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/
DNR Outdoor Report as of December 15, 2011After last week?s colder temperatures and snowfall built up the anticipation of ice anglers, snowmobilers and skiers, warmer temperatures and rain this week dampened that excitement considerably. Conservation wardens across the state are reporting that ice conditions have deteriorated considerably. Lakes that had 2 to 3 inches of ice now have areas of open water and ice just an inch or two thick along shorelines. Lakes in the far north are in the best condition, with some near shore areas having a solid 5 to 6 inches of ice, but areas out over deeper water and just a short distance away may only have 2 to 3 inches of ice.
Only far north central Wisconsin has any remaining snow cover, with the most being reported in northern Iron County at about 5 inches. Most areas are reporting only 1 to 3 inches of snow remain.
Prior to the warm-up anglers were reporting fair to good action on early ice for bluegills and some northern pike. Initial walleye success on northern lakes has been generally slow for the tip-up anglers, but a few nicer fish have shown up, including a couple of 25-inch walleye have been reported.
Ice had begun to form on both Lake Superior?s Chequamegon Bay and on Lake Michigan?s Green Bay, but with warmer temperatures and wind, most of that ice has broken up. Some anglers have returned to open water fishing, with reports of walleye being caught from boats on the Fox River and some good sauger action on the Mississippi River.
Reports were mixed from the statewide antlerless deer hunt, with some areas mostly in the southern part of the state reporting participation and deer registrations were up, while activity was limited in much of northern Wisconsin. Bow hunters are now taking advantage of this recent mild weather to spend more time on tree stands.
Large flocks of Canada geese are still being reported across much of the state. The exterior goose season is now closed, but the Mississippi River subzone remains open through Dec. 29. Turkeys are reporting to be forming into their larger winter flocks with as many as 40 to 50 being seen feeding on many agricultural fields in the mild weather.
With the mild weather, some late season hunters are reporting still seeing black bear out and about, and wildlife biologists confirmed a black bear denning up in Sauk County this week, the first time this has been confirmed in quite a few years.
There has been an abundance of divers ducks, especially golden-eyes and mallards, stil being seen because of the open water. Large numbers of migrating waterfowl has been seen along the shores of Green Bay, including one report of an estimated 12,000 mergansers.
And for people looking for last minute holiday gifts for the outdoors lovers on their lists, 2012 Wisconsin State Park admission stickers and State Trail passes are on sale now at all state park and forest offices and DNR Service Centers.
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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 - A report of bucks beginning to lose their antlers just came in earlier this week. Some hunters are reporting that some bears have still been active. The warm weather is keeping these animals along with raccoons and skunks out foraging a little while longer before the cold of winter finally sets in. Several snowy owls have been sighted in the area recently, especially around roadsides where they like to hunt. Another interesting report was from a local person who just had a woodcock on his driveway. He joked that when the bird flew off, it at least was flying south. Above freezing temperatures have been melting what little snow there is on the ground. Yards are patchy with the yet green grass and snow.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Ashland County - This past week ended the rifle hunting of deer for non tribal members with the closing of the late season doe hunt. Weather went from near zero temps last week to rain on this Monday. Bow hunters are taking advantage of the warmer temps and are able to log more time in the tree before freezing out. A few people have been venturing out onto some smaller lakes for some ice fishing. But ice conditions on most lakes would be dangerous at best and you could still boat on much of Lake Superior. Bobcat hunting is being made tougher with the warm weather and poor snow cover too.
Bayfield County - In the Bayfield Peninsula there is little if any snow to cover the ground. The ice had started to form on Chequamegon Bay on Lake Superior, but with the warmer temperatures and wind it has gone back the other way. Until colder temperatures arrive ice anglers will not be on Lake Superior for awhile. With the little amount of snow and warmer temperatures the deer are still moving around as normal meaning good opportunity for late archery season hunters.
