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Messages - mudbrook

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16
Snowmobile Trail Reports / Burnett County trails report
« on: February 07, 2022, 06:01:36 PM »

After consulting with the Burnett County Snow Trails Association, the decision has been made to close all snowmobile and winter ATV trails as of midnight on Monday, February 7 due to lack of snow as well as the forecasted warm temperatures for this week.  This includes the frozen ground ATV trail system.  Conditions will be re-evaluated later this week - please check back for updates prior to the weekend.


Contact Information

If you need any maps, or if you need any other information, please contact Burnett County Tourism at 1-800-788-3164 or feel free to email them at Bctour@sirentel.net.

To contact Burnett County Forest & Parks, please visit their website at www.burnettcounty.com/trails.

17
General Hunting Dog topics / Hunting Dog Depredated in Bayfield County
« on: September 23, 2021, 05:53:34 PM »
Hunting Dog Depredated in Bayfield County
 

On September 18, 2021, USDA-Wildlife Services verified that wolves killed a 9-year old male Walker trailing hound in the Town of Drummond, Bayfield County.

Dog owners are reminded to exercise caution in wolf occupied areas. Conflicts between hunting dogs and wolves are most common during the bear training and hunting season. Dogs have also been depredated pursuing other wildlife including fox, coyotes, bobcat, rabbit, snowshoe hare and upland birds. More information is available on the DNR's website.

Current Caution Areas

When wolves attack dogs in hunting or training situations on public land, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources creates wolf caution areas to warn hunters that a specific pack has attacked a dog or group of dogs. Click here to view current caution areas.

Report A Wolf Attack

Anyone suspecting a wolf attack should call 1-800-433-0663 (southern Wisconsin) or 1-800-228-1368 (northern Wisconsin).


18
Explore Public Hunting Lands This Fall



Plus, Water Week And Catch-And-Release Tips

A couple wearing blaze orange scouts a field using binoculars.
With millions of acres of public land available across the state, we help simplify the search for the perfect hunting spot with the free Hunt Wild Wisconsin mobile app and online tools.

The DNR's Hunt Wild Wisconsin mobile app has everything hunters need in one place, including maps, cover types, shooting hours and chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing locations.

Additional online public land mapping tools include:

Fields and Forest Lands Interactive Game Bird Hunting Tool (FFLIGHT). Locate young aspen and alder habitat, woodcock and ruffed grouse hunting areas, pheasant-stocked public hunting grounds and public-access dove fields.
Voluntary Public Access-Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP) interactive map. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, VPA-HIP provides landowners financial incentives to open their properties year-round to public hunting access. Hunters should read the guidelines for accessing VPA properties.

Map of lands enrolled in Managed Forest Law and Forest Crop Law – especially useful for scouting locations in the central and northern forests.

Public Access Lands Atlas. The atlas includes all DNR properties as well as nearly all federal and county-owned lands. Hunters should contact landowners beforehand to verify hunting is allowed.

For more information on public lands in Wisconsin, visit the DNR Public Access Lands webpage.
https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDYsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTA4MjcuNDUxNTk4NjEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL2Ruci53aXNjb25zaW4uZ292L3RvcGljL2xhbmRzIn0.TDXUKuLuirL01iW0t8LHEsVeKQ-lgK7CrQS0gAGZEJ0/s/1376181898/br/111540977223-l

19
Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / WDNR Outdoor Report
« on: March 26, 2021, 03:15:26 PM »
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report
Small Steps To Help Wisconsin's Resources
Plus, Spring Trail Tips And Purchase Your 2021 Park Pass


Tomorrow is Earth Hour Day! Held every year on the last Saturday of March, Earth Hour engages millions of people in more than 180 countries and territories to switch off their lights to show support for our planet. Learn how you can celebrate Earth Hour Day here.

Earth Hour is a great reminder that small steps can make big impacts. Interested in learning about other ways to protect the resources you love? Here are some tips to get started:

Wisconsin is a leader in recycling; to remain at the forefront, each of us can do more. Find out more about recycling at home, including what you can recycle and where you can recycle, here.
Many food scraps don't have to end up at the landfill. Learn tips and tricks for composting. The EPA also offers a helpful guide for reducing wasted food at home.

