Roger's Outdoor News

OUTDOOR NEWS:   DEER CAMP TOUR 2017:  Join the Whitetails Unlimited Packerland Deer Camp on April 15^th,  at the Stadium View in Green Bay with Games/Raffles & Social Hour at 5 pm.  A Chicken & Ribs Family-Style Dinner at 7 pm. Tickets are $65 each, Ticket deadline is April 12^th.  1 out of 8 attendees will go home with a firearm.  Everyone attending will receive “Deer Camp Tour 2017” shirt as a door prize. To get your tickets now, call WTU at 800-274-5471  or go on line at:  www.whietailsunlimited.com.  See you there!

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OUTDOOR NEWS:   ATTENTIONS ALL SHOOTERS. Please come on out to the Viking Bow & Gun Club on Saturday June 17, 2017 from 8 am to 5 pm for the time of your life. Come shoot with our Veterans. See the poster below.

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OUTDOOR NEWS:   CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MANITOWOC COUNTY FISH and GAME PROTECTIVE ASSN. who has been selected by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation (WWF) as their CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR.  The organization will be celebrating their 110^th year of working in conservation and for the public this year. Founded in 1907, the organization is recognized as one of the oldest conservation organization in Wisconsin and Midwest. The organization works to protect the rights of sporting men and women and promotes conservation and related education.  Check out their new website at:   www.mantyfg.org .

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OUTDOOR NEWS:   State Rep. Paul Tittl spoke at the March meeting of the Manitowoc County Fish & Game Directors Board meeting on Wednesday March 29^th and stated he had voted against a bill which would allow any county that had been found to have CWD, and after a three year period of no reports to be allowed to bait once again. The board said they were against any baiting at any time. So he was asked to vote against any bill allowing baiting of deer.  There is also talk according to him that food plots might be also outlawed if the bill contains it. There was some mixed feelings about that. For the readers that live in Rep. Tittl’s district, you should be receiving a post card size letter asking for your in-put into any questions you would have for the Rep. Tittl to answer. I also found that he has a wonderful listing of important State Phone numbers for the public to use if needed. It covers a nice selection of state agencies with their toll-free numbers.  Rep. Paul Tittl expressed his thanks to all those who he represents and wants everyone in his district to keep in touch with him so he can help you. Please do not hesitate to call, email or write him as he always looks forward to hearing from you. Rep. Tittl’s address is: State Rep. Paul Tittl, State Captial Office, Room 21 North, P O Box 8953, Madison, WI 53708,   E-Mail:  Rep.Tittl@legis.wi.gov    Phone: (608) 266-0315,  FAX:  (608) 282-3625,  Toll-Free:  (888) 529-0025. 

OUTDOOR NEWS:  WISCONSIN NEWS:  On Tuesday March 28^th, LRB 2039/1 was introduced to the Wisconsin State Legislature. This Right to Carry bill would allow for the concealed carry of a firearm without a concealed carry license anywhere I the state where an individual is legally allowed to carry a firearm. Additionally, LRB 2039/1 would expand the list of places where firearm owners can legally carry. LRB 2039/1 would also make the current concealed carry licensing system optional to allow citizens to obtain a license and take advantage of reciprocity agreements with other states.  The NRA-ILA applauds Rep. Mary Felzkowski ( R-Imra ) and Sen. Dave Craig ( R-Big Bend ) for introducing Wisconsin’s Right to Carry legislation that will simplify Wisconsin law and allow law-abiding gun owners to carry their firearms in the manner that best suits their needs.  Everyone needs to contact their local legislators and ask them to please pass this bill.

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FISHING NEWS:   Local fishing has been reported as follows:  Shoto-West Twin River, fishermen are having limited amount of success catching steelhead and some brown trout.  Mishicot-East Twin River, same is true for the Mishicot area and the river is running fast and high. Fishermen are going from the dam to the high school trying to get the steelhead and brown trout. Both rivers are running high and fast now. Fox River is still producing some walleyes and the river really fills up on the weekends. You can always tell who has a second shift job just by who is fishing there early in the morning or who is retired. Good Luck to all.

FISHING NEWS:  ATTENTION ALL FISHERMEN:   LAKE MICHIGAN FISHERIES FORUM set to discuss Green Bay fisheries, organization’s governance.  Highlights of the Green Bay fishery and updates on Lake Michigan will be shared by leaders from the Wis. DNR at the April 8^th meeting of the Lake Michigan Fisheries Forum.  Presentations being made by biologists Tammie Paoli and Steve Hogler and Dan Isermann from UW-Stevens Point.  A major focus of the meeting will be the forums governance structure with discussion and approval of the terms of reference. The public meeting runs from 10am to 4 pm at the Weyers-Hilliard Branch of the Brown county Library, 2680 Riverview Drive, Green Bay, WI  54313. A copy of the proposed terms of reference as well as background information on Lake Michigan fisheries management can be found by visiting the DNR website,  dnr.wi.gov and searching “Lake Michigan Fisheries Forum.”

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OUTDOOR NEWS:   The MANITOWOC UNIT of the Manitowoc County Fish & Game Protective Assn. will be meeting on April 6^th, at the Lincoln Park Cabin #1 starting at 7pm. This is the regular monthly meeting and the Guest speaker will be Larry Bonde, Chairman of the Wis. Conservation Congress. He will be speaking on his duties as Chairman, and how the Congress works for the sportsmen. He will explain how the laws are drawn up from the ground floor up to the Governor’s signature.  A lunch and refreshments follow this meeting. The Public is welcome to attend. 