Douglas County - Below zero night-time temperatures last week finally formed enough ice to allow anglers to venture out on the back bays along the St. Louis and Pokegama Rivers. A few people have been trying their luck for walleye's in the evenings on the Minnesota side of St. Louis Bay, but anglers are reminded that the shipping season remains open and ice breaking activities will continue in the channel. Lack of snow and long term hard freeze keep the Douglas County winter trail system closed.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Burnett County - The mild damp weather of recent days has melted all the snow which has made wildlife viewing more difficult. Ice conditions vary across the county and have diminished with the warmer weather. Use caution when traveling on any frozen lakes. There are still many good days of grouse and pheasant hunting with good numbers of birds in the area.
Polk County - The cold temperatures during the week of Dec. 5, had made ice on some local area lakes during the past week. Some people were already attempting to fish at known walleye spots. The warm temperatures and rain during the week of Dec. 12, melted some of the ice already formed on the lakes.
Ladysmith DNR Service Center area
Rusk County - With the gun deer seasons coming to a close, sportsmen are turning their attention to ice fishing. A few northern were being caught on the Dairyland Reservoir and Bass Lake using a minnow tipped tip-up. Ice was about 4 inches around the edges as of Sunday. With recent rain and warmer temperatures, ice conditions have deteriorated and no ice should be trusted. Several area trappers have reported success on beavers. Coyote and bobcat hunting should pick up with fresh snow expected this week.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
It's a tough time for outdoor enthusiasts in the Park Falls area. Just when ice anglers were starting to inch their way further from shore, warm temps. and rain set conditions back again. Snowmobile trails are closed due to lack of snow. Hound hunters were enjoying the snow conditions and the arrival of a little "new" snow this week made it easier to find fresh tracks. A few grouse hunters are still hitting the trails and finding just enough action to make it worth while. There was a fair amount of muzzleloader and December antlerless season participation but late archery hunters seem to be very few and far between. Mild temperatures have made it bearable to sit in the tree stand over the past week.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice conditions showed a big improvement in the last week and most lakes now have a 3 to 5-inch layer of fairly solid ice. The snow that was on top of the ice has melted down and this has refrozen to form a fairly slick surface. However, any ice anglers venturing out should still be very cautious as there is still quite a bit of variability to the ice sheet on many lakes. Some areas near shore may have a solid 5 to 6 inches of ice, but areas out over deeper water and just a short distance away may only have 2 to 3 inches of ice. In addition, the slick surface makes for some treacherous walking and the use of traction devices is very helpful. With the improved ice conditions, a few early-season anglers have begun venturing out to try their luck. Walleye are usually the target for most early-season ice anglers and initial success has been generally slow for the tip-up anglers. Catches have been a bit tough to come by and many anglers have been getting only three or four flags per trip, with the lucky ones able to land one or two walleye in the 11 to 16-inch size. A few nicer fish have shown up though, and a couple of 25-inch walleye have been reported from local waters. The most productive areas have been the mud/muck flats and gravel/rock drop-offs, with medium-size suckers fished at a depth of anywhere from 5 to 14 feet of water. Some angling pressure has also been seen for trout out on Patterson Lake, but initial reports show generally low success as well.
