Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report
DNR Outdoor Report as of October 25, 2007
A hard frost hit the Northwoods this week, which along with rainy and windy weather conditions statewide have brought down a lot of leaves across the state. Leaf drop is now near complete in the north, with leaves blanketing the forest floor. Although most leaves are off the trees, the tamarack tree is in its full golden glory. The tamarack is the only native conifer in Wisconsin that will turn color and shed its needles in the fall. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism Fall Color Report now has leaf color at peak or past peak in Central Wisconsin and near peak or at peak in the south.
Much needed rain over the last week has brought up the water levels on lakes and rivers. Water levels on some northern lakes is now a few inches above normal, after many lakes being down a foot or more last month. Water temperatures have dropped to low 50s and upper 40s.
Colder, rainy weather kept fishing pressure down in the last week, with just a few die-hard musky and walleye anglers out in the north, with action for both species picking up. Fish are moving into there fall patterns where they will feed heavily to put on weight. Musky fishing was also good in the south. Crappies have also been hitting pretty well on southern lakes.
Fishing on Green Bay this past week was fairly good. The rain and winds kept fishing pressure down during the week, but weather was great over the weekend. Limits of perch continued to be reported. Some nice northern continue to show up in or near Little Sturgeon Bay. Rough conditions kept most of the anglers off the piers on the Lake Michigan side and very few trollers were going out on the lake. The rain over the last week brought up the water levels on all tributaries. As such, more fish were heading up the rivers. Anglers were having more success catching chinook and coho salmon and brown trout have been reported as well, but the fall salmon runs will probably begin to wind down.
The Mississippi River is on the rise again. Last week the river dropped down to about 9.3 feet but by early this week it was back up to 10.1 feet. The river is expected to rise another foot this week cresting out around 11 feet. Fishing was good again this week with bluegill, crappie, smallmouth bass, walleye and sauger all being caught.
Camping is winding down at state parks and forest, and many properties have begun to close some of their campsite and shut down water facilities for the season. This includes recreational vehicle dump and fill stations, water taps, running water restrooms, and showers. Winterized water taps are usually available at designated locations and pit toilet buildings are open in most campgrounds. However, there will still be a lot of activity at parks this coming weekend with nearly a dozen parks scheduling Halloween activities including several candlelight and jack-o-lantern hikes.
Beaver are busy getting their winter cache built up before freeze up. They will pile up branches and logs near their lodge, which will keep them fed throughout the winter when the lakes and ponds are frozen over. Archery hunters are reporting increased pre-rut activity with bucks chasing does and numerous ground scrapes.
Woodcock have been slowly but steadily filtering into southern Wisconsin and are being seen in bottomlands along rivers and in upland shrubby habitats. The first tundra swans have arrived on the Mississippi. Large numbers likely will not be present until the first full week of November. Canada goose population are near peak at Horicon Marsh with at least 150,000 geese reported this week. The geese fly out of the marsh in the morning to feed among the uplands, so the best viewing is at the end of the day when they return to rest on the marsh for the evening. There were also more than 80,000 ducks on the marsh with all of the species of puddle ducks present and the first of the northern migrant diving ducks arriving.
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A three-minute audio version of this report can be heard by calling (608) 266 2277.
