Your Wisconsin Outdoor Community

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report

Warbler migration is nearing peak in south and central Wisconsin after a big flight into the region on May 15: 28 species were reported in Milwaukee, 26 species at Bay Beach Sanctuary in Brown, 24 in Dunn, and similarly good numbers in Dane, Marathon, and elsewhere. The Northwoods saw only a trickle of new warblers until today, May 16, when the first really good influx occurred. Baltimore orioles, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and rose-breasted grosbeaks also arrived there last weekend. Veeries, Swainson's, and gray-cheeked thrushes are on the move statewide, while feeder watchers in the south are seeing good numbers of indigo buntings and a few scarlet and summer tanagers. Southern birders are also finding the first of the late migrants like great crested and olive-sided flycatchers, and common nighthawk. A few Harris's sparrows were found among white-crowned sparrows, especially in western Wisconsin. Shorebirds are on the move too, with the best reports coming from Horicon Marsh where dunlin, both yellowlegs, semipalmated and black-bellied plovers, ruddy turnstones, sanderlings, and least, semipalmated, pectoral, and white-rumped sandpipers were found. Two whimbrels were noteworthy in Manitowoc.


Have you seen me? At least 10 western tanagers like this one have been reported in Wisconsin since May 4, many coming to backyard feeders for seed, jelly, or orange halves.  - Photo credit: Ryan Brady
Have you seen me? At least 10 western tanagers like this one have been reported in Wisconsin since May 4, many coming to backyard feeders for seed, jelly, or orange halves.
Photo credit: Ryan Brady
Many rare birds were found this week. Western tanagers are showing unusually well, with at least 10 reports since May 4, including such counties as Jefferson, Washington, Brown, Chippewa, and Washburn. Also found were colorful male painted buntings in Green Lake, St. Croix, and Ashland. A black-throated gray warbler in Ozaukee was only the state's 8th and first since 2011. Other uncommon warblers found were worm-eating and prairie warblers in Milwaukee, and yellow-throated warblers in Waukesha and Jefferson. A blue grosbeak was seen at a feeder in Walworth, and several Northern mockingbirds were reported north to Bayfield. Waterbird rarities included eared grebe in Douglas, white-faced ibises in Portage, and snowy egret in Dodge. In the week ahead expect a wet weather pattern with ample north and east winds, which should yield slow migration conditions but good viewing opportunities for warblers, shorebirds, and other neotropical migrants. Find out what others are seeing and report your finds to www.ebird.org/wi. Good birding! - Ryan Brady, conservation biologist, Ashland

The 10th Annual Wisconsin Sport Show will include:
Over 150 Exhibits
Thousands of Dollars in Door Prizes
Hunting and Fishing Seminars
FREE Parking
Concessions
Boats, Pontoons, Docks & Lifts
ATVs, and Outdoor Vehicles
Over 5,000 square feet of retail vendors and new product displays
DOGS! Kennels, trainers, products & rescue organizations
US and Canadian Resorts, Lodges & Campgrounds
Hunting Blinds and Hunting Supplies
Outdoor buildings, equipment, and hunting land specialists
South African, Canadian, and US Hunting Guides & Outfitters
Charter Fishing Companies
Petting Zoo
Fun for the whole family!
Kids can meet and greet Bucky - our new mascot!

http://www.wisportshow.com/

Wisconsin Outdoor Fishing Report

Hunting Dogs Depredated in Forest County

On August 31, 2018, USDA-Wildlife Services confirmed that two hunting dogs were depredated by wolves in the Town of Argonne, Forest County.

