... Northwoods notebook March is the meteorological start to spring, though the vernal equinox won’t arrive until March 20. But the avian signs already seem to point to a change in season. Both downstate Michigan and southern and central Wisconsin have had their first red-winged ...

IRON MOUNTAIN — Leftover licenses for Michigan’s spring turkey hunt will go on sale starting Monday. Unsuccessful applicants get the first chance. Any remaining licenses become available at 10 a.m. Eastern time March 15. Licenses may be purchased online or from any license agent on a ...

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications for a newly formed Wolf Management Plan Committee through March 19. The purpose of the WMPC will be to provide input, direction and recommendations to the department in developing an updated wolf ...

FOND du LAC, Wis. (AP) — A Fond du Lac couple has reached a plea deal to settle charges that they illegally processed sturgeon eggs into caviar. Mary and Victor Schneider were each charged Feb. 4 with being a party to misdemeanor egg bartering. According to court documents, they told ...

One of the most common — and most efficient — predators in the Upper Peninsula also can be among the hardest to get even a fleeting glimpse of unless it chooses. So I was more than a little surprised when my mom reported a bobcat sitting under a fallen tree on the edge of our property ...

HOUGHTON — Isle Royale National Park is finalizing plans to open the park for visitation this summer and for Ranger III to provide limited public passenger service. Ranger III passenger service begins May 25 and concludes Sept. 11. Park staff will begin processing Ranger III reservations ...

ANN ARBOR — ReLeaf Michigan, the only statewide non-profit tree planting and education organization in Michigan, has launched its 15th biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt contest. The contest, which offers prizes for identifying the biggest trees in Michigan, is open to participants of all ...

IRON MOUNTAIN — With temperatures climbing, anglers are landing panfish. “They’re limiting out on bluegill of good size,” said Fay Whisler of Whisler Outdoors in Florence, Wis. “They’re also catching lots of perch.” Wigglers have been a good seller, she said, although it ...

LANSING — Deer hunting regulations for 2021 are in place after recently being approved by the Michigan Natural Resources Commission. Several changes, aimed at further simplifying deer regulations and removing barriers to hunting participation, go into effect with the start of the hunting ...

SILVER CLIFF, Wis. — Marinette County will host a candlelight hike on Saturday in Goodman Park under the full moon. After the walk, warm in the lodge with hot chocolate and a fire. This will be about a 1-mile route that participants will do on their own by hiking or snowshoeing. Anne ...

LANSING — Although several local, regional and Great Lakes-centric walleye plans exist, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has drafted the first statewide walleye plan focused on inland waters — and is asking the public’s help in finalizing it. The draft version of the ...

LANSING — After ice and snow cover melt on lakes this early spring, it may be more likely for people to discover dead fish or other aquatic animals. While such sights can be startling, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds everyone that it is normal, since winter ...

Does life in the wild allow enough time for play? When trying to eat and not be eaten, kill and not be killed, activities like play would seem a luxury. Yet play has a role. Play in mammals tends to mimic the more serious skills they’ll need as adults. Young predators stalk, pounce and ...

IRON MOUNTAIN — More anglers are heading out and snowmobilers as well are taking advantage of milder weather. “They’ve been catching some perch with mousies,” reported Fay Whisler at Whisler Outdoors in Florence, Wis. Some bigger bluegills and a few northern pike were also among ...

A fresh snowfall can reveal so much. It’s a blank page, ready for creatures to leave a signature and write the latest part of their life stories. When I worry that local animals that should be present seem scarce during winter, even a thin dusting of snow can be reassuring, bearing ...

IRON MOUNTAIN — It’s free fishing weekend today and Sunday in Michigan. Both residents and nonresidents can fish for free. While no license is required, all regulations still apply. Even with the extremely cold temperatures, ice anglers are reminded to use caution. “Never go out ...

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Department of Natural Resources policy board is set to hold a special meeting Monday to discuss launching a wolf hunt immediately. People can submit public comments on the hunt through the DNR’s website until 11 a.m. Sunday. The DNR board in late January ...

CHANNING — Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club has announced winners from the Tip-Up Town of the U.P. fishing contest held Saturday at Sawyer Lake and Edey Lake (some names were incomplete): Adults: Northern pike — 1st, 27 inches, Emily Poreman, Crystal Falls; 2nd, 25 1/2 inches, Kevin ...

MARQUETTE —The application period for the Upper Peninsula’s Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative competitive grant program is open through March 12. The initiative is a cooperative grant program designed to enhance deer habitat on private lands in the U.P. “There are ...

FLORENCE, Wis. — Leff’s annual All Lake Fishing Derby will take place Saturday. Anglers can fish any Florence County water. The derby starts at dawn and ends at 4:30 p.m. There is a $5 entry fee with 100% payout, including first prize of $300. Call 715-528-5151 for more information. ...