Reports from across Wisconsin indicate that white-tailed deer are now actively in the rut, or their mating season, across the state. Scrapes and rub lines, which white-tail bucks make to mark breeding territory, are now very common. Peak rutting activity should be expected for one to two weeks. This is also the time when vehicle-deer crashes are at their peak, as bucks will actively be pursuing does and will become much less wary. During the rut it is common for deer to be active throughout the day, but peak activity is usually near dawn and dusk, so this is the time when drivers should be especially on the look out for deer suddenly moving across roads.
Fall color is now past peak across most of the state, except for a handful of counties mostly in south central Wisconsin that are still reporting peak colors on the Department of Tourism Fall Color Report. The forecast is for some excellent weather this weekend, so this will likely last best opportunity to get out and enjoy fall color. In the north, oaks and tamaracks continue to provide some excellent color. Leaf drop is now well along with most hardwoods through northern and central Wisconsin.
The open-water fishing season is quickly winding down. Fishing pressure has really dropped off with the colder weather and falling water temperatures. For the first time in weeks, musky fishing could only be termed fair in the north, and walleye success has generally continued to be slow. Anglers have been having success catching small saugers and walleyes below area dams on the Mississippi River.
Along Lake Michigan, unfavorable weather made for a poor fishing week, with few anglers out in boats or fishing harbors and piers this because of rain and wind. Some activity ius still being found in tributaries, with chinook still being reported in some rivers, however, the quality of the salmon has been declining rapidly. Some success continued to be reported on the West Twin, Ahnapee and Kewaunee rivers. Chinook, brown trout and steelhead were reported on the Sheboygan, Milwaukee, and Root rivers and Oak Creek.\
Waterfowl migrations are going on strong. Waterfowl numbers beginning to peak along the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge, with 250,000-plus canvasback and thousands of tundra swans reported migrating through the area this week. Buffleheads, mergansers, redheads, and ruddy ducks can be seen rafting up along Lake Michigan.
With most of the leaves now down, grouse hunters have been finding birds much easier to see, but a lot of standing corn continues to provide cover for pheasants and deer.
Most state parks and forests are now reporting that water systems for campground showers and flush toilets have been shut down for the season. Some campgrounds only open for summer have closed, but most parks and forests continue to have campsites open with more primitive facilities for those hearty campers who still enjoy getting out in for fall and winter camping. Check the Wisconsin State Park pages [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/specific/findapark.html] of the DNR Web site for more information.
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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 color show is over around the Brule River State Forest. The once colorful leaves are now lining the forest floor giving off a pleasant "fall smell" as they are beginning to decompose, restocking the soil with nutrients. The fallen leaves should help the hunters out in the woods spot game easier. The grouse harvest has been reported to be spotty?some areas have been good and some have just been mediocre. Grouse hunters are finding that maintained, open trails are not producing many flushes. Hunters are having to go farther in and off of the trails to find birds. Bucks are in active rut. Typically half of the does are bred between November 5 and 15. With this in mind, bucks are going to be chasing the does and not paying attention when crossing roads. Most car/deer collisions occur during this time of year. The section of the Bois Brule River still open for fishing (Highway 2 to Lake Superior) closes Nov. 15. The National Weather Service Cooperating Station at the Brule DNR reported October precipitation of 5.05 inches, compared to a historical average of 2.52 inches, was well above normal. October snowfall was 2 inches, which is the historical average.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - The open-water fishing season is quickly winding down in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Fishing pressure has really dropped off with the colder weather and falling water temperatures. Seems like only the die-hard musky and walleye anglers have been out on the water, and success has also tapered off. For the first time in weeks, musky fishing could only be termed fair. Most musky anglers have been using suckers and action has been generally slow. But this is trophy time and most anglers are just hoping for that one bite from that monster trophy musky. However, no reports of any exceptionally large musky for this week. Walleye success has been generally slow. A few anglers were catching fish on minnows along the deep break lines and any green weed edges, but action was erratic. Water temperatures are in the mid to low 40s and ice-up is still several weeks away (though low-teen and single-digit temperatures can change that in a hurry).
