Register now for Wisconsin Coverts Project
Four-day workshop set for Kemp Station
The Wisconsin Coverts Project helps land owners manage their woodlands for ruffed grouse and other species. Each year four-day workshops are held for private landowners to give them the experience and tools they need to make decisions for their properties.
Oneida County forestry committee considers ATV season changes, memorials in parks
With the mild winter weather in the last few years, Oneida County supervisor Robert Briggs brought the idea of opening winter ATV/UTV trails under certain circumstances to the Oneida County forestry, recreation and land committee at their meeting this week.
DNR wildlife advisory spring hearings proposals set for this year’s questionnaire
Every April, Wisconsin residents have a chance to shape the future of the state’s natural resources through the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) spring hearings. This annual event allows the public to weigh in on proposed regulation changes related to hunting, fishing, trapping, and other environmental concerns.
Deer Management Units in Northern Forest receive go ahead from the Natural Resources Board
Emergency and permanent rule pass
At the last Natural Resources Board (NRB) meeting, Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer program specialist Jeff Pritzl brought for approval the changes to the Deer Management Units (DMUs) in the Northern Forest Zone as well as changes to be made to the County Deer Advisory Committees (CDACs) based on those boundary changes.
Wisconsin Senate committee faces divided testimony over wolf management rule
This week the State Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage, chaired by Senator Rob Stafsholt (R-New Richmond), held a public hearing on the permanent rule package relating to wolf management.
Natural Resources Board approves spring hearings fisheries questions
Each year in April, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) partner for the spring hearings. The spring hearings are a unique opportunity for the public to weigh in on matter affecting the state’s natural resources.
Oneida County land and water department talks high quality water grants in ‘A Watershed Moment’
Recently the staff of the Oneida County land and water conservation department held a virtual meeting entitled, “A Watershed Moment: Keeping High Quality Waters High Quality.” JoAnn Lund, special projects coordinator for the department, headed the meeting, discussing the state’s Healthy Watersheds, High Quality Waters Action Plan as well as the county’s high quality water protection project.
Invasive Species Control Coalition of Watersmeet to hold 2025 Musky Fishing Expo
Save the date: Saturday, March 29
The Invasive Species Control Coalition of Watersmeet (ISCCW) will hold their second annual Musky Fishing Expo from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, at the Northern Waters Casino Event Center in Watersmeet, Mich. The event doors open at 9 a.m.
National Invasive Species Week reminds about aquatic, terrestrial invaders
This week has been the National Invasive Species Week, an event created by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to raise awareness of invasive species, the threats they pose to ecosystems and what people can do to help prevent the spread of invasive species.
State to update Wildlife Management Strategic Plan
The Wildlife Management Program of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is in the process of revising their Wildlife Management Strategic Plan, a process which began in January of 2024. The window for public comment closes after today, so those looking to make comment should do so today.
Neonicotinoids impact more than insects
Neonicotinoids, or neonics, seem to be an almost ubiquitous insecticide in the United States and beyond today. Almost all of the corn seed planted and the majority of soy bean seeds planted have been pre-treated with this insecticide.
Fish Like a GIRL
No one talks about their desperation bait
As I write this column, the Bassmasters Elite Series is on the St. John’s River in Florida. I am watching two guys I used to fish against, and still do when they have a break and there’s a local derby they can jump in, Pat Schlapper and Jay Przekurat. They are both great guys, and they still come back and try to jump into some local derbies when they have a break and get a chance.
Hiking does not stop for cold, snow
While hiking is certainly more popular during warm summer months, great hiking and snowshoeing opportunities still exist all winter long. Those who head out in winter, though, should expect to see fewer other outdoor adventurers on the trail and should also be even more aware of possible weather changes.
Natural Resources Board to vote on emergency rule related to DMU shifts in north
Matter to return to February meeting for approval
Most deer hunters in the Northwoods have at least heard rumblings of some possible changes to Deer Management Units (DMUs) in the Northern Forest Zone. Hunters expressed great concern after the 2023 deer season, which produced meager results at best for some.
Learn what wildlife is doing on the cold, winter landscape
In the warmth of summer, it can be fun to think about what various animal species are doing. But while humans are warm in their homes in winter, animals are still out doing the things they always do. They are traveling the landscape, looking for food, and doing their best to keep from becoming food.
Fish Like a GIRL
I can see the light, but even more in the dark
I can see the light, migrating birds can, too. For me, lights at night can be helpful. They make sure I do not trip over a bunny while walking into the house with groceries (Our bunnies are not the smartest and think if they are completely still, we cannot see them, no matter how close we are).
Now is a good time to plan next summer’s lake projects
Healthy Lakes Grants help homeowners create habitat, secure shorelines
Each year, riparian landowners across the Northwoods take steps to keep their lakes healthy. Healthy lakes are good for all of the organisms who live in them, including fish. With fishing being a billion-plus dollar industry every year in Wisconsin, keeping fisheries healthy and productive is big business.
