Sunday, May 10th, 2026

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Sunday, May 10th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Ralph Loos

Shallow and ‘stumpy,’ Fletcher offers solid bass fishery in Alpena/Montmorency counties

Fletcher Pond, also known as Fletcher Floodwaters, has become a dependable destination for anglers in northeast Michigan.
Known for its shallow, stump-filled, roughly 9,000-acre body that provides excellent habitat for largemouth bass, northern pike, and panfish, it has earned a reputation for producing 6-pound bass and 30-inch northern pike.

Shallow and ‘stumpy,’ Fletcher offers solid bass fishery in Alpena/Montmorency counties Read More »

Ralph Loos: As woodies return to Michigan, let’s remember our key role in duck’s rebound

Asked to put a nice round number to it, most who work in Michigan waterfowl circles will say the state’s wood duck population flies right around the 100,000 mark.
It’s hard to argue with that estimate, because who among us has time to count? The takeaway is this: wood ducks have come a long way. And so have we, for the most part.

Ralph Loos: As woodies return to Michigan, let’s remember our key role in duck’s rebound Read More »

Proposal would up the cost of hunting, fishing licenses in Michigan

Will Michigan’s hunters and anglers face a higher tab for doing what they enjoy doing most?
The question involves a staple of many wallets: the sturdy $5 bill. There are upsides and downsides to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s state budget proposal that would increase the cost of hunting, fishing and boating license fees. The changes would affect all license fees, though they would hit nonresident sportsmen a bit harder.

Proposal would up the cost of hunting, fishing licenses in Michigan Read More »

Illinois’ Terry Brown nominated for Bass Fishing Hall of Fame class

An Illinois man who has been a strong voice for fishing in the state – both inside and outside of the media – may finally have been hooked by the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame.
Terry Brown, an avid angler from Normal who has worked as an outdoors writer and played an important role in establishment of the Illinois High School Association’s bass fishing championship series, has been nominated to become a member of the Hall of Fame.

Illinois’ Terry Brown nominated for Bass Fishing Hall of Fame class Read More »

DNR tackles ‘slow growing’ male muskies in Lake McMaster from Knox County, Ill.

A muskie captured by the Illinois DNR during a spring trap net survey turned out to be a good history lesson for fisheries biologists and anglers alike.
The 2024 sampling – the last recorded by DNR – featured six muskies that ranged from 35½ to 39.4 inches long and was composed of five males and one female. One of the males had been tagged by DNR.

DNR tackles ‘slow growing’ male muskies in Lake McMaster from Knox County, Ill. Read More »

Ralph Loos: Deer hunting brothers from Illinois have a great day, editor does not

Ellen Litteken let out a good-natured chuckle when I called to explain how one of her two deer-hunting grandsons had accidentally assumed her name. Actually, 11-year-old Alex Litteken was assigned the name “Ellen” – he hadn’t assumed anything.
“I thought it might create some confusion,” Ellen offered, referring to the nomination of her grandsons for Outdoor News’ annual Best Buck Contest. “Both boys had a such a good day.”

Ralph Loos: Deer hunting brothers from Illinois have a great day, editor does not Read More »

Spring goose hunt running in high gear in Illinois

Large gaggles of snow geese kicked off 2026 by gathering in corn stubble fields across central and southern Illinois to dine – and honk.
They were headed north. But hard winter arrived, motivating many of them to reverse course and move south – something waterfowl  experts refer to as “remigration.” This just as hunters were settling into the light goose conservation order season.

Spring goose hunt running in high gear in Illinois Read More »

Officers, civilian recognized for rescue of Michigan ice fisherman

Nearly two years ago, a 63-year-old ice angler struggled for his life on Michigan’s Lake Gogebic, repeatedly falling into the icy surface.
A team from several Michigan agencies worked together to rescue Paul Boehm during the March 12, 2024 incident. Earlier this month, five individuals received awards at a Michigan DNR meeting during the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club in Dickinson County.

Officers, civilian recognized for rescue of Michigan ice fisherman Read More »

Ralph Loos: Deer report again verifies Illinois hunters can handle a bow

Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli – you might know him as “The Fonz” – could never have imagined his signature thumbs-up would play such a prominent role in what has become one of the most important gauges of deer hunting.
But “aaayyyy” . . . there it is, right on the fifth page of the National Deer Association’s 2026 Deer Report.

Ralph Loos: Deer report again verifies Illinois hunters can handle a bow Read More »

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