NORTHLAND

BRAD DOKKEN: October: The best month on the outdoors calendar

The precipitation was needed, for sure — especially in fire-ravaged areas of northwest Minnesota — but did it have to be snow? Still, October is young and opportunities abound.

By Brad Dokken , October 07, 2012

OUTDOORS NOTEBOOK: Winter fishing regs on Upper Red Lake, Conservation poll etc.

The bag limit for the winter season on Upper Red Lake will be four walleyes with a 20- to 26-inch protected slot — same as it is for the summer season after mid-June. Previously, the winter limit on Upper Red reverted to four walleyes, with a 17- to 26-inch protected slot, beginning Dec. 1.

By Compiled by Brad Dokken , October 07, 2012

TALKIN' with DOKKEN: Concealed carry permits

If you have a question for Talkin’ with Dokken, call (701) 780-1148 or send an email to bdokken@gfherald

By Brad Dokken , October 07, 2012

IN THE FIELD: Brad Vollrath 51-inch muskie

Brad Vollrath, Grand Forks, released this 51-inch muskie during a September fishing excursion on the Ontario side of Lake of the Woods. The big fish had a 24-inch girth, which puts it at more than 36 pounds based on length-girth estimates. Vollrath, who could be described as a “hardcore” muskie fisherman, released three muskies 50 inches or longer in September. The 50-inch mark widely is considered the trophy standard among muskie aficionados.

October 07, 2012

DOUG LEIER: Pheasants rule the roost in North Dakota

Most hunters realize pheasants are not native and were introduced to North America more than 100 years ago, but they’ve been here long enough that they seem like a natural part of the landscape.

By Doug Leier , October 07, 2012

ALWAYS IN SEASON: What if you gave a bird walk and nobody came?

No people showed up at a bird walk I was supposed to lead a week ago Friday, but the birds came anyway.

By Mike Jacobs , October 07, 2012

VIDEO: 50 years on Lake of the Woods

Getting married usually warrants a day off from work, but that wasn’t the case for Kit Beckel. Beckel this year marked his 40th wedding anniversary — “she’s real understanding,” Beckel says of his wife, Peggy — but perhaps even more remarkable, he celebrated 50 years as a charter boat captain on Lake of the Woods.

By Brad Dokken , September 30, 2012

TALKIN' with DOKKEN: What's up with all the skunks this fall?

If you have a question for Talkin’ with Dokken, call (701) 780-1148 or send an email to bdokken@gfherald.com.

By Brad Dokken , September 30, 2012

BRAD DOKKEN: Welcome to the new - and expanded - Northland Outdoors

Instead of occupying the back two pages of Sunday Sports as it’s done for several years, Northland Outdoors now is a freestanding section. Northland Outdoors now is the title of the E section, which is where you’ll find it every Sunday.

By Brad Dokken , September 30, 2012

ALWAYS IN SEASON: The challenge and wonder of cranes

Cranes are extraordinary birds, and they come freighted with millennia of accumulated lore. This is cultural, even spiritual.

By Mike Jacobs , September 30, 2012

NEWS SHOTS: Factoids from the outdoors

According to the North Dakota Game and Fish Department’s annual fall wetland survey, wetland counts are down by about half in the northern tier of the state and two-thirds in the southern portion.

By Compiled by Brad Dokken , September 30, 2012

DESTINATION unknown: Take a fall color excursion to Bemidji

If a fall color excursion is on your calendar, you could do worse than a trip across U.S. Highway 2 to Bemidji right now.

By Brad Dokken , September 30, 2012

IN THE FIELD: Ryan Schuster albino goose

Ryan Schuster, a senior at Red River High School, shot what appears to be a Canada goose with albino characteristics, Sept. 23 near Drayton, N.D. “I know this bird gave us an early look at our decoys,” Ryan’s dad, Tom (background), writes. “He came back later in the morning for a closer look and Ryan made a nice shot.” He said the goose is being mounted. Mike Johnson a migratory bird biologist for the North Dakota Game and Fish Department in Bismarck, said he receives several inquiries about geese with similar appearances. “The bird in the photo is not a true or complete albino, because it has some black feathers and some coloration,” Johnson writes. “Albinism is genetic mutation that suppresses all color pigments in feathers, and soft body parts. True albinos have pink eyes. If it is a Canada-type bird, which I can’t tell from the photo, it is most likely a hybrid with a domestic goose.”

September 30, 2012

OUTDOORS NOTEBOOK: Zebra mussel transport, N.D.youth pheasant season etc.

Bruce Hinsverk, 51, of Wahpeton, N.D., was cited for unlawfully possessing or transporting a prohibited invasive species and was given instructions on how to appeal or pay the $500 fine.

By Compiled by Brad Dokken , September 30, 2012

DOUG LEIER: Fewer deer tags mean changes for many N.D. hunters this fall

With a little more than 66,000 licenses available, this fall, North Dakota will have thousands of would-be deer hunters who won’t have a tag.

By Doug Leier , September 30, 2012