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OUTDOOR NEWS:   MARIBEL SPORTSMEN’S CLUB will be holding the CLARENCE PLANSKY MEMORIAL SHOOT on May 20^th, 2017 from 8 AM to Close.  Maribel Sportsmen Club is located on the intersection of State Hwy 147 and I-43 on the Northeast side of the intersection. There will be TRAP SHOOTING from 8 am TO 9 pm and 3-D ARCHERY COURSE will be from 8 am to 5:30 pm ( Last shooters allowed at 5:30 pm ). Available to everyone is FOOD, DRINKS, BUCKET RAFFLES, GUN RAFFLES ( All Day ) with LIVE MUSIC from 4 pm to 8 pm.  Advanced Raffle Tickets for sale ( Need not be present to win ),  PRIZES: 1^st  Early Archery Deer hunt at Hickory Hills Club in Arbela, MO,  2^nd  12 ga. Franchi Infantry Shotgun,   3^rd  G5 Prime Shift Bow,   4^th  Walters PPX Stainless .40 Caliber Pistol,  5^th  $200 CASH,  6^th  $100  CASH .   A portion of the Proceeds to PINK HEALS OF MANITOWOC COUNTY.   Visit www.maribelsportmansclub.org for more information.

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OUTDOOR NEWS:   NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS Vol. 24, #12 of March 26, 2017.   Trump’s Supreme Court nominee embraces Heller and Originalism during Senate Hearing, stated that Heller ruling guarantees the individual right to keep and bear arms for self-defense.  WASHINGTON POST gives Gun Control Group and U S  Senator THREE PINOCCHIOS on Suppressors after Senator Kristen Gillibrand stated the following: “When someone gets shot by a gun with a silencer, it’s quiet. Witnesses might not hear. Police will be less likely to trach down the shooter.” This shows how dumb some of our elected officials are today, mainly the DemocRat ones.  SEATTLE Gun Tax fails to generate projected Revenue, succeeds in burdening rights. They were hoping to use gun owners taxes to pay for other projects not related to firearms.  THE NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL RELEASED THEIR 2017 EDITION of its annual Injury Facts report this week and it contains welcome news about firearm safety. MORE FIREARMS, MORE FIREARMS OWNERS, FEWER FATAL ACCIDENTS.   TENNESSEE: Pro-Gun bills moving through the General Assembly now.  MARYLAND:  Gun-Free Zone Legislation Passed out of the Senate.  MONTANA: Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment could be heard this week.   OKLAHOMA:  Multiple Pro-Gun bills Passed out of the House.   WEST VIRGINIA: House Passes park carry legislation by a vote of 94-4.   GEORGIA:  Vote on Pro-Gun bills postpone to Tuesday March 28^th.   FLORIDA URGENT ALERT!!! Open Carry Protection in Senate Judiciary on Tuesday March 28, 2017.   NRA – Backed Permitless Carry Law enacted in North Dakota,   NEBRASKA:  Gun Rights Advocates push Permitless Right-to-Carry,  SOUTH DAKOTA: Supporters press State Lawmakers to Overturn Gun Bill Veto.  UTAH: Governor signs Right-to-Carry legislation into law.  CALIFORNIA:  Anti-Gun bill limiting firearm purchases to be heard in Senate Public Safety on Tuesday March 28^th.  NORTH DAKOTA Governor signs NRA-Backed Constitutional/Permitless Carry Legislation into Law. Finally, Senator Schumer stated the DemocRats will filibuster Judge Gorsuch nomination, even after all of them voted for him to be on the Appeals Court several years ago. 

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OUTDOOR NEWS:   28 ELK from Kentucky have arrived at their new home in the Flambeau River State Forest in Sawyer County. Once released into the wild, the “class of 2017” will join the current Clam Lake herd.  The Clam Lake herd resides primarily in Ashland, Price and Sawyer counties, and was reintroduced to the area in 1995 from Michigan. They are hoping by introducing new genetics it will boost the herd growth. ( Writer’s opinion: Get rid of the wolves, and the Elk will survive more years. ) Their efforts mark the third year of a five year reintroduction program being conducted with assistance from multiple partners. The Elk will be enclosed in a seven acre holding pen to satisfy quarantine and animal health testing requirements and allow the Elk to become familiar with their new surroundings. The areas around the holding pens are closed to the public to allow the elk a safe time, not saying the wolves aren’t sizing up their next meal. For more information regarding the Elk in Wisconsin, visit,  dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “elk”.

Just a note to all of you grass burners, there was over 36 wildfires last week and half of them were caused by burning debris. Fire Danger ranged from LOW to HIGH across the state. Rain started falling last night and hopefully and will lower fire danger temporarily, but as things dry out, fire danger will increase.  Male turkeys can be seen fanned out and displaying as the breeding season is nearing. Leftover turkey permits went on sale Monday and the licensing center processed 13,000 permits that day.  All remaining leftover permits go on sale at 10am Saturday March 25^th.