A new report is put on the line each week.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Bois Brule River is flowing at 226 cubic feet per second (cfs) as of 10/24/07. The 61 year average is 146 cfs. Anyone who is looking for the colorful fall leaves in the Brule area will have to look down on the forest floor on their next hike. Recent strong winds have blown most of what was left of the leaves to the ground. Although most leaves are off of the trees, the tamarack tree is in it's full golden glory. The Tamarack is the only native conifer in Wisconsin that will turn color and shed its needles in the fall. For more information on the tamarack tree check out the Wisconsin DNR's EEK site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/veg/trees/tamarack.htm] Snow buntings have been coming through the area recently. These northern birds migrate down from their breeding grounds in the arctic to winter over in the northern half of the United States. Beaver are busy getting their winter cache built up before freeze up. They will pile up branches and logs near their lodge, which will keep them fed throughout the winter when the lakes and ponds are frozen over. For more information on beaver check out the Wisconsin DNR's EEK site at [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/eek/critter/mammal/beaver.htm]. With the hunting seasons under way, people are asked to keep in mind that ATVs are allowed only on designated routes or trails in the Brule River State Forest. They are not permitted on the logging roads. The snowmobile/winter ATV trail is not open. See [www.douglascountywi.org/maps/Summer%20ATV%20Map.pdf] for non-winter ATV trail routes. For a hard copy of the map call the Superior-Douglas County Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-942-5313 or contact them through their Web site at [www.superiorchamber.org] (click on "contact us")
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Cloudy, rainy and windy weather conditions has kept fishing pressure down in the last week, with just a few die-hard musky and walleye anglers out trying their luck. Water levels on most lakes and rivers are still a few inches high and water temperatures have dropped to low 50s and upper 40s. As mentioned, the low amount of fishing pressure that was seen was mainly for musky and walleye. Musky action did seem to pick up in the last week, with most anglers seeing fish--and a few catches being made as well. Most of the musky anglers continue to throw artificial baits and the slower-moving lures such as stick baits and “bulldawgs” have been the most productive. The sucker bite has also continued to improve and anglers have been getting quite a few hits on 14- to 18-inch suckers. Most of the fish that have been caught have been in the 30- to 38-inch size, but a few 40-plus-inch musky have also been reported. Walleye fishing did pick up in the last week and a few anglers reported catching quite a few fish along the deeper break lines in 8 to 14 feet of water. Most of the walleye have been on the small side but a few limits of "eaters" have also been taken. Large fathead minnows produced the best action and were being fished below a slip bobber, on a jig or just a bare hook dragged along the bottom.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Fishing pressure on area lakes has been relatively low the past couple of weeks. With most of the leaves down, and temperatures falling, many folks have turned to bow hunting, duck and grouse hunting. There are a few walleye and musky anglers still out and action has been fair. For walleye, the best action has been with jigs and minnows/chubs. Shallow running crank baits have also worked excellent this time of year when cast toward shorelines with gravel and rock. Musky anglers have been using slow-moving jerk baits and “bulldawgs” for best action, along with suckers fished under a large bobber.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - A hard frost hit the Northwoods this week causing more popple leaves to drop, blanketing the forest floor. Archery hunters are reporting some pre-rut activity with bucks chasing does and ground scrapes. Increased awareness for deer movement across roadways should help to avoid car-deer accidents. Geese are flocking and flying south. Bay water temperatures have dropped slowing down fishing activity. Forestry crews have been busy marking trees for timber sales in the county. Chinook action is till good on the Menominee River below the Hattie St. Dam although beginning to slow. The water flow was high this week with rain input to the river from the north on the Peshtigo and Menominee rivers. Walleye are in good numbers and brown trout will soon be surveyed by the DNR Fisheries Team for egg collection for Wild Rose Hatchery.
Oconto County - Yellow perch are plentiful off the Oconto County Park area with the best success using minnows as worms seem to attract gobies. Chinook are still present in the area although the peak is past. Small game hunters are required to purchase pheasant stamps if hunting for pheasants. This is a new rule for 2007 statewide.
