By Scott Richardson TOWER, Minn. - Steve Pallo, the head of the fisheries division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, can give chapter and verse for some of the best spots for muskie on Illinois lakes. But outside the state, he relies on a little help from friends.

By Sam Cook, Duluth News-Tribune, Minn. Jun. 8--Wisconsin's ruffed grouse drumming counts increased 7 percent statewide from 2007 to 2008. The counts were up12 percent in the northern region. Most regions had mixed results, with some survey routes up, some down and some unchanged from last year.

By Brad Dokken, Grand Forks Herald, N.D. Jun. 1--Steve Foss, a Grand Forks native and former Herald staffer, has written a book on Lake Vermilion in northeastern Minnesota. "Lake Vermilion: A multi-species fishing guide to northern Minnesota's crown jewel," was released in May.

By John Myers, Duluth News-Tribune, Minn. May 20--A proposed state park on Lake Vermilion got last-minute approval from the 2008 Minnesota Legislature thanks to a deal that will see local governments receive double the usual payments from the state.

ON LAKE VERMILION, Minn. _ Fishing guide Dave Schaeffer tossed a chartreuse and pink jig into the water of Lake Vermilion early Saturday morning on Minnesota's fishing opener. He liked the feel of his first cast of the season.