Ross Bielema - Outdoors

Fawn survey offers insights into deer survival and predation

Published by admin on Fri, 08/23/2019 - 8:30am

Nature designed a fawn’s spotted coat as the ultimate camouflage. The white spots break up the otherwise solid brown appearance, protecting it from predators.

There’s the challenge of the annual Fawn Survey, which combines the knowledge and expertise of seasoned biologists with the shear enthusiasm and sweat equity of volunteers. Finding the supremely hidden critters is the tough part.

Contests feature the best of Wisconsin’s state parks

Published by admin on Thu, 08/15/2019 - 8:00am

If you enjoy photography, have a favorite state park, or preferably both, there are two contests you’ll be interested in.

The 2019 Friends of Wisconsin State Parks Gold Seal Award contest voting deadline is Friday, Aug. 30. Sponsored by this umbrella group for 80 local “friends” groups that supply volunteer support for state park properties, the annual contest aims to spotlight the many different offerings provided by state parks, trails and recreation areas.

Bonus antlerless deer permits go on sale Aug. 19 in Forest Zones

Published by admin on Thu, 08/08/2019 - 1:18pm

Just before a driving rainstorm hit my homeward-bound car Tuesday night, I thought I felt a touch of fall in the air. The temperature was starting to drop and the wind was picking up. I thought about the Scorpions’ classic tune, “Wind of Change,” and longed for those crisp fall mornings in the deer woods.

Accept efficiency of crossbows and stop infighting

Published by admin on Thu, 08/01/2019 - 5:56pm

Have you been shooting your bow or crossbow yet? July slipped away amid a series of rock concerts and a major windstorm. Like Dorothy, I awoke from my dream and discovered I had landed at home, although it was now August. The archery opener is now about six weeks away.

Fish, hike and ride ATV trails for free this weekend

Published by admin on Fri, 05/31/2019 - 3:57pm

Why is something free so much better than the same things for a small cost?

If you are having a yard sale, people might ignore your dime and quarter items, but they’ll flock to the free table or box. At my workplace, we have a large table near the employee entrance that is called the Free Table. Just drop anything there that you want to get rid of and by the end of the day, it’s gone.

County’s snowmobiling clubs find adventure in the snow

Published by admin on Sat, 02/09/2019 - 9:17am

When the forecast calls for snow, some of us get disgusted, discouraged and even angry at the prospect of slipping, sliding and shoveling.

Members of Shawano County’s 19 snowmobiling clubs get as revved up as their high-powered, brightly colored machines in anticipation of the next winter adventure.

There are about 600 miles of snowmobile trails that wind through the woods, abandoned railways and frozen lakes of the county and around every bend, a frosty adventure’s waiting.

Rediscover old-school camping

Published by admin on Sun, 06/30/2013 - 1:00am

In 32 years of reporting, I’ve discovered that I am easily swayed into a fast-burning interest in almost any hobby or sport, but my interest soon fizzles. I recall years ago that model railroading fascinated me. Members of a local club in Clinton, Iowa, wanted me to attend their meetings held in the basement of a downtown building. What kid didn’t marvel at model trains? Sure, I had a small set at one time. I still love trains, especially the old steam trains. But no, as a grown man, I wasn’t about to devote large chunks of my meager earnings and time to this hobby.