Tag: Wisconsin

The Basics of Layering

The Basics of Layering – HuntFishTravel

In the midst of trying to decide what we wanted to do for New Year’s Eve weekend, quite a few things were bandied about.  But somehow I kept coming back to the New Year’s Day Hike I came across. (Or maybe with this warm weather I’ll pull the boat back out and go fishing, hahaha!)

Perhaps we’d just stay in, cook some food, count down to the ball drop and then go for a hike the next day.

Hiking in the winter can be difficult.  Obviously, keeping warm, hydrated and safe is the primary concern. 

Wisconsin temps averaging around 22 degrees on New Year’s Day, I thought about what I’d wear to stay warm without getting overheated.

Whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, sledding or even yard work; keeping warm and staying comfortable is essential and while the human body has its own heating and cooling system, layering is just a way to help it out a bit. Continue reading “The Basics of Layering”

#HuntFishTravel Ep 197 – Fall Salmon Fishing in Wisconsin with Cory Yarmuth Pt 1

So many tips for success jammed into this such a short amount of time. If you fish for salmon, this is a can’t miss episode.

“Fall Salmon Fishing in Wisconsin with Cory Yarmuth Part 1”

Topics covered in this episode:
  • Complete rod and reel setups for fall salmon fishing.
  • Why salmon strike a lure.
  • Why salmon “eat” spawn.
  • If he recommends using glow lures or not and why they may not be as effective as you may think.
  • Explains why you should be ready when you see someone else catch one.
  • What depth should you fish?
  • What hook to use in order to keep from losing fish.
  • Bait color suggestions.
  • Why you should skip live bait in the fall.
  • Why you may catch trout instead of salmon.
Links:

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Pre-Season Scouting for the 2020 Archery Season

Better late than never, I got some pre-season scouting time in.


It’s been awhile since I’ve published a post here on HuntFishTravel. Life has gotten crazy, yet again. But isn’t that the way of adulting?


With the temperatures in Wisconsin finally dropping below 95, I decided it was time to get out there and find a suitable bow hunting spot. Yes, I know I’m late to the party, but COVID has really put quite the damper on things. Better late than never.

Continue reading “Pre-Season Scouting for the 2020 Archery Season”

Deadline Oct 31, 2018 Join Me For the 2019 Sturgeon Spearing weekend

Group Sturgeon Weekend is February 9-10

Full season is February 9 – 24, 2019, deadline for tags is October 31, 2018.

The group will participate in “cutting in” on Friday, Feb 8. We will spear and attend an evening bonfire on the lake Saturday, Feb 9, and spear Sunday, Feb 10.

Sturgeon Spearing Info:

  • WI DNR Info
  • Find the 2019 Regulations here.
  • You must be 12 years or older to spear sturgeon and the deadline for putting in your application is October 31st.
  • Spearing hours are 7:00am – 1:00pm. (You can always go ice fishing afterwards!)
  • Minimum length is 36”
  • It is helpful to have a truck/SUV to get you to your shanty but it is not imperative, as there’s always someone to hitch a ride with.
  • Fond du Lac is 1 hour, 15 minutes north of General Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee.

2019 Cost details:

Oshkosh/Fond du Lac Hotel: $50-$100/night.

Shanty rentals per day:

  • $200 per spearing hole per day. Single hole and double hole shanties available. Total weekend Saturday and Sunday shanty rental cost: $400 for a single shanty/$800 for double shanty.
  • Generally 1 person per hole, but 2 people per hole if you want to trade off and fight over who gets to spear the sturgeon when it shows up!
  • All spearing equipment is provided with the shanty rental, shanty/1 spear hole/decoy/heat.
  • Contact Tyler Jackson 920-602-2322 to reserve your shanty (don’t wait – shanty rentals are in high demand!)

