Chinook salmon fishing has turned on in a big way, just in time for the 35th annual Kewaunee/Door County Salmon Tournament.

Capt. Lee Haasch of Algoma said five of his heaviest “kings” on a recent trip combined to weigh more than 100 pounds, including two giants that totaled 51 pounds.

Just how big the top fish will be is anyone’s guess, but it very likely could take a 30-pound-plus bruiser to win the top prize of $10,000 cash, a mount by Scott Mansur’s Northland Taxidermy and Guide Service of Algoma, and a custom-made salmon ring by wisconsincharm.com.

There have been several fish in the low 30s rumored in recent weeks, and four of the past six winners were larger than 30 pounds. A 35.46 last year was the heaviest since 1999.

New this summer is more cash in the top 35 spots, and participants are hoping they’ll be able to get in on the more than $50,000 in prizes.

Official weigh-in locations are Algoma BP and Kewaunee Marina, with Lakeshore Lighthouse selling tickets and K/D merchandise.

Nicolet Bank is providing a special $500 bonus cash prize for the angler landing in the 35th spot, and Fishin’ Magicians Charters and Kinn’s Sport Fishing are again awarding guided trips.

You can check out photos and an updated leader board daily at facebook.com/kdsalmon2016.

Duck banding

How would you like to wake up before dawn, sit in a blind in the dark and get harassed by mosquitoes, then get pooped on by dozens of ducks?

The job is open and offers no pay, but those who’ve done it say you’ll never forget it.

Yes, it’s that time of year again, when DNR wildlife staff and volunteers head to Collins Marsh in Manitowoc County for annual duck banding efforts.

Up to 12 people can be in the blind at one time. You must be able to sit still and quietly for two to three hours, without access to a bathroom. Kids age 8 and up are welcome with parents. Tentative dates are July 27 and Aug. 3, 10, 17, 22, 24, 29 and 31.

Anyone interested can contact DNR wildlife technician Josh Jackl at (920) 832-2825, or [email protected]

Here’s more from Jackl:

“As always, we’ll have bug spray, coffee, and even a porta-potty for all you early risers. And we’ll plan on filling up the Silver Dollar Diner in Valders after each banding session to conclude the morning. New this year we hope to have a new video system up and running for the people at the shop to get the blind experience without actually sitting in it.”

Photo time

Two sites to check out some outstanding photos and vote for your favorites are Capture Wisconsin at capturewisconsin.com and Capture Door County at capturedoorcounty.com.

Additionally, more than 600 volunteers monitor more than 700 trail cameras in Snapshot Wisconsin. More than 12 million images have already been taken.

Counties involved in the DNR research project so far include Clark, Dane, Dodge, Grant, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Manitowoc, Marathon, Marinette, Oneida, Racine, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Vernon and Waupaca.

You can learn more and find a link to view photos at dnr.wi.gov/topic/research/projects/snapshot/.

Elk update

The northern Wisconsin elk herd is creeping closer to 200 after the release of more than 30 this year, and there are about 60 in central Wisconsin. Wolves and vehicle kills have taken some of the animals.

Twenty-eight elk trapped in Kentucky were brought up north this year, and several had calves. This followed two years of translocation efforts in Jackson County. The northern herd resides primarily in Sawyer County, and the animals there originated from 25 Michigan elk released in 1995.

Learn more about the project at dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/elk.html.

Kevin Naze is a freelance outdoors writer. He can be reached at wildtimesatwizunwired.net or (920) 883-9792.

This article originally appeared on Wisconsin: Trophy ‘kings’ providing adrenaline rush on lake