Last, Maple sap collection seems to be in full swing with buckets and bags hanging in many woodlots right now. Other signs of spring were spring peepers being heard in wetlands and skunk cabbage emerging in the south. Also, please keep your eyes on the ditches for deer on the move also. Does are carrying right now and we don’t want to kill any of them until hunting season. Drive safe please. Also the marshes are filling up with ducks and geese right now. Tundra Swans are making this week their big push for the tundra nesting areas. 

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FISHING NEWS:   Well, the fishing around the whole state has been really slow this week. Lake Michigan tributaries are open but low flows are being reported on most rivers and the steelhead run so far has been slow. A few steelheads were being reported from the BRANCH, EAST & WEST TWIN RIVERS, MANITOWOC, SHEBOYGAN AND ROOT RIVERS. The Port Washington harbor has been producing a fair amount of Brown Trout, with an occasional steelhead. The Menominee River has been producing some nice Brown Trout and a few Walleye mainly below the Hattie Street Dam down to Stephenson Island in Marinette. Boat launches and rivers along the West Shore are mostly still iced in. All of the landings on the Bay side of Door County are still frozen shut. The Bay itself is fairly open with some ice chunks out on the water and some ice shoves forming along shore. Along the lake, the Kewaunee Harbor is open and anglers took advantage of the calm weather last weekend out on the lake, mainly trolling close to shore for Brown Trout. Anglers were out in droves during the week on the Fox River in hopes of catching some early season walleye. Anglers were fishing both from shore with moderate success and many anglers also took to their boats and lined the Fox River fishing mainly in the middle of it. 

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OUTDOOR NEWS:    Get ready for the 146^th NRA’s Annual Meeting and Exhibits featuring acres of Guns and Gear.  The place to be on April 27-30, 2017 is Atlanta, GA and it will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center. This four day event will be attended by the tens of thousands of Patriots and features more than 15 acres of the most spectacular displays of firearms, and shooting and hunting accessories in the world. The NRA Concert with Life Member Hank Williams, Jr. and special guest Lee Brice will be open only to those who attend the Annual Meetings. Tickets are available from the NRA for members. For more information, including event tickets, visit  www.nraam.org.   If you want to know more about what is at those meetings and exhibit halls feel free to contact me or if you see Bill Gamble, as him. Last year we went to the show in Louisville and had the time of our lives. My son and I filled up my van with products they were either selling or handing out to the public, and Bill had more than one could haul back home too. I believe in two years the Annual Meetings will once again be in Indianapolis, IN and you can bet if I’m still alive, I will be there to enjoy several days with my fellow Patriots. 

Roger' Outdoor Notes

OUTDOOR NEWS:  NRA-ILA  Daily Alert of Wed. March 22, 2017:    Here is what is happening around the country to help keep you informed of what is happening to your Second Amendment Rights.  PENNSYLVANIA: Game Commission set to finalize the proposed Semi-Automatic Rifle hunting rules. Final votes on this will be held next week on Monday and Tuesday the 27^th & 28^th.  ARKANSAS: Anti-Gun Bills reported out of committee and headed to the Floor for a vote.   WEST VIRGINIA: Self-Defense Legislation to be considered this week.   MINNESOTA:  Your urgent action needed to ensure self-defense bills advance in the Legislature.   MONTANA:  Right to Hunt and Fish Constitutional Amendment heads to Senate Floor.   ARKANSAS:  Governor sings NRA-backed Personal Protection bill.   GEORGIA:  Senate to consider multiple Pro-Gun Bills.   NORTH DAKOTA:  Legislature passes Permitless Right-to-Carry.  OHIO: Law allowing guns in parking lots takes effect, allowing employees to bring their firearms in their cars to work.   NEVADA:  Senate Passes Anti-Gun bill SB-115. In other news, among the priorities of a new Virginia Congressman: Void D.C.’s Strict Gun Laws.   U.S. Senate votes to lift limits on hunting Alaska grizzlies and wolves on Federal Lands.  One of the more important issues we as firearm owners need to remember is that Wayne LaPierre issues a call to battle to 5 million NRA members to stay strong and keep on fighting for our Second Amendment Rights which are under attack everyday around the country by the Democrats everywhere.  During the Supreme Court hearings to confirm Judge Gorsuch, the Judge came under attack by every Democrat and they even attack him to see how he would vote for gun controls on us citizens. As he stated, “Heller is the Law of the land,” and you should read what the Democrats and Liberals are saying about the judge now. At no time should any owner of a firearm think the battle is over now that Trump is in office, or the Republicans are in control. The fight will continue until the Democrats get all guns banned and look in the states that have them in control, every day is more and more gun control laws being passed. Read the papers as it’s in print all the time. 

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FISHING NEWS:    NEW CATCH AND RELEASE STATE RECORD FISH CATEGORY to create excitement for anglers when 2017 season opens. Dedicated catch and release anglers know there’s little that equals the joy of releasing a healthy musky, northern pike or even a walleye with the hope that it will spawn again and perhaps provide excitement for another angler.  A new live release record fish program being rolled out by the Wis. DNR aims to end the dilemma and provide anglers with a win-win satisfaction of achieving a state record and a successful live release. Remember, the New License Year starts on April 1^st, 2017. Buy your license now so you have it in time to go fishing once the season opens up for this year. For more information about length and bag limits as well as places to fish can be found on the Wis. DNR website,  dnr.wi.gov  by searching  “Fishing Regulations.” Good Luck to all.

