Ross Bielema

New muzzleloader hunter shares ‘Late Season Deer’ reality show

Published by admin on Tue, 12/10/2024 - 9:44am

I love reality shows that aren’t fake, or at least appear not to be fake. Shows like “Naked and Afraid,” “Life Below Zero” and “Survivor: SOS” show actual survival tips that could save a life or at least get you through a few days on some remote island or longer in Alaska.

If I had a chance to make my own reality TV show, I’d call it “Late Season Deer.” The goal is to put some venison in the freezer by any legal means possible while avoiding frostbite, amputated toes, hair-pulling boredom and a padded room with clipboard-holding observers.

DNR proposes pre-2014 deer management units

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 11/19/2024 - 9:56am

Deer management boundaries may return to a pre-2014 habitat-based system rather than the current county boundaries in an effort to improve hunting and management.

Although this system is only being considered in the Northern Forest Zone tier of counties, it seems likely it will be used in the rest of the state if the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Natural Resources Board approves the proposal in February, according to DNR deer program specialist Jeff Pritzl.

Up challenge, fun with handguns for deer hunt

Published by admin on Wed, 11/06/2024 - 6:10am

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. But some of us like doing things the hard way, or at least increasing the challenge for even more satisfaction when that fat doe or savvy buck finally drops.

Latest deer disease not potential threat of CWD

Published by kjpasson on Wed, 10/23/2024 - 11:00am

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. The test was negative.

Gathering tips from old-school, online sources

Published by kjpasson on Wed, 10/09/2024 - 5:55am

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 answer is normally found at home, either in a book, a magazine or on the trusty internet.

Every hunter needs huntress — even if she stays home

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 09/24/2024 - 6:28am

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. Call me crazy, but I still haven’t upgraded like Tom Cruise (How could he leave Nicole Kidman?) or half of the pretentious Hollywood geezers “dating” women a third their age.

Modern arrow rest makes tuning recurve bow easier

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 09/17/2024 - 9:07am

As my traditional bow collection grew, I’ve had a difficult time using one particular bow and sticking with it. As a longtime hunter and shooter, it’s always been my seasoned opinion that to improve accuracy and success, it’s easier to buy new or different equipment, rather than practice frequently.

I still have the same Bear Grizzly I started bowhunting with in 1974, and if I had shot that bow even 10 arrows a day, four days a week, Chuck Adams would be angry that I was hogging all the trophy animals.

Fishing pond, clubhouse aids challenged sportsmen

Published by kjpasson on Wed, 08/21/2024 - 1:10pm

Challenge the Outdoors (CTO) Inc., a small volunteer organization with big ambitions to help physically challenged folks enjoy hunting, fishing and other outdoor fun, never knows who might discover them and lend a helping hand.

Some volunteers help with deer, turkey and pheasant hunting events, sporting clays fundraisers, trips to Shawano Lake or Lake Michigan for fishing or serve on the board of directors. Those who love the outdoors don’t want to see physical impediments get in the way of a beautiful day outside sharing the adventures they all love.

‘Recycled’ squirrel tails become fishing lures

Published by kjpasson on Tue, 08/20/2024 - 8:45am

Most of us have been recycling glass, plastic, cardboard, paper and other materials for decades.

An Antigo business that makes world-renowned fishing lures “recycles” squirrel and deer tails to dress their spinners.

Becoming 65, it’s clear Speedo days are over

Published by admin on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 3:57pm

As you read this, I am less than a month away from the big 6-5.

Lord, I’m old.

As one approaches those senior moments and plentiful-but-pitiful discounts (see, the glass is half full), you are bound to contemplate those great milestones that are past and those that are coming.

“Your Speedo days are over,” a physical therapist recently commented.