Taylor County - Ice conditions are poor with recent warm weather. Few are venturing out and reporting a slow bite. Panfish and northern pike were the most popular species being harvested. A few hunters took advantage of the annual antlerless statewide deer hunt putting effort into filling their remaining antlerless deer tags. The late archery season continues through Jan. 8. Snowmobile trails are being prepped by local clubs in anticipation of the coming season.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area - Although there were a couple of days last week with some frigid nights, the ice remains unsafe. A few brave souls that know the Flowage ventured out on foot to set tip-ups. Snowmobiles or ATVs are NOT recommended. Several went through the ice last week. The Flowage is extremely variable in ice conditions, so even if venturing on foot, be extremely cautious. This past weekend?s warm-up and rain on Monday, did nothing to make the ice better, only worsened the condition. The snowmobile trails in Iron County officially opened over the weekend; however, the conditions are very poor. The snow we had is decreased by about half and the swamps are not frozen. Hiking and grouse or snowshoe hare hunting still provide some outdoor adventure in a picturesque snow setting. Bow hunting also remains open into the New Year with some deer still wandering the woodlands.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Langlade County - Snow was falling Monday in Langlade County. Although the groomed cross country ski trails are not open, skiers were finding enough snow to go bush-whacking and exploring new areas. Winter is upon us and has brought several large flocks of snow buntings into the area. A shortage of lemmings in Canada on the tundra has caused a few sightings of snowy owls in the area, too. These birds can be seen sometimes hunting large parking lots. This is presumably because the parking lots resemble their native tundra.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - No new snow in this week, just rain. Dun-Good trails are reporting poor snow conditions, but they are open for ATVs. Ice up continues on all area lakes. Some anglers have been checking ice thickness and a few others have fished, but where there is ice it is very thin, around 2-3 inches before the rain and warm weather moved in. Anglers are still advised to use caution on all lakes this time of year. Anglers were catching perch and bluegills on area lakes. Bow hunters are seeing deer that are moving at nighttime due to the hunting pressure throughout the gun deer season. Antlerless gun 4 day hunt did see a few hunters participating in deer drives trying to fill their antlerless permits. Some area registration stations reported their late-season antlerless harvest was up considerably this year. Many more deer management zones had antlerless tags available to use this year which drew hunters to areas that have not been hunted in last few Decembers. Snowy owls are a rare find in Wisconsin, but still being reported near Oconto. Many other birds are being reported in large numbers along the shores of Green Bay- including one birder reporting seeing an estimated 12,000 mergansers in addition to hundreds of other birds of different species. Turkeys seem to be congregating into winter flocks in many areas with groups of 40 and 50 birds showing up. Northern Marinette county (ie Amberg and north) is covered in 4-5 inches of snow that seems to be holding up to the warmer weather for now.
Oconto County - Early ice anglers were catching decent northern pike and panfish on Chute Pond. Anglers on White Potato Lake were bringing in a few walleye, panfish, and perch. Ice conditions are poor especially with warmer weather and rain this week. Nearly all snow in Northern Oconto County has melted. Those wishing to venture out on frozen waters should wear a life jacket and keep all vehicles including snowmobiles and ATVs on shore until the weather and ice conditions improve.
Governor Thompson State Park - Cold weather has frozen Caldron Falls Reservoir hard enough that it saw its first ice anglers of the year last week. Fishing was short lived this week as the temperatures rose and a wet fogginess moved in on the park. This season?s firewood permits have ended and were successful in removing several cords of dead trees.
Peshtigo River State Forest - The lack of snow hasn?t allowed the ski trails to be groomed yet this season, and warmer temperatures mixed with rain hasn?t created many good days to hike in the forest this week. The first ice anglers were out this week; they were excited to try their luck with just a few inches of ice on the reservoirs.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Not much is going on in the Lower Bay. Ducks moved out with a thin sheet of ice that formed, but that ice is now melting. Some folks are fishing by the De Pere dam for walleye by boat. Stay tuned for colder weather with more ice and snow. Once the Bay freezes, it sees some of the most ATV and snowmobile traffic in the Green Bay area until the snowmobile trails are open.
Manitowoc County - Muskrat trappers continue to have great success since they still have easy access with limited ice formation on wetland complexes. Ice conditions are poor and generally unsafe on Manitowoc County lakes.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park - Warm temperatures and rain this week have left the hiking and biking trails muddy and soft. All trails are open since no snow yet in the park.
Potawatomi State Park - The mild temperatures and rain this week have prevented ice formation in Sawyer Harbor. All hiking and biking trails are open and in overall good condition. Skiers and snowmobilers are waiting for snow. There is no snow on the ground yet. With the leaves off the trees, there are good views of wildlife and scenery. Turkeys are moving in the park, especially near the open fields.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Ice is forming on the Wolf River bayous and anglers were catching some panfish and small northern pike. Anglers are to be reminded that early ice can be dangerous and to take precautions if venturing out.
