Notes from around Chicago outdoors.
FIELD NOTES
MOREL OF THE WEEK
Chicagoan Nick Leno celebrated finding his first morel mushroom (Apple Canyon area) the right way: “Went home, washed it, breaded it,fried it in butter. WOW. I could see why you talk about them.’’
MOTW, the celebration of morels around Chicago outdoors, runs Sundays on the outdoors page as warranted. Send nominations by Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside) or email (straycasts@sbcglobal.net).
WILD TIMES
HUNTER SAFETY
June 11-12: Gurnee, (847) 856-1229
June 16 and 18: Marengo, mchenryilhs@gmail.com
DUCKS UNLIMITED
Wednesday: Palos Park dinner, Palos Park Country Club, Orland Park. Contact Ski Verdun, (630) 878-7778; Joe Enzenberger, (312) 848-4146; Jim Mayer, (708) 557-1300
Thursday: Chicago Downtown Happy Hour and Networking Event, One North Kitchen and Bar. Contact Steve Wierema (312) 994-8435; Bob Wierema, (630) 729-4566; Jeff Jalon, (773) 398-5181
FISH GATHERING
Wednesday: Capt. John “Rocky’’ Mannerino, Walleyes Unlimited, Gurnee American Legion, 7 p.m., walleyesunlimitedusa.org
WINGSHOOTING CLINICS
June 4-5: Des Plaines Conservation Area, Wilmington, (217) 785-8219
DALE’S MAILBAG
Message: “Good time to remind the guys that bass thumb can come with an unexpected guest.’’ Luis Gonzalez
A. Tick reminder noted (graphically posted right).
BIG NUMBER
2.9: Pounds of yellow perch (15.75 inches, 13.75-inch girth), caught on Lake Erie shoreline April 18; but it may not make the Ohio record because the certification lagged on the scale, according to Matt Markey in The Blade.
LAST WORD
“If landowners and tenants could delay mowing roadsides, field edges, and other grassy or weedy areas until August, there would be a lot more wildlife around in the fall. In addition, delayed mowing can save fuel, reduce wear and tear on equipment, and save time for other farm work.”
IDNR Upland Wildlife Program Manager Stan McTaggart