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Outdoors

Mild winter nixes some events, but not all, as colder weather looms later this month

IRON MOUNTAIN — Ice conditions are highly variable on water bodies across the region and snowmobile trails are closed as daytime highs in the 40s are predicted through next week. A colder, stormier weather pattern may take hold by mid-month, but several cancellations are on the record. In Marinette, Wis., an ice fishing derby scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 10, at Red Arrow Park has been called off by Communities that Care and the Healthy Youth Coalition. “Our derby coordinator has been monitoring the conditions over the past couple of weeks and wanted to give families ample ...

DNR announces $100,000 available for UP deer habitat improvements

MARQUETTE — The application period for the Upper Peninsula’s Deer Habitat Improvement Partnership Initiative competitive grant program is now open. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources initiative is a cooperative grant program designed to enhance deer habitat on private lands in ...

NotMISpecies webinars will launch Wednesday

LANSING — From now until summer, the NotMISpecies webinar series is devoting most of its time to showcasing the results of important work by Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program grantees. Projects include outreach in classrooms and by the boating industry and new research on ...

Authorities investigating former conservation warden in wolf killing

Federal authorities are investigating a former state conservation warden for killing a wolf last month in northern Wisconsin. Chief Deputy Andy Runice with the Bayfield County Sheriff’s Office said authorities received a call around 2 a.m. on Dec. 25 from Pat Quaintance, who said he had shot a collared wolf at his home in Bayfield. The incident is under investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Runice said Bayfield County is working in cooperation with federal authorities and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Runice declined to comment on what happened ...

Varied thrush makes a rare visit

In an otherwise drab winter so far in the region, one unusual bird can add a splash of color — and excitement. Phyllis Carlson of Quinnesec reported earlier this week that two varied thrushes had been seen in the Pembine, Wis., area. She was able to go down to the home and get photos of ...

Tip-up Town derby scheduled

CHANNING — Tip-up Town of the U.P. is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 3, at Sagola Township Sportsmen’s Club. Registration begins at 7 a.m. Admission to the club is free, but buttons are required for the fishing contest on both Sawyer Lake and Edey Lake. Fishing buttons are $5 for ages 17 and under and $10 for adults. Cash prizes will be awarded at the club when the contest ends at 4:30 p.m. Food will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The club is 4 miles north of Channing on Sawyer Lake Road. In Wisconsin, the Roadhouse 139 Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby is set for 7 a.m. to 4 ...