Shawano County - This Saturday will be the Halloween event at the Navarino Nature Center in Shiocton from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Games, a trail walk and treats around a bonfire are included. For more information and directions please call the Nature center at (715) 758-6999.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fishing on the bay this past week was fairly good. Perch continued to be cooperative throughout the mornings with numerous limits being reported out of Bayshore. Chaudoir’s was much slower although perch were found in 15 to 25 feet of water out of both landings. Minnows continue to be the best bet. The largest of the perch have exceeded 1 to 1.5 pounds! The occasional cat, drum, and goby continue to bite for the perch anglers as well. Some nice northern continue to show up in or near Little Sturgeon Bay. Those reported ranged in size, although the occasional 35 to 40 incher showed up. Many of the larger pike have been taken in the 20 to 30 feet of water. Shad continue to move in and up the Fox River, bringing musky with them. Action for musky continued to be good on lower bay and Fox. Some salmon continue to be spotted in Little Sturgeon Bay as their migratory spawning dance nears an end. Leaf colors remain spectacular although many leaves have begun to fall. Viewing remains at or near 80 percent. Deer are getting more active as the photoperiod continues to change and temperatures drop with the eminent rut just around the corner. Bucks are beginning to establish areas with scrapes and rubs becoming more apparent.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County – There was seasonable weather again this week, dominated by rain, high winds and cool temperatures. After the unpleasant weather most of the week, there was a great weekend. The leaves are still golden. There are still burning bans in effect in portions of Door County, with some areas requiring permits. The rain and high winds this week curtailed a lot of the angling activity. Very few anglers were out on the big lake. Anglers trolling in the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal and between the bridges in Sturgeon Bay reported fair to good success. The rough conditions also kept most of the anglers off the piers on the Lake Michigan end of the canal. A few fish continue to be taken along the canal shore, although the numbers appeared to be down again this week. There are still king salmon and brown trout being taken from the northern Door harbors. Smallmouth bass action remained fair to good for anglers fishing protected areas and using tube jigs and goby imitating baits. A few walleyes were also reported; however, the wind kept most of the walleye anglers off the water. Only a few perch were taken between the bridges in Sturgeon Bay and along the buoy line from the Bay View Bridge to the Sturgeon Bay ship canal. Bad weather kept anglers away from the deeper water in more open areas such as off of Chaudoir’s dock. Minnows fished under a slip bobber remained the bait of choice for most of the perch anglers.
Peninsula State Park - Colors in Peninsula State Park and the surrounding area are now at their peak. All trails are in good condition. Conditions will change rapidly over the next week or so. Water levels in Green Bay and Lake Michigan are still very low, approximately 18 inches below the long-term average. Traffic along the main highways are heavy during October weekends, so plan on hiking and biking the park's many trails rather than braving the traffic. The Tennison Bay campground remains open. Water systems will be shut down Oct. 29.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Fall color is still bright. While the winds are blowing hard along the beach, hiking the red, yellow or green trails is still comfortable and colorful. A recommended hike is the yellow trail with its transformation from the cedar forest to birches, then through the pine plantation out into the reindeer moss meadow back through the forested dunes returning to the nature center. Large salmon have washed up on the beach leaving scavengers such as the red fox, gulls and coyotes to leave their tracks on the sand. White tailed deer tracks along with a rare otter track have been seen this past week. Migrating waterfowl are starting to come through. The forest has stared to show is hidden treasures with the coming of winter. Leaves are at 50 percent off the trees.
Kewaunee County - Much needed rain over the last week has brought up the water levels on all of the rivers in the area. As such, more fish were heading up the rivers. More seasonable temperatures and windy days were also been in the area last week. Anglers fishing the rivers are having more success catching king salmon. A few coho salmon and brown trout have been reported as well. Most anglers were casting spoons, flies or using spawn sacs. Not many anglers have been fishing off of the piers in Algoma and Kewaunee this week. The same is true of anglers going out on boats. A lot of wind has pushed most anglers off of the lake, but some anglers have been able to take boats farther up the rivers and fish there due to higher water levels.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, fishing has been relatively slow on the Sheboygan and Pigeon rivers as well as in the harbor, but a few coho salmon and brown trout have been taken off the piers on spoons or crankbaits.
