Joe Fellegy: Remembering outdoor writer Shawn Perich, and thoughts on transfer of public lands and waters
Because we were both interested in outdoor and conservation politics, Shawn and I often called each other to exchange viewpoints.
October 4, 2023
Early-season ducks, and a report from the deer stand
So far, the early duck season has been rather dismal. I have been hunting in various areas of the state, and it’s been a tough go.
Fortunately, blue-winged teal have been the most prevalent bird in the bag so far, with few mallards, gadwalls, and wigeon. I am certainly not impressed with the bird numbers, and things seem far slower than in previous years.
Early-season ducks, and a report from the deer stand Read More »
Biden vetoes bills to undo long-eared bat, lesser prairie chicken protections
President Joe Biden has vetoed Republican-sponsored bills intended to undo federal protections for two endangered species that have seen their populations plummet over the years: the lesser prairie chicken and the northern long-eared bat.
The two GOP measures would overturn “science-based rulemaking” that offers important protections for the once-abundant species and would undermine the Endangered Species Act, Biden said.
Biden vetoes bills to undo long-eared bat, lesser prairie chicken protections Read More »
Minnesota Mixed Bag: Statewide youth deer season runs Oct. 19-22
Minnesota’s youth deer season will take place statewide Thursday, Oct. 19, through Sunday, Oct. 22. The season coincides with statewide teacher workshops.
Minnesota Mixed Bag: Statewide youth deer season runs Oct. 19-22 Read More »
A trip to Cook County’s Tom Lake in Minnesota is all about its walleyes
You might stumble upon a few keeping-size perch, and the lake does have whitefish and burbot, but that’s about it. It once had a decent northern pike population, but those fish are mostly gone now.
A trip to Cook County’s Tom Lake in Minnesota is all about its walleyes Read More »
Minnesota’s Pro Tip of the Week: Understand fall fish patterns
The calendar says it’s fall, but with water temperatures in the mid- to upper-60s, walleyes and other species are still in late-summer patterns. On most lakes, the vegetation is still green. During this transition period, reactionary presentations shine.
Minnesota’s Pro Tip of the Week: Understand fall fish patterns Read More »
Minnesota’s statewide fishing and hunting report for Oct. 4, 2023
Still no fall transition with summer-like temperatures. A look at the fishing and hunting report from across Minnesota on Oct. 4, 2023.
Minnesota’s statewide fishing and hunting report for Oct. 4, 2023 Read More »
Years of surveillance: How Minnesota, Wisconsin officers built a case to protect shovelnose sturgeon on the Mississippi River
For two consecutive springs, in 2020 and 2021, often night after night and for grueling 12-hour shifts, conservation officers from the Minnesota DNR and conservation wardens from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources tucked themselves into shoreline vegetation and watched men fish on Pool 9 of the Mississippi River.
Often, the officers would write lengthy reports the following morning. After some rest, another similar shift might begin that afternoon. Those fishing from a Mississippi float, the officers would learn, were running equally lengthy shifts, fishing and traveling between the river and their homes in far eastern Wisconsin.
‘Tis the season: Be safe – and leave the drone at home this Illinois hunting season
I had to chuckle – chuckle, not laugh – and raise an eyebrow at a line written by Richard Perry over in the Letters to the Editor section.
Perry, of Brownstown, spilled a lot of ink questioning the state’s requirement of single-shots for the relatively new and overly confusing rifle deer hunting opportunity in Illinois. In summing up some of his points, particularly on hunter safety, Perry points out, “Fact is, falling out of treestands and heart attacks are far more dangerous to a deer hunter than the danger of being shot by another hunter.”
‘Tis the season: Be safe – and leave the drone at home this Illinois hunting season Read More »