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THE MANITOWOC COUNTY LAKES ASSOCIATION  will be meeting on March 23 at 6;30 pm at the Manitowoc County Office Complex, Room 300, 4319 Expo Drive, Manitowoc, WI. The Public is welcome to attend and Amy Pace a webmaster will discuss her vision for the group's website and explore with all lakes organizations and site visitors how to better promote their communications through this central forum. Learn more at http://manitowoccountylakesassociation.org. 

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FISHING NEWS:   Due to the weather changing every day, the fishing reports are kind of mixed. In the Southern Lake Michigan they are catching steelheads in the Milwaukee River and brown trout in the harbor before this last snowstorm. Some brown trout were caught near Jones Island or by trolling near the Harbor Gaps, where some were also reporting catching lake trout. In Northern Wis. there are some lakes with ice still on them, but lots of open waters around the landings, and the fishermen were still getting crappies, but the safety of the ice is a huge question. Remember what I always say, NO fish is worth your life, please use common sense and if you feel you don’t have any, stay home. Around the lakeshore here on both the East Twin and West Twin Rivers, there are some fishermen searching for steelheads and brown trout. I haven’t seen a lot of fishermen standing on the banks in the last week. Hopefully the weather will warm up a little and the fishermen will be getting back on the rivers. 

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OUTDOOR NEWS:  KETTLE RANGE SNOW RIDERS FISH FRY  will be held on Friday March 31, 2017 from 4:30pm to 8 pm. Come to the Mishicot Vet’s Club, 314 W Main St., Mishicot, WI.  The PUBLIC is invited to the KETTLE RANGE SNOW RIDERS Annual Spring Fish Fry. They will be serving FRESH PERCH, WALLEYE, BEER BATTER COD and CHICKEN TENDERS.  All meals include Potato Salad or French Fries, Cole Slaw and Rye Bread. Hey, do not forget the Homemade Desserts are available. You really have to try the desserts, I always look for the desserts. For Carryouts call 920-755-2234.  The proceeds from the fish fry will be used to mark the trails and maintaining two large Tucker trail groomers. If you really would like to know more about the Kettle Range Snow Riders, go to their website at:  www.kettlerangesnowriders.com.

NOTE:  This year the club incurred the expense of marking the trails and removing the signs but never had a chance to open the trails. As a result of not opening their trails, they will receive virtually no funding this year. That makes this Fish Fry even more important to be successful as it will be the club’s major fund raiser for the year. So please tell all your friends and bring everyone out for one of the county’s best fish fries on March 31^st at the Mishicot Vet’s Club starting at 4:30 pm. My mouth is watering already for the Walleye plate, as I love Walleye and I don’t have to fish for them. See you there.

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OUTDOOR NEWS:   NRA-ILA Daily Alert:  March 14, 2017;   People like New York Billionaire Michael Bloomberg and New York State Rep. Stephanie Garcia Richards’s HB 548 latest Gun Control Bill HB 548 was tabled in the House Judiciary Committee in the latest version of gun control legislation being pushed by out-of-state interests. ARKANSAS: Enhanced Carry Permit legislation headed to House floor for concurrence;  NEW MEXICO: Lawmakers abandon Gun Back-ground check bill;  Idaho: Officials discuss pros and cons of arming school teachers;  NEW YORK:  Cuomo’s ouster major theme of anti-SAFE Act rally;  EUROPEAN UNION: Lawmakers have voted to toughen the bloc’s gun laws and close loopholes exploited by attackers in France;  NOTE: IN 2017 women and minorities are buying guns;  GEORGIA:  Pro-Gun Omnibus Bill to be heard this week; OREGON:  Bill introduced to expand Youth Hunting Opportunities. NEW YORK:  Outrageous Insurance Bill Headlines Long List of Anti-Gun Bills; The yearly onslaught of anti-gun legislation in the Empire State is concrete proof that anti-gun politicians will never be satisfied until guns are completely BANNED. One of the more egregious bill this year is A. 2260 that will require ALL gun owners to maintain $250,000 worth of Liability insurance. A. 2260 is a backdoor gun ban, pure and simple. A. 2260 is essentially a TAX on a Constitutional Right.  Speaking of Backdoor Gun Control issues, the 4^th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals, is proof enough and shows justification to drug test the nation’s judges.

SPECIAL NOTICE:  The Friends of the Branch River will be meeting on April 10^th instead of the April 3^rd, due to the fact the Town Hall has to be setup for the election on April 4^th and everyone please get out and vote.

ATTENTION ALL SPORTSMEN IN THE COUNTRY:  CALL your Congressman or Congresswoman today and ask them to Vote NO on HR 1438. New York Congresswoman Nita Lowey, a longtime opponent of hunting rights has introduced legislation that would BAN Trapping on national wildlife refuge lands. House Resolution 1438 known as the Refuge from Cruel Trapping Act, would BAN body gripping, foothold and snare traps on more than 150 million acres of Federal Lands. What she doesn’t realize is that despite the lofty rhetoric and misleading statements, the National Wildlife Refuge System was not designed to be a sanctuary for animals, it was specifically designed to include hunting, fishing, and trapping. HR 1438 IS THE FIRST STEP TO BAN HUNTING ON ALL FEDERAL LAND AND SHOULD BE REJECTED. ( Writer’s opinion- I’m get sick of the East and West Coast people telling us Common Sense People how to run our lives and what we can enjoy in life today.)