Ozaukee County - Shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching a few chinook and coho salmon, and brown trout on spawn sacs in the north slip and near the power plant. A few chinooks and coho have also been taken off the Port Washington pier on shiners, alewives, or spoons.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee fish in the Milwaukee River have moved up to Kletzsch Park, where anglers have been catching chinook salmon, and brown and rainbow trout on a variety of flies. Some chinooks can also be found in Estabrook Park, where a few have been taken on spawn. At the Milwaukee lakefront chinooks have been caught at the McKinley ramps and pier on orange & gold spoons or crankbaits and in Veteran’s Park near the Sailing Center on spawn. Behind the Summerfest grounds shore anglers have been taking a few browns on large fathead minnows.
Racine County - In Racine shore anglers have taken a few brown trout near the Pershing Park ramp. Both spawn and tube jigs have been effective. On the Root River, anglers in the downstream stretches throughout Lincoln, Island, and Washington Parks have found chinook salmon and occasional browns as well as increasing numbers of coho. Black flies have been producing the coho and chinook, while browns have been hitting spawn. Good numbers of chinook can also be found in Colonial and Quarry Lake Parks as well as near the Horlick dam, and both orange and black flies have been producing fish. Approximately 925 chinook were passed above the Root River Steelhead Facility last week. So far this season DNR crews have processed 3,271 chinook, 156 coho, 31 steelhead, and 45 brown trout. Coho were scheduled to be spawned at the facility on Oct. 23.
Kenosha County - Shore fishing in Kenosha has been slow in the harbor, but anglers fishing near the mouth of the Pike River and slightly upstream have been catching good numbers of chinook and brown trout. Pink, yellow, and green flies have all been productive.
Inland fisheries team report
Fishing reports remain good in the Southeast Region. Fewer anglers were out on the water, those that were out were finding good action especially for musky.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Turnover is coming closer each day. Look for a period of sustained cold nights to push the surface waters down, causing the turnover to occur. Turnover is many times followed by an almost instant algae bloom as nutrient rich water becomes available. The water will take on a cloudy appearance over night as the turnover occurs. Panfish action was good on some lakes. Crappies were hitting pretty well on several lakes and near the dam at Sheboygan Marsh. Northern pike should be active right now but, few reports have come in.
Waukesha County - Musky fishing this past week has been excellent. Fish are moving into there fall patterns where they will feed heavily to put on weight. Best action was coming from trolling large cranks around rock points and shallow weed cuts. Bass fishing has been very good as well, best bites coming on overcast days in shallow warm bays.
DNR South Central Region
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Horicon Marsh is nearing its peak fall population of Canada geese. As of this week the marsh was holding at least 150,000 geese with a peak of about 200,000 that is attained by late October or early November. There were also more than 80,000 ducks on the marsh with all of the species of puddle ducks present and the first of the northern migrant diving ducks arriving, particularly the ring-necked duck. Most visitors tend to miss the daily flight of the geese due to poor timing. The peak for visitors at Horicon Marsh is in mid to late October when the marsh is building toward peak numbers and fall colors are at their peak, but most people arrive in mid morning and leave by early to mid afternoon and miss the daily flights. The Canada geese fly out of the marsh in the morning to feed among the uplands, so good viewing is during the first two hours of daylight. The birds do move throughout the day, but the best viewing is at the end of the day when they return to rest on the marsh for the evening. The best viewing is on the northeast corner of the marsh at the Hwy. 49 view area during the last two hours of daylight. Other wildlife viewing opportunities at this time of year include a variety of hawks. late migrant shorebirds, several fall songbirds (such as white-throated sparrows, yellow-rumped warblers, kinglets and others) and the first winter birds.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil’s Lake State Park - Autumn foliage is a little past peak, with about 70 percent turned to color, 25 percent fallen, and 5 percent still green. All hiking trails are open. Mountain bike trails are temporarily closed because muddy conditions make the trails vulnerable to further damage. Saturday, Oct. 27, the Friends of Devil’s Lake State Park will host their annual Autumn Candlelight Walk at the north shore of the lake, beginning at the Rock Elm Shelter. Join us for a pleasant 1.5-mile walk along a candlelit trail through the woods and campground on a crisp autumn evening. Refreshments will be available, along with a crackling warming fire. There is no fee for this event, but a valid vehicle admission sticker is required on all cars. Almost all water facilities are shut down for the season. This includes recreational vehicle dump and fill stations, water taps, running water restrooms, and showers. One winterized water tap is available throughout the winter near site 50 in the Quartzite Campground. Pit toilet buildings are open in the camp area. Running water restrooms are open in the headquarters, visitor center, and the main south shore (concessions closed) building. The Nature Center is closed through the winter except for a few specially arranged programs and for scheduled school groups.
