The white-tailed deer rut, or mating season, continues to be going on strong across the state with many reports of bucks being active throughout the day. Archers are reporting seeing some very nice buck deer, and there have been several recent reports of record or near record bucks being taken. Leaf drop is now nearly complete statewide, so visibility has increased greatly.
An albino buck that escaped from a Winnebago County game farm has been shot with state approval because it had escaped from a game farm and needed to be tested for chronic wasting disease, but there are other reports of albino deer in that area and hunters are reminded that wild albino deer are protected species.
Hunting has pretty much replaced fishing as the main form of outdoor recreation in the Northwoods. Inland water temperatures have been near the low 40s on northern lakes with the temperatures slowly decreasing and ponds and bays continuing their trend toward ice up; however, warmer temperatures this past week are slowing this process considerably.
Die-hard musky anglers have mostly been dragging suckers around and action has been fair. This is generally known as trophy time for musky, but there have been no recent reports of any exceptionally large fish. Walleye fishing has become very slow and most anglers have winterized their boats and just waiting for first ice to begin trying their luck again. There has been a large influx of whitefish into the Lower Menominee River at Marinette.
Fishing on Lake Winnebago has been slow, and there have been some large numbers of dead gizzard shad in the bays due to falling water temperatures. The Winnebago system is at the northern most range of their habitat, so many of the fish become stressed and die off in colder temperatures.
Lake Michigan anglers have been catching rainbow and brown trout and coho salmon on both spawn and crank baits in harbors. Fair numbers of coho, browns, and steelhead are also still being caught on the Sheboygan River and Sauk Creek. Some coho have also been caught in the Milwaukee River and steelhead have been holding in the deeper pools on the Root River.
Waterfowl reports improved this past week with greater numbers of migrating birds now in the state. This week?s warm temperatures will more than likely keep these birds here for a while.
Grouse have been receiving some attention but with the deer about in full rut right now, a lot of bow hunters have really been targeting the woods. Turkeys are not yet exhibiting winter flocking behavior and there are good numbers being observed.
There have been reports of ducks and coots dying again this year in sizable numbers along the Mississippi River. The die-offs are due to infestation by large numbers of flukes they acquired by eating exotic snails. Dogs, eagles, people and other animals are in no danger from the flukes. Tundra swan numbers have increased greatly along the Mississippi and will continue to increase until the river freezes over. Bald eagles are now also abundant along the river. Snow buntings have been reported in numerous areas across the state.
Following a fairly dry summer in the north, measurable rain over the last couple months have some northern rivers in better condition for paddling than they have been most of the summer, but paddlers should be prepared for cold water conditions if they venture out. Waterfall viewing should also continue to be great, with the rivers running high.
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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 -
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Hunting has pretty much replaced fishing as the main form of outdoor recreation in the Park Falls area for the past several weeks. Grouse have been receiving some attention but with the deer about in full rut right now, a lot of bow hunters have really been targeting the woods. But there has still been some fishing activity and musky have been the main species of interest. These die-hard musky anglers have mostly been dragging suckers around and action has been fair. This is generally known as trophy time for musky, but there have been no recent reports of any exceptionally large fish from the area. Walleye fishing has become very slow and most anglers have winterized their boats and just waiting for first ice to begin trying their luck again. The best fishing success has been for trout on Patterson Lake, the popular local trout lake. Some nice catches of the larger brood fish have been made in the last week, with some 15-plus-inch brook and brown trout caught over the weekend.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Smaller lakes, bays and ponds continue their trend toward ice up; however, warmer temperatures this past week are slowing this process considerably. Anglers have only another couple of weeks left to get out onto the larger lakes and enjoy the final days of fall fishing in the area. Open water fishing activity continues to remain constant with muskies aggressively feeding prior to ice up. Buck activity continues to be in full force with numerous reports of rut activity. Bucks can be seen roaming at all times of the day now. For those deer hunters who will be hunting during the nine-day gun/deer season a change in the law allows you to purchase your license after the season has opened. As we continue with hunting seasons, those outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and walking the woods in the fall should remember to wear hunters orange for safety. Please consider the areas where hiking/walking is planned so as not to place yourself at risk. Waterfowl reports improved this past week with greater numbers of migrating birds now in the area. This week?s predicted warm temperatures will more than likely keep these birds here for a while so take advantage while you can.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Council Grounds State Park - The family campground and the outdoor group camp are closed for the season. The docks have been removed for the season at the boat landing.
