Whitetail news 11.13.08
Wisconsin’s regular nine-day gun deer season is now just over a week away, so this weekend is the last opportunity for hunters to sight in firearms and make sure hunting gear and clothing are ready for opening weekend. Most reports from across the state indicate the deer rut, or mating season, is near its peak this week. The November 22 opening this year is one of the latest opening days possible, so deer will likely be at the end of the rut or in post rut conditions. This weekend is also the last weekend for early season archery deer hunters and turkey hunters, with both seasons closing Thursday, November 20. And a reminder that it is illegal to hunt with a firearm the day before the gun deer season opens, except for waterfowl hunting or hunting on licensed game farms or shooting preserves.
Park Falls
Buck activity appears to be in mid rut with reports of scent trailing occurring at this time. 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. A new rule this year requires ground blinds used on state lands to have 144 square inches of blaze orange material visible for 360 degrees. Please refer to the hunting regulations pamphlet or contact a DNR Service Center for more details.
Wautoma
People are urged to be careful when driving, as deer continue to rut.
A car killed buck in Eastern Fond du Lac County had a 10-point rack which measured in with a 21.5-inch inside spread. This is a good indication that the rut is on. Bucks will be traveling solo and focusing on the mating season by using their senses to detect receptive does. A dominant buck will breed many does; the strongest and fittest bucks sire the most offspring.
Willow River State Park -
The white-tail bucks are more commonly observed these days. Park staff has seen bucks that have varied from large to scrawny.
Visitors are reminded of the upcoming gun hunting season for deer. The season opens Saturday, November 22 and ends Sunday, November 30. Areas open to hunting are north of the Willow River and some undeveloped land to the east of the main use area. Some trails border or come close to open hunting areas. All trail heads that access or are near open hunting areas will be posted. Places that do not engage nearby open hunting areas are: the park road, the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail, the White-Tail, Oak Ridge, Knapweed and Pioneer trails. To see Willow Falls, go in from the parking lot at the top of the hill on Cty. Rd. A. Visitors may encounter hunters entering open hunting areas from the closed area. Many visitors go about their activities as normal during hunting season making certain to wear brightly colored clothing. They visit mid day when hunting activity is at its lowest. (Hunting activity typically peaks during low light hours.) The dogs still come along. To those visitors, the hunting issue is a minor inconvenience for ten days. If you are uncomfortable with gun hunting available close to your favorite place to visit, and the options listed above will not work, plan something else for that nine day gun hunting season. Deer hunters are reminded that a daily or annual park sticker is required on your vehicle to hunt in the park, in addition to a deer hunting license. If you are a Conservation Patron there is no valid park sticker on the vehicle (it does not need to be your vehicle) leave your CP license on the dashboard as a valid admission. No other permits are needed. Office hours vary but we try to staff it most business hours. You may self- register for the daily or annual pass at the park office (when closed) or at drop boxes located in outlying parking areas. There is a new office under construction. The office you want is farther in to the park. Rifles may not be used in Zone 60M which includes the park. Hunters park their vehicles off the roads where it is safe to do so. Hunters may park in closed areas and walk to the open hunting areas with the gun unloaded and inside a case. Once inside the open area, the gun may be uncased and loaded for use. If you have already met your Earn A Buck requirement in another such zone, you may fill the buck tag part of your license. Expect to share the open hunting area with other hunters on the opening weekend. The hunting activity slows during the week; then it picks up again on Thanksgiving morning. The closing weekend does not see as much activity as the opener. Pick up a map at the park office.
La Crosse
Deer rutting or breeding behavior is peaking, and bucks remain very active. Gun deer hunters should observe many deer, both bucks and does, exhibiting breeding behaviors. Favorable weather conditions have resulted in excellent raccoon hunting.
Brunet Island State Park
Whitetail deer have begun to rut with the November full moon. An area to the north and east of the main office, including part of the Nordic Trail system, will be open for a limited, shotgun only, special access permit required antlerless deer hunt beginning Saturday, November 22 to 30. The park’s islands are not open to hunting. Hikers are strongly cautioned to wear blaze orange if they will be using the areas open to hunting. The main island is not open to hunting and we would encourage hikers to use the trails and roadways available there. Please contact the office at 715-239-6888 if you have questions regarding the hunt. Park trails are in good condition. Brunet Island State Park north campground is open with pit toilets and hand water pump. The south campground is open with electric sites, pit toilet, and hand water pump. The park dump station is now closed.
