Free Fun Weekend is here!
Time to get out and hit the water and the trails
Every year the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) holds Free Fun Weekend, formerly Free Fishing Weekend. Now the weekend means that not only can people fish on inland waters in the state (with certain exceptions such as a trout stamp when targeting trout) without a license, but they can also enjoy state trails for free. There are a ton of opportunities all over the state for people to get out and recreate this weekend.
Shallow water success: The power of the square bill crankbait
If bass fishing had a toolbox, the square bill crank bait would be the multi-tool every angler keeps on the top shelf. Those unfamiliar with crank baits may wonder what the hype is all about. These little pieces of plastic with treble hooks are downright dangerous — in the best way possible — especially in shallow water.
Al Wirt brings years of outdoor experience to Vilas County conservationist position
On Jan. 6, Al Wirt took over as Vilas County conservationist after the retirement of Carolyn Scholl. He grew up in Brokaw, on the river. He spent many of his younger days on the river.
Spring is turtle nesting season
The Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program asks for turtle crossing reports
Each spring turtles make the trek from their watery homes to lay their eggs on nearby higher ground. Often in the Northwoods, that means crossing a roadway. This obviously poses a danger, not only to the mother turtle, but to the young who, once they hatch, now need to navigate their own way back to the lake or wetland — that is if they survive to hatching and their nest is not found by a hungry mustelid such as a raccoon or opossum.
Little Bellas to hold half day mountain biking camp in July
Camp to run July 7-11
Little Bellas is a nonprofit organization dedicated to girls ages 8-10 using mountain biking as a platform to personal growth and confidence. The organization as a whole started in Vermont in 2007 and had since spread across the country, including to the Northwoods. This July, girls will have the opportunity to attend a week-long half-day camp at WinMan Trails.
June vegetation and water temperatures can have anglers feeling froggy
As the water temperature starts to warm and winter is finally a thing of the past, anglers in the know start to turn to the hollow body frog for bass fishing. Vegetation is starting to grow, lily pads and weeds are emerging from their long slumber under the ice, and the sun is getting decidedly warmer.
Fish Like a GIRL
WAV stream monitoring season begins
As I write this, I have spent the last couple of days in and around the water — not a shock to most, I understand. Many of us love the Northwoods specifically for the water resources that are all around us. That is one reason why I dedicate time as a volunteer and citizen scientist in the Northwoods.
May is Wetlands Month
Peter Levi looks at wetland protection and restoration
May is Wetlands Month, and wetlands provide a variety of ecological services, for both humans and wildlife. Earlier this year, Peter Levi from the Nature Conservancy was the speaker for the Wisconsin Wetlands Association Wetland Coffee Break entitled For the love of wetlands: Exploring wetland protection and restoration. He looked at a new tool, Wetlands by Design: A watershed approach for Wisconsin.
Spring hearing results in for 2025
Rule changes largely supported
Each year, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) team up for the annual spring hearings. This is an opportunity that is unique to Wisconsin. It allows citizen input on a variety of topics regarding the state’s natural resources and can help to shape regulations surrounding hunting, fishing and trapping in the state.
Oneida, Price counties come to agreement on antlerless tags for DMU 116
This fall, planning for hunting season in the Northwoods, and indeed all of the Northern Forest Zone, looked a little different than in the past decade. Due to the urging of hunters and other stakeholder in the north, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) proposed some changes to the Deer Management Units (DMUs) in the Northern Forest Zone, moving back to more habitat-based management units.
Understanding the fly
A look at the differences between dry flies and wet flies for fly fishing
Fly fishing is a centuries-old angling method, which seems to come with a lot of technique, gear, and more quiet, alone time than other hook-and-line fishing. It has a certain allure and continues to captivate anglers with its somewhat difficult, artful cast and careful imitation of aquatic insects.
Morels are a big draw in spring
Follow the clues to find success
In spring, nothing is more alluring to a mycophile than the elusive morel mushroom. Mycophiles, or devotees of mushrooms, head to the woods each spring in hopes of finding the elusive morel.
Fish Like a GIRL
Getting kids into the outdoors
This is so important to me — getting kids into the outdoors — whether that is fishing, hunting, trapping, or simply learning more about what lives where, how to create habitat, or the importance of biodiversity in an ecosystem.
Love it and leave it (alone)
What to do when finding a fawn in the spring
As the weather warms and the sun brings people out of their homes for walks in the woods and fields, they are likely to encounter more wildlife. Walking along the edge of a wooded area, or even stepping behind a garage or outbuilding, can bring people close to baby fawns at this time of year.
Tie on a swim jig to catch more bass
It has been said that nearly anyone can catch a bass on a swim jig. When the bite is hot, and the fish are active, that is likely true. But the same could be said about a number of baits. But a swim jig does make a great search bait, allowing an angler to find those high percentage places more quickly.
‘Birdscaping for Wisconsin and the Great Lakes Region’
Well-timed book release for this spring
In spring, a good deal of some land owners’ attention turns to creating habitat, or enhancing what is already on their land. Wildlife is certainly one of the biggest draws for those coming to the Northwoods. That said, there is not a better time for this book to be released, and readers can look for it to be coming out in June. The book is by Mariette Nowak.
