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Wisconsin DNR releases ruffed grouse WNV numbers – but is there some good news here, too?

MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin DNR has received the 2019 test results from the second year of the ruffed grouse West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance project.

Results from the blood samples collected from harvested ruffed grouse in 2019 indicate that 20% of the Wisconsin submitted samples had antibodies consistent with WNV exposure. Of these samples, 9% showed confirmed WNV and 11% showed likely exposure. None of the 188 samples had evidence of the virus present in their hearts.

“These findings indicate that while ruffed grouse are being exposed to WNV, there are birds that are surviving and clearing the virus from their bodies,” said Alaina Gerrits, Wisconsin DNR Assistant Upland Game Ecologist.

This collaborative multi-year study aims to provide biologists with more information about WNV exposure and infection in ruffed grouse in the western Great Lakes region. Ruffed grouse harvested in Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin during the 2019 hunting season were sent to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study in Athens, Georgia, to be analyzed.

In Michigan, West Nile virus exposure from 2019 samples was detected in 8% of the 247 ruffed grouse blood samples with exposure to the virus either confirmed (7% or 3%) or likely (13% or 6%). Viral genetic material was found in one heart sample.

In Minnesota, exposure was detected in 12% of the 317 blood samples submitted. Exposure to the virus either confirmed (3% or 1%) or likely (36% or 11%). Viral genetic material was not found in any of the Minnesota heart samples.

Hunter-submitted samples underwent two types of testing to help determine if the birds were exposed to WNV. First, a test to look for traces of viral genetic material in heart tissue. And second, a blood test to determine if the grouse had developed an immune response from exposure to the virus. Similar to humans, ruffed grouse can develop antibodies as an immune response to viruses they encounter. When the body fights off WNV, these antibodies can be found in the blood.

In fall 2019, Wisconsin hunters assisted in the collection and submission of 188 of the 752 samples submitted by the three participating states. Hunters who submitted samples and provided contact information will be provided test results via email as soon as possible regardless of whether results were negative or positive.

In 2018, 29% of the 235 samples submitted had antibodies to WNV either confirmed or likely, and two had evidence of the virus present in their hearts. Both of these birds had also developed antibodies to the virus and the results do not directly indicate these two birds were sick at the time of harvest.

The study may help identify future research needs in Wisconsin, such as a potential survival study to investigate sources of mortality, with WNV being one of many stressors examined.

Mosquitos spread WNV and its effects on birds can vary. Signs can range from no clinical disease or illness to heart lesions and inflammation of the brain, the lining of the brain and of the spinal cord. Many factors can influence how severely the virus affects an individual bird. There is no evidence that it can be spread by handling dead birds or by consuming properly cooked game.

West Nile Virus was first detected in Wisconsin in 2002 and identified in the state’s ruffed grouse population in 2018. Although no ruffed grouse were submitted for testing prior to 2018, it is likely that they had been previously exposed to the virus.

For fall 2020, the DNR is relying on hunters who currently possess unused sampling kits from previous years to fill them and send them in for processing. The DNR will not be distributing any new kits this fall due to COVID-19 operational changes. Hunters who have an unused kit and are not able to fill it are encouraged to consider giving it to a friend who can.

Categories: Hunting News
Tags: Ruffed grouse, West Nile virus, Wisconsin DNR

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

TRAVEL | Alternative Family Holidays – The Best Post-Lockdown Staycations Right Here In The UK



Summer holiday cancelled due to Coronavirus flight and travel restrictions? Read on to find out what staycation options are available and how to choose the perfect family holiday here in the UK.

Bedruthan Steps Beach Cornwall
The stunning Bedruthan Steps beach in Cornwall

Whilst lockdown rules might gradually be easing up now, for those who’ve cancelled holidays overseas or were planning on taking their usual summer family holiday abroad, it’s unlikely that air travel will be back to normal any time soon.

More Brits expected to book staycations this year

More people than ever are likely to be looking for stay at home, or ‘staycation’ holidays this year, but if you’ve never considered the UK as a holiday destination before, what are your options?

Haven Holidays

A UK holiday might conjure up images of a drab Butlins style holiday camp, but the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Of course for those that want them, the good old fashioned holiday camps are still providing great value for money family breaks that kids will love, but there are plenty of other staycation holiday options to now choose from.

Choosing the right UK holiday

The trick is in not trying to replicate your usual family holiday, so you’ll need to come up with a new set of criteria and have a think about new places to explore (Wild Guide books are amazing and full of inspiring ideas) and new activities to do that aren’t quite as reliant on a 14-day streak of blazing sunshine and no rain!

Twitchen House Devon
Twitchen House Holiday Park in Devon, close to one of the best beaches in the UK

Need some UK holiday inspiration? Browse our family & glamping holiday reviews


Staycations come in many forms and glamping is perhaps the most popular form of staycation right now. The term glamping, however, is often a bit of a misnomer.

“Glam camping” has evolved to mean pretty much any self-catering accommodation, and whilst traditionally glamping referred to a no-frills camping-like experience in a basic shed-like hut or pre-erected bell tent, glamping options now include enormous luxury treehouses complete with hot tubs, glam log cabins that wouldn’t look out of place in the Alps and a huge array of other accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes.

