Outdoors - Pierce County Journal

Todd Johnson snagged a 1.78-pound trout May 2 during the Eau Galle-Rush River Sportsman’s Club 50th Annual Trout Fishing Contest.

Trout Contest celebrates 50th anniversary

TOWN OF EL PASO – The Eau Galle-Rush River Sportsman’s Club held its 50 th Annual Trout Fishing Contest on Saturday, May 2 at the Ellsworth Rod & Gun Club. It was not the opener, as the … more

By Lin Linder | 5/13/26

The turkey toms and hens slept in the same trees almost every night.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: Good morning gobbles

My turkey season has come and gone. I had a great time, I learned a lot and I am looking forward to going back out on my second tag. Before that happens, I want to get you caught up on my … more

By Dave Beck | 5/6/26

The Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club has seen a lot of renovation in recent years, including the moving of the trap shooting station, the remodel of the clubhouse and upcoming river improvements.

3-D archery range coming Rod & Gun Club

EL PASO — A three-dimensional archery range is coming to the grounds of the Ellsworth Rod and Gun Club, with a summer archery league set into motion to promote a little friendly competition to … more

By Andrew Harrington | 5/6/26

The first turkey I shot 33 years ago came flying at me like a feathered 747.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: Live and learn along the way

I’ve been impatiently waiting for my turkey season to arrive. All the youth photos and the first season photos from my cronies have primed the pump. In other words, I’m really looking … more

By Dave Beck | 4/29/26

DNR warns that heavy rain, flooding can contaminate private wells

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages private well owners to consider testing their drinking water after significant rainfall and flooding. Heavy rains, such … more

4/22/26

I had the great fortune to view sturgeon spawning in the Wolf River in Shawano in the appropriately named Sturgeon Park. I was able to stand on the flooded sidewalks along the river with sturgeon bumping into my feet.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: Sturgeon make annual trek to spawn

I submitted a turkey article for the PCJ today but had to put it on the back burner for a subject that has a shorter shelf life. Turkey hunting will be going on for another month or so … more

By Dave Beck | 4/22/26

A black and gold bumble bee gathers pollen from a flower.

Saving Wisconsin’s native pollinators

Many pollinators, such as bees, butterflies and moths, are in decline, and their losses threaten Wisconsin wildflowers, ecosystems, crops and natural areas that depend upon them. Pollinators transfer … more

4/22/26

Native bird populations in the U.S. and Canada have declined by nearly 3 billion birds since 1970. You can help birds during migration by taking a few small steps.

Help birds during spring migration

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages Wisconsinites to enjoy the return of migratory birds to Wisconsin this spring and take a few simple steps to help our feathered friends. … more

4/22/26

In 1976, Missouri traded 29 wild turkeys to Wisconsin for 135 ruffed grouse.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: A homerun for the turkeys

Today is a holiday of sorts. It’s the start of the first official turkey hunting season of the spring. I’ve said this for years and will continue the streak by saying it … more

By Dave Beck | 4/15/26

This map shows my meandering route on my last shed hunt of the year.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: One last win

Spring is coming fast now. Turkey hunting is almost here and before you know it, we will be catching trout and eating morel mushrooms. With all of that waiting in the wings, I need to tie … more

By Dave Beck | 4/8/26

My new filet knife from Cabela’s did such a fine job, even skilled river rats would be impressed.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: High standards in fileting fish

Have you ever received a gift certificate for Cabela’s and then wandered around the store looking at this and at that but then leaving without buying what you thought you needed? I … more

By Dave Beck | 4/1/26

While on a recent walk in the woods, I kept seeing crimson dots poking through the forest floor. It turns out they were a type of edible mushroom called the Scarlet Elf Cup.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: A mushroom discovery

Last Saturday I put in a big day of shed antler hunting. Hiking in the woods is a simple pleasure and whether the reward is a deer antler or morel mushrooms, it’s worth the effort in my book. … more

By Dave Beck | 3/25/26

Matt the financial guy said landing his first musky was more exciting than his first hole in one on the golf course.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: The thrill of all thrills

A couple of weeks ago I went to the Minnesota Musky Expo. Sometimes I think the timing of the show is a little cruel. I leave with new lures and other necessary tools ready to go fishing and … more

By Dave Beck | 3/18/26

During a recent outing on the Mississippi River at Red Wing, my most noteworthy catch of the day was a hackleback, or shovelnose sturgeon.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: Catch of the day

It’s been a while since I have been down on the river by Red Wing, Minn. Trapping was a distraction and the cold weather was a big deterrent. I don’t seem to handle the frigid … more

By Dave Beck | 3/11/26

Outdoor Tales & Trails: Henry Repeating Arms’ unique idea

It seems like it was a long time ago when I bought a shotgun from Mike the Gun Guy at Gregerson Hardware in Baldwin. I’m not certain of the exact date so I’ll estimate that it was May 1, … more

By Dave Beck | 3/3/26

Though I didn’t get to spear my own sturgeon on Lake Winnebago, I still had fun in the festive atmosphere.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: A goal for next year

My 2026 sturgeon spearing season wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for, but it was still an experience to be on Lake Winnebago. Somehow, I had buggered up my application giving me a preference … more

By Dave Beck | 2/25/26

The first antler shed is the hardest one of the year to find.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: The hardest shed of the year

Thirty-one years ago, I found my first shed deer antler. It was such a memorable event that to this day I would be able to take you to the exact spot. I remember asking permission to shed … more

By Dave Beck | 2/18/26

The atmosphere on Lake Winnebago for the sturgeon spearing season is as exciting as a Wisconsin Badger game.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: Spearing season is reason to smile

This coming Saturday is the start of the biggest fishing derby in Wisconsin on Lake Winnebago that started 94 years ago in 1932. It requires no hooks or bobbers but tons and tons of … more

By Dave Beck | 2/11/26

Hornet nests are a marvel of engineering, though you should stay away from an occupied one.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: A deep dive into the hive

These are definitely the dog days of winter. The weather limits my outdoor activities due to my own aversion to cold temperatures. I love shed antler hunting and winter walleye fishing, … more

By Dave Beck | 2/4/26

I found an old deer hunting tree stand on a recent walk through the winter woods.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: The sounds of silence

How many times in the last week have you heard someone ask: “Cold enough for you?” While I didn’t get out during the peak, or shall I say the valley, of the temperature cold snap, I did … more

By Dave Beck | 1/28/26