Outdoors - Pierce County Journal

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

On my last musky outing of the year, I caught a 33-inch musky, much to my surprise and delight.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: Last musky outing of the year

If you’ve followed this space for any amount of time you know that musky fishing is at the top of the list of outdoor pursuits for me. I’d rather have a bad day of musky fishing than a good … more

By Dave Beck | 1/21/26

Dave stands at the Ellsworth Elementary School outdoor ice rink, located at 445 S. Piety St.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: Ice skating is nostalgic pastime

When I was a young pup, one favorite winter pastime was ice skating. My siblings and I routinely skated on the frozen Mississippi River. We hauled our skates and snow shovels down over the … more

By Dave Beck | 1/14/26

During a walleye fishing outing on the Mississippi, I hooked a 30-inch lake sturgeon, much to my surprise.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: A lake sturgeon surprise

A new year brings new seasons and outdoor opportunities. In years past I have penned a roadmap with an outdoor calendar “To-Do List,” with walleye fishing being the first item on the list … more

By Dave Beck | 1/7/26

Ricky and his girlfriend Aimee caught a 48-inch musky on the opening day of deer season.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: A recap of 2025 deer hunting

Happy New Year’s Eve! It’s crazy that we are already saying goodbye to 2025. From a personal outdoor standpoint, it was an outstanding and bountiful year that included bobcats to … more

By Dave Beck | 12/31/25

St. Hubert is the Patron Saint of Hunters, archers, dogs, forest workers, trappers, huntsmen, opticians, mathematicians, metal workers and smelters.

Outdoor Tales & Trails: The story of St. Hubert

Happy Holidays! It’s a great time of year. The same thing that makes hunting great also makes the holidays great: being with family. During this time of year St. Nick is a … more

By Dave Beck | 12/23/25

I could have shot a smaller buck during muzzleloader season, but then I remembered a piece of wisdom I’d once heard, “Big bucks always come from smaller bucks.”

Outdoor Tales & Trails: Where big bucks come from

The early archery, gun and now muzzleloader seasons have passed quickly like the three does racing for cover on opening day. You already know that I bagged a buck with my bow and went deerless … more

By Dave Beck | 12/17/25

Outdoor Tales & Trails: No regrets

I know that the deer gun season has come and gone so this report is late, but in my defense, during deer season there are two conflicting events which are hunting schedules and newspaper … more

By Dave Beck | 12/10/25

Pierce County winter maintenance FAQs 2025

Each year, Pierce County Highway Commissioner Chad Johnson and Patrol Superintendent Travis Hartung answer common questions on the minds of area drivers as the snow and sleet begin. … more

By Chad Johnson, Highway Commissioner Travis Hartung, Patrol Superintendent | 12/3/25