Mixed Bag: Names released in Isle Royale case

Houghton, Mich. — The two campers who were found dead at a remote campground at Isle Royale National Park have been identified as Bradley Baird, 30, and John Baird, 60, of Northville, Mich., the Keweenaw County Clerk and Register of Deeds office confirmed recently.

The two campers are believed to have died by murder-suicide, according to Keweenaw County Medical Examiner Dr. Michael McAllister, who told MLive that the victims are father and son, though it’s not clear who died first.

The National Park Service (NPS) received reports of two dead people at a backcountry campground in the park at about 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, the NPS said in a news release. Rangers hiked about 11 miles overnight to the site at the South Desor Lake campground and reached the scene the morning of June 9, and confirmed finding two bodies. An investigation remains ongoing.

MORE COVERAGE FROM WISCONSIN OUTDOOR NEWS:

Man admits 49-point nontypical buck presented as state record came from a farm

Lake Winnebago’s ’24 fall trawl survey has good news for many Wisconsin anglers

Wisconsin’s Estabrook Falls project clears the way for sturgeon spawning

Kewaunee/Door 43rd Annual Salmon Tournament will run July 11-20; Daily Prizes

Algoma, Wis. — The 43rd annual Kewaunee/Door County Salmon Tournament will run July 11-20. Last year, 14 fish heavier than 30 pounds were weighed in. The top 170 anglers shared in more than $100,000 in cash and prizes.

The event promotes sport fishing and tourism along Lake Michigan and Green Bay shoreline cities, villages and towns. There are daily winners all 10 days at each of the five weigh-in ports: Algoma, Kewaunee, Sturgeon Bay, Baileys Harbor, and Washington Island. The event’s top prize is $15,000 cash and a custom-made sterling silver salmon ring or necklace.

All participants need a fishing license, Great Lakes salmon and trout stamp, and an entry ticket. Tickets are $30 for the full tournament or $10 for kids ages 10 and under.

More information is posted on the event Facebook page, or email Kevin Naze at gofishwisconsin@gmail.com. The K/D Salmon Tournament is one of the largest salmon contests in the country. A record 3,891 entrants fished in 2024.

Melissa Bachman Keynote Speaker at Boone and Crockett Club’s 32nd Big Game Awards

Missoula, Mont. — Melissa Bachman, well known hunter, conservationist, and TV host, will be the keynote speaker at the Buck Buckner Boone and Crockett Club 32nd Big Game Awards. This triennial event will take place Saturday, July 26, at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. This banquet, sponsored by the Wild Sheep Foundation, features the presentation of awards to trophy owners for the exceptional invited trophies on display.

Tickets are available on the Boone and Crockett Club website.

Work on Sauk Co. Bakken’s Pond Continues

Sauk City, Wis. — Water levels in Bakken’s Pond in Sauk County will ebb and flow with the Lower Wisconsin River system to allow for ongoing repairs on the pond’s dike. The repairs are a continuation of last year’s reconstruction of the dike.

“The dike at Bakken’s Pond is in need of additional repairs after winter heaving and high-water levels this spring,” said Nancy Frost, DNR wildlife biologist. “We do not know the date of completion, but completing this project quickly is a priority.”

Allowing levels to ebb and flow with the river system allows for repair work without drastically impacting species that use the pond. Depending on when work is completed, staff will make sure raising water levels have minimal effect on species’ life cycles.