Northern Wilds - News

Migrations and Paltry Partridge

Shawn Perich — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 13:50:45 UT

Casey, our old yellow Lab, needs to step out a couple of times each night to answer nature’s call. Taking him outside has become my nightly routine. I don’t mind it. In Hovland, we have silent nights and the dark sky sparkles with thousands of stars. While Casey totters about the backyard, I stand there and take it all in.

Tags: bird watching, birds, grouse, migration

Historic Quebec Lodge Now B&B

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:24:53 UT

A historic log lodge in Red Rock, Ontario opened this year as a bed and breakfast. The Quebec Lodge was a retreat for corporate executives at the town’s paper mill, which closed two years ago. The 4,000 square foot lodge was built in 1938 and overlooks Lake Superior’s Nipigon Bay. It can accomodate 10 people.

Gunflint Outfitters Promote Family Fun!

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:20:57 UT

Along the Gunflint Trail, canoe camping is a family affair. Canoeing groups of all ages venture into northern Minnesota’s famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to explore a wonderland of pristine lakes interconnected with forested portage paths. For many children, a BWCAW visit is their introduction to camping and the outdoors.

Tags: Boundary Waters, Gunflint Outfitters, Gunflint Trail

Ban lead bullets? Gimme a break!

Shawn Perich — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:02:24 UT

Lead fragments turn up in tests of venison donated to food shelves and immediately we are cautioned not to feed venison to children and pregnant women. Wildlife officials say centerfire bullets are prone to “fragmentation,” apparently exploding into toxic lead shrapnel when they enter a deer. Wow. It’s a wonder hunters and their progeny weren’t lead poisoned into extinction long ago.

Apocalypse Deer!

Shawn Perich — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:58:41 UT

Whop, whop, whop, whop. Bang!

Where are we? Hunkered down in some Third World hellhole? Nope, we’re exterminating deer in northwestern Minnesota. The Minnesota DNR recently called in the troops, so to speak, using airborne sharpshooters to wipe out whitetails in an area where bovine tuberculosis was found in cattle and deer.

Lake Superior Surfing

Shawn Perich — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 14:55:47 UT

Last Friday, as a feisty snowstorm plummeted northern Minnesota, I watch an enormous Hawaii Five-O breaker run the length of Grand Marais harbor. The wave kept a perfect curl until it crashed into the shore. Lake Superior was surly and curly.

Is The Arrowhead Moose Herd In Trouble?

Shawn Perich — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:22:42 UT

In recent years, folks have been commenting that there seem to be fewer moose in northeastern Minnesota. The big black critters haven’t disappeared entirely or even become uncommon, but you see fewer of them along the roadside and back in the brush. This concerns many folks, because moose are not only popular with hunters, they are enjoyed by nonhunting residents and visitors alike.

Tags: Moose

Moose Decline Puzzles Experts

Joe Albert — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:16:39 UT

Some of the moose are emaciated, while some of the bulls have poor antler development. Researchers haven’t put their finger on the cause, yet, but are working to narrow the possibilities as part of an ongoing study. And they’re hoping to do it so the herd in the northeast doesn’t turn out like the population in the northwest, which has dropped precipitously in recent years and now numbers fewer than 100 animals.

Tags: Moose

Seedlings Available from the DNR

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:52:59 UT

A variety of tree and shrub seedlings are still available from state forest nurseries, according to the Minnesota DNR.
“There are seedlings that work well for wildlife food and shelter, as well as for timber, shelterbelts, and water conservation,” said Steve Vongroven, a DNR nursery supervisor.

Puppies Coming to Ely Wolf Center

Lori Schmidt — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:08:03 UT

This summer, visitors to the International Wolf Center in Ely may see young wolf pups that are joining the “ambassador pack” the center maintains as part of its educational effort. The pups are expected to be born in late April and will be available for public viewing around Memorial Day. They can be seen earlier by web cam at the center’s web site, www.wolf.org.

Help Clear BWCAW Trails

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 14:03:28 UT

The Boundary Waters Advisory Committee and friends are clearing hiking trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) during May. The committee is looking for volunteers to help with clearing work between Thursday, May 1 and Sunday, May 4. You do not have to commit for the whole four-day period.

Anglers Are Big Spenders

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:54:53 UT

Recreational fishing provides a living for countless people in businesses ranging from fishing tackle and accessories manufacturing to travel and hospitality to boat manufacturing. According to a new report on fishing statistics, published by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), when expenditures are multiplied by America’s nearly 40 million anglers, their dollars have a significant impact on our nation’s economy.

Minnesota 2007 Fishing Licenses Valid through April 30

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:47:14 UT

A legislative change extended the expiration date of 2007 fishing licenses for resident and nonresident anglers through April 30. Any stamps or tags to harvest particular species also are valid through April 30.

No More Nature? Study Worries Researchers

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:44:17 UT

New research shows that across the US and in other developed nations, people are spending far less time outdoors than ever before. The study was paid for by The Nature Conservancy.

New Memorial Forest Named in Lake County

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:42:14 UT

A new agreement conserves the Clair A. Nelson Memorial Forest located north of Silver Bay in Lake County. The agreement assures that the 6,252-acre forest, named after Clair A. Nelson, the late Lake County Board chair, remains open for logging, hunting, fishing, hiking, dog sledding, and snowmobiling. The forest provides important habitat for a variety of wildlife species and includes the headwaters of the Manitou River, a prime trout stream.