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OUTDOOR NEWS:  Congratulations to the Kiel Fish & Game club for the wonderful banquet they put on. WOW! What a night. Doors open up at 4:45pm and they had people lining up around the Millhome Supper Club well before that time. Some people said they were in line for an hour waiting for the doors to open. I never saw a banquet with so many firearms and prizes given out. If my figures are correct, there was over 78 firearms given away, and I could be missing a few. Then there was the Tool Raffle with two winners and it was amazing. Another raffle I thought was nice was the $1,000 Shopping Spree with three winners. 1^st got $500, 2^nd for $300 and 3^rd for $200. These were pre-paid cards. If I remember correctly there was 31 Crap-A-Duck raffles with two winners per game each getting $100. The Highlight of the Raffles I think was the Surprised Boxes #1 and #2. In talking to some of the guys sitting at my table they claim each box had near $4,000 in prizes in each box including one gun in Box #1 and two guns in Box #2. Sportsmen, I didn’t see a single firearm I would say is a cheap one. Almost every firearm was the top of the line kind. The most interesting and exciting part of the night was an auction item shaped like an American Flag waving in the wind and cut out of metal and painted. It sold for $2,500 with the money going to the Wounded Warriors Group. I witnessed for the very first time the whole banquet hall standing up and applaused the buyer of the item. What a great bunch of Americans to support our Wounded Veterans. Cannot wait until next year’s banquet. 

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OUTDOOR NEWS:  The Manitowoc Gun Club held their monthly meeting on March 7^th and their next meeting is April 4^th at their Clubhouse starting at 7pm.  Some items you will need to mark your calendar about is Hunter Safety that will be held on April 1^st and 8^th. Students will be trap shooting both Saturdays and any volunteers that are able to help the club will be greatly appreciated.  Here is something that the public really needs to know about and that is the Youth Shooting SCTP shoot will be on May 19^th, 20^th and 21^st.  Scott Skattebo went to Minn. Pheasant Fest and he came back with a 12ga SKB Over/Under to raffle off as a fund raiser for the endowment fund. $1,000 was added to the pot for signing up for the gun. If $4,000 is raised and sent in for the gun, it will be matched in the endowment 2:1. Raffle tickets have been printed, and are available for purchase at 1 for $10, and 3 for $20. Pheasants Forever donated $2,500 for the naming rights for the youth shoot in May. $1,500 will be added as prize money for trap, and $1,000 will be added as prize money for sporting clays. $15,000 endowment funds were also awarded by the Wis. SCTP for the shoot, and will be added to the Skeet event. Donations are always greatly appreciated, Tax Deductible and matched 2:1. This goes to a great cause. If you would like to know more about the club, come on out there and see what they all have to offer you. Clubhouse is open on Thursdays and during the weekends at times. You can’t find a nicer bunch of guys and gals to spend a day shooting with. Stop out soon. Thanks.

GANDER MOUNTAIN has filed voluntary petitions for relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. Gander Mountain is the nation’s largest outdoor retail network with stores in 26 states. As “America’s Firearm Supercenter” they are the market leader in the shooting sports category with an extensive offering of firearms, ammunition and accessories. The company is looking to sell the stores and they are hopeful the sale will take place before the end of May, 2017. The company expects to continue to operate as normal, employees will be paid, and their benefits will remain in place, retirement accounts are intact and protected. 

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Understand How to Enhance Your Beach and Lawn at Free Program

                Manitowoc, Wis. -- The public is invited to a free presentation, Safe Lawns & Safe Beaches, Monday, March 20, Wisconsin Maritime Museum, 6-8 p.m., 75 Maritime Drive, Manitowoc.

               

                Jacksonport resident Pat Fitzgerald initiated the working group ‘Safe Lawns in Door County’ to create awareness about the environmental health risks posed by traditional lawn care practices and present viable landscape options to enhance lawn habitat health for people, pets and air and water quality. He will identify health risks from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, explore ‘best practices’ alternatives including organic lawns, use of native plants and yardscapes, and recommend resources to assist participants in improving the health of their yard, neighborhood and community.

               

                Manitowoc native Kimberly Busse, now at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, serves as Great Lakes Beach Association president. She will present information to help participants understand and enhance beach health, what’s currently being done to protect beaches, and how to keep them safe and clean.

                This program is hosted by the Friends of the Manitowoc River Watershed, Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership, and Wisconsin Maritime Museum. For more information, contact Jenn at Jenn@LNRP.org or (920) 627-1799.

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OUTDOOR NEWS:   Deer Hunters, looking for a food plot product that works. Came across a product by the name of EVOLVED HARVEST SHOT PLOT. I spoke to a person who told me all about this product and how others were having great luck with deer loving this product. SHOT Plot is an exceptionally fast-growing, high protein forage turnip / forage rape blend that’s ideal for late-season hunting plots, while providing loads of critical nutrition for deer during the winter hardship period. When properly planted and managed, each 10 lb. bag of Shot Plot is capable of producing an astounding 16 tons of forage.  Brassicas are a family of fast growing leafy green forage annuals that include turnips, beets, rapes and kales. In addition to their highly palatable and digestible tops, some like turnips and beets, also produce attractive root crops. Cool season brassicas remain green and upright throughout the winter and are heavily used by deer wherever they exist. In addition to providing critical late-season forage, their cold-season hardiness, sweetness (which increases with cooling temperatures) and high protein content make them an ideal choice for hunting plots.   SHOT PLOT’s high-yield rapes are simple to grow, producing loads of leafy-green nutrition that deer crave. Reaching heights up to 24” just 45 days after planting, this fast growing high quality vegetation also gets sweeter with age, helping ensure that your SHOT PLOT hunting plot reaches its peak attraction during the hunting season. To Learn More about this product, www.evolved.com.   Good Luck and plant plenty to increase your harvest goals. Customer service number is (225) 638-4094.