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Area Conservation Wardens and guides report that fall is the best time to catch musky. These fish can be caught on both suckers and artificial baits depending on the water temperatures on the lake being fished. This type of flurry should be prevalent until ice up. Remember that it is not legal to drag a sucker while using a motor at any time. Whitetail bucks are definitely exhibiting signs of rut activity and leaving their marks in the woods. Scrapes and rub lines are now common and indicate the buck activity is picking up. The next couple of weeks should prove to be good hunting. With most of the leaves now down, grouse hunters are finding birds much easier to see. Duck hunters are reporting that a few more birds are around indicating the migration is taking place. A few divers are now starting to show up.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - A gorgeous weekend is coming with temperatures possibly hitting 60 degrees. A good deal of the hardwood leaves have fallen and blanket the ground in the Northwoods. Asters are still struggling to flower in sunny spots. The main topic is deer hunting and the rut is on! There have been a good number of folks reporting scrape activity near stands. The number of deer killed by vehicles also rockets during this month. With the time change be cautious driving during dusk and dawn hours as deer/ car activity is the highest at that time. Fisheries crews have been in the Lower Menominee River conducting fish sampling for brown trout and seeing no surge at this time in spawning numbers. Brown trout numbers are expected to increase. Whitefish are again showing up in large numbers as in previous years. Anglers will find that using a small size jig tipped with a wax worm or an egg works well for whitefish if you can get it out into the current. There was little boat activity on the Menominee with most anglers shore fishing for walleye and brown trout.
Oconto County - Oconto Park II and the mouth of the Oconto River have both been active with perch anglers. Brown trout also are increasing but low numbers spawning. Archery hunters can expect increased buck activity when they are out. Scrapes are being reported from local hunters and there will be a decent weather pattern for the weekend. Geese have been flying all week in numbers and hen turkeys are active in groups.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fox River anglers have been targeting walleyes and musky the last few weeks. Fishing has been on the slower side for musky, but fishing pressure has been high. Most anglers have been trolling for musky. Walleye fishing has been fair over the last week with most anglers jigging for them up by the dam. Walleye fishing has been fair over the last week at Bay Shore Park, with most anglers trolling for them. The wind and the bad weather over the last week have made it tough for most anglers to get out. Little Sturgeon Bay angles have been trolling for walleye with some success over the last week, but the weather here to has also played a big role in how many boats are getting out. Anglers have also been fishing musky in Little Sturgeon with some success. Most anglers have been casting for them inside of the bay.
Manitowoc County - Unfavorable fishing weather and the changing of the seasons made for a poor fishing week in the Manitowoc and Two Rivers area. Few, if any anglers were out in boats or fishing the harbor and piers this week because of the rain and wind last week. A little more activity was found in local rivers this week. On the West Twin River, chinook salmon anglers were still having some success at the Shoto dam where high water and fast current pulled a good number of fish back up to the dam. Chinooks were active in the river and many anglers were landing some large salmon ranging in weight from 15 to 19 pounds; however, the quality of the chinook salmon has been declining rapidly. On the East Twin River, fishing pressure was low on Saturday. The section of river just below the dam was very turbid making the river appear much more brown than normal and this may have discouraged anglers from trying their luck. NOTE: This is the last weekly creel report for the year for the Manitowoc/Two River area. Creel reports will resume next March when the creel survey starts again.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - Cool temperatures and rainy days continued to make for less than ideal weather this week. A few anglers reported taking some kings trolling spoons and crank baits in the canal. No report of salmon action on Lake Michigan this week. Action off the piers at the Coast Guard Station remained poor. Farther north, anglers reported taking a few fish out of Baileys Harbor, Gills Rock and the waters around Washington Island. A few chinook salmon can still be seen swimming in most of the northern Door harbors. Although there were few anglers on the water this week, smallmouth bass action was reported to be fair to good on Green Bay from Little Sturgeon all the way north to Washington Island, with the reefs and points are all producing some smallmouth. Walleye action continues to be fairly good throughout the county, especially at night and under low light conditions.