License Fees:

  • Resident Sturgeon Spearing License: $20.00*
  • Non-Resident Sturgeon Spearing License: $65.00*

*These are in addition to the fishing license you must purchase (Non-resident 4 day is $24.00/Resident annual is $20.00 NOT to be confused with sturgeon fishing which is different than spearing).

Drop me a line via the contact form if you’re interested and I can pass along the details!

 

Join Me For A Weekend of Sturgeon Spearing in 2017 Shanty Town

These creatures fascinate me. Their history is rife with drama and science fiction; you can read how Wisconsin can justifiably claim them as the state’s most successful conservation effort here:

Continue reading “Deadline Oct 31, 2018 Join Me For the 2019 Sturgeon Spearing weekend”

Ladies’ Musky Fishing School To Be Held Oct 20th-22nd on Chippewa Flowage

Ladies’ Musky Fishing School To Be Held Oct 20th-22nd on Chippewa Flowage.

Contact: Amanda Wilson
Deerfoot Lodge & Resort
8534 N Deerfoot Rd
Hayward, WI 54843
Office: 715-462-3328
Cell: 608-215-7397
amandawilson@deerfootlodge.com
facebook.com/deerfootlodgeresort
deerfootlodge.com Continue reading “Ladies’ Musky Fishing School To Be Held Oct 20th-22nd on Chippewa Flowage”

Cross-Country Skiing Wisconsin’s Northwoods – Six Spots For Frozen Fun

We’ve uncovered a half dozen of the best stops for cross-country skiing in the northern third of the Badger State, so bundle up and start planning your adventure!




MADISON, Wis. (December 22, 2016) – Wisconsin’s northwoods hold a few advantages when it comes to cross-country skiing. First, winter has staying power here. The snows come early and often don’t know when to quit – of course, for winter warriors, that’s one of our more endearing qualities. Secondly, the vast majority of the state’s northwoods is protected land, including county, state and national forests, leaving hundreds of thousands of acres pristine and perfect for exploring. Continue reading “Cross-Country Skiing Wisconsin’s Northwoods – Six Spots For Frozen Fun”

#HuntFishTravel 172 – 2016 WI Deer Hunting Gun Opener Preview with Kevin Wallenfang, DNR

“#HuntFishTravel Ep 172 – 2016 WI Deer Gun Opener Preview with Kevin Wallenfang, DNR”




(Psst! Support the show by sharing this episode to facebook/twitter – thank you!!)

In this episode we’re talking about the new regulations, how many licenses were sold last year and how many deer taken, blaze pink and Kevin’s #1 tip for a new hunter heading out into the woods this weekend. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 172 – 2016 WI Deer Hunting Gun Opener Preview with Kevin Wallenfang, DNR”

Join Me For A Weekend of Sturgeon Spearing in 2017

February 10-12, 2017

Photos, a video and information on the 2017 HuntFishTravel Sturgeon Spearing outing you’re invited to, as well as the highlights from 2016.

The quest is for dinosaurs older than my grandparents on Lake Winnebago….the hunt for prehistoric behemoths that prowl the waters less than fifty miles from my home.

Join Me For A Weekend of Sturgeon Spearing in 2017 Shanty Town

These creatures fascinate me. Their history is rife with drama and science fiction; you can read how Wisconsin can justifiably claim them as the state’s most successful conservation effort here:

Continue reading “Join Me For A Weekend of Sturgeon Spearing in 2017”

#HuntFishTravel 148 – Sturgeon Spearing through the Ice in Wisconsin

“HuntFishTravel 148 – Sturgeon Spearing through the Ice in Wisconsin”

(Psst! Support the show by sharing this episode to facebook/twitter – thank you!!)

