WWW Chicago outdoors: A beautiful weekend for fall favorites

Better enjoy this mild weekend while we can, so the late fall favorites of perch hunting, deer hunting and sandhill crane watching lead this Wild Weekend Wandering around Chicago outdoors.

ILLINOIS DEER HUNTING: This will be my view again later today. The second firearm deer season in Illinois runs through Sunday. It is a touch warm, so I suspect harvest will taper down significantly.

Some over-the-counter permits remain. Click here for remaining OTC permits.

BUCK OF THE WEEK: Just a reminder with the second firearm season running through Sunday: Buck of the Week, the celebration of big bucks taken around Chicago outdoors, runs Wednesdays on the Sun-Times outdoors page. Send nominations to straycasts@sbcglobal.net.

PERCH FISHING: Shore fishing is rebuilding, especially at Diversey Harbor and Navy Pier; and somewhat at Montrose Harbor. Should be a good weekend for it. Those going very early have been doing best.

Arden Katz reported he is doing best for action with Mini-Mites and spikes; but most are using minnows and that does seem to give a better shot at bigger ones.

Looks like those boaters who have not winterized and put away their boats have a few days to enjoy the resurgence of boat fishing for perch in Indiana.

“They have until Tuesday to do it,” said Capt. Rich Sleziak from Slez’s Bait in Lake Station. “It will be south winds.”

He said the best action has been out of “The Ditch” around No. 4. Best presentation is large fatheads or baby roaches on perch flies (color changes daily).

Other spots are closer to home out of East Chicago Marina off Inland and by Gary Light.

Shore fishermen are catching them at the Hole-in-the-Wall, including some limits, and quality fish.

CHICAGO PIER PASSES: Considering the arrival of the perch bite, now is a good time for a reminder that the $6 pier passes for Chicago harbors, except 31st, are available now at Henry’s Sports and Bait, 3130 S. Canal.

WATCHING SANDHILL CRANES: Last Friday was the great flight day around Chicago outdoors with thousands of sandhills passing overhead in the city and suburbs.

Many ended up at Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area, where 28,126 were counted on Tuesday. It is located southeast of Valparaiso, Ind. The best times to view them and fully grasp the wonder of them is near dawn or dusk. The next week or so should be peak.

Ed Bowen among others have made this trek. I realize this is a trek, so take some time to explore Valparaiso, just a wonderful town, or do a leisurely drive on back roads through the Indiana countryside.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lake-Michigan-Angler/149822415061478

ICE GATHERING: Lake Michigan Angler in Winthrop Harbor holds a free admission ice event Saturday.

ICE FISHING: Maybe this weekend in northern Wisconsin. But better check online or call first.

ILLINOIS HUNTING PERMITS: Saturday is the deadline to apply for spring turkey hunting permits. Click here.

CRAPPIE FISHING: With this weather, more than just the hard-core guys will be out crappie fishing on local ponds and lakes. Lots of good reports.

INDIANA STREAMS: Some winter steelhead are starting to show Indiana’s tributaries of Lake Michigan, especially Salt and Trail.

Click here for the Indiana DNR’s map of Trail Creek access.

WATERFOWLNG: Weather looks too nice, but mid-week next week would be what I bet on.

UPLAND HUNTING: Hunting for pheasants, rabbits, quail and gray partridge is underway, though I suspect far more will be deer hunting this weekend.

ARCHERY: Archery Bow Range Chicago offers instruction.

PERSONAL PICKS: Deer hunting is my focus this weekend. If I fill my tag, then I might do the family hike. Otherwise, that will be the job of my wife. . . . Next week, I hope to do the perch fishing from shore in Chicago. . . . On the radio front, Monday is the fund-raising show and for the first time, I will be live during the breaks with station GM Mike Savage; so whip the checkbooks. I received some good suggestions for guests on my Outside radio show on WKCC-FM (91.1), but can always use more. I am enjoying pulling shows together.