Mid April most often gives us a chance to take inventory of our time, take a deep breath of spring air, soak up some long-awaited sunshine, and back off a bit.

Winter sports are long-gone now; summer activities lie ahead. April is time for yard work, fishing preparations, turkey hunting. But mostly to slow down and relax.

Last year we had ice on lakes and the lingering weight of winter lay heavy. Now, a warm week past, lake water warming up, and budding trees. Things are as normal.

Normal in April brings turkey hunting to the fore, that short, intense time in the woods. We had mixed reports from the Youth Hunt last weekend, but then, discussing turkeys, most reports are mixed; they are not an easy bird to take. We are now into the main season and overall bird numbers are decent. Early season toms are best hunted over decoys and that will be the most successful tactic hunters will employ.

Fishing is in a transition stage now. Open water angling on the Wisconsin River below Tomahawk is an option and as water warms can be very good. Panfish on inland lakes is the same and with warming water we expect some decent fishing. But the main push will come in a few weeks and most anglers now are doing yard work now, even as they prep the boat and spool fresh line.

Silent sports enthusiasts are one the road with bicycles, checking out backroads on gravel-specific bikes, dusting off canoes and kayaks for afternoons on the water. Bird watchers are into a great time with migrating birds moving through in good numbers. 

And while ticks are out and in good numbers we’ve not seen any biting insects yet and that makes time outdoors even more enjoyable.

The Outdoor Report is provided by the staff of Mel’s Trading Post in downtown Rhinelander.