Establishing an early close to the 2018 ruffed grouse season

 in Ch. NR 10 Wis. Admin. Code
Rule Type:
Emergency
1. Finding/nature of emergency (Emergency Rule only):
The department finds that an emergency rule is necessary in order protect the ruffed grouse population and so that the state can continue to properly manage the species in a way that preserves the public welfare.
To monitor the ruffed grouse population, the department utilizes annual drumming surveys and estimates harvest annually through a small game hunter survey. Ruffed grouse drumming activity declined 34% statewide from 2017 to 2018. The decline was greatest in the northern region, with a 38% decline in drumming grouse detected. This area contains the most extensive early-successional forest habitat and healthiest ruffed grouse populations, so focus is generally placed on trends in the northern region. Also, estimated ruffed grouse harvest declined from 262,943 in 2016 to 185,336 in 2017, a 29.5% decline. This represents the lowest estimated harvest in the 34 years the department has been conducting the small game hunter survey.
2. Detailed description of the objective of the proposed rule:
This rule will shorten the 2018 ruffed grouse season by closing the season earlier than the end dates currently in rule. The current end dates are January 31st in ruffed grouse management zone A and December 8th for zone B.
Additional rule changes may be pursued which are reasonably related to those discussed here.
These rules may make additional updates such as correcting cross-reference citations, updating road names on maps, changes needed in order to update application forms, or revisions which are necessary for consistency with recently enacted legislation.
3. Description of the existing policies relevant to the rule, new policies proposed to be included in the rule, and an analysis of policy alternatives:
The state is currently split into two ruffed grouse management zones. Zone B is primarily made up of southeastern portion of the state with the majority of the state falling in Zone A. Under current rules, the season in Zone A begins on the Saturday closest to September 15th and closes on January 31st of the following year while Zone B opens on the Saturday nearest October 17th and runs through December 8th. In 2017, the West Nile Virus was found in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula ruffed grouse population. While no birds testing positive for the disease have been found in Wisconsin, the spring drumming counts were down 34%. Multiple factors working individually, concurrently, or interactively can impact grouse populations. These population drivers include habitat conditions, brood and nesting conditions, food availability, winter conditions, and disease. At this time, there is no definitive evidence pointing to one or multiple factors driving the decline in drumming activity observed in Wisconsin in 2018. To provide potential benefits to the state’s ruffed grouse population, the department recommends closing the 2018 ruffed grouse season early.
4. Detailed explanation of statutory authority for the rule (including the statutory citation and language):
The chapter on wild animals and plants, in s. 29.014, “rule making for this chapter”, establishes that the department shall maintain open and closed seasons for fish and game and any limits, rest days, and conditions for taking fish and game.
5. Estimate of amount of time that state employees will spend developing the rule and of other resources necessary to develop the rule:
Employees will likely spend roughly 40 hours developing these rules.
6. List with description of all entities that may be affected by the proposed rule:
These rules will impact hunters who pursue ruffed grouse and small businesses for whom ruffed grouse hunters and their associated expenditures generate revenue. However, the closure will occur after the peak period for ruffed grouse hunting activity which is in October and November and no significant impacts are expected. Research indicates that late season harvest can have negative impacts on grouse populations.
7. Summary and preliminary comparison with any existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule:
States possess inherent authority to manage the wildlife resources located within their boundaries, except insofar as preempted by federal treaties and laws, including regulations established in the Federal Register. None of these rule changes violate or conflict with the provisions established in the Federal Code of Regulations.
8. Anticipated economic impact of implementing the rule (note if the rule is likely to have a significant economic impact on small businesses):
These rules are applicable to individual sportspersons and impose no compliance or reporting requirements for small business, nor are any design or operational standards contained in the rule. However, there might be an economic impact to small business who depend on ruffed grouse hunters for revenue. This rule may shorten the ruffed grouse season by almost two months, which could result in decreased revenue during that time.
According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-2011 (USFWS 2011), grouse hunting in Wisconsin accounts for only 7% of the total hunting effort (hunting days) in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin DNR or the USWFW does not keep specific data on hunting expenditure related to grouse hunting. Additionally, the closure will occur after prime portions of the season that are most desirable to travelling hunters. Based on the limited number of days that hunters dedicate to grouse hunting relative to other types of hunting in Wisconsin, we do not expect that the impact of limiting the grouse hunting season in Wisconsin on hunting expenditure (reduced expenditure) will be significant.
9. Anticipated number, month and locations of public hearings:
The Department anticipates holding one public hearing in the month of October 2018 in Park Falls, WI.
The Department will hold this hearing in this location to give businesses and residents of northern Wisconsin, where most of the ruffed grouse habitat exists, the opportunity to comment on the impacts of closing the ruffed grouse season early.
Contact Person: Mark Witecha, Upland Game Ecologist, 101 South Webster Street, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921, (608) 267-7811, Mark.Witecha@Wisconsin.gov

Hunting Dogs Depredated in Douglas, Burnett, Sawyer, and Oneida Counties

USDA- Wildlife Services confirmed that the following hunting dogs were killed or injured by wolves:

7/22/18, two Walker trailing hounds injured in Douglas County, Town of Solon Springs
7/28/18, Plott trailing hound injured in Douglas County, Town of Gordon
7/29/18, Walker trailing hound injured in Burnett County, Town of Anderson
7/29/18, Plott trailing hound killed in Sawyer County, Town of Winter
7/29/18, Walker trailing hound injured in Oneida County, Town of Enterprise

