WILD OF THE WEEK

Ron Wozny

emailed last Friday about swallowtail caterpillars living in his parsley for three days already. It’s that time of year.

WILD TIMES HUNTER SAFETY

Sept. 30 and Oct. 2: Chicago Heights, ducks56@comcast.net.

Oct. 2-3: Elburn, phil-joanne@juno.com. . . . Momence, (815) 472-4900.

FISH GATHERINGS

Wed: Steve Jonesi, ‘‘Tactics & Techniques for early season opportunities,” Fox River Valley chapter of Muskies Inc., 7 p.m. Schaumburg Golf Club, frvmuskie.com. Wed: Ben Garvens, “Artificial Bait Strategies for Geneva’s Deep Structure,” Lake Geneva Fishing Club, 6 p.m., Poplar Creek Bowl, Hoffman Estates, lakegenevafishingclub.com.

ILLINOIS SEASONS

Next Sat: Hunting for teal, rail (Sora and Virginia only) and snipe (Wilson’s) opens.

DALE’S MAILBAG

“I noticed that the loach wasn’t identified by the folks profiled in the [Aug. 25 Sun-Times]. I wanted to let you know that that loach is an Oriental weatherfish (Misgurnus anguillicaudatus). I did master’s research at Loyola on this species. They’re not commonly caught and most people don’t know they’re in the river or even exist. So it’s pretty cool that the angler was able to catch it.” — John Belcik A: I appreciate my readers.

BIG NUMBER

50

Age that Woodsy Owl’s famous line, “Give a Hoot, Don’t Pollute,” turns Sept. 15.

THE LAST WORD

“Pockets of good production exist, although 2021 wild rice production is generally poor across much of northern Wisconsin. Harvesters can find opportunities by scouting online and on the ground.” — Jason Fleener, Wisconsin DNR Wetland Habitat Specialist, noting modern scouting techniques for a timeless pursuit