What about batteries? They're everywhere in our lives, so it is important to know what kinds you have and how to dispose of them safely. Some used batteries can safely go in the trash, but others need to be handled carefully to prevent fires. Our household battery guide offers advice on proper disposal.
A close-up of state-endangered purple milkweed flower with a blurred green background.
Become A Rare Plant Detective

We need your help to find Wisconsin's rare and beautiful plants and help conserve them! Last year, volunteers for the Wisconsin DNR Rare Plant Monitoring Program discovered four new populations of the state-endangered purple milkweed (Asclepias purpurascens).

Help us make more amazing discoveries this spring and summer by participating in the Rare Plant Monitoring Program. Take the required online training now. Please note: Plant identification will not be taught, so some skill is required.

Find Your Adventure With A 2021 Park Pass

Plan for adventure this year by purchasing your 2021 park pass or state trail pass. Annual vehicle admission stickers offer admission to all state parks and forests for the calendar year. The 2021 annual stickers are valid through Dec. 31, 2021.  A state trail pass is required for all people age 16 or older biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding or in-line skating on certain trails. A state trail pass is not required for walking or hiking. Wisconsin state trail pass fees are the same for residents and non-residents.

Two Ways To Purchase

Online: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has an option to purchase certain annual Wisconsin State Park vehicle admission stickers online. Annual Wisconsin Resident, Annual Wisconsin Resident Senior and Non-resident Annual stickers can be purchased online. Additionally, one Reduced Rate Annual sticker (for a vehicle registered to the same household address) can be purchased online at the same time with a full-price sticker. Annual state trail passes and daily admission stickers and passes are not currently available for purchase online.

At a state park: Annual and daily admission stickers and state trail passes can be purchased at Wisconsin State Park System properties via self-registration, electronic kiosk or drive-up window service. Please call ahead to check on availability and hours.

Spring means new trails and new opportunities for adventure in Wisconsin's outdoors. It's also a good time to remember to share the trail and practice caution on muddy or rutted trails.

Here are a handful of OutWiGo good practices to help make everyone’s outdoor experience (including your own) more enjoyable.


Muddy And Rutted Trails:

Try to use hard surface trails like asphalt or stone this time of year rather than native surface or dirt/grass trails.

Think before you sink; if you leave tracks, turn back and try another trail.
Seek out upland trails or trails in sandy areas that drain well.

If you come across a muddy, wet or icy section of trail and cannot turn back, go right down the middle and embrace the mud – do not go around it and widen the trail tread which can damage habitat.
Avoiding muddy trails now helps to limit closures and repairs later.

Be mindful of safety issues like slippery areas or areas covered in water – walk your bike and go slowly.

Etiquette Tips For Every Season:

Know before you go. Learn what types of trail use are permitted at your destination and obey traffic (and other) laws and signs.

Ride single file. You can ride two or more abreast if you will not block other traffic.
Walk with no more than two people across to allow others to pass.

All users should stay right except to pass. Pass on the left of those you’re passing.
 When passing, move to single file and announce yourself (verbally or with a bell) before passing. Slow down when maneuvering around other trail users.

Pets must be on a leash 8 feet or shorter and kept under control. Keep your pet out of the path of oncoming or passing traffic. When possible, walk with your pet on the outer edge of the trail.
Pack it in, pack it out. Pick up your litter.


Thank you for helping keep our trails safe for all users. Please be considerate of all trail users and keep a physical distance of 6 feet between yourself and those outside your group. Learn more about safety guidelines and trail etiquette HERE https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/


20
Milwaukee Fishing Eezy Peezy!

By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt

Lake Michigan Salmon Fishing Report 6/24/2019 Hello all, thank you for reading my reports. Joe, Laura and Jonathan Wolf from Mansfield Texas had fair weather and a multi species catch on a beautiful day on Lake Michigan. I enjoyed the opportunity to fish with them. Join us in Milwaukee! To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast!