In this episode Carrie is joined by Lee Schneider of Boot-Trac Adventures. They chat about sturgeon spearing scouting, cutting in, how to navigate the roads on the lake and they share their two biggest tips for first time spearers. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 148 – Sturgeon Spearing through the Ice in Wisconsin”

Cut the Drive Time in Half and Fish for Trophies in Central Wisconsin

Cut the Drive Time in Half and Fish for Trophies in Central Wisconsin

Looking to fish for Muskies or Smallmouth Bass? Residents and visitors of Central Wisconsin all share a secret – you don’t have to drive four, six or eight miles to northern Wisconsin to catch trophy sized fish. Quantity and quality are prevalent in Central Wisconsin, a mere two and a half from M­­­ilwaukee, and four hours from Chicago, Steven’s Point a mecca of rich fishing and hunting environments. Continue reading “Cut the Drive Time in Half and Fish for Trophies in Central Wisconsin”

#HuntFishTravel 107 – Fishing in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin

Carrie and Rachel chat about the wicked weather the Midwest has been getting and then Carrie talks about her experience at White Birch Village Resort in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin for a writer’s weekend in the beginning of June.



Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 107 – Fishing in Boulder Junction, Wisconsin”

7 Reasons I Love Camping In the Fall

I love fall camping. Everything about it and once Labor Day hits and hunting season gets here I am in seventh heaven.

And here are my top seven reasons why… Continue reading “7 Reasons I Love Camping In the Fall”

Destination Review: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin

Five Reasons to Make Fond du Lac Your Late Summer Getaway

The dog days of summer are upon us, and that finds many of us longing for one last late summer getaway. Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, provides a great destination for anyone interested in the outdoors, plus plenty of activities for those in the family who may not be quite so outdoor oriented. Continue reading “Destination Review: Fond du Lac, Wisconsin”

#HuntFishTravel 068 – Antler Growth and Organizing Your Trail Cam Photos with HuntForce

What are antlers? Why do they grow the way they do? What makes them big and sometimes gnarley? What the heck is “Velvet”?

All these questions are answered during this week’s episode where we sit down with President of HuntForce Jim White. We’ll talk Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 068 – Antler Growth and Organizing Your Trail Cam Photos with HuntForce”

#HuntFishTravel 064 – Turkey Hunting in WI and NY

Tune in to find out if Carrie or Rachel got a bird this year and Dan Small joins us this week as we discuss turkey hunting in both Wisconsin and New York. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 064 – Turkey Hunting in WI and NY”

#HuntFishTravel 060 – Hunting Leases….NEVER AGAIN!

An accurate depiction of Carrie's WI Hunting Lease experience...
An accurate depiction of Carrie’s WI Hunting Lease experience…

Lease land for deer hunting they said.

It’ll be fun they said.

Yeah, not so much.

This week I’m joined by my new co-host Rachel and Jay Scott from the Big Buck Registry Big Buck Podcast. Continue reading “#HuntFishTravel 060 – Hunting Leases….NEVER AGAIN!”

Review: Bobber Down Fishing Guide Service, Mercer, Wisconsin

Here in Wisconsin; like most northern states, ice fishing is a common occurrence. A favorite pastime for many and a way to fill the freezer while enjoying some time outdoors.

The Turtle Flambeau Flowage (46.084662,-90.188828) is about as north as you can get in Wisconsin. Full of Bluegill, Bass, Muskellunge, Northern Pike and Walleye, we had no doubt this 13, 545 square acre flowage would produce. Continue reading “Review: Bobber Down Fishing Guide Service, Mercer, Wisconsin”

Destination Review: Haven by the Falls, Mercer, Wisconsin

Recently I stayed at Haven by the Falls in Mercer, Wisconsin. The local area is heavily wooded and the privately located side by side duplex sits on the water near the small falls. If you are into hunting, fishing or anything outside it can be done from this centrally located property. The parking outside has plenty of room to accommodate boat trailers, other larger trailers or multiple vehicles. I found the property to rate at 3 out of 5. It is fairly average for condition and rates but could use improvements. Continue reading “Destination Review: Haven by the Falls, Mercer, Wisconsin”

An Outdoors Report from a Wisconsin Wild

Hello outdoors world!

