Sportsmen: Get involved in Wisconsin DNR wildlife research
Sometimes just an extra pair of hands can be very helpful.
Forward by Jerry Davis
More reasons why early closing of ruffed grouse season wasn't a good idea
It may have been a hindrance to Wisconsin’s annual ruffed grouse drumming survey, which helps biologists gauge population trends.
Listen to nature’s sounds and decipher the meanings
Most animal sounds, usually called vocalizations and regardless of origin, carry meanings. Sometimes they are calls to others of their kind, attracting mates, sounding alarms, finding food, and in some cases acquiring food. Insects are common pollinators, which are attracted…
Wisconsin sportsmen: nominate an ethical hunter for annual award
This year, do something to provide a good feeling for yourself and another hunter. Nominate an ethical Wisconsin hunter, who could – after review by a selection committee – be named the Wisconsin DNR 2019 ethical hunter. In addition to…
More Wisconsin spring turkey ‘authorizations,’ please
The Wisconsin DNR still has plenty of leftover spring turkey available for counter or online purchase.
Mentors can learn from novice hunters
Dane County 12-year-old’s enthusiasm captures his mentor’s attention.
Use turkey scouting, season to forget about winter
Do some scouting and practice calling to prepare for this spring’s six turkey seasons.
Planting natural vegetation, improving habitat best way to feed deer in winter
Now is a good time to consider species to be planted this spring.
Consider hunting ethics when heading afield this year
Sportsmen may nominate a fellow hunter for the annual Wisconsin Ethical Hunter of the Year Award.
Lending a helping hand now to maintain, or gain, permission
Anytime is a great time to lend assistance, but extra labor is particularly helpful during a tough winter. Our landowner friends, particularly farmers, must do a day’s work after a big snowstorm before their day of work begins. After school,…
Try stove-top syrups this spring
Seeing displays of sap-tapping tools and equipment might turn most outdoors enthusiasts and gardeners to a different store location. But fear not, anyone who can identify a maple tree, any maple, even a box elder, can make enough maple syrup…
Now might be a good time to reconsider some of Wisconsin’s hunting, fishing, trapping rule changes
Conservation Congress, sportsmen could start with rule change ideas that would cost nothing to implement.
For squirrels, nowhere to hide in Hyde hunt
10th annual Hyde squirrel hunting tournament draws hunters, participants of all ages.
Here’s a way for hunters to demonstrate landowner appreciation – and perhaps gain future access permission
Early winter and late spring a good time for hunters to volunteer for woodland projects.
Wisconsin hunters: Watch what you’re wearing during post-hunt photo sessions
Some of the most unlikely to-do-so publications run photos of smiling hunters inappropriately dressed while doing their activity and with their prey nearby. Safety is often the issue and being illegally dressed another. OK, I realize deer hunters, for example, are…
Alaskans travel to Wisconsin to hunt whitetails
Father, son hunters head to Wisconsin to stack up venison.
Make use of all hunting and trapping seasons
Wisconsin’s small game, fall turkey could stand to see higher participation.
Campground hosts, volunteers Pat and Jerry Cornelius receive award from Governor Dodge State Park
Who says folks from Illinois aren’t friendly, giving and respectful of their neighbor to the immediate north? Pat Cornelius and her husband, Jerry, both 73, have been volunteering at Governor Dodge State Park for several months each summer for nine…
Wisconsin DNR bulks up holiday pheasant stocking
Stocking numbers – between Dec. 19-21 – upped from 1,700 to 2,200 birds on eight public properties, up from five sites last year.
Take part in Wisconsin DNR's CWD testing – it helps us twice over
Testing also helps the DNR track the spread of CWD.
Wisconsin needs to clean up violations during ginseng digging season
DNR game wardens can’t do the work alone; ethical ginseng diggers will have to help out.
Board should wait for some science before closing ruffed grouse season early
The 100 ruffed grouse headed to Missouri this fall should be of little concern to hunters.
Wisconsin DNR placing cameras on ginseng plants to gather season-long information
I know science and its methodology, called research, are dirty words in some Wisconsin places and to some people. Call it what you want, but it’s a necessary endeavor if there is any chance of saving the state’s herb. That’s…
Start building your plant-knowledge arsenal yet this summer
Of the 1,800 plant species in Wisconsin, consider getting to know a half dozen or so this summer and come back to the task next year with a goal of another 10 or so. Start small, find those six and…
Sauk City library checks out fishing rods to kids, too
A brilliant idea surfaced a decade ago in Sauk City and, after a long hiatus, it is finally coming to fruition. McFarlanes’ Retail and Service Center in Sauk City is a local business that seems to have everything for everyone.…
About This Blog
Jerry Davis, of Barneveld, is a biology professor emeritus at UW-La Crosse, and is an Honorary Fellow in the Botany Department at UW-Madison.
Outdoor News Store
Shop our online store for products and gear: Print of the Year, Outdoor News History Book, Outdoor News Clothing and more!
