Breaking News

Outdoors

Wisconsin boosts its nonresident fees

IRON MOUNTAIN — Wisconsin’s nonresident hunting and fishing license fees will rise as a result of the 2024-25 state budget. The fee increases range from $5 to $40 and are only for nonresidents. Licenses for the 2023-24 season are valid through March 31. The last time license fees for residents or nonresidents increased was 2005, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The new nonresident hunting fees: — Annual small game, $90. — Five-day small game, $60. — Deer, $200; archery and crossbow, $165. — Turkey, $65. — Furbearing animal, ...

Penalty eased for deer hunt violation

LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed legislation Tuesday that reduces the penalty for failing to report a deer harvest or retain a deer harvest confirmation number. The new penalty is a one-time fine of $150, reduced from a possible misdemeanor resulting in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $500 paying the costs of prosecution. Senate Bill 52 was sponsored by state Sen. John Cherry, D-Flint. “Our grassroots membership unanimously voted to support decriminalizing failure to report a deer harvest,” said Amy Trotter, Michigan United Conservation Clubs chief executive ...

Heimo Korth of ‘The Last Alaskans’ coming to July 27-29 Escanaba event

ESCANABA — An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 outdoor enthusiasts are expected to attend the National Trappers Association Convention and Outdoor Show at the U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba later this month. Hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern time Thursday, July 27, through Saturday, July ...

Watersmeet forest visitor center reopens; state parks upgraded

IRON MOUNTAIN — The Ottawa National Forest Visitor Center in Watersmeet has reopened after a pandemic closure that was extended due to lack of staff. Summer hours for the center at the intersection of U.S. 2 and U.S. 45 are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. “We greatly ...

DNR advisory panel to meet Monday in Baraga County

MARQUETTE —The Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ Western Upper Peninsula Citizens’ Advisory Council will meet from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern time Monday at Baraga Lakeside Inn conference room, 900 South U.S. 41 in Baraga. Among agenda items selected by council members, the group is scheduled to receive a presentation on the Michigan DNR’s parks and recreation division, updates on Douglass Houghton Falls and the proposed Michigamme highlands forest legacy project, and a trail report for the western Upper Peninsula, including Lake Linden. Additional business includes a ...

Fawns come out of hiding

July has arrived. For this region, it’s a time when the spring frenzy of courting, breeding, laying and birthing primarily has shifted to raising young. The march of local turtles, both snapping and painted, to the driveway has slowed. Most songbirds have already hatched their first ...