Some sadness in outdoors community

The outdoors community lost two high-profile individuals last week.

Pheasants Forever stalwart Gerry Rodeen passed away, as did Gary Von Bergen, a noted Outdoor Network owner and Web designer.

In the courts:Well-known Illinois-based hunting guide, video producer and duck-calling champion Jeffrey Foiles #8212; who recently pleaded not guilty to 23 counts of wildlife trafficking in Springfield, Ill., federal court #8212; has been charged with 12 federal hunting violations in Canada for violations allegedly committed in central Alberta between 2003 and 2007.

Fishing update:One would imagine that ice fishing came to a screeching halt all because of our local blizzard creating tough walking on the lakes. But if you can master the slip-and-slide walking technique, you could be rewarded.

Fox Chain: Petite Lake crappies seem to be eager to go after pinhead minnows right near the entrances to the channels. Pistakee Lake bluegills better during the late afternoon bite.

ŸMike Jackson can be reached via e-mail at angler88@att.net. Mike#146;s radio program is heard 6-7 a.m. Sundays on WSBC 1240-AM.