Tips & Features
Remembering Leopold: Listening to the wings of waterfowl
It’s officially winter in the north country, and most of the lakes and some of the rivers are frozen. Ducks and other migratory birds have already headed south, although a few may linger.
Hunting dog injuries happen, so be properly prepared
My yellow Labrador, Luna, eased unscathed between strands of barbed wire with her feathered prize. Fortunately, she was wise to fences, always crossing with caution.
Keep it warm, fun and fishy for new anglers
For ice anglers, first ice is truly the most wonderful time of the year. Fish are active because plants are still photosynthesizing and producing oxygen.
Roller-crimpers help cut herbicide use on cover crops
Roller-crimpers typically consist of a drum, or multiple drums, with a series of blunt blades that work by pushing the cover crop down and crimping the plants along the way.
A tasty duck recipe, and problems on the ice
In my never-ending quest for great recipes, I have discovered what’s called the “spatchcock” style of cooking duck or other fowl.
What’s in a fishy name? Depends on place, time
At top, catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) are present in a number of Minnesota lakes and rivers. In some cases they’re referred to as mud cats, polliwogs, or chuckleheads.
Pro Tip of the Week: Monitoring, catching ice walleyes during early to mid-season transition
As the fish move, follow them.
Keep it warm, fun and fishy for new anglers
The early season is a great time to take kids, spouses, or other fishing newbies onto the ice. Fish are cooperative and usually it’s not yet bitterly cold.
Fish intelligence: Do fish think things through?
Fish may not think things through in depth, but they can be picky.