Potawatomi State Park - There is still some fall color in the park. The view from the top of the old ski hill has some bright yellow foliage visible to the west. With strong winds in the forecast, colors may vanish overnight. Anglers have been catching some perch in Sawyer Harbor this week. Launching piers are scheduled to be pulled from the harbor during the week of November 8. Office hours are generally from 8 am to 4 pm throughout the fall and winter. The fish cleaning station, sanitary dump station, shower building, and most campground wells are closed for the season. Potable water is available near the campground shelter.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - Buffleheads, mergansers, redheads, and ruddy ducks can be seen rafting up for winter on Lake Michigan. Rarely seen ruddy turnstones were spotted searching the waters edge for food on its migration south. Recent rains have helped both plant and animals at the park. With the much needed moisture the mushrooms have emerged and are spectacular. The dried ghosts of summer and autumn flowers can be found throughout the park. Fuzzy goldenrods, stiff Queen Anne lace and others still provide food for birds and mammals. With most of the leaves off the trees, the forested dunes are revealing their hidden treasures. Summer bird nests of hawks, oven birds and warblers can now be seen. Other treasures include beech drops, lady ferns and tree club moss. Turkeys and blue jays are enjoying the fallen beech nuts along the red trail. A gray fox has been seen as he hunts along the shore for washed up fish. Others are also looking for a meal. Keep an eye out for the bald eagle as they scan the shoreline for food. The washed up cladophera brings in a bounty for the diving and dabbling ducks. Canada geese, mallards and wood ducks enjoy the treats caught by the net-like algae. The entire beach is now open to dogs. Please remember that pets must remain on a leash 8 feet or less for their safety and the safety of the park wildlife. Be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your pet. Pets are not allowed on groomed ski trails. Please respect our volunteer groomers? time by hiking the beach or Black Trail to enjoy the park with your pet. Reminder to all that the deer hunt at the park will not begin until next year (2010).
Kewaunee County - Weather over this last week has been cool, windy, and rainy throughout the week making for some foul fishing weather this past week. Some kings continue to move up the rivers this week, but the numbers continue to drop off. Fish are still being caught in the Ahnapee and Kewaunee rivers from the mouths all the way up to the fish refuges below the dams. Success this week has been sporadic at best. Anglers that have been fishing in the harbors have been able to pick up a few browns and rainbows and maybe a coho this week.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Bucks are in rut right now. Most leaves are on the ground, fall colors are past peak. Pheasant stocking was delayed due to wet weather last week. Releasing the pheasants after two or three days of rain in a row is too stressful for the birds. Wildlife staff this week did a prescribed burn at a Glacial Habitat area near Rush Lake.
DNR Southeast Region
Kettle Moraine State forest - Southern Unit - Fall colors are past their peak in the forest. Hunting seasons have begun; it is recommended that all trail users wear bright clothing or blaze orange when out on the trails. Hiking trails are open. Be prepared to encounter all types of conditions from dirt, grass, mud, and even water on the trails. Dogs are allowed on all hiking trails, except nature trails, and must be kept on a leash. Horseback riding trails are open. Equestrians are asked to refrain from using the trails after heavy rains to help preserve their condition. John Muir and Emma Carlin biking trails, as well as the connector trail, will be open if weather conditions permit. Please keep in mind that due to changing weather conditions their status could change. Trails will be closed for a period of time after heavy rains to allow the trails to dry out and thus help keep the trails in the best condition possible. Call the Trail Information Line, (262) 594-6202, for the most current trail conditions. Ottawa Lake Campground is open year round for camping. The campground office will be open the first two weekends in November: All of the water lines have been shut down for the winter (all bathrooms, showers, rinse water for dump station, & water fountains). There is water available at a faucet on the side of the contact station. Pinewoods Group Campsites will close for the season on November 18. (Shower building and flush toilets are closed). For more information call (262) 594-6200.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - Juncos are back. All campsites are open but showers, flush toilets, and water fountains are closed for the season. The trailer dump station is still open. Camping is first come first serve Nov. 1, through March 31. Sanderling Nature Center is closed for the season. It will reopen May 1, 2010.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - ? In Sheboygan shore anglers have been catching rainbow and brown trout and coho salmon on both spawn and crank baits in the marina. In the Sheboygan River anglers have been catching fair numbers of chinooks, browns, and steelhead between Esslingen Park and the Kohler dam. Most fish have been taken on flies and spawn.
Ozaukee County - Shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching good numbers of brown and rainbow trout and coho salmon near the power plant and in the north slip. Both skein and spawn sacs produced fish. Anglers fishing Sauk Creek have taken a few chinook, browns, and steelhead on spawn near the mouth and steelhead and coho on flies farther upstream.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee shore anglers have been catching brown trout on spawn in the lagoon at Lakeshore State Park and in McKinley Marina near the Sailing Center. Fishing has been slow in the Menomonee River, but some chinook and coho salmon have been caught in the Milwaukee River in Estabrook Park. Black flies and spawn have both been productive. In Oak Creek, anglers have been catching a few chinooks and coho on yarn in orange, green, or red.
