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Thursday, June 4th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

December 11, 2024

Commentary: North Dakota study shows effects of winter without wolves on whitetails

The Timberjay has received considerable comment this fall in response to a two-part series examining the causes of the decline in the deer population in our (northeastern Minnesota) region. I was surprised that it was mostly positive, because I recognized that the stories I wrote were challenging some pretty deeply-entrenched views.
The one major factor that I did not address in the series was the effect of winter on deer, which I believe indisputably is the single-most critical factor in white-tailed deer survival in our area.

Commentary: North Dakota study shows effects of winter without wolves on whitetails Read More »

Midweek cold snap to aid ice-making on Minnesota lakes

Despite some snow, high winds, and mild weather that enveloped portions of Minnesota during the first week and weekend of December, ice formation has progressed nicely on the bigger lakes throughout the state. The latest stretch of cold air should help even more.
Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake, Lake Mille Lacs, and Lake Winnibigoshish appeared to be locked up going into the second week of December.

Midweek cold snap to aid ice-making on Minnesota lakes Read More »

Will new aquaculture plan fix minnow shortage issues in Minnesota? Public asked to comment

A Minnesota Department of Agriculture draft aquaculture plan, a portion of which details the growing concern surrounding seasonal live-bait shortages affecting state anglers, is open for public comment through Dec. 18.
The state of Minnesota is the process of creating a state aquaculture plan, in hopes of growing the industry statewide. The 85-page draft accesses the current state of Minnesota’s aquaculture industry and provides analysis within several sectors, including bait fish, fish for stocking, fish for food and ornamentals.

Will new aquaculture plan fix minnow shortage issues in Minnesota? Public asked to comment Read More »

‘Hundreds’ of geese found dead or dying on Fairmont chain of lakes in southern Minnesota

Justin Sommer began to get the reports – and questions – early this week, shortly after a massive migration of geese arrived in the Fairmont area of southern Minnesota, where his shop, Sommer Outdoors, is located: mysteriously, hundreds, local folks estimated, of dead or dying Canada geese on the ice of the city’s chain of lakes.
“Probably over a couple hundred geese,” Sommer estimated on Tuesday morning.

‘Hundreds’ of geese found dead or dying on Fairmont chain of lakes in southern Minnesota Read More »

Bill making hunting contests illegal in Illinois stays active

Legislation aimed at prohibiting hunting contests in Illinois stalled during the spring General Assembly, but has added a handful of co-sponsors since.
House Bill 2900 would ban holding wildlife contests that “reward participants with cash, prizes or inducements for killing fur-bearing animals.”
Much of the effort and debate prior to the spring session focused on coyote hunting contests in the state.

Bill making hunting contests illegal in Illinois stays active Read More »

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