Florence DNR at the Florence Natural Resource Center
Pine Popple Wild Rivers ? There have been several measurable rain events in the last couple months, and with the end of the growing season, there is little uptake from groundwater. The rivers are actually in better condition for running than they have been most of the summer. Moderate whitewater conditions could make for fun runs, but bring lots of warm clothing. Waterfall viewing should continue to be great, with the rivers running high. The leaves are down, so visitors can see everything moving around in the woods. There are many birds, squirrels, and chipmunks moving about. Snow buntings have been reported in the area. Deer are readily seen during the day depending on the weather. The trails that access waterfalls on the property are primitive and soil surfaced; consequently, they are variable and uneven in places. Suitable hiking boots and a walking stick are advised for hiking these trails. There are some small game and big game hunting seasons open from now through January, so blaze orange or bright clothing is recommended. Currently all access roads are open and accessible, although a vehicle with good clearance is recommended, and four wheel drive is preferred for some of the more remote locations. Be ready for deep puddles and greasy soils in low-lying areas. The property has three campsites available for free use by river users, accessible by the river only. Each site has a tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, and a privy. Currently, all three campsites are open, and availability is on a "first come" basis. The Wild Rivers Interpretive Center is currently open six days a week, M-F 9-5, Sat 9-4 on Highway 70 in Florence. Staff are available for providing more information, and property maps, canoeing guides, field guides, and license sales are available.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - The inland water temperatures are approximately near the low 40s at this time with the temps slowly decreasing. Fishing pressure is light on inland lakes at this time of year. There is always some activity on the Lower Menominee River. Right now the fishery crew is anticipating the brown trout to begin moving up to the Hattie St. Dam although their numbers are not quite there yet. There is a large influx of whitefish again similar to last year at this time. Anglers are using small jigs to catch them off the Stephenson Island area. Deer hunters are scouting their hunting areas for rubs and scrape activity. The new mentored hunting rule will allow people who have not yet taken the Hunter Safety course to hunt with a mentor sharing one firearm or bow. Hunter safety courses will again be offered beginning next spring giving these folks an opportunity to secure certification and hunt without a mentor next year. Some farmers are still harvesting cob corn off the fields which the turkey and deer are taking advantage of.
Oconto County - Whitetail deer rut activity is on with increased deer movement across roadways, caution is recommended when driving at dusk and predawn hours. Turkeys are not yet exhibiting winter flocking behavior and there are good numbers being observed. Robins have moved southward about two weeks ago was a push for them. The sighting of snow buntings is a reminder that other northern birds will soon be joining them.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park - About 70 percent of the park is open to black powder only deer hunting November 21-29. The hunt was established to protect the park's vegetation from the damaging effects of deer overpopulation. Only hunters in possession of a Park Access Permit for Unit 80C are allowed to hunt. Non-hunters are strongly encouraged to not use trails in the hunting zones. Trails are in good condition overall, but somewhat wet. Only the Tennison Bay campground remains open. Water systems have been shut down for the season. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is closed to guided tours for the season. However, you may view the lighthouse from outside and walk the grounds. Peninsula State Park golf course is closed until May 1.
