Family-Outdoors

  The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks is accepting applications for Mentored Antelope, Firearms Antelope and Special Antelope licenses. Mentored Antelope licenses are valid during the established 2021 Archery and Firearms Antelope seasons. Firearms may not be used during the Archery Antelope season. Applications will be accepted through the end of the firearm antelope season.  Paper applications for the firearm season must be postmarked by  August 13.  Online applications must be submitted by 8 a.m. CDT on Wednesday, Aug ust 18. New for 2021 is the Special Antelope License. Like the Special Buck License, the 50 resident and 50 nonresident licenses are valid on private land only in all open firearm antelope units. All public lands are closed to these license holders, including Walk-In Areas. Applicants must include the name and phone number of a landowner who has granted permission to hunt. Only online applications are being accepted and must...

The DNR’s 2021 spring waterfowl population surveys show stable to increased numbers of breeding waterfowl, despite below-average wetland conditions. / Photo Credit: iStock/mauribo MADISON, Wis.  – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced an increase in the waterfowl population across most of the state, despite dry winter and spring weather. The DNR’s 2021 spring waterfowl population surveys show stable to increased numbers of breeding waterfowl, despite below-average wetland conditions. Surveys showed an increase in the number of total birds compared to 2019 estimates with increases in wood duck, blue-winged teal and Canada goose numbers. However, there has been a slight dip in mallard numbers. Wisconsin experienced a relatively mild and dry winter followed by below-average precipitation in April and May. As a result, wetland conditions are drier throughout the state. Some areas of the state experienced considerable rainfall in May and June, while other a...

  Top Iowa Fishing Spots for the Week of July 22 This weekly fishing report is compiled from information gathered from local bait shops, angler creel surveys and county and state parks staff. You can check the activity of your favorite lake or stretch of river within each district, including which species are being caught, a rating of the bite (slow, fair, good or excellent), as well as a hot bait or lure pattern.  For current information, contact the district fisheries office at the phone number listed at the end of each district report. NORTHWEST NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI RIVER SOUTHEAST SOUTHWEST NORTHWEST Arrowhead Lake Black Crappie  - Fair: Try minnows on a small jig fished in deeper water near structure.  Bluegill  – Fair: Look for bluegills in deeper water near structure or try drifting down the middle to find suspended fish..  Largemouth Bass  - Fair: Try a variety of bass baits along weed edges. Also try topwaters on calm...