Family-Outdoors

Harry Fasching of Edmond holds a stringer of rainbow trout he caught at Perry CCC Lake during the 2014-15 season.  Trout stocking season will begin Nov. 1 at most designated trout areas statewide. (Don P. Brown/ODWC) The arrival of cooler weather might prompt many fishermen to store away their rods and reels until next spring. But don't be so quick -- plenty of exciting angling can be found throughout the winter months in Oklahoma's designated trout fishing areas.    The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation operates two year-round trout fisheries in the Lower Mountain Fork River below Broken Bow dam and in the Lower Illinois River below Tenkiller Ferry Dam. Trout are normally stocked in those areas every week or two. However, stocking in the Lower Illinois River has been temporarily suspended due to high water temperatures. Stocking will resume when water quality returns to a level suitable for sustaining a healthy trout population.    ...

Whitetail bucks entering rutting period; recent rains may draw trout and salmon up Lake Michigan tributaries Fall colors are now past peak across much of the state, but some good colors still remain in the southern and central portions of the state on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's  Fall Color Report  (exit DNR). High winds and rain this week have brought down many leaves in the northern half of the state, greatly improving sight conditions for grouse, woodcock and archery deer hunters. Dropping temperatures have also been a relief to the archers and turkey and waterfowl hunters who are headed out to the fields and forests. Many areas of the state are now reporting whitetail bucks are moving into the pursuit stage of the rut. While bucks are busy seeking and chasing after does, most actual breeding activity doesn't take place until early to mid-November. Pheasant hunters are having good success on state wildlife areas. Wild turkeys are being found in harvested ...

  Whooping cranes, the tallest and one of the rarest birds in North America, will soon be migrating through Oklahoma to their South Texas wintering grounds.    To better understand the migration paths and habitat of this endangered bird, the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation works with other member agencies of the Central Flyway Council to track the birds as they pass through the United States.     "We expect to see the first cranes enter the state in late October, and migration often lasts through mid-November," said Mark Howery, wildlife diversity biologist for the Wildlife Department.     Should you see a whooping crane, please take note of the number of birds, the date, time, location and habitat in the area. Sightings can be reported online at wildlifedepartment.com , or  report forms  can be emailed to  mark.howery@odwc.ok.gov . As whooping cranes typically spend only a few days at a ...

With fall hunting seasons under way in Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters and outdoor enthusiasts that Mi-HUNT – a cutting-edge, Web-based, interactive mapping application – can help plan their next hunting or outdoor adventure. Mi-HUNT is available at mi.gov/mihunt . Mi-HUNT allows users to view and navigate through all public lands open to hunting and trapping in Michigan. It is easily accessible through the Web browser on smartphones or computers and provides the most up-to-date information, customizable to fit each individual’s outdoor interests and trip-planning needs. The interactive layers of Mi-HUNT allow the user to view: All state game and wildlife areas, federal land, state forest land and private lands open to hunting and trapping. Recently updated vegetation cover types on over 7 million acres of state and federal land. Topography of land. Recreational facilities such as forest campgrounds, trails, boat launches and parking areas. Ae...

Outdoor adventure trips are the prizes that will be awarded to the four youths who write the winning essays or short stories in the 2015 Creative Writing  Competition, co-sponsored by Oklahoma Station Chapter Safari Club International and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. A boy and a girl from each of the two age divisions (ages 11-14 and ages 15-17) will be chosen as the winning writers. Essays no longer than 500 words or short stories no longer than 1,000 words must be based on one of two themes: Hunting: Sharing the Heritage. Archery: What I Like About Archery in the Schools and Bowhunting.   This writing contest is an ideal way for youths to show their love for the outdoors and, in the process, possibly win a vacation in the great outdoors, said Colin Berg, education supervisor for the Wildlife Department. "The tradition of hunting runs deep in Oklahoma," he said. "Each year, when I review the youth essay submissions, I'm reminded about how...

PIERRE, S.D. – Campgrounds are open year-round, and several parks will host trick-or-treaters at special events this Halloween season. Make plans to attend a Halloween event: Halloween Night Hike , Friday and Saturday, October 23-24,  5:30 to 8 p.m. MDT  at the Peter Norbeck Visitor Center in  Custer State Park . Participants take a guided one-mile night hike along a path lit only by jack-o-lanterns during this festive educational event. The event is geared to expose families to the interesting and humorous sights, sounds and night life of Custer. Hikes take place every 15 minutes. Reservations are required. Info/reservations: 605.255.4464 Canine Halloween Hike and Costume Contest , Saturday, Oct. 24 at 3 p.m. CDT at  Good Earth State Park  near Sioux Falls. Bring your dog in costume and join a guided hike. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. Dogs must be on a leash. Info:  605.987.2263 Big Sioux Trick or Treat Trails , Saturday, Oct. 24,...

For lake locations, maps and other information, go to  www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/ FishingReports.aspx The Iowa Department of Natural Resources issues a weekly fishing report on Thursdays in an effort to provide the latest information heading into the weekend. The weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report. NORTHWEST Yellow Smoke Park Lake Panfish and catfish angling activity has picked up as water temperatures decrease. Target mid-water depths as well as shallower areas containing structure. Channel Catfish – Good. Bluegill – Good. Brushy Creek Lake Bluegill - Fair: Fish areas 10-20 feet deep with drop-offs and submerged structure. Walleye - Slow: Walleye fishing has been slow but several have been picked up in about 25 feet of water. Black Cra...