Dane County
Capital City Bike Trail - Work started this week on drainage improvements to the Longford Terrace tunnel on the Capital City Trail in Fitchburg. The work should take about a week to complete and the tunnel will be closed to public use during that time. Bicycle and pedestrian traffic will be detoured around the tunnel using connector paths leading to Longford Terrace at both ends of the tunnel. For more information, contact either Kevin Swenson, DNR Trail Manager at (608) 224-3606.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Peak fall color was a bit later than usual and good color may still be around this week. Near freezing low temperatures are predicted. It’s a great time to hike especially during the week. The past weekend was very busy with day visitors. Little Falls Lake was up early in the week and a bit off color. Water is turned off in all day use and campground bathroom/shower buildings. Pit toilets are open in the beach area, in the campground by site # 62, the boat launch, and at the new parking lot for the group camp. Campers with tanks and small water containers may load water at the service building just down the hill from the office building. Campers may unload at the dump station but there is no rinse or refill water. Day visitors may pick up water at the office. Flush toilets, showers, and the dump station will remain closed until May, 2008. Vehicle access to the campground will end in mid November, or at first snow. Parts of Willow River are open for the nine day gun hunting season and the late archery season. Deer hunting flyers are available at the park office and open areas will be posted. Some of the most popular trails border or are near hunting areas, so hikers should plan ahead. More information is available on the State Parks web site Current Conditions page. This will be a busy weekend at the Nature Center with a Full Moon Hike Friday night and the Halloween Bash Saturday night. Details are on the State Parks web site [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/]. The Willow River Nordic skiers continue to cut brush on Saturdays, including Oct. 27. Meet at the service building at 8 a.m. Dry land training continues for skiers Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. at the Nature Center, starting on the Purple trail.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Woodcock have been slowly but steadily filtering into the area. Moist bottomlands along the Kickapoo River are prime areas to hunt for these erratic-flying migratory game birds. Woodcock may also be found in upland shrubby habitats with an herbaceous ground cover, especially where soil moisture is adequate to support earthworms, a woodcock's primary food source.
Mississippi River - The first tundra swans have arrived on the Mississippi. Large numbers likely will not be present until the first full week of November. Peak numbers will be reached in mid to late November, or just before ice up. Numerous white pelicans are still present. They will be migrating soon.