Aerial herbicide application on invasive wetland plants: Planning, process and lessons learned
Wetlands provide habitat to a wide variety of species of plant and animals. Everyone from nature lovers and photographers to hunters and anglers, in their own ways, target species that utilize wetlands and need them in various parts of their life cycles.
Registration open for the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention
The 2025 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention is set for March 26-28 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens Point. The theme this year is, “The Power of Words: Working for Our Waters.” The convention was created by the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Partnership. That partnership consists of the Department of Natural Resources, the Extension Lakes Program and Wisconsin Lakes.
Fish Like a GIRL
Get a cat, they said…
The question is, can a dog person do well with cats? I suppose it depends on the definition of “well,” as well as the day, if I’m being honest.
Chew on This!
Hearty winter soups
There is something about a hearty soup in winter. Whether a person is out snow shoeing, skiing, making a snowman with the kids, or simply shoveling the driveway after a snow storm, there is something ultra comforting about a big, steaming bowl of soup that makes for the perfect end to the day.
Tip ups or jigging poles: Which are best for ice fishing?
The initial answer is that they are both great! They both have pros and cons, of course, just like any other fishing decisions when there is more than one option in gear. Every experienced ice angler has their favorite way of fishing.
Trapping provides ecological services
Trapping is a pursuit that is not for everyone. Indeed, some are dead-set against it. For those who take part in the pursuit, however, the challenge of pitting a human mind against that of a wild animal, who truly has many of the advantages in their corner in many situations, is a challenge to which they will come back year after year.
Book Review: ‘The Total Outdoorsman Manual’
“The Total Outdoorsman Manual: 374 Skills You Need” is a book put out by Field & Stream. It covers topics such as hunting, fishing, camping and survival, but does so in a way that seems nontraditional and fun. One of the first things to strike the reader about the book is the layout. Each of the four sections is color coded, making it easy to find the information for which a reader may be looking.
Pet and Livestock Protection Act looks to delist wolves with no judicial review
Arguably, wolves are the most contentious wildlife species not only in Wisconsin but in many states where they are found. Wolves have bounced on and off the Endangered Species List (ESL) several times in recent years.
Fish Like a GIRL
A look at mapping platforms
A lot of people ask me if I ice fish. My answer usually is I will ice fish, but I honestly prefer “soft water” fishing over “hard water” fishing, as my Uncle Dave used to say. He was definitely the “hard water” specialist in the family. I love the taste of panfish out of that super cold water, I will admit. But, the majority of my fishing is still summertime tournament fishing.
Bear season recommendations approved by NRB
Recommendation is for more licenses to be issued
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) large carnivore biologist Randy Johnson came to the Natural Resources Board (NRB) this month to request approval of the 2025 bear season permit recommendations. These recommendations were based on an increased harvest target of approximately 6 percent. Total licenses for the 2025 bear season would also be up, then, with 13,110 tags being made available.
Study shows CWD creates higher annual mortality probability
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer research scientist Dan Storm spoke with the Natural Resources Board (NRB) about the Southwest Wisconsin CWD, Deer and Predator Research Study results, which were recently released. This study showed drastic effects of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) on decreasing annual survival rates.
Report on invasive species released by DNR
Recently the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released the 2022-24 Invasive Species Report highlighting the work that has been done on both aquatic and terrestrial invasive species in the state, including efforts to stop organisms in trade.
University of Minnesota study looks at gaps in knowledge of and preparedness for CWD
Earlier this month, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the University of Minnesota released a report entitled “Chronic Wasting Disease Spillover Preparedness and Response: Charting an Uncertain Future.” The report looks at gaps in preparedness for the possibility that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) could become zoonotic, meaning that a disease could cross over to human beings.
Fish Like a GIRL
iNaturalist app looks for phenological data
Regular readers have probably heard me talk about iNaturalist before. I would venture to guess that many also have the app on their smartphone, even if just for the fun of it. I have to admit that I do not use it as much as I should. I will try to make a more concerted effort this year, because it really is interesting to look back at everything a person has seen over the course of the year. The cool thing about iNaturalist is that you can track all of the plant species and animal species that you find and wish to record, all in one app.
WinMan Trails survey shows silent sports draw visitors, provide economic boost
Economic Impact Statement now available
WinMan Trails, a destination for many traveling to the Northwoods, recently released their economic impact report. There is no doubt that outdoor recreation is a large economic driver in the Northwoods specifically. This impact has grown exponentially sine the Covid pandemic. In fact that impact in 2021 was up 14 percent over the previous year, according to Wisconsin’s Office of Outdoor Recreation.
Citizen proposals for spring hearings due Feb. 24
Every year, the Wisconsin Conservation Congress, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) holds their annual spring hearings. The spring hearings are an opportunity that is unique to Wisconsinites. It gives the public a chance to have a direct influence on the natural resources policies in the state.
Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program still going strong after 20th year
At this month’s Oneida County land and water conservation committee program, aquatic invasive species (AIS) coordinator and conservation technician Stephanie Boismenue updated committee members on the AIS work that has been going on in the county over the last year. Part of that update included the Clean Boats, Clean Waters Program.
Fish Like a GIRL
Gone in 60: Could you do it?
A few weeks back I wrote a column about gifts for adventurers. For instance, what would a person need if they were out in the woods and could not get back to the trail head for longer than they expected.
Free fishing for all anglers offered this weekend
The lack of snow early in this winter season has put a damper on some outdoor activities. Meanwhile, ice anglers across the state have been heavy into the action for a while now. This weekend, everyone can join in the fun with Free Fishing Weekend. Each year the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) holds two Free Fishing Weekends.
Norway CWD study may be cause for concern for hunters
CWD prions found in muscle tissue, but strains differ
With the 2024 deer season now in the rearview, sportsmen and women may be turning their attention to other pursuits such as ice fishing. But a recent study from Norway may have hunters thinking about the venison in their freezer. The study found prions responsible for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) present in the muscle tissue of cervids.
Fish Like a GIRL
Has anyone else gotten garden catalogs yet?
As most readers know, I have a super-hard time waiting to set up my greenhouse, plant seeds, and see some form of life growing. I start far too early every year, and I know I am starting too early, for the most part, but I cannot stop myself.
Ice fishing is a great time to hook into some northern pike
While many anglers head out onto the ice to target panfish, there are some who are ready to pit their wits against a much larger quarry — the northern pike. Northern are a cold-water fish, meaning they are often more active under the ice than some other predator species.
Can predators, scavengers help stop the spread of CWD?
The short answer is, there is not conclusive evidence that this is the case, according to some experts. There are studies also on the viability of the prions that cause chronic wasting disease (CWD), the always-fatal neurological disease in cervids such as white-tailed deer, once those prions travel through the digestive systems of scavengers such as crows and coyotes.
Wisconsin Wetland Science Conference slated for February in La Crosse
Early-bird registration ends Friday, Jan. 24
This year marks the Wisconsin Wetland Association’s 30th annual Wetland Science Conference. The theme of the conference this year is “Exploring the Confluence: Pearls of wisdom from wetlands, waters and communities.”
Fish Like a GIRL
What is on my podcast list?
So far this winter has been pretty okay for ice fisherman. Although I fish avidly in the summer, it seems the older I get, the less ice fishing I do. I think that is true for many of us who are not die hard “hard water” anglers. So, with the lack of snow, some of us find ourselves wondering what to do with some of our free time.
Cleaning the hunting rifle
With deer season in the rearview mirror, many hunters are tucking their hunting rifle away until next year. Hunting rifles are stored away in gun safes and on gun racks across the Northwoods, standing at the ready to take down next year’s big buck.
Registration is now open for the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention
The 2025 Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Convention is set for March 26-28 at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Stevens Point. The theme this year is, “The Power of Words: Working for Our Waters.” The convention was created by the Wisconsin Lakes and Rivers Partnership. That partnership consists of with Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the Extension Lakes Program and Wisconsin Lakes.
Bluegills are a favorite of many ice anglers
Many anglers believe that panfish caught through the ice are some of the best tasting fresh fish in the Midwest. There is something about bluegill fillets caught out of those cold, winter waters that make some of the best fish fries of the year.
Master naturalist training for 2025 opens Jan. 13
Spaces fill quickly
Master naturalists are citizen volunteers with a deep love of the outdoors. Each year, more volunteers get involved in the program through master naturalist trainings that are held around the state.
Save the Chain campaign looks to raise $250,000 by July 5
Manitowish Waters Chain found to have Eurasian Water Milfoil
Eurasian Water Milfoil (EWM) has been found in many Northwoods lakes, but has yet to be carried to others. EWM can cause varying degrees of problems in each lake in which it is found. Currently, there is no way to tell whether or not this aquatic invasive species (AIS) will take over a lake, or whether it will be somewhat more “well behaved.”
Fish Like a GIRL
We are all on our own path
About a month ago I joined a gym. I have never been a gym-goer, per se. In fact, the only time I ever went with any regularity was shortly after my late husband Rod was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and he was in the Strong Bones, Strong Bodies Program.
Oneida County forestry committee hears RASTA update, approves contract
Laura MacFarland spoke to the Oneida County forestry committee regarding the Rhinelander Area Silent Sports Association’s (RASTA’s) accomplishments during the 2024 work season. RASTA contracts with the county to build and maintain silent sports trails throughout the county mostly on county-owned lands.
Organisms in trade topic for Wisconsin Invasive Species Council
Invasive species are often thought of in terms of Eurasian water milfoil in a lake or buckthorn along a path or driveway. Many aquatic invasive species have come to the Northwoods when they are inadvertently moved from lake to lake by human movements.