Being mid January here in the brutal Northwood’s, I am sure most of us locked up inside our houses, sitting very close to our fireplaces (or heating vents for you city folk) just trying to stay warm. It has been an extra voracious winter here in Wisconsin, and most would think it crazy to want to venture outside for longer than it takes to get to your car, our worse case scenario, the mailbox. As I sit here writing this it is -20 wind chills! So what is it that makes it worth doing more? If you ask me lots of things will be getting me outdoors very soon. So I figured I would take this time to let you know of a few of the things that make Wisconsin, a sportsman’s paradise, even in the dead of winter. Continue reading “An Outdoors Report from a Wisconsin Wild”

How to Catch Snapping Turtles in Wisconsin

Hello outdoors world! Welcome back for the next installment of “The Willes Way”! Thank you for stopping by and giving it a read. In this blog, I will be talking about one of my all time favorite summer past times.

Imagine this. The sun sets as you sit on the shores of a 48 acre lake in the forest of northern Wisconsin. The sky is a stunning shade of red and the water is like glass, providing a perfect canvas for the reflection of the sky and trees. As the light dwindles more and more, you realize that you can no longer see in the water, and all the bluegill that where seemingly stack up in the water in front of you, now seem to be in hiding. The sky goes black. You fire up your flashlight that you have in you front pocket and shine it in the direction of the water. And then you see it! This large menacing creature slowly pulls itself along the sand bottom in search of its next meal. The call rings out to the others in camp and everyone comes running to see it. “TURTLE!” The shouts are heard by all in the vicinity. Now comes the time of reckoning. What do you do? Do you watch it? Do you try and catch it? The choice is all yours of course. So what are you going to do?

Continue reading “How to Catch Snapping Turtles in Wisconsin”

Wisconsin’s Deep Rooted Traditions and Outdoor Cultures

Hello outdoors world!! Welcome back to the 2nd installment of “The Willes Way” blog. For My first actual blog, not including my little intro, I decided to go with something near and dear to my heart. Some of Wisconsin’s most deep rooted outdoors traditions. Since my life seems to be one outdoors tradition after another, I am going to run through some of the traditions that I have been privileged to witness over my years spent hunting and fishing this fine state. And hopefully, this will help you all know of where I came from and learned what I know.

I LOVE to talk about a lot of these subjects and have been known to go on for hours talking about them to people that have never heard of, or had the chance to experience. So if I get a little wordy, feel free to reach your virtual arm through you computer screen and slap me across the head and say “GET ON WITH IT ALREADY!” 🙂 I could probably write a book on this subject, but I will avoid going too long. Besides if I spilled ALL the beans I wouldn’t have any beans for later! OK, OK, I will get on with it. Since there are so many, lets just start at the beginning of the year.

Continue reading “Wisconsin’s Deep Rooted Traditions and Outdoor Cultures”

Wading 101 – 7 Tips For Safe Wading

Whether it’s trout or bass you’re chasing, here are a few tips to make your freshwater wading experience a better one.

1. Plan your route.

2. Consider if wading is necessary. Wading alerts your presence to fish – would bank fishing be possible?

3. Keep your balance. If you lean into the current and suddenly lose your balance the
Continue reading “Wading 101 – 7 Tips For Safe Wading”

Sturgeon Spearing aka Dinosaur Wrangling in Wisconsin

For most of us, the word sturgeon conjures up images of great plated bottom feeders, ancient and slow moving they seem to be a cross between a catfish and a dinosaur.  Their nickname is “living fossil” and were almost wiped out in the 19th century, fishermen slaughtered them by the thousands, considering them a nuisance when they tore the nets with their sharp bony plates.

A sturgeon can live for more than 100 years and grown to 10 feet long, many weigh more than 100 pounds. Continue reading “Sturgeon Spearing aka Dinosaur Wrangling in Wisconsin”