Racine County - Shore anglers fishing in the Racine launch basin near Pershing Park have been catching a few brown trout. Fire tiger colored crank baits have produced the most fish. Flows on the Root River came up over the weekend, but water levels are starting to drop back down. The Root is still holding good numbers of chinooks, coho, steelhead, and browns. Large black or olive colored flies have been productive throughout the river, and spawn sacs have been effective in the bends in Island Park. Fish were processed at the Root River Steelhead Facility on Monday, November 2. So far this season, a total of 1,681 chinooks, 904 coho, 79 steelhead, and 36 browns have been passed upstream. The next processing day will be Thursday, November 5.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha a few browns have been taken in the harbor on skein under a slip bobber, but fishing has been slow overall. Fishing on the Pike River has been slow.
DNR South Central Region
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Lake Kegonsa State Park - The campground, shower building and dump station are CLOSED for the season and will re-open in May. All fishing piers have been removed. One boat landing pier is still in the water, but will most likelybe removed within the next week or two.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Recent rains have raised water levels on the Mississippi and St. Croix rivers, making getting around the back water areas easier. Waterfowl hunting has been slow, but more geese and divingr ducks seem to be around in the last week. Walleye and sauger are hitting on the Mississippi River at Redwing, Minn. and Prescott, Wisc. with jigs and minnows and three-way rigs being used. Most crop fields are still unharvested and pheasant hunters should have better success later in the season. Deer rutting activity has started and archery hunters are seeing plenty of deer. If fall rains continue it will cause an even later crop harvest which will also affect deer hunting success.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Fall color is past their peak in the La Crosse Area; however, oak coloration is still impressive on the bluffs along the Mississippi River. Anglers have been having success catching small saugers and walleyes below area dams on the Mississippi River. Archery hunters are reporting observing bucks in rut and many report observing good numbers of both antlerless and antlered deer in the field. Waterfowl numbers are beginning to peak on the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge, with 250,000-plus canvasback and thousands of tundra swans migrating through the area. There have been several sightings of peregrine falcons hunting the river bottoms recently. Many bald eagles are also congregating along the Mississippi River in the La Crosse Area.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - All trails are in good condition at this time. Deer are in the rut and can be seen moving during daylight and night time. Barred owls can be heard in the evening hours. The horse trails and horse camp will be closing Nov 15. The group camp will also close Nov 15. The family camp is open all year.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Fall colors are over with most of the leaves having dropped due to windy conditions. The tamaracks are still a brilliant gold. Deer activity is up; bucks are making an appearance during daylight hours in the park. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, black capped chickadees, phoebes, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, bald eagles, and Canada geese Campgrounds are open with electric sites, hand water pump, and a pit toilet, but the shower facility, the picnic area flush toilet building, and the camper dump station are closed for the season. As the park office is not regularly staffed at this time of year, please use the yellow self registration pay posts located at the office and in each campground.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The Buckhorn Youth Deer Hunt is this weekend, Nov. 7-8. Bow hunting will be allowed north of Highway G and north of 31st in the parkland and in the Yellow River Wildlife Area. Please pick up a map from intersection volunteers or the park office. The park is still open for hiking and camping - blaze orange clothing or vests is recommended. A timber sale is being done at this time in the Yellow River Wildlife Area along 18th Ave. There are still many leaves on the trees, colors of yellow, rust and brown. In the last week staff and hunters have been seeing more buck rubs and scrapes in the park.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate and campground are closed for the season. There are still nice fall colors to be seen in the park and prairie. Parking is allowed in the winter/prairie parking lot on Czech Ave. and park stickers are required for all vehicles in that lot. There is a hunter parking lot on Cypress Ave, east of Highway 13 at that hunting area.
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, November 6, 2009
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Hop Away Rabbit. A fox is coming! Hop away rabbit, hop away home! We'll investigate the world of rabbits to learn how they live in the wild. 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 7, 2009
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Family Hike: World of the Whitetail. The white-tailed deer are on the move, making it easier for us to spot the signs they leave behind. We might even be lucky to spot a deer or two on our hike! Spend an hour on a family-friendly hike through Havenwoods. We?ll use magnifiers, binoculars, and super-duper outdoor lookers to spend the morning in nature. 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Creating Winter Wreaths. Using a variety of natural materials, we will create two beautiful wreaths that will enhance your home's winter decor. Call by November 7 to register. This program is best for adults and youth over the age of 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 1-3:30 p.m. or 6:30-9 p.m.
Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report
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/