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OUTDOOR NEWS:   THE FRIENDS OF THE BRANCH RIVER will be meeting on April 3, 2017 at the Taus Town Hall at 6:30 pm. Guest Speaker will be Tim Lukasek who will be speaking about their scholarship/restricted children’s scholarship funds. The group will also be talking about plans for tree planting, needing volunteers for the up-coming brat fry, setting a date for their summer family event, plans for bridge crossing clean-ups and also some potential dates to collect crawfish from the river. They are also planning a run/walk to be held the first Saturday in October. So if you have a family or not, this is one group of hard working people in Manitowoc County and they are the Friends of Branch River. Please, join this family group of very hard workers and remember to bring your children if you have them as they plan just about everything around the children to get them involved in nature. At the meetings they have something for all ages of children to do while the meeting is going on. If you would like more information on this wonderful group, please contact their secretary Emily Endter at 920-323-3486 or email at  emilyendter@yahoo.com.

NSSF praised the bipartisan introduction of S. 593, the TARGET and MARKSMANSHIP TRAINING SUPPORT AID of 2017 in the U S Senate, sponsored by Senators Capito (R-W.V), Sen. Bennet (D-Colo), Sen. Boozman (R-La), Sen. Heitkamp (D-N.D.).  This legislation would provide state fish & game agencies more flexibility to use Pittman-Robinson excise taxes dollars raised from the sale of firearms and ammunition to enhance existing public shooting ranges and to build new ones to meet the growing need for additional places for target shooters to participate in their sport. Public shooting ranges afford hunters with a place to shoot and sight-in their firearms for hunting seasons. Also allows Hunter Education instructors places to train the students and a place for recreational target shooters a place to shoot and enjoy their sport.

ATTENTION ALL DEER HUNTERS, The next meeting of the CDAC committee will be meeting this coming Monday at 6pm at the Viking Bow and Gun Club. This is the time and place to let your voices be heard about the up-coming deer season. Each committee will review key deer metrics in order to develop preliminary antlerless harvest goals and antlerless tag recommendations within our county for the 2017 deer hunting season. All CDAC meetings are open to the Public.

Also coming up this week are public hearing through-out Wisconsin regarding the fall waterfowl hunting season structure. The public input process for establishing waterfowl hunting seasons is slightly different from previous years, which will allow hunters to know waterfowl hunting season dates by late April, rather than late August as in past years.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS:  April 10^th is our Annual County DNR Spring Hearings and Wisconsin Conservation Congress Meetings at the U W Campus in Manitowoc. Hearings start at 7 PM and if you want to know more about the hearings, go to the  dnr.wi.gov and search “Spring Hearings” to see what questions are going to be asked. 

Roger's Outdoor Notes

FISHING NEWS:   ATTENTION ALL EAST TWIN RIVER FISHERMEN:   The U S Fish & Wildlife Service is responsible for controlling sea lamprey populations in the Great Lakes. As part of their persistent efforts to control this parasitic fish, they must periodically apply lampricides to streams and other areas that harbor sea lamprey larvae. Recently, staff from their office have found a larval population of sea lampreys in the East Twin River that are at a stage where they must be removed. If this infestation is left untreated, it will have a detrimental effect upon fish populations that inhabit the Great Lakes.  They will be in the area to treat this stream from April 18, 2017 to April 27, 2017. So fishermen, be aware that the U S Fish & Wildlife Service is actively doing their best in the control of the sea lamprey in our rivers. How many of you remember seeing the sea lampreys hanging onto the old dam walls in Mishicot back in the early 70’s and 80’s. I remember members of the Mishicot Sportsman Club standing on the dam walls chopping the lampreys off the walls and letting them float downstream. So please be aware that treatments will be placed in the East Twin River between those dates.

Roger's Outdoor News

OUTDOOR NEWS:   The Manitowoc County Fish & Game Prot. Assn. is once again sponsoring several College Scholarships for 2017. See the enclosed application and see all the rules. Good Luck to all who apply. 

