Whatever the outcome, northwest MN must be heard in wolf debate

A meeting Thursday, Jan. 26 in Roseau, Minn., painted an accurate picture, I think, of what people in northwest Minnesota are feeling about gray wolves.

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Woodlands conference March 9-10 in Duluth

The hoots of an owl after dark may cause some to pause and wonder, “What was that?” The deer snacking on a favorite plant may cause one to think, “What can I do?” The field out back may cause one to ponder, “How can I put this to its best use?” The opening of a property tax statement may cause one to react, “How can I reduce this burden?”

DNR seizes 234 fish at Lake of the Woods

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently seized 234 walleye/sauger for a variety of violations on Lake of the Woods. From Jan. 20-23, conservation officers issued 67 summonses and 66 warnings, reporting 23 instances of over-limits, 14 cases of anglers using extra lines, 12 anglers with no fishing licenses, and five cases of illegal length fish in possession.

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Pierce knives - expensive but made to be used

Some time ago I pledged to occasionally highlight artisans from our area who specialize in making hunting and fishing collectibles. In my humble travels I am often surprised with the generally unknown skills of such artists. This is the case with our discussion today regarding Tim Pierce of Pelican Rapids and his ability in making both metal and obsidian (volcanic material) hunting knives.

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Find another fishing-related hobby to get you through

I am aware that some read this article on a regular basis and aren’t into ice fishing get bored with me from December until about April. This week is for you. You are the hardcore open water fishermen. You probably get impatient for the winter to get over so the lakes become liquid again. You watch fishing shows, reorganize your tackle boxes, spend time online looking for the latest gear for the upcoming season, and read articles to pass the time until you can launch your boat.

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Blind Fargo hunter bags alligator in Florida Everglades

Carey McWilliams of Fargo loves hunting. He’s bagged any number of birds and animals. But last August, he got himself an animal that would be hard to come by in the Dakotas and Minnesota: an alligator.

• Alligator hunt
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Jan. 29 is Ducks Unlimited Day in MN

Gov. Mark Dayton recently signed a proclamation honoring the conservation organization for its 75th anniversary.

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2012 MN Waterfowl Symposium is Feb. 4

The 14th annual Minnesota Waterfowl Symposium will be held in conjunction with the Minnesota Decoy Collectors Show from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., on Feb. 4 at the Ramada Mall of America. The symposium will feature presentations by expert waterfowl biologists and leading conservationists from state, federal and non-governmental organizations. It will also offer skill demonstrations on hunting related activities. The symposium is free and open to the public; however, limited seating will be available.

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Portable fish houses offer mobility, ability to chase the bite

The DNR’s Hutchinson Fisheries Management Area personnel conduct a fish house numbers survey the first two weeks of January every year. They have been doing this for 35 years. The survey covers seven counties and a total of 59 lakes. This year set the record for the fewest number of fish houses for the 35 years they have been conducting this survey.

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New law: Those hired to remove docks, lifts must have state permit

Another tactic to stop the spread of zebra mussels will take place throughout the state this winter – training sessions for those who are hired to install and remove boats, docks and lifts.

• Zebra mussels
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Minnesota PF chapters help habitat in 2011

Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever announce that the 75 Minnesota Pheasants Forever chapters and 25,000 members statewide completed more than 790 habitat projects in 2011, benefiting pheasants and other wildlife on 10,105 acres of public and private land. Minnesota Pheasants Forever will hold its annual state meeting at the Breezy Point Resort in Breezy Point, Minnesota on Jan. 20 - 21 to recognize these achievements and the volunteers that made them possible.

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Capt. Harry Jobes once sold 625 mallard decoys in three-and-a-half minutes

Yes, Capt. Harry Jobes and his sons once sold 625 of their mallard drake wooden decoys in just three and a half minutes. More on that in just a bit.

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Head out of town for some good winter fishing

Last weekend I made a trip to Lake of the Woods to get in on some of the good walleye and sauger action that has been happening there. We left extremely early in the morning on Friday with plans to get on the ice early enough to catch the morning bite. That plan was foiled by a delay just south of Baudette by a semi jackknifed across the roadway. Travel was also slowed by the weather. We didn’t get set up on our spot until 10:30. No problem, we had the rest of the day, all day Saturday and Sunday until noon to fish the big lake.

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Animal Planet ­— TV show asks: Does Bigfoot roam northern Minnesota?

Moose Lake area residents who claim to have seen Sasquatch will share their stories on an episode of “Finding Bigfoot” on Animal Planet.

• Bigfoot?
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Go deep for mid-winter fishing

It seems strange to admit it, but the mid-winter period is nearly upon us. Some people think of winter as one of our four seasons. But when it comes to ice fishing, winter can be separated into a handful of varying periods.

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