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Boy saves Dad from Bear

Boy saves Dad from Bear

PLUS algae blooms, sturgeons, bow season, and magazine

Forrest Koslowski
September 19, 2024

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Mornin' to anyone wondering what’s going on on the Ice Age Trail. This is the Wiscampsin Weekly - the email that gets you in the know on the Wisconsin outdoors in 5 minutes or less. New reader? Subscribe here.

This week’s weekly:

12-year-old saves Dad from black bear mauling 🐻
Reviving the Milwaukee River’s sturgeon population ‍🐠
Uptick in harmful bloom reporting 📈
Wisconsin archery and crossbow season off to a HOT start (literally) 🔥
Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine just hit shelves 👀

12-year-old saves Dad from black bear mauling—LINK

Grab your popcorn, folks.

During a hunting trip in western Wisconsin, Ryan Beierman was attacked by a wounded black bear he and his son Owen were tracking.

The bear, crouched under an oak tree, charged at Ryan, knocking him down and mauling him.

Ryan recalls the intense moment: “The bear was fighting for its life, and I was fighting for mine.”

As the bear pinned him, 12-year-old Owen acted quickly, shooting the bear with his hunting rifle from the hip, killing it and saving his father’s life. Ryan sustained severe injuries, including puncture wounds to his face, arms, and leg. Holy cripes!

Despite the traumatic encounter, both father and son remained composed during the ordeal. Ryan praised his son’s bravery, saying, “Owen was a hero. He shot that bear and killed it on top of me.”

The hunt, which took place on September 6, was confirmed as legal by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Well shucks I hope so!

Reviving the Milwaukee River’s sturgeon population—LINK

For nearly two decades, Riveredge Nature Center has led a program to revive the Milwaukee River's sturgeon population. Ya know, those prehistoric fish that can live to be 100 years old and 7-feet long?

Since 2006, the center has raised and released around 21,000 lake sturgeon.

The program, involving 140 volunteers and Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources, will celebrate its latest milestone at Sturgeon Fest during Milwaukee’s Harbor Fest on Sept. 29.

Festival attendees can sponsor and (woah) release a sturgeon into the river, contributing to the species' rehabilitation. Aww.

Mary Holleback, Riveredge’s citizen science manager, highlights the collective effort: "It has been said that it takes a village to raise a child. We have said the same thing about raising sturgeon."

Volunteers play a key role, with 30 needed annually for tasks like prepping food and maintaining tanks.

Interested in giving a fin? Learn more here.

Uptick in harmful bloom reporting—LINK

Algae blooms, anyone?

Reports of harmful blooms (and related illnesses) in Wisconsin lakes have increased this year, with 195 bloom reports by September 9, surpassing last year’s total of 178.

Around 72% of these blooms were cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, often resembling "pea soup or green and blue paint," according to Gina LaLiberte, the DNR’s harmful algal bloom coordinator.

What’s the dilly-dilly? Heavy rains and calm conditions are partly to blame, which can fuel these blooms harmful to humans and animals.

Jordan Murray, a bloom epidemiologist with the Department of Health Services, noted that nutrient runoff from farms and lawns also adds to the problem.

“The nutrients... can fuel the blue-green algae to grow and reproduce and potentially produce toxins that can make people sick,” Murray explained.

As of September, 34 cases of bloom-related illnesses have been reported, including symptoms like abdominal pain and headaches. Stay out of the pea soup!

Wisconsin archery and crossbow season off to a HOT start (literally)—LINK

Wisconsin’s archery and crossbow deer hunting season is starting earlier than usual this year, giving hunters an extra week of hunting compared to most years. Holla!

However, temps are still pretty hot, which is likely affecting deer movement. Activity is likely being concentrated around dawn and dusk, the cooler parts of the day.

Though this year’s mild winter led to higher fawn survival rates, meaning hunters may see more deer, it might not translate into higher harvest numbers.

The season runs from September 14 through January, if you’re looking to fill ‘da freezer!

Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine just hit shelves—LINK

Need a new magazine for the John?

The Wisconsin DNR's fall issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine is now available, featuring hunting season details, including duck hunting tips, dates, and bag limits.

The issue also highlights efforts to make hunting accessible through mentoring and public land access.

For outdoor enthusiasts, "Falling for Green Bay" lists autumn activities, while "Leaves & lagers" pairs hikes with local brews. Ah, a match made in heaven.

For the conservationists out there, wildlife stories include the recovery of peregrine falcons, nocturnal animals, and Wisconsin turkeys.

Educational features cover trail cameras in classrooms and state geology, plus articles on recycling myths and the 30th anniversary of the Endangered Resources license plate.

Now forward this email to friend, and get out ‘der!

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Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

In last week's poll, 30% of you were right on the money. So far this year only July has been below the statewide monthly average temperature (relative to the 1991 to 2020 average). For more data like this, check out the Wisconsin State Climatology Office Website.