Chicago outdoors: Hen of the Woods, AI & mushrooms, lakefront pike thoughts
Notes come from around Chicago outdoors and beyond.
MUSHROOM OF THE WEEK
Paul Strand texted Tuesday, "Want one?" with a photo of two big hen of the woods, also known as maitake. I immediately drove to pick one up. It's been a tough fall for wild mushrooms with the extended heat and dryness.
MOTW, the celebration of mushrooms around Chicago outdoors, runs as apt 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)..
DALE'S MAILBAG
"The pike fishery [on the Chicago lakefront] is still in its infancy. It should be catch and release for now or a 40-inch minimum." Scott Johnson
A: There was reaction to the Fish of the Week, a northern pike caught on the lakefront and on a stringer. I understand Johnson's thought, but I've also heard that for nearly 30 years now and the fishery for pike keeps improving. I don't think the numbers and science would back changing the regulations. But I would understand changing the regulations to a 36- or 40-inch minimum for the lakefront, which would allow someone to keep a true trophy or state record pike. The 21-inch minimum on black bass on the lakefront has worked for more than 20 years.
LAST WORD
"Mushrooms and robots don't mix."
Patrick Bales, The Mushroom Man of Peotone, on using AI to help with mushroom ID, during a "Mushroom Foraging" presentation at the Crete Public Library District in early September
WILD TIMES
ILLINOIS SEASONS
Saturday, Oct. 26: Duck season, central zone, opens
Saturday, Oct. 26, to Nov. 3: Canada goose season, central zone, first part
Next Sunday, Oct. 27: Fall shotgun turkey season ends
AWARDS
Oct. 31: Deadline for nominations for the Illinois Conservation Foundation's new Outdoor Excellence Awards--Outdoor Writer/Author of he Year, Outdoor Volunteer Organization of the Year, Outdoor Business/Business Owner of the Year, Outdoor Influncer of the Year. Nominations may be submitted online or call (217) 785-2003 for more information.
WINGSHOOTING
Nov. 9: Youth clinic & youth pheasant hunt, Iroquois SWA, Beaverville, (815) 933-1383