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Iowa’s Welch Lake Complex a key protector of West Okoboji Lake
For the past three decades, the 1,475-acre Welch Lake complex has been protecting the water quality of Iowa’s highest profile lake – West Okoboji Lake – by filtering 16% of its watershed through 56 natural and restored wetlands that stretch 2-1/2 miles northwest of Hwy. 9.
A major restoration was completed in the early 2000s, followed by another large wetland enhancement project, in 2019. The wetlands collect sediment and reduce nutrients before water enters the north end of West Okoboji Lake.

A look at a waterfowler’s gear wish list heading into the 2026 season
My house was quiet. The kind of quiet that screams something is terribly wrong.

Five steps to getting ready for roosters right now
Are you a pheasant hunting fanatic – a real rooster junky? A once-in-while rooster chaser

Iowa’s Welch Lake Complex a key protector of West Okoboji Lake
For the past three decades, the 1,475-acre Welch Lake complex has been protecting the water quality of Iowa’s highest profile lake – West Okoboji Lake
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Profiling the latest ATVs and UTVs
Side-by-sides continue to dominate the off-road vehicle market, with manufacturers offering increased power, enclosed cabs, factory HVAC, automotive-style technology, and more specialized vehicles.
However, manufacturers of traditional single-seat quads continue to remain innovative, with smart electronic suspensions, integrated touchscreens with GPS mapping, and factory-installed heavy-duty winches and upgraded electronic power steering (EPS). Here are some of the models you can expect to see in showrooms in the next few weeks.

Iowa’s Welch Lake Complex a key protector of West Okoboji Lake
For the past three decades, the 1,475-acre Welch Lake complex has been protecting the water quality of Iowa’s highest profile lake – West Okoboji Lake – by filtering 16% of its watershed through 56 natural and restored wetlands that stretch 2-1/2 miles northwest of Hwy. 9.
A major restoration was completed in the early 2000s, followed by another large wetland enhancement project, in 2019. The wetlands collect sediment and reduce nutrients before water enters the north end of West Okoboji Lake.

The ins and outs of South Dakota nonresident waterfowl hunting
The day started at an agonizingly slow pace.
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Podcasts

Episode 606 – Roadless rule, USFWS backs off drainage rules, Walz and BWCA, Citizens Council
National issues dominate random chatter this week, including the Trump administration announcing

Episode 605 – Recapping Klobuchar interview, Alaska and Ambler Road, Outdoor Leaders, Leech Lake
Alaska tops the discussion this week following Rob Drieslein’s fishing trip there

Episode 604 – Retiring MN DNR fisheries chief Brad Parsons, “What3Words” app, sharp-tailed grouse
Brad Parsons recently announced his retirement from the Minnesota Department of Natural

Episode 603 – Warm-water fishing, DNR’s Nate Huck on 3-duck bag limit proposal, Fish kills in 2026
Nate Huck from the Minnesota DNR joins the show this week to
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