Notes come from all around Chicago outdoors.
WILD OF THE WEEK
John Moynihan in Beverly Shores, Ind. said the colder weather brought more birds, including this red-headed woodpecker. “And we’ve only seen one other red-headed woodpecker since we got here in 2013,” he emailed. “Now this guy is a near daily visitor.”
WOTW, the celebration of wild stories and photos around Chicago outdoors, runs most weeks in the special two-page outdoors section in the Sun-Times Sports Saturday. To make submissions, email (BowmanOutside@gmail.com) or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside) or Instagram (@BowmanOutside).
IN MEMORY
Capt. Dave Fors of Full Circle Charters died Jan. 22. In his memory, it was suggested to “make a donation to the local animal shelter, raise a cold beer, and a shot of whiskey or spend a day fishing.”
WILD TIMES
WILD THINGS
Feb.. 19-21 and 26-28: Wild Things 2021 Conference will held virtually, $15 per weekend of $30 for entire conference, wildthingscommunity.org.
HUNTER SAFETY
Feb. 18 and 20: Bonfield, (815) 635-3198
ICE FISHING DERBIES
Through Sunday, Jan. 31: The 12th annual LVVA Ice Fishing Derby 2021 presented by Sunny Island RV, facebook.com/LVVAIceFishing/
Next Saturday, Feb. 6: Island Lake Lions Ice Fishing Derby, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., headquartered at Eastway Park, adults $15, 15 and younger, $5.
ILLINOIS PERMITS/SEASONS
Sunday, Jan. 31: Final day, Canada goose season, central, south central, south zones
DALE’S MAILBAG
“I live in southwest Naperville and can report that I am getting more birds at my feeders now than in the past. I have two feeders on hooks in my yard and two seed squares and a suet square hanging on my deck.. . . . The only difference is that this year I have added a heated water bowl for the birds to drink from. They seem to love it and use it as a bird bath as well. . . . The only thing I can attribute it to is the heated water bowl.” Nick Damato
A: I have never tried a heated water bowl. Apparently, I should.
BIG NUMBER
5 of 5: Elk hunters who filled their tags during Wisconsin’s third managed elk hunt. 2020 marked the 25th year since reintroduction and management of elk began.
LAST WORD
“ `Carpe Diem’ does not mean `fish of the day.’ “
One of Outdoor Life’s 49 best fishing quotes, click here to read more
