feeding heavy, getting ready for their long, cold winter under the ice.