OUTDOORS
Governor vetoes bucks-only bill for Northern hunters
With last fall’s deer harvest down almost 30% in the Northern Forest from 2022 and over 19% from the five-year average, many hunters in the Northwoods have expressed grave concern about the deer herd.
The Lake Where You Live
One way to observe Easter Sunday is by going to church to celebrate the Resurrection. I have another ritual of renewal that I have observed for many years, no matter where we’ve lived.
DNR needs volunteer hunter education instructors
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking volunteers passionate about promoting safe, responsible and ethical hunting practices to serve as hunter education instructors. Volunteer opportunities are available in all parts of the state, the agency announced in a press release.
Fish Like a GIRL
Last week I met with the advisory committee looking to assist in creating a classification system for all of Oneida County’s lakes. I am truly enjoying working on this committee and being a part of a project that seems daunting to say the least. The more we talked in the …
The Lake Where You Live
The ice on Birch Lake went out on March 14. Eight days later we woke to a new skin of ice over nearly the entire surface.
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DNR accepting poetry contest entries
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is accepting entries from third to fifth graders for the Air, Air, Everywhere poetry contest.
DNR deer advisory committee looks at previous season, long-term trends
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) deer advisory committee held a fairly lengthy meeting March 12 focused on the 2023-24 deer season.
The Lake Where You Live
When I snorkel on Birch and a few other lakes I am struck by the amount of litter — as in there is none. I can’t remember the last time I saw a stray bottle or can or other bit of trash on the bottom of a lake.
Evers signs hunting, fishing bills into law
As the legislature left its recent session, several bills sat on Gov. Tony Evers desk, waiting for him to sign them into law. Not surprisingly, several of those had to do with hunting and fishing in the state.
Fish Like a GIRL
As many readers know, we bought a house in the late summer of 2022 as Chet was recovering from a pretty major heart attack. Caring for his medical needs at the time meant I did not get much done in the way of gardening or, really, settling into the house …
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The Lake Where You Live
Grandson Tucker wants a musky fishing rod, and what better opportunity than his 12th birthday, coming up in May?
Wisconsin Headwaters Invasives Partnership annual meeting provides year in review
Last week the Wisconsin Headwaters Invasives Partnership (WHIP) steering committee held their annual meeting and looked at both their year in review and their strategic plan. WHIP is the Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area (CISMA) that covers Oneida, Vilas and Lincoln Counties. It is one of 14 CISMAs in Wisconsin. …
Natural Resources Board hears 2023-24 deer season recap
At the February Natural Resources Board (NRB) meeting, several Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff members presented information regarding the 2023-2024 deer season.
Fish Like a GIRL
It is likely obvious from the title of my column every week, not to mention much of my content, but I am into fishing just a little bit. I have actually cut back on my tournament schedule in the last few years.
The Lake Where You Live
How are the ice conditions on your lake? Here on Birch I would have to say it’s sound, but very thin for this time of year.
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