Natural Resources Board hears about DNR plans to revisit Deer Management Units
At their regular August meeting, Scott Karel, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife policy specialist, approached the Natural Resources Board (NRB) for approval of a public hearing notice regarding Deer Management Units (DMU) by which deer are managed and deer hunt framework created based on those boundaries.
Natural Resources Board learns about Wisconsin’s boating safety laws
Michelle Nault, lakes and rivers section manager, and Darren Kuhn, the boating law administrator for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) spoke with the Natural Resources Board (NRB) at their August meeting regarding boating safety laws that are in place in Wisconsin. There has been more interest in the topic since interest in wake boats has spiked in recent years. The board had asked for a presentation regarding this a few months ago.
Last Central Division Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series tournament finds anglers on Boom Lake
Twenty-nine teams took on Boom Lake in post cold front conditions, all hoping to bring in the heaviest bag of five fish by the time weigh in started at 3 p.m.
Wisconsin Conservation Congress Oneida County delegation looks for funding from county
Delegate reimbursement, funded for 45 years, suddenly stopped this year
Earlier this year, Oneida County chair of the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC), Ed Choinski, came to the land and water conservation committee regarding reimbursements for delegates attending the annual Conservation Congress convention.
Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series anglers take on Boom Lake in regular season finale
Twenty-nine teams took on Boom Lake on Aug. 11 in post-cold front conditions, all hoping to bring in the heaviest bag of five fish by the time weigh-in started at 3 p.m.
Fish Like a GIRL
So many big anniversaries in the outdoor world
Anniversaries are always fun as they are a time to look back on what has been accomplished and ahead at what is to come. There are a few big ones that are here and coming up. The Wisconsin Wildlife Federation turns 75 years old this year. I am an associate director for the Federation and I’m the editor of their Wisconservation bi-monthly newsletter.
DNR unveils fall hunting outlook
Each year the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) puts together a hunting season outlook forecasting conditions and what hunters and trappers might expect going into the coming season.
Felzkowski, Swearingen call out NRB, DNR
Lawmakers point to changes in Oneida, Bayfield antlerless quotas
Each year a County Deer Advisory Council (CDAC) in each county in the state is charged with making decisions regarding the deer herd in the county and the framework of the fall hunting season. CDACs are made up of citizen volunteers in a number of stakeholder categories such as sporting groups, forestry, tourism, Tribal interests and others.
DNR slows stocking, halts trout partnerships
This year the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced it expected to have $16 million in their fish and wildlife account by 2026. This account receives its funds mainly from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses, but also certain timber sales on lands generated from some wildlife properties.
Fish Like a GIRL
Is it too hot to fish?
The answer is yes. It is too hot for me to fish. However, fortunately for me, I have a tournament schedule that makes me get out on the water, no matter how hot it is.
Learn how to increase lake organization capacity using the Northern Lakes Toolbox
Jim Kreitlow and Mike Meyer spoke at this year’s Wisconsin Lakes Convention regarding three-day workshops they conducted in Oneida and Vilas counties this past year aimed at helping lake organizations to increase their organizational capacity using the Northern Lakes Toolbox.
Chew on This!
Cupcake chicken thighs
Those who are heavily into barbecue competitions have likely seen or heard of cupcake chicken thighs. Myron Mixon, often known as “the winningest man in barbecue,” I believe, brought it onto the scene. But now many people use it in competition.
Biocontrol efforts affected by climate change
In decades past, biocontrol got a bad name. Biocontrol is simply the intentional use of a living organism to control another living organism. Unfortunately, in the past biocontrol agents were not as heavily scrutinized and studied before use.
Trout Lake Station celebrates 100 years with open house
Each year, Trout Lake Station in Boulder Junction holds an open house. The open house gives grad students and undergrads a chance to talk with the public about all of the research they have been working on over the course of the field season. This year’s open house was extra special, however, as it also marked the 100th year of research at Trout Lake Station.
Natural Resources Board hears spring hearings wildlife questions results
Wisconsin Conservation Congress advances 31 of 37 questions
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) wildlife policy specialist Scott Karel updated the Natural Resources Board (NRB) regarding the wildlife management questions posed on this year’s spring hearings questionnaire at their meeting in June.
