Even before I’d stashed my canoe, ducks started returning en masse. The only blemish on an otherwise amazing hunt was that they were landing a little far out, and my shooting suffered for it. I would shoot at a flock, go zero for three, and when the shot-upon flock was still retreating, the next wave was already cupped-up, feet down.
My Best Duck Hunts… and One that Might be the Worst Read More »
Decoys are among the most valuable of waterfowl-hunting tools.
Unless you’re pass-shooting or jump-shooting, they’re essentials. But there’s more to just tossing them out haphazardly. Here are some important things to consider when using decoys to bring waterfowl into range.
Devising a duck decoy plan: When, where, how many? Read More »
Choosing to highlight my best – and worst – duck hunts is a bit of a head-scratcher. Over more than 30 years of duck hunting, there have been a lot of both. And any of them could produce a story of their own.
But here’s a taste of what keeps me coming back to duck hunting – for better or for worse. In duck hunting, you learn quickly to take the good with the bad.
Joe Shead: My best duck hunts… and one that might be the worst Read More »
Bear hunters know that hunting success is usually linked to natural food availability.
In years of a bumper acorn crop, bears that had reliably hit baits prior to hunting season often disappear once acorns begin to fall, which often coincides with the opening of the bear-hunting season.
Conversely, during years when hard and soft mast crops are marginal, bears come to baits more regularly. But not all bear habitat is the same in Minnesota.
What’s on the menu for bears? It varies across Minnesota Read More »
You wanna know how old I am? My brothers and I grew up watching Babe Winkelman and Al Lindner fishing on TV. It was always cool to watch them catch fish, but what really captivated us were the trips to the remote wilds of Canada, where they caught fish on almost every cast in lakes so pure they looked like they might have dripped right out of heaven.
Me being the oldest, I nagged my parents until they finally sent away for Canadian fishing brochures. Yes, brochures. This pre-dates the internet. We pored over all kinds of propaganda from across Ontario, touting the stellar walleye fishing, the giant pike, and the chance to tangle with the fish of 10,000 casts. It all sounded great! But which one to choose?
Just like people, fish sometimes get sick.
Fish can carry a variety of diseases and parasites and are sometimes infected by bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, or other parasites. Poor water quality, overcrowding, increased water temperatures, or stress from the act of spawning can make healthy fish more susceptible to these diseases. Chances are, you’ve probably caught fish with obvious ailments. Although there are a host of diseases out there, here’s a look at some of the most common ones in Minnesota.
What are some of the most common fish diseases seen in Minnesota? Read More »
Campers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness should be aware that a new rule aimed at preventing or reducing human/bear encounters went into effect this spring.
All campers are now required to hang their food (and any food containers and scented items such as toothpaste or deodorant) at least 12 feet from the ground and 6 feet from any tree trunks or branches, or store it in a bear-proof container approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.
New bear-related rules in effect for Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Read More »
The Great Lakes of today are not the pristine waters of 300 years ago. Dams, industry, and the introduction of invasive species have forever altered the ecology of these waters and their fisheries. Through it all, the whitefish – a native fish prized for its mild flavor – has persisted, although with sometimes troubling fluctuations.
“Whitefish is the most valuable commercial species in the Great Lakes – has been since people came to the Great Lakes,” said Cory Goldsworthy, Minnesota DNR Lake Superior fisheries supervisor.
Whitefish, an important native food source from the Great Lakes, facing challenges Read More »
This whole thing was Daine’s idea. Daine’s simple plan to hold a bass tournament between some of his friends has resulted in a raging debate that has brought to me ridicule and sleepless nights. I’ve been exiled from bait shops and local watering holes throughout much of Minnesota.
But let’s start at the beginning.
Joe Shead: How I caught (or netted) a tourney-winning bass Read More »
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