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Outdoors

Spring could be near … by the sound of it

We humans, I think, tend to favor sight among our senses — “I’ll believe it when I see it.” But in the natural world, sound so often can be more revealing of what’s out there for those who pause to listen. This past week, trumpeter swans demonstrated why they are so named from a wetland hidden behind trees not far from where Solberg Lake Creek feeds into Six Mile Lake. The rattling bugles of sandhill cranes from the same area can be the first signal each year they’ve returned in spring. Pileated woodpeckers announce they’re coming in for suet with what the Cornell Lab ...

Michigan ORV panel has vacancy to fill

By JIM ANDERSON News Editor IRON MOUNTAIN — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for an opening on its Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Workgroup. The seven-member panel meets quarterly at varying locations around the state, working closely with the Michigan Trails Advisory Council. “Members tell us that being part of this workgroup is a rewarding experience — it isn’t overly time-consuming and provides an opportunity for avid ORV riders to share their insight and connect with others who enjoy the sport and want to contribute to our state’s ...

Sagola 4×4 prize

John Budde, left, of Hesperia, Mich., accepts a 2023 Honda Pioneer 700, the top prize in a fundraiser conducted by the Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club. Budde presents his winning ticket, sold at Michi-Aho Resort in Crystal Falls, to STSC President Tony Erickson. Budde took possession of ...

Wisconsin Assembly approves hikes in out-of-state outdoor license fees

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly approved a bill Thursday that would raise a variety of hunting, fishing and trapping license fees for out-of-state residents to help shrink a deficit in the state’s fish and wildlife account. The Assembly passed the legislation 97-0, sending it to the Senate. The state Department of Natural Resources estimated the changes would generate about $780,000 more annually for the account, which funds a variety of projects ranging from fish stocking to wildlife surveys. The account is built largely on license fee revenue. But years of waning ...

Mild winter brings complications for wildlife

How weird is this weak, snow-challenged winter? Raised in the Upper Peninsula, Brian Roell can’t remember a winter this mild. But the lack of snow is perhaps more significant than the warm temperatures, said Roell, a wildlife biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural ...

Free fishing this weekend in Michigan; Houghton County sled dog races nixed

IRON MOUNTAIN — Anyone taking advantage of Michigan’s free fishing weekend should be sure to test ice thickness and take other precautions, the Department of Natural Resources said. Residents and visitors can fish without a license today and Sunday but all other fishing regulations apply. If ice conditions are uncertain, fishing from the bank may be an option on some waters. During free fishing weekend, the DNR also waives the regular Recreation Passport entry fee that grants vehicle access to state parks and DNR-managed boating access sites. The DNR is continuing a program ...