MANITOWOC – This fall has been something else with this warm weather.

As I am writing this column Oct. 20, temperatures are predicted to be in the upper 70s, and in some areas, in the low 80s.

I do like the warm temps, but how often do we ever get so many days in mid to late October where shirt sleeves are plenty warm?

Many migratory birds left our area a while ago while others are staging to head south.

As we were driving around the other day, Mary was telling me of the large flocks of sandhill cranes in the fields. Some even had 50 or more cranes in them.

The warm temps have also wakened the insects, both in the woods and in our yard.

A good percentage of the crops have been harvested, making it very easy for wildlife to find a quick meal.

Read last week’s column:8 bucks, 15 doe scored in Challenge the Outdoors hunt, and more in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report

Stay safe on the highway with deer in rut

Drivers need to be alert this time of year as deer are in rut.

Those big bucks, which are very seldom seen, drop their guard while they are chasing hot does.

Peak time is near dusk or dawn, but when does are hot, they can be chasing any time of the day.

A crash with a deer can be very costly and have your vehicle laid up for weeks before it can be fixed.

Reducing your speed and being super alert during the rut will go a long way in keeping you safe on the highway.

Winners named in smoked fish contests

Northeastern Wisconsin Great Lakes Sport Fishermen hosted its annual Smoked Fish and Smoked Fish Spread contests Oct. 17.

Four entries were made in the Smoked Fish Contest. Top winners were Bruce Meissner in first and third places, and Andy Lindsay in second place.

Only two entries were made in the Smoked Fish Spread Contest and the winners were Terry Meissner in first place and Bob Lutze in second place.

Each winner received a plaque and a small cash prize.

Maribel club’s gun sight-in days are Nov. 2-3, Nov. 9-10

Maribel Sportsman’s Club will hold its gun sight-in days Nov. 2 and 3 and then again Nov. 9 and 10.

The range will be open to sight-in your deer rifles from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day. Cost is $5 per gun and includes the target and help with the sight-in process.

Maribel Sportsman’s Club is next to Interstate 43, exit 164, State 147, Maribel.

Kettle Range Snow Riders’ fish fry is Nov. 1

Kettle Range Snow Riders will hold its fish fry Nov. 1 at the Mishicot VFW, 314 W. Main St., Mishicot.

Serving will be from 4:30 to 8 p.m. Carry outs are also available by calling 920-323-6950.

Woodland Dunes’ Fall Star Party is Nov. 2, Backyard Bird Feeding Nov. 7

Woodland Dunes Nature Center and Preserve, 3000 Hawthorne Ave., Two Rivers, will present a Fall Star Party starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 2.

View night sky constellations — along with the moon and other celestial objects — through the big telescope in the Sky Shed with astronomers Al and Ben. You can even take your own telescope if you need help figuring out how to set it up.

The event will be weather and sky conditions permitting. It takes place outside the Nature Center. Registration is required by the Thursday before the event by emailing Jess at [email protected] or calling 920-793-4007.

At 6 p.m. Nov. 7, Woodland Dunes will present Backyard Bird Feeding. A sliding-scale suggested donation of $1-$10 is requested. Join an interactive presentation about feeding backyard birds with Whitney, owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Green Bay and certified bird-feeding specialist. Examine seed blend samples and a variety of feeders and learn about other ways to provide habitat for birds in your back yard. Bird feeders will be available for purchase. Registration is appreciated by Nov. 5.

Best chicken in Manitowoc?Readers share their favorite spots for chicken in Manitowoc County. Is yours on the list?

Maribel club elects officers

During the October meeting of the Maribel Sportsman’s Club, election of officers was held.

President will be Scott Paquette, vice president Rodney Gove, secretary Nel Spangler and treasurer Sue Siebert.

The rest of the directors include Lynn Robinson, Carl Bonde, Jack Eisner, Tim Meyer and Joe Niec.

These officers and directors will start their terms in January 2025.

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