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3/25/2024

Seeking Wolf Photos OWO’s informal census continues

DICK ELLIS Click here for full PDF Version from the March/April Issue. Seeking Wolf PhotosOWO’s informal census continuesOn Wisconsin Outdoors’ informal wolf census continues. Please send your trail cam photos of wolves in Wisconsin to: wolves@onwisconsinoutdoors.com. List the county where the photos were taken, the date, and verify the number of wolves visible in each photo. Your name will not be published. OWO publishers do not b...

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Outdoor Report: Sturgeon Spearing, Backyard Bird Count And More

Join The Great Backyard Bird Count! Plus, Sturgeon Spearing Season, Native Plants And More

The Great Backyard Bird Count happens this weekend: Feb. 12-15, 2021.

The annual birding event is a unique way for birders to celebrate their passion globally while providing scientists with a snapshot of late winter bird populations. During the 2020 count, bird watchers from over 194 countries reported a record 6,942 species: More than half the world's known bird species.

Never bird watched before? Participation is easy. To join the count, simply watch birds for 15 minutes or more, at least once between Feb. 12-15, record what species you see and submit your sightings online or via the Merlin Bird ID app.

Another bonus of bird watching is that it’s a great activity for social distancing. That said, birders can help keep the count safer during the COVID-19 public health emergency by birding solo or only with those in their household.

There’s never been a better time to find an adventure and give birding a try. Get some fresh air, have some fun and help make this year’s Great Backyard Bird Count reach new heights by joining in here.

Double Your Love For Nature This Valentine's Day

Double your love for nature this Valentine's Day by donating to the DNR's Endangered Resources Fund. All donations made through your Wisconsin income tax form are matched and go directly to conserve rare plants, animals and State Natural Areas.

Tax filing season is now open. Just in time for Valentine's Day, all donors can print a card to share with their valentine.

For tax year 2020, the Endangered Resources donation is found on Form 1, line 21a; for part-year/ non-residents filing Form 1NPR, it is on line 55a. Look for the donations section with your tax software, or let your tax preparer know you want to donate to the Endangered Resources Fund.

Learn more about how to donate and print off a Valentine’s Day card to acknowledge your gift on the DNR’s tax check off webpage.

Get A Head Start On Spring Planting With Native Plant Sales

What does your yard do for you? Does it support pollinators, birds and other wildlife, minimize flooding during heavy rains and provide attractive views? Native plants can do all that.

Options for buying native plants in 2021 include the growing number of Wisconsin Native Plant Nurseries and native plant sales put on by conservation organizations, nature centers and land and conservation departments.

Plant Dane Native Plant Program – Deadline: March 21, 2021
- This program provides Dane County residents, schools and nonprofit organizations access to native plants at the discounted price. Plants are delivered to a single Madison site for pickup on May 29, 2021.
Friends of the University of Wisconsin-Arboretum – Deadline: March 15, 2021
- Order online now for curbside pickup in May at the Arboretum in Madison.
Forest County Land and Water Conservation Department – Deadline: March 1, 2021
- Order form available online or in-person at the department office. Complete the form and mail to the department office. Plants may be picked up at the Crandon City Hall in early June.
Ozaukee County Land and Water Management Department – Deadline: April 2, 2021
- Order by printing off online form and mailing to the department's office. Plant pick up occurs in mid-June.
Wild Ones Fox Valley Area – Deadline: March 31, 2021
- To order, download and complete the order form from the link above and mail with payment to Wild Ones Fox Valley. Plants will be available May 22 at the WILD Center, 2285 Butte des Morts Beach Road, Neenah, WI 54956.

Are we missing any Wisconsin native plant sales sponsored by nonprofit organizations or local governments? Email us and we'll get them added to our list.

Sturgeon Spearing Season Begins Saturday, Feb. 13

Wisconsin's sturgeon spearing season is a unique cultural event that is rich in tradition. The social and traditional aspects of the sport keep people coming back year after year.

There are two separate spearfishing opportunities for lake sturgeon on the Winnebago System, both of which require a spearing license to participate.

One fishery occurs on Lake Winnebago, where the number of licenses sold for that fishery is not restricted and an individual spearer can only purchase one license per season.
The other fishery takes place on the Upriver Lakes (Butte des Morts, Winneconne and Poygan) and is restricted to 500 license holders per season due to a much higher success rate of licensed spearers (62% vs 9% on Lake Winnebago). Spearers interested in fishing the Upriver Lakes must apply for a permit or purchase a preference point prior to an Aug. 1 deadline.

Learn more about sturgeon spearing, regulations and licenses here.