This mild winter has so far been good on the pocketbook as far as the heating bill goes. However, if you are an outdoorsman, it is cutting into the fun of the winter season.

As I am writing this column Dec. 31, we are having some light snowfall, but who knows if it will be enough for tracking. The fox and coyote hunters rely on the snow to let them know if a canine has moved through a section.

In our area, snowmobilers haven’t had a very good winter in several years for any sustained snowmobile riding.

Checking the lakes is another story. Ice fishermen are patiently waiting for the ice cover to come so they can get some hardwater fishing in. Even in northern Minnesota, the lakes have had some ice, but not good ice. On Upper Red Lake, Minnesota responders had to rescue 122 people when a large chunk of ice broke free and floated away.

When the ice finally forms in our area, make sure you never go out alone. Take a friend so you can help each other should one of you get into a dangerous situation.

Last week’s column:Get ready for sturgeon spearing season, and more news in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report

Scoping the Great Outdoors: Read on for more outdoors news from throughout Manitowoc County and beyond.

Woodland Dunes marks 50 years in 2024

Starting in January, Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve, 3000 Hawthorne Ave. in Two Rivers, is celebrating 50 years of successful conservation and environmental education — from recycling drives to purchase its first 40 acres, to currently caring for 1,500 acres of some of the most precious habitat in the state of Wisconsin.

Woodland Dunes is one of the best birding spots along the lakeshore, and home to federally endangered and state-threatened species.

Bernie Brouchoud, a federally licensed bird bander, started it all. In 1965, he began catching and banding birds on what is now Woodland Dunes’ property. It wasn’t long before Brouchoud and a small group of junior high students were making regular visits to the area.

Aware of the value of this land as a bird migration stopover and nesting area, a banding research station was established. In 1974, plans were made to preserve approximately 1,200 acres — and a goal of erecting a nature center in the future.

In the same year, the first land purchase of 40 acres was made and trails were added as funds permitted, as well as programs for school children.

In 2004, Jim Knickelbine took over as director and retired after 19 years in the role at the end of December. Beginning in January, Sue Crowley is now leading the organization.

Today, Woodland Dunes manages more than 1,500 acres and is home to more than 400 species of plants, 200 species of both resident and migratory birds, and 40 species of mammals.

More than 15,000 visitors attend Woodland Dunes’ programs and explore its trails yearly. This year, it will hit the number 170,000 — the number of children served through its environmental education programs since the beginning.

Watch for exciting anniversary events and plans throughout the year, such as the 50 Hikes for 50 Years program, special displays in the nature center, and special historical articles from the center’s archives.

Reedsville club’s Rabbit Hunt set for Jan. 13

Reedsville Sportsmen’s Club will hold its 20th annual Rabbit Hunt Jan. 13.

Register to hunt at the clubhouse between 5 and 9 p.m. Jan. 12. Entry fee is $20 per two-man team. Food and refreshments will be available.

Proceeds will be used for the club’s youth trap program. Questions can be directed to Gerald Fischer at 920-901-3907.

Reedsville Sportsmen’s Club is 2 miles north of Reedsville on Pleasantview Road.

Maribel club’s indoor archery league kicks off Jan. 10

Maribel Sportsman’s Club will start its indoor archery league Jan. 10.

Shooting will be from 6 to 9 p.m. each week. This is a fun league where you shoot against your own score.

Contact Rodney Gove at 920-901-2654 if you have any questions.

Don’t miss ‘Raising a Wild Child’ at Woodland Dunes

Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve is offering a program called “Raising a Wild Child” with Jan. 11 featuring deer. Session 1 will be 9-10:15 a.m. and Session 2 will be 10:45 a.m.-noon. Members are $2 per child and non-members $3 per child.

Experience the wonders of nature with your 2- to 5-year-old through nature hikes, play and guided activities. Help your child notice the natural world and ignite their curiosity.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. Dress for the weather, as the majority of the program takes place outdoors.

Registration required by the Monday before each session. Space is limited. To register, email Jess at jessicaj@woodlanddunes.org or call 920-793-4007.

Indoor archery league begins Jan. 9 at Reedsville Sportsmen’s Club

Reedsville Sportsmen’s Club’s indoor archery league will start with open shooting Jan. 9 and 11, both from 6 to 9 p.m.

The league will then start Jan. 16 and 18, also from 6 to 9 p.m.

Contact Jeff Schneider at 920-323-2854 with any questions.

More Bob Schuh:Click here for more ‘Scoping the Great Outdoors’ columns

Fish & Game to meet Jan. 10

The Manitowoc Unit of Fish & Game‘s January meeting will be Jan. 10. The meeting is set to return to Lincoln Park Cabin No. 1. Meetings begin at 7 p.m. and are open to members and the public. There is generally a speaker and short business meeting. Lunch and refreshments are offered.

The January guest speaker will be conservation warden Joshua Wiedenhoeft. He is the new warden for Manitowoc County and will update the group on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ plans and enforcement issues in the area. There will be discussion of the past deer season as well, plus a chance to ask questions.

That’s it for this week, so have fun in the great outdoors.