Action is steady and all species are active. The water is still 50 degrees on top. This has made for easy presentation to fish. As long as this continues anglers will have success don’t miss out. Good weather and lake conditions will fill the cooler in the future. The water is warming up near shore and that area is slow. There are pods of forage from 70 feet and out to 200. The recent changes has brought many Chinooks and Coho in. Most of the fish came from the top to the bottom. Our best presentations are Church Walleye planer boards with 150 and 225 copper running 40 to 65 down and downriggers 80 to 120 feet down. Flasher and Bull Frog flies or 100 foot leads on Reaper magnum spoons on downriggers have been the best producers. Reaper magnum spoons are sold at http://www.badgertackle.com with free shipping. Our best boat speed was 2.0 mph. Wire Divers are producing very well set to #2 with 130 feet of line out. Have a great fishing season. Let's go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2019, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Fish,report,salmon,lake,michigan,Milwaukee

21
Birding, Bird Watching / Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report
« on: May 20, 2019, 10:52:09 AM »
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

22
Wisconsin Fishing / Wisconsin Outdoor Fishing Report
« on: May 20, 2019, 10:48:41 AM »

Wisconsin Outdoor Fishing Report   5/20/19
Fish have been very active on Lake Superior. Fisherman are coming off the big lake with their bags full of a variety of species. Crappies are biting on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage and bass should be hitting hard this weekend. Inland trout fishing has been quite good in spots in central Wisconsin.

Walleye runs on Lake Michigan tributaries have pretty much come to an end and fish have moved back out to the bay and most anglers have followed. Walleye fishing was slower along the west shore but anglers fishing out of Brown County were still reporting catching two to three fish. Fishing pressure was the highest of the year on the east shore with anglers fishing from Ellison Bay down to Sturgeon Bay. Those trolling for walleyes had a tough week but anglers jigging for walleyes managed to catch a few, with a few whitefish mixed in.

Nice weather over the weekend brought many anglers out of southeastern harbors. Anglers were spending all day out on the lake but, success was limited. Coho salmon were the main fish being caught along with a few lake trout were caught as well.
On Monday, May 20 DNR fisheries staff along with interested stakeholders will begin the process to shape the course of future fisheries management on Lake Michigan. Staff will present the latest Lake Michigan survey information and seek input on future fisheries management initiatives. The meeting will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at Lakeshore Technical College, Cleveland.

Northern Lake Michigan fisheries team report
On May 20 DNR fisheries staff along with interested stakeholders will begin the process to shape the course of future management on Lake Michigan. At this meeting, department staff will present the latest Lake Michigan survey information and stakeholders will contribute ideas and input on future fisheries management initiatives. The meeting will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the East Centennial Hall at Lakeshore Technical College, Cleveland.
Marinette County - Peshtigo River launches had light use this week with all 3 launches averaging 2 to 5 boat trailers. Walleye fishermen were fishing the mouth with little success, only a few walleyes were reported caught. Menominee River had moderate numbers at the launches this week with steady fishing being observed in the river. Anglers jigging and trolling were having some luck catching walleyes from the Menekaunee Bridge upstream to Marinette Marine. Only a few shore anglers were seen upstream from the Hwy. 41 bridge. The bay from Menominee River south to Peshtigo River saw steady fishing pressure all week. Walleye fishing was reported to be slow with most boats getting 0 to 2 fish. A few brown trout and northern pike were caught by walleye anglers. Anglers targeting brown trout had