Notes come from around Chicago outdoors and beyond.
WILD OF THE WEEK
The balminess on Monday was perfect for Paul Vriend, who emailed Tuesday, "There's always one day in December when winter retreats, temperatures raise well above freezing, and insects return to the surface of the earth to poke their heads out. This is the type of day when I go to look for American kestrels in Rosehill Cemetery hitting prey on the ground. During this feeding frenzy, the birds really don't care if I'm around, and they strike repeatedly knowing they need to bulk up for winter. This kestrel was squawking about missing its catch on the ground."
This was all new to me.
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 Sunday. To make submissions, email BowmanOutside@gmail.com or contact me on Facebook (Dale Bowman), Twitter (@BowmanOutside), Instagram (@BowmanOutside). or Bluesky (@Bowmanoutside).
WILD TIMES
HUNTER SAFETY
Jan. 8-9: Morris, Earl at (815) 693-8344 or Efatlan@icloud.com
SHOWTIME
Sunday, Dec. 15: Final day, Wisconsin Ice Fishing Expo, EAA Grounds, Oshkosh, Wis., icefishexpo.com
The master list of outdoors shows, classes, swap meets and major ice fishing events is at https://chicago.suntimes.com/outdoors/2024/11/28/outdoors-shows-master-list-for-2025-around-chicago-and-beyond
FISH GATHERINGS
Wednesday, Dec. 18: Wisconsin guide Colin Schlicht on Wisconsin River, Pewaukee and Okauchee lakes, Fox River Valley chapter of Muskies, Inc., Schaumburg Golf Club, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 18: Christmas party, full meal, raffles, $20, South Side Muskie Hawks, Village Sportsmen's Club, Alsip, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 18 (note date change because of Christmas): Violetta Talley, "Deep Water Bass Fishing Tactics and an Introduction to Forward Facing Sonar," Walleyes Unlimited, Gurnee American Legion, 6 p.m.
ILLINOIS PERMITS/SEASONS
Sunday, Dec. 15: Muzzleloader deer season ends
Tuesday, Dec. 17: Duck season, north zone, ends
