Family-Outdoors

  The Wisconsin DNR is evaluating management of the state walleye fishery and seeking public input.  If you have thoughts, here's your opportunity to be heard. For tons of information on fishing in general and on walleye fishing in particular...even some great walleye recipes, visit Family-Outdoors . DNR Seeking Public Comment On Draft Wisconsin Walleye Management Plan MADISON, Wis.  – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking public comment now through May 31, 2022, on the state's draft Walleye Management Plan.   The Walleye Management Plan guides all walleye management activities in Wisconsin. One of the most popular sportfish in the state and an important species for the Ojibwe spring tribal harvest, the draft plan outlines present-day goals and management strategies for walleye in Wisconsin. In 2020, the DNR began updating the plan in partnership with the Tribes of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Conversation Congress and the Great Lakes Indian...

We are moving into the season where ice conditions can get unpredictable, so stay safe...some dditional information on Iowa ice conditions can be found here . For lots of additional information on fishing tips, techniques, places, gear and more, visit Family-Outdoors . 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 Ice thickness is 9 inches near the boat ramp.  Bluegill  - Fair: Use waxworms fished on a small jig in 10-15 feet of water near stru...

  Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR Here in Missouri where I live, black bears along with other species which were either extirpated or close are making a comeback.  The management practices of state and federal agencies are often informed by studies that help them increase habitat, minimize human/animal conflicts, and make decisions about harvest goals through hunting. The study being publicized is designed to do just that as Wisconsin biologists try to locate elusive black bear den sites. Reminder: Report Black Bear Den Locations For New Research Study Know where any black bear den locations are? We're asking the public to help us with  a new research study  and report any known locations. Conducted by the department’s Office of Applied Science, the study will analyze reported dens and generate estimates of reproductive rates of black bears within each bear management zone. These estimates will improve the accuracy of the population models for those zones. Public reporti...

Wolves have been nearly driven to extinction, and then carefully re-introduced as part of the natural ecosystem. They are loved by many, but hated by some...especially ranchers in the West.  Here's the latest in their saga. From SD GFP... Gray Wolf Returns to Federal Endangered Species List PIERRE, S.D. – On February 10, 2022, a District Court decision ruled that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) must re-instate wolves under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections, with the exception of wolves in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Therefore, the South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) no longer has management authority over gray wolves, and they can no longer be hunted or trapped in South Dakota. On January 4, 2021, the gray wolf was delisted as a federally protected species following 45 years of protection under the Endangered Species Act. This action allowed GFP to manage wolves as a predator as defined in state law.  Under GFP’s management a...

Looks like some good options this week for Iowa fishermen! Pay close attention to the warnings about ice conditions. Always check regs and conditions with Iowa DNR before a trip and visit us at Family-Outdoors for a wide variety of fishing info and tips. Top Iowa Fishing Spots for the Week of Feb. 10 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 Ice thickness is 12 inches near the boat ramp.  Bluegill  - Fair: Keeper-sized bluegill have been p...