spotty fishing as most had no luck. - Scott Poquette, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Oconto County - Oconto River had very little fishing pressure with a few anglers fishing walleyes in the lower section. The bay from Oconto Park II south to Pensaukee River launch had decent amounts of anglers over the weekend. However fishing for walleyes was reported to be slow with many anglers catching nothing. Boats that had luck were reporting 1 to 3 walleyes on average. Most boats were trolling crawler harnesses or crankbaits in 5 to 25 feet of water. - Scott Poquette, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
Brown County - There was very little fishing pressure on the Fox River off of Foxpoint and the fairground launches. On average there was only 5 to 7 boats using the launches. The boats that were targeting walleye had barely any luck. Most of the time they were catching sheepshead and a few white bass. People fishing from shore at Voyageur Park were catching sheepshead. The fishing pressure there has been light with only about 10 to 12 people. The metro boat launch was busy all week long. The boats that were trolling with night crawler harnesses were having the best luck. With averaging 2 to 3 walleyes being caught. The second dock was removed from the launch, and bring your boots since the water is high and is covering the beginning of the docks after the last rainfall. The Suamico boat launch has had heavy pressure all week long. On average boaters were bringing in 1 to 2 walleyes with the average size being 18 to 20 inches. The boaters that were trolling with night crawler harnesses were doing a little bit better than boats trolling with crankbaits or even just jigging. A few northern were being caught as well. Geano Beach launch had light pressure during the week, but on Saturday it had heavy usage. The walleye bite was slow with only 2 to 3 walleyes were being caught. Trolling with crankbaits was having better success than with night crawler harnesses here. - Brandon Wagester, fisheries technician, Green Bay
Door County - Weather conditions through the week were sunny with varying wind levels. Protected launches such a Chaudoir's dock and Bayshore Park had the most traffic. Angler effort was steady but slow with success rates mainly low. Anglers were focused on Walleye and Bass. Angler traffic at Potawatomi State Park was light early in the week with general weekend traffic in the park increased. Weekend angling pressure was low yet steady in numbers, however with little to no reported success. Little Sturgeon was quite popular for anglers wanting to launch into the less windy bay. Effort was steady with low reported success. Recreational boating was observed with general traffic increased over the weekend. - Rile Schultz, fisheries technician, Peshtigo
There is little fishing pressure along the Lake Michigan side of Door County the last week due to Northeast winds. The only port that had fishing pressure was Rowley's Bay. It appeared majority of the anglers went toward the Mink River. Reiboldt Creek had suckers in it early in the week, however, as the weekend came the suckers disappeared. Fishing pressure was the highest of the year on the Bayside. Anglers were found fishing from Ellison Bay all the way down to Sturgeon Bay. Shore fishing from Ephraim was producing smallmouth bass using live bait as well as jerk baits. Stone Quarry had the second highest fishing pressure this week with anglers having mixed results. The anglers trolling for walleyes had a tough week. While anglers jigging for walleyes managed to catch a few walleyes, with even a few whitefish mixed in yet. Smallmouth bass were caught out of the Stone Quarry launch as well. Although those anglers had to fish nearly all day to catch any smallmouth. Sawyer Park Launch had the highest fishing pressure of the year so far due to the Sturgeon Bay Bass Tournament. The two day total winning weight was 56.70 pounds. Anglers reported that water temps were ranged from 46 to 49 degrees in the canal. Smallmouth bass were difficult to catch for the anglers. Anglers fishing along the shore are still catching northern pike by Stone Harbor Resort. - Cody Flavionl, fisheries technician, Mishicot

