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.
The enforcement side of organisms in trade
Five-year push shows need for concern
Department of Natural Resources administrative warden Bob Stroess spoke with the Wisconsin Invasive Species Council about enforcement of the Aquatic Species in Trade enforcement program. The programs’ focus is primarily aquatic invasive species (AIS), he said.
Deer Management Unit revisions get a second look
Committee opts to move ‘Option B’ map forward
In recent months, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) made some preliminary revisions to the Deer Management Units (DMUs) in the Northern Forest Zone. This change was spurred on by deer hunters in the Northern Zone, primarily a vocal group in Oneida and Vilas Counties.
Fish Like a GIRL
It is time to take a look back
A few weeks ago, I took a look forward into all the exciting things 2025 has to offer. This week, I thought I would take a look back at the past year and all of the ups and downs it had to offer. I of course cannot cover an entire year in just one column, but I think it is fun and bittersweet, even sometimes, to really take stock of what has happened in the recent past.
Chew on This!
Some great treats for your New Year’s Eve celebrations
New Year’s Eve is a great time to celebrate with friends and family over some great food. I have included here some of my favorites. One of those, Baunga Cauda was on my aunt made every New Year’s Ever when we went to the U.P. to celebrate there. It quickly became my favorite part of the festivities, and I enjoy it to this day. I also had to include another super old favorite — cheese fondue.
WCC wolf advisory committee hears update from department, urges preparation for delisting
Steve Schuchomel, one of several stakeholders from the public, spoke to the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) wolf advisory committee at their recent meeting regarding the wolf delisting.
U.S. EPA looks back at third year of PFAS Roadmap implementation
In 2021, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put together their PFAS Roadmap. This roadmap delineated many of the tasks they have taken on in the last three years, although work on PFAS had been going on in the agency already before that.
Minocqua Chain emergency rule on walleye harvest now set to carry through until permanent rule starts
The Minocqua Chain is currently operating under an emergency rule for walleye harvest, as many anglers know. This was to be the last year of zero harvest by both tribal members and state-licensed hook and line anglers. However, last spring, tribes made harvest declarations for the chain and there was a subsequent harvest.
Ten-year panfish study looks to see which regulations would work to improve size structure
Alex Latzka, fisheries systems biologist and panfish team co-chair for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), came to the Natural Resources Board (NRB) this month with a review of the 2016-2026 panfish study result so far.
Natural Resources Board approves changes to Deer Management Assistance Program
The Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) is a program through the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) that helps private land owners to manage their property for deer and other wildlife.
Fish Like a GIRL
More Christmas gift ideas for outdoor adventurer
Last week I talked about field guides and journals as gifts or state park or state trail passes. This week, I wanted to go a little more “adventure-y,” if you will. A little more toward the survivalist-type of gear.
DNR bear advisory committee recommends quotas for 2025 season
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) bear advisory committee met at the Mead Wildlife Area to look at quotas for the 2025 bear hunting season and to recommend tag allotments based on those quotas.
WCC wolf advisory committee considers citizen resolution for farmers and compensation
Last week the Wisconsin Conservation Congress (WCC) wolf advisory committee met for their regular meeting. One of the items on the agenda was a citizen resolution, brought forth by Valerie Dantoin of Seymour.
Management with fire increases bird abundance, diversity in oak dominated woodland
Maia Persche of the UW-Madison and Ann Calhoun of the Nature Conservancy of Wisconsin recently presented the results of their three-year field study looking at managing woodlands for oak using fire may increase biodiversity and can change soundscapes of those woodlands.
Fish Like a GIRL
What is on your Christmas wish list?
I was thinking about Christmas, and what types of things are usually on the wish lists of outdoorsmen and women. A good friend of mine’s wife bought him a Garmin watch for Christmas. She gave it to him early. I guess, like me, maybe she has a hard time keeping a secret. I am very bad about presents — it is difficult for me to not give them early. I am like a little kid; I get so excited, but I digress.
Salt use in winter can affect summer fishing
As winter sets in, road salt can be found on roads, side walks and parking lots. Every year in the United States 20-30 million tons of road salt are applied to surfaces in an attempt to keep people safe from slipping and falling and from crashing their vehicles when sliding on slippery roadways.
Early ice is tempting, but caution is needed
Many “hard water” anglers wait patiently through the fall for ice to start forming on their favorite lake. The lure of “early ice” has been the downfall, literally, of more than one angler.
What to do when encountering wildlife
One of the main reasons people are outdoor enthusiasts is because they love wildlife. Seeing and hearing those sights and sounds is one of the main bonuses of being outside. Humans should not attempt to approach wildlife purposely, but sometimes as we venture out, we find ourselves too close, and sometimes too close for comfort with a large predator.
Fish Like a GIRL
Technology changes the game, but hunters, anglers still need to put in work
Readers may have seen the piece I wrote last week about opening weekend of the gun deer season. I had a discussion with Balie Strasburg of Strasburg’s North Country Taxidermy about how the weekend went. She was telling me how some hunters, especially younger hunters, were leveraging apps to find public land and do some research, giving them better odds of bagging a buck during the hunting season.
Tomahawk venison feed draws hundreds of eager hunters
This year was the 59th iteration of the Tomahawk Venison Feed. The event was started as a way to get those traveling up north to pull off the highway and stop for a venison burger and some camaraderie before heading off to deer camp. Even with the misty rain, hundreds of hunters came out to kick off their season as many have been doing for years, making this stop part of the tradition.
Deer donation program helps feed families
The deer donation program in Wisconsin allows hunters to donate any legally harvested deer through the program. Since the program’s inception in 2000, over 94,000 deer have been donated and processed into more then 3.8 million pounds of ground venison. Once processed, the ground venison is distributed to food pantries around the state.
Hunter success was area dependent on opening weekend
Anecdotal evidence in the Northwoods showed that many hunters saw very few deer on opening weekend. But in some places, hunters were seeing more deer, but bucks were hard to come by. John Fetzer sits on the Oneida County Deer Advisory Council (CDAC), and, because he does not gun hunt, preferring archery season instead, this gives him the opportunity to drive around to talk to hunters on opening weekend, he said. He has been doing exactly that for the last four years since he has served on the CDAC.
2025 bear, turkey applications due Dec. 10
Both spring turkey applications and fall bear hunting applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 10 every year.
Vilas County land and water management plan goes to full board
Carolyn Scholl announces retirement as county conservationist
The Vilas County land and water conservation committee met for a public hearing, for the review of the new 10-year land and water management plan. This plan will guide the department in their programs in projects for the next decade, and is required by Chapter 92 of the state statutes in order for the county to qualify for annual funding. The plan starts in January of 2025 to 2034.
Fish Like a GIRL
My 2025 project goal tracker is complete
The other day I had an odd morning free, so I decided to sit down and take a look at my ideal 2025. I created a goal tracker, and I’m pretty excited to see how it works out for me for the year. I am not one to make “New Year’s Resolutions,” really.