Does No Mow May do enough?
No Mow May, and it’s social media counterpart, #NoMowMay, originated somewhere between 2019 and 2020 in the United Kingdom, depending on the source. Taken literally, it asks home owners and property managers to not mow at all during the month of May or, at least, to mow less. The idea is admirable, but some are wondering if it is the best course of action and/or if there is more people can do to help pollinators.
Fish Like a GIRL
My first spring hike
Last week I wrote a bit about how things in fishing change so rapidly in the spring. But those changes are not happening that fast just in the water. The same is true on land. I took a hike with about 30 other people at the Tara Lila Ripco Road trail last weekend. It was an event put on by Trees for Tomorrow.
Starting out fly fishing does not have to be complicated
Fly fishing is one of those rare pursuits that’s equal parts art, sport, and therapy. A well-cast fly arcing across a river at dawn can feel like poetry in motion. But for beginners, it can be overwhelming.
Top-water baits key for post-spawn bass
There is something electric about fishing a top water bait. One second, your bait is skimming along the surface — pop, twitch, plop — and the next, the angler’s heart is racing and the water seems to explode.
Contentious wake boat issue dominates Swearingen, Felzkowski listening session in Manitowish Waters
Act 10, EMS districts also in the conversation
In opening the budget listening session in Manitowish Waters on Monday, State Representative Rob Swearingen (R-Rhinelander) said he and Senate President Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk) wanted to hear from the community about their concerns, but they were not looking to make it a “wake boat only” meeting.
Boating safety key to making memories on the water
May is Safe Boating Month
May is National Boating Safety Month, and as eager anglers and boaters prepare for their first outings of the season, safety should be a top priority. It is easy for safety to get lost in the excitement of finally getting out on open water after a long Wisconsin winter.
Clean Boats, Clean Waters volunteers hit the landings to protect Northwoods lakes
As boats start hitting the water and the fish start biting, a different kind of Northwoods tradition is getting underway: keeping our lakes clean and free of invasive species.
Fish Like a GIRL
Fishing season off to a variable start
With the game fish season opener last weekend, Chet and I jumped into a little jackpot tournament on Camelot Lake in Central Wisconsin. A good friend of ours was planning his Birthday Bash Tourney on the Biron Flowage, but the water was super fast and there were several dead heads floating around, it is was just a little too sketchy. So all of us jumped in this other tournament.
CWD sampling results in for 2024
Study shows CWD cuts survival rate of deer
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an always-fatal neurological disease affecting cervids such as white-tailed deer, elk and mule deer. Many hunters have now heard about CWD so often that it is something that the words just droned on in the background, and at times get completely ignored.
Opening weekend is here
Opening weekend of fishing season is here
It is the weekend many anglers have waited for since last fall — opening weekend of fishing season. It is an exciting time for many, and the urge to get out on the water can sometimes mean missing a few important things that need attention before opening day.
Catch and release offers opportunity for the next generation of anglers
Proper fish care is important
Many anglers fish simply for the sport of it, for the fun of pitting their skills against the instincts of the fish — enticing them to bite. Many anglers release most, if not all, of their catch back into the lake, to swim another day and possibly be caught by another angler. Comparatively few of most species of fish wind up in a frying pan, but for some anglers, the idea that they can feed themselves and their families due to their angling prowess is worth the chase.
Oneida CDAC opts for antlerless tags, but not in all DMUs
116 will see no antlerless harvest
This year County Deer Advisory Councils (CDACs) in the Northern Forest had a bit of a different look at managing the deer herd than in past years. For years the CDACs in Oneida and Vilas counties had asked to split their counties into two separate Deer Management Units (DMUs).
Do not forget to check the regs
As anglers make those last checks on the boat and make a note to grab some bait on the way to the lake, one thing they should also update themselves on are fishing regulations on the lake they intend to fish.
Proper launch ramp etiquette keeps opening weekend smooth
As anglers gear up for opening weekend, launch ramps across the region are about to see their first major rush of the season. With the excitement of getting back on the water for the first time opening weekend comes with the usual tales of ramp-side chaos and frustration.
Be bear aware this spring
Spring has a way of waking up the world. Birds return with their cheerful songs, plants unfurl that unmistakable bright green, and animals that tucked themselves away for winter begin to reappear. Among those stirring creatures are Wisconsin’s black bears — a majestic sight to behold, but one that can bring challenges if not respected.
What is the deal with fishing a worm?
Anglers often talk about their “deal.” For instance: “Weed edges at 14 feet were my deal this week.”
CDACs to meet Tuesday evening in Vilas, Oneida
Public encouraged to give feedback on revived DMUs
For the last several years, there has been a push by several counties in the Northern Forest deer management zone to return to habitat-based deer management units (DMUs). Similar management zones had been used for decades, up until just over a decade ago.
