October 25, 2002

Six additional cases of the mosquito-borne illness were confirmed during the first week in October. Although no Minnesotans have died of the illness, some have developed encephalitis, a life-threatening swelling of the brain. Another developed meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain.

Associate Editor Madison Wisconsin Gov. Scott McCallum last week said the U.S. Department of Agriculture has increased the number of certified labs in the nation that will test for chronic wasting disease. At the same time, the feds said capacity will be increased, opening the door for hunters to have their deer tested at an

Snowmobiles will be the centerpiece of this show. But there will be ice fishing products on hand and ice fishing seminars to attend as well. Seminar speakers include pro angler Chip Leer along with Outdoor News’ own pro, “Tackle” Terry Tuma. Show hours are 4-10 p.m. Thursday; 1-10 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Oct. 29: Southern Milwaukee WTU Banquet at 5:30 p.m. at Oak Creek Community Center. For more info call Mason, 262-797-6524. Oct. 30: Marathon WTU Banquet at 5:30 p.m. at Rib River Ballroom. For more info call Jack Krammer, 715-443-2060. Nov. 1: Prairie Du Chien WTU Banquet at The Barn at 5 :30 p.m. For more

NORTHEAST METRO The Mississippi River and St. Croix River are providing the area’s best walleye action. The key here is to find the shad and you’ll find walleyes. Clear Lake and the south end of Bald Eagle Lake have given up a few walleyes. Look to Big Marine Lake and Lake Jane for northern pike

Officials say Iowa’s pheasant population has rebounded after a difficult 2000-01 winter and hunters should see more birds this year. This year’s roadside August pheasant counts indicated numbers 119-percent better than last year, according to the Iowa DNR. Nonresident pheasant hunters in Iowa must purchase an $80.50 hunting license and pay an $8.50 habitat fee.

Correspondent Eagle River, Wis. John Osterling always liked the location deep water off a shoreline rock bar but he never caught a big muskie on that part of the lake. That all changed Wednesday, Oct. 2, when the Woodruff guide, fishing by himself, boated his largest muskie ever, a 52.5-inch fish that weighed 40 pounds,

Editor Madison With deer hunters preparing for the Oct. 24 start to the liberal CWD season in south-central Wisconsin and the statewide opening of the four-day Zone T antlerless deer season, the state learned that nine more CWD-positive deer were found in the Mt. Horeb area, and another CWD-positive game farm deer was found this

Oct. 27, Nov. 2-3: Monticello Sportsmen’s Public Rifle Sight-In. This event is for legal deer firearms only and is not a practice range. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 2 miles south of Monticello on Hwy. 25. Cost $6 per rifle, includes ear plugs & targets. For more info call Steve Quill at 763-271-8727 (leave message).