It doesn’t matter if you own lake front property, river front property or wooded acreage, winter is special. There’s nightly lake effect snow thanks to Lake Superior. You can hear the snowmobilers making their way through the forest on trails groomed for a gentle ride. You can hear the muffled exhaust as they recede into the forest in search of the perfect ride. You wonder what the windchill is, the ambient temperature is far below zero. But, with the fireplace crackling…who cares. You’ve got to get through the Sunday paper and there are plans to make – winter projects to complete – and ice fishing to do.

You’re half way between Ski Brule and Indian Head, which should it be? Or, would your time be better spent peering into an 8” hole… hoping for the big one. How about that promised wolf howling? Have you ever seen a wolf print in the snow? Have you ever heard the howl as the pack locate each other? Have you seen the coyote and fox in their winter finest? They certainly appear better dressed than any other time of the year. Or, maybe you should go for that long snowmobile ride; the slow, quiet ride that meanders through the Nicolet or Ottawa Forest.

For insight into the best properties in Wisconsin or the Upper Peninsula of Michigan please visit www.tomfergusonnaterra.com. Whether it’s lakefront, river frontage or wooded acreage, I can help you live the dream.

Tom Ferguson

Ice fishing provides an excellent way to spend some quality time with family members. I love teaching my granddaughter the wonders of the north. It’s simple, use an auger and drill a hole in the ice, set up a tip-up with a minnow or use a jigging rod. Kids love to see the flag pop up or feel the tug on the line. Ice fishing is just as much fun as fishing off the dock or out of a boat – it’s just that you’re standing on the water! And, you’d be amazed at how long a kid can peer down an 8” hole looking for perch. I’ve included a photo of Rachel, age 2, and myself doing a little ice fishing in late December 2005. While Rachel has yet to bag her first perch or walleye, she knows that she likes “fishies”. Whether we catch fish or not, I enjoy being on the ice with Rachel and sharing time together.

It has certainly been a good investment. Who would have thought that buying a Northwoods property could provide this much opportunity; Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter. You’re living the dream on the lake, in the woods, by the river or stream. This is the life…spending all the seasons in the Northwoods.