Manitowoc Gun Club, just south of Manitowoc at 3112 Clover Road, will hold its Shoot for Vets event Sept. 15. The 50-target, Lewis Class event will run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The first 25 targets will be shot from the 16-yard line and the second 25 will be handicapped, minimum from the 23-yard line.

Food and refreshments will be served throughout the day.

Proceeds benefit Manitowoc County Veterans Council.

Call Tom Schulz at 920-973-4905 for more details.

Latest duck numbers good news for waterfowl hunters

Duck numbers are up and wetland habitat conditions have improved over important portions of the key prairie pothole region.

The breeding population of ducks was estimated at 33.99 million, a 5% increase over last year, according to the 2024 Waterfowl Population Status report released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In addition, May pond counts, a key indicator of breeding habitat conditions and potential production, also increased by 4% over the previous spring.

The report details the results from the Waterfowl Breeding Population and Habitat Survey, which has been conducted annually by the USFWS and Canadian Wildlife Service since 1955.

The survey is used to set hunting regulations for the following year, so in this case, for the 2025-26 season. Based on these results, waterfowl hunters will again enjoy a liberal season framework next season.

Read last week’s column:Fishing accessibility gets boost with new facility, and more in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report

Pheasants Forever’s Youth Pheasant Hunt is Sept. 21

Sheboygan-Manitowoc Pheasants Forever Chapter 590 is sponsoring a Youth Pheasant Hunt starting at 7 a.m. Sept. 21.

The youth hunt is open to the public, ages 12 to 17 years old, who have completed a Wisconsin hunter safety education course.

Call Todd at Thunderbird Game Farm at 920-378-7337 to register. Hunters will be paired with a mentor and dog handler. A lunch of hot dogs and chips will be served.

Manitowoc mayor to speak at next Fish and Game meeting

Manitowoc Unit of Fish and Game’s next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Sept. 11 at Lincoln Park Cabin No. 1. Members and the community are always welcome.

The speaker will be Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels, who will update the group on progress in the city and especially in Lincoln Park, the club’s home for more than 50 years. Time for questions and discussion will be included.

The unit reminds the community memberships for the 2024 term are now available and dues are still only $5 annually.

The club is also announcing Oct. 18 will be its Fish & Game Family Fish Fry event, again being held at 7 Lakes Golf and Dining. This is the club’s only fundraiser, and I’ll have more on it in coming weeks.

‘Ferns and Clubmosses 101’ set at Woodland Dunes Sept. 17

Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve in Two Rivers will present “Ferns and Clubmosses 101” from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 17. Sliding-scale suggested donation is $1 to $10 per person.

Join Dr. Keir Wefferling, curator of the Gary A. Fewless Herbarium at the Cofrin Center for Biodiversity and an assistant professor of biology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, for this introductory class on ferns and clubmosses.

Participants will learn about the lifecycles of ferns and clubmosses. Preconceptions about these plants will also be addressed. Then, participants will go for a walk in the preserve and identify several species of ferns and lycophytes.

Registration is required by Sept. 13. Space is limited. To register, email Jess at jessicaj@woodlanddunes.org or call 920-793-4007.

DNR reminds ATV/UTV enthusiasts to recreate responsibly

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources urges ATV/UTV enthusiasts to always recreate responsibly when hitting the trails. That means staying on designated routes, wearing a helmet and seat belt, and keeping their speed in check.

So far this year, 22 people have been killed in ATV/UTV crashes. Most of them were not wearing seat belts or helmets, and alcohol and speed were also noted as contributing factors in many incidents.

DNR conservation wardens and county sheriff’s deputies noted that during this year’s Think Smart Before You Start campaign, which was Aug. 2-4, many individuals were observed not using proper safety equipment.

Anyone younger than 18 is required by law to wear a helmet on an ATV or UTV, whether they’re driving the machine or riding as a passenger. All passengers, regardless of age, must wear a seatbelt when riding in a UTV.

S.S. Badger:SS Badger Lake Michigan Carferry is in the home stretch of its 2024 season. Here’s what to expect between now and Oct. 6.

Reedsville club’s Youth Trap Steak Fry is Sept. 14

Reedsville Sportsman Club will hold its Youth Trap Steak Fry Sept. 14. Serving will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost is $30 per person and includes a 16-ounce ribeye steak or chicken breast, baked potato, salad bar and dessert.

Order tickets early as only prepaid tickets will be guaranteed a steak. Proceeds will be used for the club’s youth activities.

For more information or to order tickets, contact Gerald Fischer at 920-901-3907.

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