Veterans on Water tournament forges friendships, honors veterans
On Saturday, July 29, 31 teams took on Lake Mohawksin for a bass tournament that was extra special for all involved. A normal bass tournament brings about excitement and a sense of camaraderie and family. But the Veterans on Water event, now in its eighth year, brings tournament anglers and veterans together for an extra special event that is looked forward to by all.
Blade baits and jigging spoons will shine in all seasons
Some believe that blade baits and jigging spoons are only good choices in early spring, late fall and winter. While these are great times to use either bait, any time bass have moved to deeper water. That could be any time from after the spawn to before they migrate into creeks in late autumn. They are also not necessarily only deep water baits, but they do shine at depths other lures can fail to reach.
Fish Like a GIRL
Everything old is new again
Let me start off by saying that I do not care how bad things get, I am not fishing a Slug-Go! Anglers who have been around for a while probably remember when they were popular.
Fish Like a GIRL
Is it already August?
I am not sure where the summer went, but I did not expect to look at the calendar and see August staring back at me. I feel as though I have not fished enough, gardened enough, hiked enough or done really anything enough for it to be this late in the year, but here we are.
Natural Resources Board hears updates on spring hearings results for fisheries advisory questions
Justine Hasz, bureau director for the fisheries management program for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) spoke to the Natural Resources Board (NRB) regarding the fisheries advisory committee questions that were posed on this year’s spring hearings.
Wolf carries off dog in Woodruff
On Tuesday, July 30, Denise Coron’s day started out as normal. She grabbed a cup of coffee and let out her three dogs at her home near the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Service Center on Highway J.
Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series takes on a tough Lake Nokomis
Late last month the Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series Central Division anglers took on Lake Nokomis in their third stop of regular season fishing.
Surface Water Grant deadlines approach
Area lakes should start work now
Now is the time for lake organization to work on plans to apply for grants through the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Surface Water Grant Program.
‘Soul of the Outdoors’: a book to spur outdoor adventures
Recently Dave Greschner asked if I would take a look at his new book, “Soul of the Outdoors.” It sounded like it would be right up my alley, so to speak, so I quickly agreed. I was not disappointed.
Special tribute: A life well lived
Faith, family and fortitude - triangulating a career in fishing
As Greg Bohn was inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 2016. The well-deserved award highlights his career of not only guiding, but also being a tackle innovator and manufacturer, teacher, author and public speaker.
Fishing a square-bill crankbait brings shallow-water success
Crankbaits are great search baits. They allow an angler to cover water quickly and to pinpoint active fish without wasting a lot of time. Square-bill crankbaits shine in shallower water, and many anglers have one tied on at all times.
ICAST reveals next greatest things in fishing
The International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) is the largest fishing industry trade show in the country. Each year major brands bring forth their best new ideas, their “latest and greatest” baits and other products that are sure to be a “game changer” for the fishing industry. The show is in its 67th year and is now held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. ICAST is a product of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA).
Learning to read a lake map makes decisions on the water easier
Understanding a lake before even getting to the ramp can help an angler be more successful on the water as well as to locate fish more quickly once they launch the boat. For those unfamiliar with lake maps, they can look a bit confusing at first, but they are actually fairly straight forward.
Fish Like a GIRL
A sportsman remembers
I write this column today with a heavy heart. The fishing world has lost a true great — a kind and intelligent man who was humble beyond humble. As most know, Greg Bohn and his wife Audrey were killed last week in a car accident.
GreenFire presents literature review of wake boats effects on lake ecosystems at Lakes Convention
This year, at Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention, David Ortiz, a fellow with Wisconsin’s GreenFire gave a presentation entitled The Effects of Wake Boats on Lake Ecosystem Health, which was a literature review.
Using electronics to catch midsummer walleye
The most sought-after fish in the Northwoods, by far, is walleye. It is a favorite for shore lunches and Friday night fish fries at home. As with other times of the year, there can be many patterns for finding walleyes. In general, as water temperatures warm, fish will move deeper to places where they feel more comfortable and where they can expend less energy.
Know before you go: weather changes quickly in the Northwoods
Being outdoors is good for the mind and body. But being outdoors in inclement weather can be dangerous. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has some tips for those who love being out in nature.
Ruffed grouse drumming surveys show increase this year
Ruffed grouse are one of Wisconsin’s iconic wildlife species. It is one of the most popular upland game birds in the state. There has been concern in recent years that populations of ruffed grouse were on the decline.