Roger's Outdoor Notes

OUTDOOR NEWS:  NRA-ILA DAILY ALERT as of 3-8-2017:  CALIFORNIA: Briefing completed in request for Supreme Court Review of Peruta Carry Case;   FLORIDA:  Sen. Anitere Flores turns on Law-abiding gun owners;  OKLAHOMA:  Legislative update on Pro-Gun bills;  ARKANSAS: Senate moves to bring Campus Carry to Floor-Action Needed;  IDAHO:  Hose Passes concealed carry amendment;  ARIZONA: Pro-Gun legislation passed the Senate last week;  WISCONSIN:  Senate Unanimously Passes Pro-Carry Legislation;  CONNECTICUT: Police, Lawmakers want gun carriers to show permit if asked;  MARYLAND:  Bill would dissolve concealed-carry permit review board;  IOWA:  House debates stand your ground, gun-free zones before passing sweeping gun bill;  NEW JERSEY: Lawmakers vow to fight new rules that loosen gun carry rules;  NEW YORK: Attorney General announced $44,000 in fines for toy gun sales;  WISCONSIN: Supreme Court approves passengers exercising their Right-to-Carry on Madison buses;  ARKANSAS: NRA working with Pro-Gun legislators to amend campus carry legislation;  7^th CIRCUIT OF APPEALS: said to lower court and to Chicago: Stop foot-dragging on our gun ranges decision, ( 3 Chicago regulations governing the siting and operation of firing ranges).  NOTE:  No need to panic over concealed carry: Concealed Carry has been around for years, so we know what is going on. The data show that concealed carry license holders have crime rates so low it is hard to measure. (Hey Legislators, something to think about the next time you hear anti-gun people whine.) FIREARM OWNERS SHOULDN’T BE FORCED TO BUY LIABILITY INSURANCE, yet in other states the gun control policy fails to address the fundamental problem stemming from violence involving firearms. 

Roger's Outdoor News

OUTDOOR NEWS:  MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR AUGUST 25 – 27, 2017:  The Country’s very First NRA PERSONAL PROTECTION EXPO will be held in Wisconsin.  The Wisconsin Center in Milwaukee will be holding the three day event for citizens of America. The NRA Personal Protection Expo is a 3 day educational and interactive experience dedicated to individuals interested in increasing their knowledge and skills within personal protection, concealed carry and defense tactics. Whether just starting out or actively engaged in the personal safety and protection of yourself and your family, this unique event will equip you with the products, skills, knowledge and mindset necessary to prepare and defend yourself when a threat arises.

Over the course of 3 days you’ll have the opportunity to attend a broad array of seminars and workshops featuring the best personal protection and concealed carry practices taught and demonstrated by leading experts and instructor from across the country. The expo will feature an exhibit hall chock-full with hundreds of top companies ranging from firearm manufacturers, concealment and storage products and home defense solutions, to knife manufacturers, tactical gear and advance training options. Additional special events such as evening entertainment, live auctions, raffles and games of chance will be conducted throughout the weekend. This is one place to be and to be part of history, being that Milwaukee was picked to hold the very first expo of this type. See you there for sure.

Roger's Outdoor News

OUTDOOR NEWS:   COMING EVENTS TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR:   WESTSHORE SPORTSMAN CLUB 17^th Annual Lakeshore Corvus Brachyrhynchus  (American Crow) Wing Shoot. Dale Kozlowski Memorial,  March 18^th, 2017. From: Opening to Noon, The club house is located at 11267 Lakeshore Road, Two Rivers, WI, or on the north end of Point Beach State Park off of Hwy V. The public is welcome to come out and see the club and all the crows shot.

If you plan on carrying a firearm with you on that vacation, fishing or family outing, you really need to take the Concealed Carry Course being offered by the Two Rivers Tactical, LLC at the ROUND ‘EM UP Bar  in Mishicot on March 25^th, 2017. Class will run from 11am to 3pm and it’s a FREE Training Course. Lunch menu will be available for a fee. Class size is limited to 25 persons and bring a valid ID or Driver’s license along.  Must be at least 21 years old. 

Roger's Outdoor Notes

OUTDOOR NEWS:   NRA-ILA GRASSROOTS VOLUME 24, #9,   A PROMISE KEPT: President Trump signs repeal of Obama-era Social Security Gun Prohibition Rule that would have resulted in some 75,000 law-abiding beneficiaries losing their Second Amendment Rights each year. Thank you President Trump for using common sense, something the other party doesn’t have or know how to use it correctly. (Writer’s opinion),  RYAN ZINKE CONFIRMED AS INTERIOR SECRETARY: Kicks off tenure with Pro-Hunting directives. Zinke had bi-partisan support 68-31. Thank you all Senators who voted for him;  U S Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) introduced his version of Interstate Carry legislation titled “Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act of 2017, (Notice how the Republicans want to protect your Constitutional Rights, and the other side wants to destroy your Rights. Writer’s Opinion); 

DAILY ALERT FOR Friday March 3, 2017: HAWAII:  Anti-Gun legislation eligible for Senate Floor Vote this week.;  ARIZONA: Legislative update on Gun bills, there sure are a lot of them;  IDAHO: Gun bills on the move in Boise, many of these bills will affect your gun rights and hunting rights;  GEORGIA: multiple Pro-Gun Bills PASSED by the House-Heading to the Senate;  WEST VIRGINIA: Campus carry legislation pending House Committee consideration;  CONNECTICUT: Governor Malloy’s Outrageous Pistol Permit Increase to be heard;  SOUTH CAROLINE:  Right-to-Carry Recognition Bill expected for House Floor Vote this week;  MINNESOTA: Important Self-Defense Bills scheduled for hearing this week;  IOWA:  House study Bill 133 Re-Assigned as House file 517;  NEW INTERIOR SECRETARY ZINKE REVERSES LEAD-AMMUNITION BAN. FLORIDA: Florida Supreme Court upholds ban on openly carrying guns;  MINNESOTA: Right-to-Carry Permits granted up 60 percent in 2016. NEW YORK: Lawmakers seek upstate-Long Island SAFE ACT repeal. And in a second release, Legislation repealing portions of SAFE ACT gains traction.  OHIOANS SET RECORD FOR Right-To-Carry permits;  AUSTRALIA:  Adler A110 Shotgun BAN could be lifted after firearms law is quietly amended.