Southern Lake Michigan Fishing Report: June 18, 2018
Milwaukee Co.
McKinley Ramp – Morning anglers have been having more success than afternoon anglers at catching their limits. Average fish caught included 2-5 lb. coho, chinook weighing up to 22 lbs., and rainbows averaging 5-9 lbs. (with the largest weighing in over 13 lbs.). Most anglers continue to report fish hitting lines the top 30 feet of water or less, with rainbows and chinook being deeper. Fishing depth ranged from 100-150 feet of water. Favorite lures included a variety of dodgers, flies, and spoons. Anglers also continue to see large alewife bait balls throughout their fishing grounds.
McKinley Pier – Larger schools of alewives continue to be seen at the surface lakeside. Anglers targeting salmon both on the lakeside and harborside continue to have very little success. However rainbow trout have been caught both lakeside and harborside, in the morning and late afternoon hours using alewives. The largest trout measured was just over 10 lbs. Anglers targeting panfish with live bait were able to land a few small rock bass, but reported catching mostly round gobies in their efforts.
North Lakefront Shoreline (McKinley, Veterans Park, Summerfest) – Low fishing pressure occurred from McKinley Shore to Lakeshore State Park . Those few anglers trying their luck for trout and salmon had little success. Anglers targeting panfish landed rock bass using live bait in the Summerfest lagoon and McKinley Shore (right before the turn into the marina). Anglers targeting bass also had very little success. A smallmouth was caught in the lagoon, in the afternoon hours using artificial lures, but was undersize and thrown back. The Summerfest lagoon is also seeing larger schools of alewives close to shore. Construction is occurring near the Summerfest grounds, under the Hoan bridge creating the need for alternative access routes in order to shore fish near the lighthouse and Lakeshore State Park. Please also be aware festival season has begun around the Summerfest grounds and Lincoln Memorial Drive. This weekend was both Polishfest and Lakefront Festival of Art, bringing larger crowds and more traffic in the vicinity.
Riverfront Ramp – Riverfront was packed throughout the weekend causing the overflow of trailers to be parked along the street. The majority of boaters launching from this location, were non-anglers.
South Lakefront (Jones Island, Cupertino Park, South Metro Pier) – Lower fishing pressure occurred throughout the weekend from Jones Island down through South Shore. Anglers targeting trout and salmon found little success. Anglers continue to see small trout (less than 12 inches) swimming at the surface near Jones Island. Anglers targeting rock bass at south shore used night crawlers landing some palm sized fish (8 + inches).
South Shore Ramp – The majority of boaters launching from this location were non-anglers. Those few boaters heading on the water for salmon and trout were hit or miss. Coho salmon were landed using spoons or flasher/flies in 70-125 feet of water with fish hitting in the top 25 feet or less. A brown trout was also landed using spoons in about 40 feet of water. The fish cleaning station for angler use at South Shore is now repaired, in working condition, and open for angler use.
Bender Park – Through the weekend the majority of boat traffic launching from this location, were non-anglers. There was quite a bit of small personal watercraft/jet skis. However, afternoon boaters during the week targeting coho salmon found success in 40 - 80 feet of water using a variety of flies and spoons. Anglers reported fish hitting lines top 20 feet of water or less.
Oak Creek Power Plant – Low fishing pressure at the pier. Those few morning and afternoon anglers trying their luck using a variety of live bait and artificial lures found very little success in landing brown trout or salmon. Anglers do report continue seeing schools of large carp and shad.
Racine Co.
Racine Ramp – Last weekend’s hot and humid weather brought a wave of pleasure boaters to the Racine Ramp. A few anglers launched over the weekend as well. Anglers targeting trout and salmon averaged 4-6 fish after a half day on the lake. Many anglers came in with a mixed bag of rainbow trout (steelhead), lakers, cohos and chinook.
Racine Pier & Shoreline – Perch are being caught off the jetties by the boat ramp and a few are being caught off the floating pier. Anglers were mostly using minnows.
Kenosha Co.
Kenosha Ramp – A few anglers are still having success catching coho anywhere from 60 to 160 feet of water depending on the day. Many of the fish are being caught on flasher/fly combos with one here and there hitting spoons. Anglers are reporting seeing very large balls of bait on their depth finders.
Kenosha Piers & Shoreline – The opening weekend of the yellow perch season brought out a few guys fishing the south pier. The groups of anglers who were interviewed used a jig and crab tail to catch a handful of perch.
Sheboygan Co.
Sheboygan Ramps – Fishing pressure was low on Tuesday due to a dense fog advisory, however a few anglers who did go out had success landing rainbow trout, coho, and chinook salmon in 50-90ft of water. As the week progressed, anglers found better fishing success in deeper water (130-260ft) 5-8 miles to the South of the Harbor. Most fish are being caught on spoons and flasher flies (blue/green and green/gold) 25-90ft down in the water column. The largest fish measured this week at this location was a chinook salmon that weighed 24 pounds.
Sheboygan Shore & Piers – Early morning anglers targeting whitefish off the ends of the North and South piers are having luck between 5am-8am landing fish in the 3-5 pound range. Golden minnows, alewives, jigging spoons, and plastics have all been successful bait choices. Anglers who are targeting trout and salmon continue to have very little luck, although some reported having a few rainbows on before shaking loose.
Ozaukee Co.
Port Washington Ramp – Fishing has slowed down this week with very few limits being reported, however most boats are coming back in with a few fish. Those fishing deeper water (150-260ft) are having better luck than those fishing shallower depths. Surface temps in 240ft and 280ft of water are 52F and 49F, respectively. Most fish are being caught 30-40ft down, but others are hooking into trout and salmon 90 feet down as well. Anglers found equal success using both flasher flies and spoons.
Port Washington Shore & Piers – Pier fishing remains slow for trout and salmon anglers with no reports of fish being caught. Several anglers fishing on the North pier took advantage of the yellow perch season opener (June 16th) where a few small perch were caught with fat heads.

3 day gun show
Turner Hall, Watertown Wi
July 27-29th
July 27- 3-8pm, July 28 9-5, July 29th 9-3pm

Hall is air conditioned as well as heated.  Food available as well. 
Table fee $35 in advance or $40 day of.  Entrance fee of $5 per person
per day or $10 for all 3 days.
Chad 262-443-2278