Potawatomi State Park - Strong winds have caused the fall colors to disappear, but you can see more in the park this time of the year when the leaves have fallen from the trees. Deer were seen at Potawatomi during the first week of November. Trails are in good hiking condition. No hunting is allowed in the park. The North Campground and group sites are closed for the winter. Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis on Sites 1 through 81. Four of those sites (22, 24, 26, 28 -- all have electricity) will be plowed throughout the winter.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
An albino buck that escaped from an area game farm has been harvested and a sample sent in for disease testing. There are other reports of albino deer in Winnebago County. Please remember that these deer must have some brown on their hides for legal hunting. Fishing on Lake Winnebago has been reported very slow this time of year. It is common to see large numbers of dead gizzard shad in the bays due to falling water temperatures. The Winnebago system is at the northern most range of their habitat, so many of the fish become stressed and die off in colder temperatures.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan shore anglers have been catching rainbows, coho, and browns on both spawn and crank baits in the marina. In the Sheboygan River anglers have been catching fair numbers of coho, 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 browns, coho, and rainbows near the power plant and in the north slip. Both skein and spawn sacs produced fish. Anglers fishing Sauk Creek have taken a few browns and steelhead on spawn near the mouth and steelhead and coho on flies further upstream.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee shore anglers have been catching browns on spawn in McKinley Marina near the Sailing Center. Fishing has been slow in the Menomonee River, but some and coho 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 coho on yarn in orange, green, or red.
Racine County - Shore anglers fishing in the Racine harbor have been catching a few browns. Crank baits and spawn have produced the most fish. On the Root River, downstream of the weir, browns and steelhead have been holding in the deeper pools and on the current seams. Yarn eggs or drifted spawn sacs have produced fish. The salmon have been holding over the gravel beds in the current as they finish up their spawning. Large black or olive flies, like the whooley bugger, as well as egg imitation flies, have taken fish. Small, dark colored flies have taken the most fish upstream of the weir from Quarry Lake Park to the Horlick dam. Fish were processed at the Root River Steelhead Facility on Thursday, Nov. 5. So far this season, a total of 1,688 chinooks, 998 coho, 83 steelhead, and 37 browns have been passed upstream. The next processing day will be Thursday, Nov. 12.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha a few browns have been taken in the harbor on skein under a slip bobber. Fishing on the Pike River has been slow.
DNR South Central Region
No Reports.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Recent favorable weather conditions have resulted in excellent raccoon hunting. Many raccoon hunters have reported successful harvests. Raccoon trapping activity is also increasing with the advent of cooler weather. Ducks and coots are dying again this year in sizable numbers along the Mississippi due to trematodiasis, or infestation of their intestines by large numbers of flukes they acquired by eating exotic bithynia snails. The trematodes damage the intestine until it no longer functions. Dogs, eagles, people and other animals are in no danger from the trematodes. They only affect snail eating waterfowl like lesser scaup, buffleheads and coots. Tundra swan numbers have increased greatly and will likely continue to increase until the Mississippi freezes over. The last white pelicans of the season are passing the La Crosse area now. Bald eagles are abundant. They are picking up waterfowl that died from trematodiasis.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Cooler weather this week should create more deer movement and get the rut going again. A timber sale is being done at this time in the Yellow River Wildlife Area along 18th Ave. The upcoming gun deer season will be allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area only and not in the park or new parkland. Campsites 8,9, 16 and sites in the group camp, A1-A4, A6-A8 and B1-B3 are open to camping and are non-reservable, 1st come/1st served. All other sites are closed for the year.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - There are still nice fall colors to be seen in the park and prairie. The main gate and campground are closed for the season. Parking is allowed in the winter/prairie parking lot on Czech Ave. and park stickers are required for all vehicles in that lot. Hunting is not allowed in the park. 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.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Discovery Saturday: Decorate a Tree for Wildlife. Make a garland from pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, and bread shapes. Once you?ve finished, find a tree outside to decorate for the animals. These activities are for everyone! Just drop in the building anytime between 9 a.m. and noon to participate in the fun.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Whooo Goes There? Owls. On silent wings owls fly through the night! Join us as we investigate how owls are adapted to be such terrific nighttime hunters. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Grapevine Wreaths. Make a wreath out of native grapevine then take it home to decorate it as you wish. Please call to pre-register and pre-pay the $5 fee. Be prepared to drive. Dress to be outside. Visitor Center. 8-9 a.m. Search for Short-Eared Owls. We are lucky to have the rare short-eared owls visit. Join us to discover more about these grassland birds. We will also drive in search of them. Visitor Center. 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Preschool Storytime: Now That the Days are Colder. What happens as the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop? We'll explore some of nature's many changes at this time of year. This program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5, and their parents, grandparents, or other adult, not for day care centers or organizations. 9:30-10:30 a.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/