ATTENTION ALL FIREARM OWNERS WHO WANT TO GET YOUR CONCEALED CARRY PERMIT:  Two Rivers Tactical, LLC is offering a Concealed Carry License FREE Training Course at Round ‘em Up Bar at 1237 S Main St., Mishicot Wis. on March 25, 2017. Course will run from 11am to about 3pm. Lunch menu will be available for a fee. Bring a valid Wis. ID card or Driver’s License, Class size is limited to 25 people and you must be at least 21 years old. Now is the time to get your Conceal Carry Permit, while we still have a Congress that will support the Second Amendment Rights of firearm owners. Obama stacked up the Federal Courts with a lot of Liberal Judges who believe you do not have a Right to Own a Firearm and do not follow the rulings of the U S Supreme Court . Sign Up now or contact:  tworiverstactical@yahoo.com. 

Roger's Outdoor Notes

FISHING NEWS:    NEW RULE INCLUDES FIVE FISH DAILY LIMIT FOR LAKE TROUT AS PART OF THE COMBINED SALMON AND TROUT BAG:  The DNR Board approved expanded harvest opportunities for Lake Michigan Lake Trout using the emergency rule process. The new rule would: 1. Expand Lake Michigan lake trout harvest opportunities to the daily bag limit of five, 2. Include the five fish daily lake trout limit as part of the overall five trout and salmon combined daily bag limit, 3. Maintain closure of refuges, which are supporting some natural reproduction, 4. Offer a continuous open season, 5. Maintain the commitment to lake-wide lake trout restoration and promotion of a diverse salmon and trout fishery through continued assessment of lake trout restoration goals and impacts of management actions on those goals. These rule changes were due to the public getting involved in the process of attending public hearings and voicing their opinions. You see, once in awhile the DNR will listen to those who really know what is going on in Lake Michigan, meaning those who make a living off of the lake. The lake trout emergency rule now moves forward for consideration by Gov. Scott Walker. Pending this approval, the DNR will hold concurrent public hearing for the emergency rule and planned permanent rule in anticipation that the emergency rule will take effect during the 2017 season.  

The Fox and Wolf rivers are mostly open, some reports of anglers catching a few male walleyes. The 2017 Sturgeon Spearing season on the Winnebago System ended in a slow fashion with only 10 fish harvested over the last seven days. The season closed with a total harvest of 847 fish, including nine fish harvested that were over 140 lbs or larger. Locally on the West and East Twin Rivers, there were a few fishermen out this week trying to catch a few steelheads, but the snow in the middle of the week and the break-up of ice up-stream has the fishermen dodging ice floats coming down stream. In the southern part of the lake shore, Port Washington and south they are catching some brown trout, steelhead and the occasional salmon. Near Voyageur Park and the Fox Point Landing saw the most of the action this past week. Boaters and shore anglers alike were catching perch, whitefish, and walleye jigging and using live bait such as minnows and wax worms. A few anglers were fishing pike out of Sunset Beach and Long Tail using large shiner minnows or dead smelt in the round.   

Roger Outdoor Notes

OUTDOOR NEWS:   First, I would like to thank everyone who came out on Thursday March 2, to support the Manitowoc Unit of County Fish & Game for their annual Lenten Walleye Feed. We had a really nice showing of the public to help support our conservation projects and the community. We are now looking forward to the Fall Fish Feed, and I would like to thank all the members who came out and worked the Walleye Feed. Thank you to all those who supported us.

Wisconsin DNR Board approves new Carcass Tag Procedure:  A new procedure to validate carcass tags for deer and other species is set to take effect following the spring turkey season thanks to action by the WDNR Board. The action comes before the 2017 hunting, fishing, trapping and other license sales that begin March 8 through the GO WILD System. Customers can print tags at home or receive them through a DNR service center or vendor. The updated carcass tag procedure, which now goes to Gov. Walker’s desk and the legislature for consideration, allows hunters and trappers to validate the tag by removing the bottom portion rather than writing on it. Hunters must attach the tag to the carcass before leaving it: “If you Leave, Tag It.” You can use the DNR’s electronic GAME REG SYSTEM, online at  gamereg.wi.gov (fastest and easiest method) or by phone at 1-844-426-3734. It’s important that everyone use the registration system because it helps the DNR Biologists evaluate populations and permit levels for the following year.

The Manitowoc County Fish & Game Directors Board gave the Scholarship Committee $4,000 to offer four scholarships to be handed out at the July Directors Meeting. This year is the organization’s 110^th year of providing the public with conservation areas and public boat landing through-out the county on almost all the lakes. We will be celebrating once again this year, as the group is one of the oldest in the whole Mid-West and State. Something all of us who attend meetings around the state see are not too many younger members are getting involved in our clubs and we need some younger blood to carry on our traditions. So, if you have a son or daughter, grandchildren, they are always welcome to attend the meetings. A suggestion came up from one of the Manitowoc Unit’s older members who suggested we get back to offering a program that would be of interest to the younger population today. Please, if anyone who is reading this article has an idea how we can help all clubs get younger members to continue our traditions, please email me back at  roger@VLoutdoormedia.com .