Articles filed under Outdoors

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One more smartphone app: Finder of fish Jun 15, 2013 12:00 AM
A Wisconsin man teamed up with some software developers and geography consultant Geo Decisions to create Fishidy, a website and mobile application that anglers can use to chart their own fishing successes and failures and to pass the word along, but only to those they want to know.
Happily, the big lake’s demise has been greatly exaggerated Jun 12, 2013 12:00 AM
In spite of dire predictions about the future of sportfishing in Lake Michigan, the big lake is more than holding her own. Quality opportunities for perch, smallmouth bass and even walleye await those who are willing to give it a try.
Unwinding, with a simpler life in the Northwoods Jun 5, 2013 12:00 AM
Mike Jackson knows close to a dozen guys who dream of being someplace else, like the Northwoods. Schaumburg angler John Plaza, for instance. He retired, sold his suburban home and built a beautiful lakefront home designed by his wife. There are others whose stories are very similar. And then there is Ben, who opted for a simpler life and doesn’t look back with any regret at his new job as a fishing guide.
Two crazy stories involving deer crashes Jun 5, 2013 12:00 AM
Mike Jackson's outdoors notes offer some local fishing updates, plus a pair of stories involving deer striking a motorcyclist and another deer crashing a Beach Boys concert and giving a fan a concussion.
Hoffman Estates fishing derby June 8 Jun 4, 2013 12:00 AM
The annual Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce/Sears Holdings Corp. Community Fishing Derby is back. Prepare to cast at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 8, at South Ridge Lake, 1450 Freeman Road, Hoffman Estates. There are no age and residency restrictions.
Crabtree Nature Center hosts ‘biggest event ever’ Jun 4, 2013 12:00 AM
The Cook County Forest Preserve District is inviting families to “Explore the Forest” from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 9, at Crabtree Nature Center, 3 Stover Road, Barrington Hills.
Sweet surprises keep birding fun and interesting May 28, 2013 12:00 AM
In his first column, back in 2004, Jeff Reiter had the "Gumption" to say that birding is like a box of chocolates. It wasn't the most original thing to say, perhaps, but it still applies. April proved it, for Reiter and for lots of other eager watchers who worked around the rain and flooding. Nothing keeps birders inside during spring migration.
Paddling the Fox: ‘click here’ for your boat May 24, 2013 12:00 AM
Renting a boat for the Mid-American Canoe & Kayak Race on Sunday, June 2 couldn't be more convenient. It's actually easier than 1-2-3. All you have to do is show up. Register online, and with a click of your mouse, you're good to go. Your boats, paddles and life jackets will be waiting at the start area for you and your group.
Figuring out what fish like can get pretty whackyMay 22, 2013 12:00 AM
I promised my wife I would be a tad more considerate with what I write in this week's column. I suggested to her that everyone has an opinion, and mine is the only important one. Just kidding. Anyway, I am reminded that far too many television anglers have advanced degrees in language skills as well as biology, and I have never understood how some "professional" fisherman manage to know what a fish likes or dislikes.
Wisconsin governor announces walleye production plan May 22, 2013 12:00 AM
The plan would create $8.2 million in borrowing authority to expand walleye hatcheries and allocate $1.8 million for operating expenses and $2 million for grants for private organizations to expand walleye production.
Floods can’t stop Des Plaines River canoe raceMay 18, 2013 12:00 AM
Yes, the 56th Annual Des Plaines River Canoe and Kayak Marathon will go on as scheduled Sunday. But that doesn't mean organizers didn't have a few things to worry about in the wake of last month's floods.
No-wake restriction lifted on Fox Chain May 15, 2013 12:00 AM
The flood waters have slowly receded on the Fox Chain. Even though some homeowners in Antioch and other towns around the Chain are taking stock of their flood-damaged residences and properties, the no-wake restriction on the water has been lifted.
Walleyes for Tomorrow making a stand todayMay 15, 2013 12:00 AM
Clubs like Walleyes Unlimited, Salmon Unlimited, the Illinois Smallmouth Alliance and all the state and local muskie groups and bass clubs, as well as Walleyes For Tomorrow, deserve more than a casual attaboy and a pat on the back.
State fishing tournament rescheduled May 9, 2013 12:00 AM
The Illinois high school bass fishing state tournament has been rescheduled after dangerous water levels on Carlyle Lake forced it to be postponed. The Illinois High School Association said Thursday that the competition will be May 31 to June 1. The tournament was to be May 3-4 on the lake in southern Illinois.
Watching a fishing master make sweet music May 8, 2013 12:00 AM
Latest Florida discovery: new black bass species May 8, 2013 12:00 AM
In his weekly Outdoors Notebook, Mike Jackson reports on a new species of black bass discovered by scientists, and how dogs are going to be used in Minnesota to sniff out the dreaded zebra mussels.
Fishing’s good business for Minnesota May 2, 2013 12:00 AM
It's really no surprise at all, since fishing is a tremendous cash-cow business in Minnesota. According to a new survey data released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the anglers who enjoy Minnesota's sky-blue waters are a powerful engine for the state's economy.
Wisconsin DNR: Reward offered in bear decapitation May 2, 2013 12:00 AM
Warming up to new friends on an old pier May 2, 2013 12:00 AM
Finally, mild weather, and the opportunity to sample some great shorefishing on Lake Michigan along Government Pier in Waukegan.
High water sinks IHSA state bass fishing finals May 1, 2013 12:00 AM
The Illinois High School Association has announced that the 2013 IHSA Bass Fishing state final tournament, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, May 3-4 at Carlyle Lake in Carlyle, has been postponed due to potentially dangerous water levels. It will be rescheduled to unfold in downstate Carlyle later this spring.