Southern Lake Michigan fisheries team report
On May 20 DNR fisheries staff along with interested stakeholders will begin the process to shape the course of future management on Lake Michigan. At this meeting, department staff will present the latest Lake Michigan survey information and stakeholders will contribute ideas and input on future fisheries management initiatives. The meeting will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. in the East Centennial Hall at Lakeshore Technical College, Cleveland.
Sheboygan County - Wednesday morning was cloudy, cool, and breezy with Michigan waters mostly calm but hitting the north pier hard. Waters within the harbor were 56 degrees and turbid. The Pigeon River was 50 degrees and clear. A few anglers fished at the south pier, with reports of trout being caught earlier in the week. Friday morning was cloudy and chilly, but warmed up and cleared up by midday. Water within the harbor was 52 degrees and turbid. The Pigeon River remained at 50 degrees and clear. A couple of boaters and a few anglers were out fishing for trout, but no catches were recorded. Mother's Day evening was sunny with some clouds and mild. Michigan waters were mostly calm, turbid, and 58 degrees. The Pigeon River was 54 degrees and clear. The few anglers that were out fished on the Pigeon River, with the majority at Maywood Park. No catches were recorded. The Sheboygan River (56 degrees) seemed to be back to resting bank height and was mostly clear. One angler was fishing the river earlier, with no one fishing at Weedens Creek. No catches were recorded. Saturday evening was cloudy and fluctuated between chilly and mild. The Sheboygan River remained at 56 degrees and mostly clear. Several anglers were fishing, with most at River Wildlife. No catches were recorded. - Tim Urbaniak, fisheries technician, Milwaukee
Ozaukee County - Friday morning was chilly and mostly sunny. Waters at the power plant outflow were 56 degrees, with a significantly large flock of seagulls providing a casting hazard. Sauk Creek was 48 degrees, mostly clear and slightly up. A couple of anglers fished at the outflow, but no catches were recorded. Saturday night was cloudy and mild, with harbor waters at 58 degrees. More boat slips in the marina were being filled. Sauk Creek (52 degrees) was clear and at resting bank height. Submergent plants are gaining color. A couple of boats were out and a few anglers fished the outflow. The anglers at the outflow, targeting carp, caught six decently sized fish. Mother's Day night was cloudy, chilly, and breezy. The outflow was clear and 56 degrees. Sauk Creek was 52 degrees and clear. Although a couple of anglers were out, no catches were recorded. - Tim Urbaniak, fisheries technician, Milwaukee
Milwaukee County - Very few anglers were out on the Milwaukee River this week. Most anglers were targeting smallmouth bass but did not have a lot of success. Water temperatures were reading at 52 degrees. No angling effort was seen on the Menomonee River. It was another quiet week at McKinley, with only a small number of boats launching on any given day. Some boats that came in reported hit-or-miss success with browns in the harbor, while others reported no hits. The pier was also rather quiet but a few anglers were out trying their luck with no success. Only a couple anglers were seen fishing the north city shoreline over the weekend but reported no success. The South Shore Ramp saw more activity than the Bender Ramp, but both were quiet this weekend. Those coming in at South Shore reported no hits. The ramps are officially put in at both locations. Fishing pressure on Oak Creek have continued to decrease. Only a handful of anglers could be seen on the creek at any given time. Those that were out were targeting the last of the steelhead but were not having much luck. Angling efforts were relatively slow on the Oak Creek Power Plant pier and no fish were reported. - Jessica Grace Jenkins, fisheries technician, Milwaukee
Racine County - Fishing efforts this past week varied depending on the time during the week. Early in the week it was windy and fairly cold. This kept all fishermen off of the lake expect for a few brave souls who tried their luck on the piers. Over the weekend, activity picked up as the weather improved. Activity on the Root River has still been very low as there is very few fish left in the river. There doesn't seem to be any steelhead remaining in the river as none have been reported in quite some time. Of the little activity that remains on the river, the majority continues to come at the Horlick Dam. Nobody seems to be fishing below the steelhead facility anymore. The few people who have fished the river over the past week haven't had any success. The river conditions don't necessarily help the cause. Water levels on the river remain very high and the water is moving very quickly. Water visibility is low as well. The water was about 52 degrees. Racine Harbors and Piers fishing activity early in the week were low. It was very windy and cold early in the week, which made fishing conditions poor. Waves were crashing into and over the piers on a frequent basis, which kept most anglers home. The few anglers who did attempt to fish didn't have any luck. The nicer weather over the weekend brought more people to the shores and piers, but any fish hookups or catches remain ed to be seen. The bathrooms and cleaning station along South Shore Pier on Christopher Columbus Causeway are now open. Just like on the shores and piers, fishing activity at the Racine ramp was very low early in the week due to the bad weather. Over the weekend though, the weather improved. This brought many anglers out to play. Several boat trailers were parked at the Pershing Park boat ramp on Saturday. Anglers were spending all day out on the lake but, success was limited. Boats were only bringing in three fish per boat at the most and some of these boats had three or four people on them. Coho salmon were the main fish being caught but, the coho that were caught were small. A few lake trout were caught as well. The water temperature at the boat ramp was 50 degrees. - Andrew Krecak, fisheries technician, Sturtevant
Kenosha County - Fishing activity early in the week was very low. The weather was poor which made for very rough fishing conditions. Very few people fished the piers and shores, while no trailers were spotted at the ramp. The improved weather over the weekend brought a few more fishermen to the piers and shores as well as a few trailers to the ramp. Fishing activity on the Pike River was absent regardless of the time of the week or the weather conditions. Anglers have taken their fishing efforts either to the piers and shores or out on boats. Water levels on the river remain very high. Water current also remains high while the water clarity is low. The temperature of the river was 54 degrees. Fishing activity along the Kenosha piers and shores was low early in the week. It was much too windy and cold to make fishing enjoyable. A few anglers were reported but they had no luck. Over the weekend, more anglers tried their luck as the weather conditions improved. The improved weather conditions wouldn't matter though, as still no fish were caught. Fishing activity was absent at the Kenosha ramp early in the week as it was much too windy and cold to fish. A few boat trailers were reported at the Kenosha ramp over the weekend though as the weather improved. The boats here didn't have as much luck as the boats up in Racine. No fish were reported being caught out of the Kenosha ramp. The water temperature was around 50 degrees at the Kenosha ramp as well. - Andrew Krecak, fisheries technician, Sturtevant

