Ross Bielema 6 January 2025

Will sandhill crane season fly in Wisconsin?

Whether you prefer calling the sandhill crane a majestic migratory bird worthy of photos or the “ribeye in the sky” earning a spot on the dinner table next to the mashed potatoes, one thing is certain: this distinctive bird is plentiful. These 3-foot-tall, 10-pound birds with their distinctive rusty-gate call have moved a step closer to having a hunting season in Wisconsin, and biological evidence suggests there is no reason not to do so. A 12-me
Ross Bielema 26 December 2024
Christmastime bird counts tally our favorite feathered friends
By the time you read this, your Christmas boxes and wrapping paper will be stuffed in garbage bags, your kids will be bored with their gifts and you will be sick of the leftover turkey. But a certain group of wildlife lovers and their national organization will be continuing their annual effort to count turkeys, sparrows, hawks, owls and other birds. The National Audubon Society and its legions of members and friends are in the middle of the 125t
Ross Bielema 9 December 2024
New muzzleloader hunter shares ‘Late Season Deer’ reality show
I love reality shows that aren’t fake, or at least appear not to be fake.
Ross Bielema 5 November 2024
Up challenge, fun with handguns for deer hunt
America’s favorite game animal has a keen nose, ever-vigilant ears, eyes that detect the slightest movement and natural camouflage that seems to work better than the latest man-made patterns. For most of us, using a centerfire rifle, high-tech compound bow or high-speed crossbow is the proper weapon for outfoxing the white-tailed deer.
Ross Bielema 22 October 2024
Latest deer disease not potential threat of CWD
A deer virus already found in three Wisconsin counties this year may be spreading north because of milder winters, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. A deer found dead in Shawano County was recently tested for epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), a virus spread by biting midges in the Culicoides genus, better known as no-see-ums, said Nancy Businga, a DNR wildlife diseases specialist in Madison.
Ross Bielema 8 October 2024
Gathering tips from old-school, online sources
As the weather finally begins to turn cool and that early fall snap turns our minds to the outdoors, we start the never-ending process of getting our gear ready and fine-tuned. My process is probably a bit longer than most, for two reasons: I have accumulated mountains of hunting clothes, arrows, bows, broadheads, ground blinds and other junk, and I am also one of the most disorganized people I’ve ever met. As a problem arises in the field, the a
Ross Bielema 23 September 2024
Every hunter needs huntress — even if she stays home
As I grow old (I’m not sure about the wise part), I do more reflection on the important things in life, particularly my family and friends. I hit the big 65 milestone on Sept. 3 and another epic one on Sept. 19: 26 years of marriage. To the same person.
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