Crawford County - The fall colors around the Crawford County area are in full swing. Traveling on any road in the county and you can see varying colors. Some of the sumac is bright red while trees like hickory, maple and aspen are bright yellow or gold. Oaks are starting to turn brown. The Mississippi River is on the rise again. Last week the river dropped down to about 9.3 feet but by early this week it was back up to 10.1 feet. The river is expected to rise another foot this week cresting out around 11 feet. The Wisconsin River is also on the rise. The Kickapoo River crested late last week at about 12.6 feet (flood stage is 13 feet) and is now down to 10.4 feet. Without additional rain to the watershed the Kickapoo is expected to drop even farther. The Mississippi River is still experiencing a fair amount of floating vegetation and to a lesser degrees debris like trees and limbs. Some of the boat landings on the Mississippi River are full of weeds. Late this week the Lynxville boat landing had a substantial clump of weeds causing some difficulties. The Cold Spring landing is about the same; however, a lot of boat traffic is going in and out making a pretty good path. Fishing action was good again this week. Bluegill and crappie action was good in many areas of the Ambro Slough complex and in the Lower Bottoms just south of Prairie du Chien in the snags with small minnows for crappie or small ice fishing jigs (red or yellow) tipped with red worms for bluegills. Cold Spring heated up again late in the week but was spotty all other times. Bluegills were being located in 3 to 8 feet of water in slack or slow moving sloughs. Walleye action was also good at Lock and Dam #9 at Lynxville and farther down stream near the Harpers Ferry slough. Casting or vertical jigging One-Eyes have been productive. Walleye were being located in deeper sloughs in the back waters also. The Roseau and Black Sloughs have produced well. Walleyes have been biting up in Pool 9 in the deeper backwater areas south of the Lansing dike. Wing dam action fair this week. A fair number of sauger have been taken too. Many anglers have switched over to minnows for bait. Most are finding bass action pretty good. Some of the wing dams have produced some smallmouth bass but the best action was been in the backwater adjacent to deeper water. Some, however, were finding active bass in the recently flooded shallows. Waterfowl numbers were low during the week but it appears some ducks and geese are moving south. Generally speaking duck hunting was pretty slow for most hunters this week. Even so, some hunters were able to locate some ducks. Rain and cooler weather followed by dry and warm weather really mixed up the hunt. Rising water levels met duck hunters this week. Some hunters report moderate action in the Lower Bottoms outside Prairie du Chien. The Ambro Slough Complex was generally slow. Some areas of Pool 9 like the Copper Creek, Buck Creek, and Rush Creek bottoms had some good days. The Winneshiek and Big Slough complex south of the Lansing dike was fairly slow. Successful hunters report a mixed bag of teal, mallards, wood duck, pintail, widgeon, shoveler and gadwall. Hunters report slow action at the island complexes outside Lynxville (Deer Island) and Ferryville (Capoli Island). Very few diver ducks have been seen on Pool 9. The lower Wisconsin River is full of acorns and water. Some hunters found decent wood duck, mallard and teal activity in the Wisconsin River bottoms. Hunters in the bottoms of the Wisconsin River need to scout around to find active duck spots. Archery deer hunters continued their fight with mosquitoes especially this past weekend. On a positive note some crop fields are coming down, leaves are starting to fall and rut activity is starting. Deer hunters are reporting rubs and a few scraps showing up. Hunting field edges has been productive for some archers. Squirrel hunters are having pretty good success now that the leaves are starting to fall. This is a great time for bird watching. The fall migration of hawks is on. The number of white Pelicans is much lower than previous weeks. Some can still be seen on Pool 9 in the Ferryville area. Poison ivy and stinging nettle is still present in many areas. The river bottoms are still full of nettle and poison ivy. Mosquitoes remain out in force especially in the river bottoms. Hornets, box elder beetles and Asian beetles were very active last weekend due to the warm weather.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park – Fall colors are still ablaze, though they do appear to be past peak. Maples are nearly finished, but oaks are turning yellow and red, and the aspen and tamarack are turning a brilliant gold. The open water game fish action has been fair with the heavy rains. Bass action was on leeches, but small minnows have also been productive; walleye action has been good with live baits. Crappies have been actively biting small minnows between storm fronts. Species of birds seen or heard include: great blue herons, ravens, a variety of wrens, phoebes, turkey vultures, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, osprey, bald eagles, and Canada geese. Brunet Island State Park north campground is open with pit toilets and drinking water available. The south campground is open with electric sites, hand water pump, and a campground shower facility. The park dump station is open. The annual shut down of the showers and dump station will be Oct. 26. The park will be undertaking a major road renovation project through October. Existing pavement on nearly all park roads and parking areas will be ground up and new pavement will be placed over it.