23
Lake Mille Lacs open-water walleye harvest proposed for 2019
State and bands agree on safe harvest level   

Anglers on Lake Mille Lacs will have an opportunity to keep some walleye during the open-water fishing season this year. This follows several seasons of catch-and-release fishing on the lake.

Last year, state anglers stayed well under the lake’s safe-harvest allocation for walleyes. With an improving walleye population, the Department of Natural Resources will allow some walleye harvest when the season opens Saturday, May 11.

The DNR will announce the Mille Lacs walleye regulations for the upcoming season in mid-March.

“We’re happy to announce that, with some very conservative fishing regulations over the past three years, walleye are now at a level where we can cautiously allow anglers to start keeping some fish during the open-water season,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen.

“This is good news for anglers, Mille Lacs area businesses and the resource,” Strommen added.  “I want to thank the bands for their ongoing collaboration and the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee for its continued input and discussions with the DNR in managing the walleye fishery on Mille Lacs.”

Mille Lacs Band DNR Commissioner Bradley Harrington said, “The upward trend of the walleye population reflects the conservation efforts of both the state of Minnesota and the Ojibwe tribes with harvest rights in Mille Lacs Lake.

“While it is critical that combined harvest limits should continue to allow for the recovery of walleye, we join the state in cautious optimism about the trend in increasing spawning biomass. Within our teachings it is stated that accepting the gifts from the lake while respecting the manidoo by avoiding taking too much is the best way to honor our gifts from the creator.”

The DNR is considering allowing the walleye harvest during the cool-water periods in the spring and fall. The agency is exploring a variety of regulation options, and will be discussing the alternatives with the Mille Lacs Fisheries Advisory Committee, a group of local businesses, fishing experts and community leaders that help advise the agency on Mille Lacs fishing regulations and other issues.

The state and the bands recently agreed on a safe harvest level of 150,000 pounds of walleye, which provides a state allocation of 87,800 pounds. Under the catch-and-release only regulation last year, walleye angler kill totaled just over 47,000 pounds.

“While the walleye population is on a positive trajectory, we need to strike a careful balance between expanding harvest opportunities and conserving the fishery for future angling opportunities,” said Brad Parsons, DNR fisheries chief.

The walleye safe harvest level for Lake Mille Lacs is determined annually. It is based on population status and predictions of how harvest will affect the walleye population in the future. State anglers share the safe harvest level with eight bands of Chippewa that have fishing rights under an 1837 treaty. By agreement, the bands and the state are required to monitor harvest according to their respective allocations.

There continues to be good news about the walleye population. The improving Mille Lacs walleye population is bolstered by a 2013 year class of fish that has been protected by regulations and is just starting to produce young fish that appear to be surviving.

The DNR encourages all Minnesotans to visit Lake Mille Lacs to fish the other abundant species that the lake has to offer. The lake is widely recognized as one of the nation’s top smallmouth bass and muskellunge fisheries. In 2017, Mille Lacs was named the number one bass fishing lake in the nation by Bassmaster Magazine. The lake hosted the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship in 2016 and 2017.

More information about Lake Mille Lacs can be found on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/millelacslake.

24
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/

25

Hunting Dogs Depredated in Forest, Lincoln, and Price Counties


USDA-Wildlife Services has confirmed the following wolf depredations:

On 9/18/18 a Plott hunting dog was injured by wolves in the Town of Laona, Forest County.
On 9/23/18 a Redtick hunting dog was depredated by wolves in the Town of Tomahawk, Lincoln County.
On 9/23/18 a Plott hunting dog was depredated by wolves in the Town of Fifield, Price County.

26
Wisconsin Fishing / Wisconsin Outdoor Fishing Report
« on: September 19, 2018, 11:19:47 AM »
Wisconsin Outdoor Fishing Report

27
General Hunting Dog topics / Hunting Dogs Killed in Oneida County
« on: September 11, 2018, 11:29:40 AM »

Hunting Dogs Killed in Oneida County

On August 5, 2018, USDA- Wildlife Services confirmed that two hunting dogs were depredated by wolves during the same incident.  The depredations occurred the Town of Lynne, Oneida County.

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General Hunting Dog topics / Hunting Dogs Depredated in Forest County
« on: September 11, 2018, 11:28:32 AM »

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.

29
Gun Shows / 7th Annual Gun Show
« on: August 24, 2018, 11:26:16 AM »
7th Annual Gun Show
Butternut Area Park -532 Michigan Street - Butternut, Wi.
Sept. 7th - 4pm - 8pm
Sept. 8th - 8am - 3pm
Gun Raffle Drawing at 2pm - Sept. 8th

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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


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