Walleyes for Tomorrow presents at Wisconsin Water Week
Decades of working to help Wisconsin’s walleye populations
Ken VanDenPlas from the Shawano Chapter chairman of Walleyes for Tomorrow said the chapter has run a walleye hatchery on Shawano Lake for the last 12 years.
Deer Management Assistance Program helps land owners manage their land for wildlife
While this is the time of year gardeners are thinking about gardening, and keeping deer out of their vegetable patches, this is also the time of year when hunters really start to focus on managing their land for deer populations as well as other wildlife. While everyone has a different idea of what they want from their land, those looking to manage for a bigger, better deer herd can get involved in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP).
Fish Like a GIRL
To catch a thief
Ah, summer. I have been so happy watching my garden grow like crazy for the past couple of years, especially since we bought our house and Chet created my raised beds. It seems almost anything will grow in them.
Tragedy leaves Lakeland area heartbroken
Community grieves the loss of Audrey and Greg Bohn
Two Hazelhurst residents died Friday afternoon and one other person was seriously injured in a three-vehicle collision on U.S. Highway 51 near the intersection of South Blue Lake Road in Hazelhurst.
Two recent wolf depredation incidents reported close to the Northwoods
In recent months, there were two wolf conflict incidents reported to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services that were close to the Northwoods. The first was called in on May 15 and took place in the town of Fifield.
2023 fish stocking totals available
Searchable database goes back to 1953
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently released fish stocking totals for 2023. According to their press release, the department raises millions of yearling and fingerling fish each year and stocks them into Wisconsin waters. In 2023, over six million fish were stocked.
Upper Midwest Bass Challenge takes on Willow Flowage
On Sunday, June 23 Central Division anglers of the Upper Midwest Bass Challenge Series found themselves on the Willow Flowage.
Lake Nokomis provides tough conditions for Wisconsin Bass Team Trail anglers
Saturday, June 29, was the second stop for anglers in the Wisconsin Bass Team Trail. They took on Lake Nokomis on a tough, seriously windy day.
Riders reminded to use caution when operating ATVs/UTVs
17 fatalities so far in 2024
So far this year, 17 people have been killed in ATV/UTV accidents, according to a recent press release from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Two of those happened on a frozen waterbody when the vehicle broke through the ice. One of those was in Price County, and the other was on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Iron County.
Fish Like a GIRL
A look forward to some great educational events
This week, I have been working on some curriculum for a kids class I am helping to teach called Nature Explorers’ Camp. I get to spend a couple afternoon with a bunch of kids to teach them about stream monitoring and all of the cool critters we can find in our streams.
What is a prop bait?
A prop bait is just what it sounds like. A top water bait with a prop, much like a boat motor prop, attached to either the front or the back. Many “old school” prop baits have the prop in the front of the bait, such as the larger one in the picture that accompanies this story.
WinMan Trails continues with improvements, updates for summer of 2024
The WinMan trails are a popular destination for many residents and visitors of the Northwoods alike. With year round silent sports trails available, it is a place the entire family can go to enjoy the outdoors and get in some exercise.
Natural Resources Board sets deer season framework
Once again, changes made for counties in Northern Forest
On June 26 Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer program specialist Jeff Pritzl spoke to the state’s Natural Resources Board (NRB) about recommendations coming from the County Deer Advisory Councils (CDACs) regarding the 2024 deer hunting season.
Lynn Feldman’s years of service give her a place in the 4-H Hall of Fame
Lynn Feldman was recently inducted to the 4-H Hall of Fame. Her involvement in 4-H began in 1989 when her son turned five in 1989. She had always wanted to be a part of 4-H as a child, but it was not to be.
Boat safely this holiday weekend
Expect increased enforcement
With Fourth of July weekend already underway, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) remind boaters to be safe on the water, not only this weekend, but all summer long. Responsible boating helps to ensure everyone makes it home from the weekend safe and sound.
Forest History Association of Wisconsin compiles and shares grand history of logging in the state
Forest History Association of Wisconsin is compiling history of forestry and logging. The Forest History Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the discovery, interpretation and preservation of the forest history legacy of the state of Wisconsin, according to their website.
Fish Like a GIRL
The ‘Crazy Cat Lady’ starter kit
For most of my adult life, I have been a dog person. I have had retrievers, a springer spaniel, a husky and, most recently, a beagle and a rat terrier. As a child I had a retriever growing up, but I remember when I was very young always “needing” to have a cat in my life. As an adult now, I realize what my mom was probably thinking.