Waupaca County - Currently ice conditions are deteriorating rapidly with the warm temperatures and rain. A few anglers have ventured out on small ponds and lakes, but the larger lakes still do not have sufficient ice to support anglers. Late season archers were hoping to have some snow and colder conditions to concentrate deer near food sources. Archers reported deer were not moving much. If colder weather and snow is on the way, it may improve their hunting. Several large flocks of Canada geese have been seen in the Waupaca area. With no snow cover and open water, the birds may stay in the area until conditions change. Where ice conditions will support people, muskrat trappers have been happy with no snow cover as they can see the areas the muskrats have been active. In the Waupaca area, most trappers will have a successful 'rat trapping season.
Waushara County - Zero snow cover precludes any snowmobiling, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Ice started to form well, but windy conditions during the recent cold snap prevented most larger bodies of water from skimming over. Ice is not safe on any area lakes. There were some reports of ice fishing on backwaters reporting a mixed bag of panfish and gamefish. Large numbers of Canada geese are still hanging around on the larger lakes. Archers will now take to the woods after the gun seasons waiting to take on those crafty bucks that have been in hiding for a few weeks. Late bow season can be as exciting as any part of the bow season especially for those who were able to plant brassicas in their food plots. The deer will be looking for the large tubers to help load up on carbs for the winter. Coyote season us just beginning. Dec. antlerless hunt had pretty light hunting pressure. Let winter get here!
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Over the recent week, opportunities for deer hunting still abound whether in northeastern Wisconsin's metro unit, private lands or on public lands. With the recent freeze many deer have avoided ice which was slippery so their travel lanes were cut off in some marshes and wetlands. Now with the recent melt, travel for deer may even be more complicated for areas with water flowing to them can be even more slippery and treacherous. Food sources for deer besides the normal agricultural waste grain or crops standing can be ferns, acorns if still present, wintergreen, and ground pine. Note that areas which have springs are also great places for deer to drink for they remain open as well as for water cress which they readily eat when found. Eagles are now becoming more readily seen on the Fox River flowing through the Fox Cities. Great places for viewing can be from the College Avenue bridge in Appleton in the early morning using the kiosks on the bridge, Thousand Islands in Kaukauna at their overlook away from the Nature Center or off the Trestle Trail in Menasha going over Little Lake Butte des Morte. Little Lake Butte des Morte was mostly frozen over with small pockets of open water. Great spots for fishing for the eagles. With the warm weather these may be enlarged for better opportunities. Pheasants still exist from stocking or wild sources on these same properties as evidenced by their calling when conducting work over the past week. The Fox Cities are also great areas for viewing great numbers of geese in agricultural fields nearby or on the river, especially in the evening near the overlook at Thousand Islands Nature Center. This area also has an abundance of divers, especially golden-eyes and mallards because of the warm water near the Thilmany mill keeping the water open due to the abundance of zebra mussels and gizzard chad for them to feed upon.
Calumet County - Most of the smaller ponds and streams are now frozen in allowing late season archery deer hunters easier access to swamps and other inaccessible areas. The muzzleloader season and late antlerless gun season saw increased participation this year in DMU 64 both on public and private lands. With the colder temperatures, many deer are now moving during daylight hours. Most of the snowmobile trails in the area are now marked and pre-groomed in anticipation of some snow for the upcoming holiday weekends. The number of otters caught by trappers in Calumet County has increased significantly and many calls are being made to report incidental catches and furs needing registration. Some shrikes, tree sparrows, American kestrels and numerous juncos have been seen on Calumet County wildlife areas as well as some rough-legged hawks.
Fond du Lac County - Last weeks cold temperatures started making ice on the shores of Lake Winnebago near Fond du Lac. This week?s warm up has slowed the ice making and conditions deteriorated to minimal or nothing around the Lake Winnebago area. Be very cautious as the ice may look good in bays, but due to warm rain water ice has become weak and soft. This ice has not stopped die hard ice anglers from taking advantage of the early ice fishing opportunities at Lakeside Park East near the Yacht club. Small lakes are forming unsafe amounts of ice. People have been seen and reported fishing bays on small lakes for panfish action.