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - Fishing luck has varied with the recent rains but some anglers have had good luck on Reserve lakes. Musky and bass fishing has been good at surrounding lakes. Stop at the Interpretive Center for a free Lakes Book detailing access, type, and lake information. A vehicle sticker is required at the north and south Shattuck boat landings, as well as the parking area west of the interpretive center on Hwy M. With the summer birds gone, hiking on the Reserve is quiet except for Canadian geese and Sandhill cranes that can be seen and heard in large flocks preparing for migration. Trails and hiking is in it’s peak with the still colorful leaves and no bugs. Kettle lakes within the Reserve are slowly replenishing their water levels with the recent rainfalls, but are still well below normal levels. The Reserve is open for hunting and maps can be picked up at the Visitor Center. All game and state rules apply which include no overnight tree stands, ATV use, or wheeled carts. If you plan on hunting the Reserve, make sure you know where public and private lands intersect.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park – The boat boarding piers and fishing pier are removed for the season. Canoes and kayaks are still available for renting. The park is open for early and late bow seasons. New hunting maps are available at the park office and on the park Web site for parkland, Buckhorn wildlife area (formerly area A), and yellow river wildlife area (formerly area B). The yellow river wildlife area (area B) is open to everything in the regulations. Buckhorn wildlife (area A) is open for small game, waterfowl, trapping, and deer bow hunting. Deer can be registered at the park office when it is staffed. The far campsites are closed. 8, 9, 16 are open year-round. Sites in the group camp are open, 10-12, 25, 23-24, 26-29. Sites are first come. Drinking water will be available at the park office and group camp. The 2008 photo contest started Oct. 1.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The campground is currently closed for the season, but the park remains open for day use. It’s not too late to take a fall hike up the Roche-A-Cri Mound to catch some fall colors. Many fall mushrooms have been present throughout the park. The 2008 photo contest is now underway. The Roche-A-Cri Woods state natural area east of Highway 13 is open for hunting.
VHS fish disease update as of Oct. 4, 2007
The state Natural Resources Board on Wednesday, Oct. 24, approved emergency rules that, as soon as next week, will require all people boating and fishing in Wisconsin to take steps to prevent the spread of a deadly, new fish disease [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/rbnews/BreakingNews_Lookup.asp?id=681]. The board tabled until December action on permanent rules to prevent the spread of the fish disease, viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS.
The emergency rules replace previous emergency rules that expired Sept. 5. The rules would be good for 150 days, with the opportunity for DNR to seek two extensions of 60 days each.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT STATE PARKS, FORESTS, AND TRAILS
WATCHABLE WILDLIFE OPPORTUNITIES AND INTERPRETIVE PROGRAMS
Check with the park or forest of your choice for additional activities and special events not listed. Most events are free of charge; park admission sticker required unless otherwise noted. Events and times subject to change.
Friday, October 26, 2007
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Full Moon Hike. Local birding experts Ed and Angie Coloski will present a slide show about whooping cranes and geese. Then head out on an easy walk to see what’s out in the full moon. Dress for the weather. Nature Center. 6-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - Candlelight Hike. Refreshments and snacks available; the walk will be 1 to 2 easy miles along a candlelit path; a warming fire will be going at the start/finish area. Sponsored by Friends of Devil's Lake State Park. 6-9 p.m.
• Governor Nelson State Park, Waunakee, (608) 831-3005 or e-mail - Halloween Hike. We will have a hiking trail lit by torches, candles and a few carved pumpkins. Our campfire will keep you warm if the air is cool and can be used to roast marshmallows. Costumes are welcome, but not required. This event will be cancelled if it's raining. 6-9 p.m.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or e-mail - Halloween Candlelight Hike. Candlelight hike and haunted trail as well as public viewing of the night sky. Sponsored by Friends of Harrington Beach, Northern Cross Science Foundation and Area 4-H Clubs. Ansay Welcome Center and Puckett's Pond. 6-9 p.m. hikes and 6-11 p.m. sky viewing.
• High Cliff State Park, Sherwood, (920) 989-1106 or e-mail - The Great Pumpkin Event. Free horse-drawn wagon rides, costume judging, pumpkin carving, lit trail. Sponsored by High Cliff staff and Sherwood Lions Club. Upper park. 3 p.m.
• Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 or e-mail - Following in Their Footsteps: The CCC Boys of Camp Interstate. Two companies of the Civilian Conservation Corps lived and worked in Interstate Park between 1935 and the start of World War II. These young men built roads and trails, shelters and reservoirs, parking lots and a park office. Join Park Naturalist Julie Fox for a hike off the beaten path to follow in the footsteps of the CCC workers of Camp Interstate. Come prepared for travel on trails not maintained for public use; wear appropriate foot wear and dress comfortably for the weather. Meet at the Camp Interstate Shelter across from the South Campground entrance. 2 p.m.
• MacKenzie Environmental Education Center, Poynette, (608) 635-8105 - Haunted Hay Ride. Join in on an evening fun and spooky hay ride around the MacKenzie Center property. Lumberjack Zombies, Witches, Graveyards, Ghosts and more! $3 for adults, $2 children age 8 and under includes a campfire with snacks too! Dress appropriately for the weather, costumes welcome. The MacKenzie Center is located just 2 miles East of Poynette on County Road CS & Q….and only 20 miles north of Madison! This event is sponsored by the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, Friends of the MacKenzie Center and the WI Department of Natural Resources. for more information. 6:30-9:30 p.m.
• Mirror Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 254-2333 or e-mail - Halloween Mystery Candlelight Hike. The Friends of Mirror Lake State Park are hosting a Mystery Hike along a 1-mile torchlit trail. After the hike, stay warm by the bonfires and enjoy hot dogs, snacks and refreshments that the Friends of Mirror Lale State Park will have for sale. Bring your thinking cap and meet us at the picnic area for an exciting hike. Costumes are optional but definitely welcome! Sponsored by Mirror Lake State Park and the Friends of Mirror Lake State Park. Beach Picnic Area. 6:30-8 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Eco-Halloween Hike. You are invited to meet some spineless wonders at this non-scary, family event. Enjoy jack-o-lanterns, Halloween skits, campfires, games, crafts and refreshments. Dress for the weather; you may be outside a while. Shelter #1. Arrive anytime between 6:30 and 8 p.m. to sign up for a half-hour hike.
• Sandhill Wildlife Area, Babcock, (715) 884-6333 or e-mail - Crane-Watch Clinic. Join state wildlife biologists in a unique evening viewing the daily return of thousands of sandhill cranes to the Gallagher Marsh. These majestic birds, once nearly extinct in Wisconsin, have rebounded and now number in the tens of thousands. After a day of feeding in surrounding agricultural fields, thousands of the cranes return to the marsh each evening in the fall before their migration south for the winter. Register by October 17 by sending $15 per person to Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center, PO Box 156, Babcock, WI 54413. Dress warmly in neutral colored clothes (camouflage preferred) and waterproof boots. Consider bringing camera, binoculars or spotting scope. 3-7 p.m.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Halloween Bash. This non-scary event for young kids includes a nature walk in the dark, crafts, games, storytelling, and more. Costumes are encouraged. The gift shop will be open. $2 per person. Nature Center. 6-8 p.m.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
• Council Grounds State Park, Merrill, (715) 536-8773 - Candlelight Walk. Walk up to 2.5 miles among hundreds of candles at Council Grounds State Park. Start at the entrance of the park. 6-9 p.m.
Friday, November 2, 2007
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Those Sly Foxes. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a shy, sly fox. Investigate the world of these secretive animals. This hour of nature fun awaits 3- to 6- year-olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Program: Recycled Art. One person’s garbage is another person’s treasure. Join us as we create treasures from everyday household “extras.” Environmental Awareness Center. 10:30 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Pouch Making. Make a beautiful and unique leather pouch which you will decorate with fur and beads. Class size is limited; please call to pre-register and pre-pay the $5 fee. Most suitable for ages 12 and up. Visitor Center. 9-11 a.m.
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/or/