Best of Exmoor holidays

Glamping can cost anything from £40 a night for something basic up to £350 per night for luxury safari tents with en suite, hot tub and lots of incredible extras. You’ll find 10 of the best UK glamping stays here.

But if glamping really isn’t for you and you want to do something a bit more imaginative (and easier on the wallet) than Center Parcs, we’ve laid out many other UK holiday options available to you below. Before you book anything, check out cancellation options and find out whether you’ll be able to move your booking should lockdown restrictions require you to postpone your UK holiday.

Round the Woods yurt glamping in Norfolk
Round the Woods yurt glamping in Norfolk

Post-Lockdown UK Holiday Options

Self-catering lodges, villas and cottages

Angelsey Hoseason Lodge

  • Under The Thatch
  • Sykes Cottages
  • Farm Stay
  • Hoseasons
  • Air B&B

Whether you want something private and secluded or you want lots of action and things to do for the kids, self-catering accommodation provides a lot of flexibility for families.

Our favourite self-catering accommodation providers include Hoseasons, who have varied accommodation options that might surprise you, Under The Thatch for quirky and beautiful holiday properties in some amazing locations and of course, good old Air B&B.

Pure Leisure holidays

Glamping and quirky self-catering stays

The Red Kite Yurt at Cledan Valley Glamping

  • Wigwam holidays
  • Ready Camp
  • Forest Holiday
  • Glampsites
  • Canopy & Stars

Getting your glamping holiday right means choosing the location and style of accommodation that’s right for you. From back to basics, off-grid glamping in a yurt through to ultra-high-end safari tents, cabins and lodges, there’s a vast range of glamping holiday options available.

Wigwam holidays have locations all over the UK and offer excellent value for money for small families, Ready Camp from the Camping and Caravanning Club makes another great option for families, but if you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, take a look at Forest Holidays, who have some stunning accommodation options, or try searching on Glampsites or Canopy & Stars.

Holiday parks

Heligan Woods Caravan & Camping, Cornwall
  • Darwin Escapes
  • Haven Holidays
  • Park Holidays
  • Boundless Breaks
  • Park Dean Resorts
  • Whitemead Forest Park
  • Pure Leisure

Holiday parks have come a long way in the last decade or so, and there are now holiday parks to suit all tastes and budgets. From bargain basement caravan parks to luxurious 5-star lodges and apartments, holiday parks can provide an excellent choice for families and whilst most will automatically think of Center Parcs, there are loads of alternatives that offer a similar experience, but much better value for money!

Haven Holidays

Haven Holidays, holiday parks throughout the UK

Pure Leisure have a selection of parks that offer a great selection of holiday accommodation choices, whilst Haven Holidays have holiday park and accommodation options all over the UK. Boundless Breaks provide a vast selection of options too, including Whitemead Forest Park.

Darwin Escapes have holiday parks all over the UK including some in truly stunning coastal locations, whilst Park Holidays have 15 locations to choose from with some beautiful lodge accommodation options.

Family adventure breaks

Acorn adventures review
  • Acorn Adventure Holidays
  • Adventure Tours UK
  • Preseli Venture Holidays

If it’s something a bit different you’re looking for an don’t want to arrange activities yourself, a family adventure break could be the ideal choice.

Companies like Acorn Adventure Holidays provide great value holidays in the UK that are action-packed and will give you the chance to try various activities like kayaking and climbing. Adventure Tours UK provides a range of different options for those seeking something active, whilst Preseli Venture Holidays provide active family holidays in a fully catered 5-star eco-lodge in Wales.

Alton Towers

Where to next?

  • 10 Of The Hottest Glamping Sites In The UK
  • Here’s What You Should Pack For A Glamping Trip – Your Complete Glamping Packing List
  • Chilling Out In Luxury at Wigwam® Holidays Brecon, Wales – Review
  • A Chilled Out Weekend of Luxury Glamping at Coniston Park Coppice in Cumbria

[Read More …]

Be sure to visit UnexploredPodcast.com and connect with us on social below.

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

Acknowledge what is here in Wisconsin and help maintain those natural resources and opportunities 


Wisconsin is known as a destination location to gather numerous wild things, whether it be flora or fauna.  Sometimes so designated by ranking; other times simply by numbers and enthusiasm with which people come here to spear lake sturgeon, shoot deer, flush ruffed grouse, train dogs, view prairie chickens and enjoy the autumn scenery.

All too often some take these resources for granted; or worse, believe it to be theirs alone.

But there’s more to do than admire and walk away. We must inform the biologists and politicians that we mostly like what we have. Thank them, too, or offer suggestions for minor changes.

Keep in mind, too, that seasons, bag limits and possession limits are set using scientific data, as well as social and tourist data, with science usually being front and center, carrying most weight.

We appreciate other states making accommodations for nonresidents and those guys should appreciate Wisconsin doing the same.

Because we lead or share the lead in the nation in many outdoors recreation categories, it is important to not short-change funding and protection for Wisconsin’s outdoors.

Let’s keep Wisconsin Wisconsin.

Categories: Wisconsin – Jerry Davis
Tags: Jerry Davis, Wisconsin Outdoor News

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Camping Tips, Tricks and Adventures

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