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Read Today's Paper Sunday, May 28
Sam Cook

Sam Cook

Columnist

Sam Cook is a freelance writer for the News Tribune. Reach him at cooksam48@gmail.com or find his Facebook page at facebook.com/sam.cook.5249.

News
Deer-wolf population dynamics offer fodder for debate in Minnesota
Last fall, a Bemidji-area deer hunter's video was widely circulated on Facebook among Minnesota hunters. In the video, it appeared that about a dozen gray wolves emerged from the right side of the screen, one or two at a time, and made their way ...
April 15, 2018 07:52 AM
 · 
By  Sam Cook
Pheasant hunters move through a grassland in Lac qui Parle County on Oct. 14, 2017, the opening day of Minnesota's pheasant season. Sam Cook / Forum News Service
Sports
Pheasant opener proved predictably tough
DULUTH - How tough was Minnesota pheasant hunting for last weekend's season opener? Here's a sampling of reports.From a Marshall-area hunter: Total bust. Six hunters, six dogs, two days, one bird. Private land.From a Madison-area hunter: Four hun...
October 22, 2017 05:30 AM
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By  Sam Cook
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Sports
Farm Bill's CRP provisions will have impact on pheasants, ducks
As pheasant and duck hunters prepare for their upcoming seasons, they'll do so knowing that their success depends in part on policies hashed out in the nation's capital.Specifically, the federal Farm Bill's conservation provisions have a direct c...
September 02, 2017 11:03 PM
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By  Sam Cook
A group of pheasant hunters pauses to water their dogs during a western Minnesota pheasant hunt. Minnesota hunter numbers were down last year compared to 2015. (Forum News Service file photo)
Sports
Most Minnesota small-game hunter numbers fall again
DULUTH - The number of Minnesota small-game hunters dropped last fall compared to 2015, continuing a steady trend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reported this past week.According to the agency's annual survey of small-game hunters...
August 13, 2017 05:00 AM
 · 
By  Sam Cook
Alaskan Hardgear Trigger Mitts
Sports
A holiday gift guide for those who love the outdoors
DULUTH - With this crazy warm weather lately, Santa isn't sure his reindeer will be up to the task. So, he has his faithful Labradeer retrievers on standby in case he needs their help to deliver the goods. And, once again, retailers from across t...
December 04, 2016 12:48 PM
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By  Sam Cook
Fisheries technician Dave Beron feeds young Kamloops rainbow trout at the French River Hatchery near Duluth on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016. Steve Kuchera / skuchera@duluthnews.com
Sports
MN announces plans to close hatchery used to raise trout, salmon
DULUTH - The French River Hatchery, which has raised trout and salmon on the North Shore since 1976, will be closed soon, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday, Nov. 10.The hatchery is in need of about $8 million in rep...
November 10, 2016 04:04 PM
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By  Sam Cook
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Sports
National grouse gathering puts hunters in prime habitat
Now, with early morning sunlight filtering softly through adolescent aspen, the two hunters had parked their stylin' steed. They were busting brush behind Sierra, one of Dave "Swede" Johnson's Gordon setters. More than 50 local and regional guide...
October 23, 2016 05:02 AM
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By  Sam Cook
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News
Out of the classroom, into the field
GORDON, Wis. - Thirteen-year-old Connor Pennings advanced cautiously through the head-high alders and hazel brush, his 20-gauge shotgun at the ready. He knew that at any moment, a ruffed grouse might roar from the cover, or that a woodcock would ...
October 16, 2016 05:04 AM
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By  Sam Cook