Mornin' to everyone interested in the future of spearfishing. 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.

Hey readers, want to give us a hand? We’re trying to clear out some inventory of our Recycled License Plate Frames (jeez these are sharp lookin’), and would love it if you could help us out + support our newsletter!

This week’s weekly:

• Tragic accident in Door County ⛵️

• Bat ecology tours at Kickapoo Caverns 🦇

• Wolves attack dogs in Bayfield county 🐺

• Cranes foster juvenile of different species 🐦

• Forecasting wildfire smoke better 💨

Tragic accident in Door County

The bodies of two young children, ages 3 and 5, were recovered by searchers after their sailboat capsized in Door County. The children and their 32-year-old father sailed from Oconto Harbor on Saturday morning. By Sunday noon, the Sheriff’s office received a report about an overdue boat, at which time the father’s truck and trailer were still at the boat ramp. The capsized sailboat was found early Monday, and the children's bodies were discovered later that day. The search for the father continues, with hopes that he is still alive due to warmer air and water temperatures. Be safe out there, folks.

Bat ecology tours at Kickapoo Caverns

The famous Kickapoo Caverns in Crawford County have gone batty—literally, they offer bat ecology tours at their 83-acre nature preserve. Complete with towering limestone structures, underground pools, and stalactites, this 1840’s lead mining area is now a bat sanctuary. Wisconsin has eight species of bat, with the Kickapoo Cavern being home to four threatened species. In Wisconsin, bat populations have declined nearly 94% since 2014 due to White Nose Syndrome, a fungal disease. But with conservation efforts, recovery is promising. Head to the Mississippi Valley Conservancy's website for more information and to book your tour.

Two dogs attacked by wolves in northern WI

Keep a tight leash on your pooches; two hunting dogs were attacked just days into their summer training program in Bayfield County this month. The attacks, which happened about 10 miles apart on July 3rd, left a a two-year-old Bluetick hound dead and a four-year-old Walker hound injured. The dogs were released near fresh bear tracks prior to the attacks. Through the DNR’s wolf depredation program, the owner of the Bluetick is eligible for $2,500, and the Walker hound can receive funds to cover all vet bills that may result. There are 1,000 wolves in WI, with Bayfield county having the highest density. Last year, 28 dogs were killed and 7 injured by wolves. Criminy cripes!

Blue cranes foster sandhill crane

The International Crane Foundation in Baraboo is trying out some pretty interesting tactics to conserve cranes. Two blue cranes, Periwinkle and Harold, are raising a sandhill crane named Calypso. But it’s not on behalf of the sandhill crane—this wonky cross-fostering initiative is to teach parenting skills to Periwinkle and Harold, who are having fertility issues. Blue cranes are considered a vulnerable species, with just 30,000 left in the wild. Calypso is learning how to swim, forage, and defend against predators from her foster parents. Although Calypso is learning blue crane vocalization and behaviors, she is also learning from an adult sandhill crane.

Forecasting wildfire smoke better

Though the risk of wildfire up nort’ is low this year due to a very rainy June, wildfire smoke from Canada and the west are still negatively impacting the Midwest. Last summer, we saw some of the worst air quality on record due to wildfires elsewhere. Meteorologists are studying how to better forecast where and when those wildfire smoke particles, which pose a health risk, will come floating into our neck of the woods. The continued research also includes prescribed burns, in which debris/fuel is strategically burned at specific times to lessen the smoke impact during actual wildfires. Another aspect of this research is better communication efforts to let citizens know when air conditions are unsafe.

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

Want to sponsor the Wiscampsin Weekly?

Reply “Sponsor” and we will get back to you with the details!

Wiscampsin Weekly Poll

Would you look at that! The most votes in last week's poll for the number of paddling trips you’ve been on was 14+ trips, with 22% of the vote! We hope to see you out on the Great Pinery Heritage Trail 🛶

Meme of the Week 😂

A review from the trail… Just doing our job!