A Lego in a lake trout, bison calves at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, a question on the timeline for Willow Slough, and a tribute to Leigh Perkins are among the notes from around Chicago outdoors.

By Dale Bowman

Young bison calves at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in early May. Credit: Chris Lundgren — Young bison calves at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in early May.

Notes come from around Chicago outdoors and beyond.

WILD OF THE WEEK

Three newborn bison calves were spotted at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie on May 6 and photographed by Chris Lundgren. More bison calves, known as “red dogs” for their orange coats, should come soon. To attempt to see the bison, start at Iron Bridge Trailhead. Click here for more on interpretive tours at Midewin, including at Iron Bridge.

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).

WILD TIMES

FISH GATHERING

Tuesday, May 18: Guide Mike Norris, “Spring fishing trip planning,” Arlington Anglers, Poplar Creek Banquets, Hoffman Estates, 6:30 p.m., arlingtonanglers.com.

DUCKS UNLIMITED

Friday, May 21: Central Kane County Dinner, Kuipers Family Farm, Maple Park

WINGSHOOTING CLINICS

June 5 or 6: Des Plaines Conservation Area, Wilmington, (815)423-5326. Click here for more on available wingshooting clinices.

DALE’S MAILBAG

“I was wondering if you knew when they’re closing Willow Slough down?” Adam Gundlach

A: Mike Schoof, property manager at Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area, said the lake will remain open for fishing and hunting this year with no regulations on bluegill and statewide regs on bass. “Hopefully, some folks get some fish pulled out,” he said. Dewatering of the lake should begin in early March. Fishing should last through April or May, depending on rainfall, in 2022. Willow Slough is an hour south of Chicago in Indiana on the state line. Click here for a column I did on the public meeting announcing the original plans.

BIG NUMBER

93: Age of Leigh Perkins, founder of Orvis, who died on Mother’s Day. Apt, as Bass Pro’s Johnny Morris noted, “He always credited his mother with introducing him to the joys of hunting and fishing. In fact, he dedicated a chapter in his book to her, titled In ‘My Mother’s Footsteps.’ “

LAST WORD

Capt. Tim Frey with a Lego found in a lake trout being cleaned. Provided by Capt. Bob Poteshman — Capt. Tim Frey with a Lego found in a lake trout being cleaned.

“Lego? Where the hell would that come from? I am going to go home and drill some holes in them and start a cult with the Lego Fish Club. I found a wooden dowel in [a fish] a few years ago. I keep it in the boat for good luck.”

Capt. Bob Poteshman, on the Lego found inside a lake trout being cleaned by Capt. Tim Frey

Next Up In Outdoors

High hopes for Heidecke Lake fishing: Prospects look good for the season, despite a brutal opener

Chicago fishing, Midwest Fishing Report: Hoping on a warm-up, coho, smallmouth, browns, steelhead

A little help from friends on bagging first spring gobbler leads to Turkey of the Week

An old favorite of the Chicago River, the common carp, still have ‘Big Shoulders’ downtown

Chicago outdoors: Frog sounds question, inquisitive mink, early hummingbird, big Shabbona walleye

Rare wild turkey sightings along lakefront come to a tragic end