How to help birds during migration
This weekend, birders will be heading out on bird walks at Trees for Tomorrow as well as North Lakeland Discovery Center and likely other places throughout the Northwoods. Wisconsin’s Bird and Bird Watching Hotspots from TravelWisconsin.com offers a list of more than 300 bird watching hot spots throughout the state where birders like to spend time adding to their lists of species they have seen.
Department of Natural Resources launches Fishing Finder platform
TROUT tool information included
Wisconsin anglers now have a new platform to head to when looking for new places to fish in the state. The interactive map includes all of the information formerly found on the Trout Regulation & Opportunities User Tool (TROUT) and much more.
The truth about mosquito sprays, topic of recent webinar
Yard sprays likely to have unintended impacts
With the coming of spring, snow melting, and an increase in standing water as the weather warms, residents and visitors alike are sure to start to encounter more mosquitoes. These annoying summertime pests can make being outside less fun than if they were not around.
Fish Like a GIRL
April is Citizen Science Month
Those who know me know I could not possibly get all the way through the month of April without talking about Citizen Science Month. For me, citizen science is some of the most fun things I get to do throughout the year. It is fun to get out and learn about things and start to better understand the flora and fauna around me.
Is the boat ready for open water?
Many have been there — waiting at the launch ramp while someone slowly slides their trailer into the water for the first time of the year. Excitement is high as the outboard of the boat at the landing turns over … again, and again, and again, but to no avail.
Spring brings bats back out of hibernation
Threatened populations could use human assistance
As temperatures continue to rise and daylight hours increase, bats across northern Wisconsin are beginning to emerge from hibernation, just as many other species are. With the bats’ nocturnal nature, however, they may be some of the less thought about species. This emergence can be observed not only in the forests, but even in residential areas. Spring can be a critical time for bat conservation efforts.
North Lakeland Discovery Center Woods and Water Conference planned for next Friday, April 25
North Lakeland Discovery Center in Manitowish Waters will once again hold their Woods and Waters Conference. Registration will begin at 7:15 a.m., with a welcome and programming beginning at 8:15 a.m. There are more than 15 speakers planned for the day, and attendees will have the ability to learn from scientists, lake association leaders, land owners and even fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Fish Like a GIRL
The good work we all do…
Last weekend was the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation annual meeting and banquet. It is a long weekend that consists of a Friday evening that can stretch well into the late night, with chatting and eating and camaraderie after the meeting itself.
Spring is prescribed fire season
DNR sets controlled fires for various ecosystem reasons
As spring settles in across Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is setting fire to parts of the landscape — on purpose, but there is no need to be concerned. Prescribed burns, also known as controlled burns, are a time-tested land management tool used by the DNR to maintain healthy ecosystems and reduce wildfire risk. While the idea of intentionally starting fires might raise eyebrows, DNR officials say the benefits are both immediate and long-term.
Oneida County land and water conservation committee looks at projects funded by Knowles-Nelson, drafts resolution of support for reauthorization
Part of Governor Evers’ budget includes reauthorizing the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program for 10 years with annual funding of $100 million made available for projects around the state. So far, funding from the program have contributed to 10,274 projects for a total of $1.3 billion. In Oneida County alone, 135 projects have been funded for $56,512.90, according to the interactive map on the website.
Pet and Livestock Protection Act clears house committee, heads to full house
One of the most contentious debates in the realm of species management in Wisconsin, and, indeed across much of the country, is that of the gray wolf. The species has found itself on and off the Endangered Species List (ESL) many times over the years.
Senator Ron Johnson pushes for gray wolf delisting, again
The legislative tug-of-war over gray wolf protections is far from over. In the latest round, U.S. Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) has reentered the effort, joined by with Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) to introduce a bill that would once again remove the gray wolf from the federal endangered species list.
Learning to read a lake map before the season begins can improve success on the water
Know before you go
Before even backing the trailer down the ramp, anglers can give themselves a leg up by studying a lake map. Understanding a body of water before launching not only boosts confidence, but also speeds up the process of finding fish.
Wolf conflicts still affecting rural Wisconsinites
Some legislators, such as U.S. Congressman Tom Tiffany, have been working to get yet another delisting done for the gray wolf. As those battles continue, so, too, do the battles of hunters, producers and rural citizens of Wisconsin. While the former can be contentious, the latter can be traumatic for individuals and families. Already the depredation map on the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website shows 17 conflict reports.
New technology could offer increased detection of CWD
Peter A Larsen, Ph.D. of MN Center for Prion Research and Outreach spoke in a recent webinar about chronic wasting disease (CWD) and some developments that have come out in the last few years that provide new tools to combat CWD.
Fish Like a GIRL
Boat draw kicks off new season, returns family bonds
This past weekend we had our boat draw event for the Wisconsin Bass Team Trail, the series that Chet and I run. It really kind of marks the beginning of the season for us.
2025 spring hearings are just over a week away
Each year the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) partners with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for the state’s spring hearings. This is an opportunity that is unique to Wisconsin residents. Wisconsin is the only state that asks for public opinion in this open forum type of way regarding various issues involving the state’s natural resources.