Winnebago County - Colder weather had set into the Winneconne area and bodies of water had begun to freeze over, but warmer temperatures have thinned ice. A few anglers have been seen ice fishing with little results. Many areas do not have sufficient ice depth to support anglers. If you do decide to venture onto the ice check it as you go and be safe.
DNR Southeast Region
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit - Ice development had just begun on local lakes when rain hit Tuesday night. Ice anglers are anxious to get out on the lakes and show it by having their ice shanties sitting in the driveway, ready to be moved onto their favorite fishing hole. Migrating birds seemed to have all passed through the area and the skies are very quiet now. Bird feeders are a busy place these days as winter residents try to eat enough food to keep warm each day. There are still lots of reasons to visit the Southern Unit. Camping is still available at Ottawa Lake. Hiking trails are still very popular on sunny days. Don't forget that there is another gun deer season in CWD units that runs Dec. 24- Jan. 8.
Plymouth DNR Service Center area
Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area - Muskrat trappers on Theresa Marsh Wildlife Area have been having pretty good success. Heavy rains before and after last week's cold temperatures resulted in fluctuating water levels and some minor "shelf-ice" issues on some of the trapping areas. Bald eagle sightings are still being reported on Pike Lake. Hunter participation during the December antlerless hunt was light. A 4-acre selective timber harvest along Hwy G in the Jackson Marsh Wildlife Area was completed last week to improve habitat in an oak woodlot.
DNR South Central Region
Lower Wisconsin State Riverway - Colder weather is setting in on the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway, but recreation opportunities are still available. There is a bit of a lull between the open water fishing and ice fishing seasons. Most anglers have disappeared from the Riverway, but ice is beginning to form on some of the backwaters and sloughs so we will soon see the first ice fishing activity. The main channel remains free of ice and is flowing at a seasonally average rate. All trails are in good shape and open for use. With cold weather but no snow to speak of hikers are in for an uncommon late fall and early winter experience. You can see for many miles from bluff-top vistas, or get a good look at the forest surrounding your favorite trail. All without the need for snowshoes or skis. As the ground continues to freeze areas that are too wet to hike in the summer become accessible. The lowlands all along the river corridor will be great hiking for the next week or two.
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County ? There was about 2 inches of solid ice on the backwaters last weekend, but the warm temps and rain have eaten that down to maybe an inch of rotten ice, with some open water showing up. Anglers reported bluegills were biting. Most of the side channels and backwaters have varying thickness of ice. The main channel remains ice free. Late season walleye anglers have reported poor fishing conditions with few saugers caught and released. A few fool-hardy trappers were venturing out on it, and catching some muskrats and beaver. There are still some mallards and geese in a few locations, but most of the ducks have been gone for several weeks. Turkeys seem to be flocking up and concentrating on agricultural fields. A few tough roosters that got pushed out to the fringe of the wetland are still surviving at the pheasant hunting area near Prairie du Bay.
Iowa County - Ice was being reported on lakes in Iowa County. Bakkens Pond in the Lower Wisconsin State Riverway has a good start on icing up, however with warm weather forecast it may not last long. Several eager anglers ventured out onto the thin ice even though it is extremely unsafe. Warm weather is now deteriorating that ice. Turkeys are in their large flocks and can be seen feeding in fields during the day. Hunters wishing to extend their season should think about pursuing squirrels as they continue to be very active storing food and are easily spotted in the open woods. Most all furbearers are fully prime and hunters and trappers should have some success on days when temperatures get above the freezing mark.
Lafayette County - There appeared to be minimal participation in the antlerless hunt in 75D. The prospects for the upcoming holiday hunt appear to be good. Hope for snow. The warm weather has eliminated the ice fishing on Yellowstone Lake for now. The fisheries normally scheduled for February has been cancelled due to problem with park stickers. Pheasants and other small game prospects are good.
Richland County - Sloughs along the Lower Wisconsin Riverway have ice thick enough to entice area anglers. Some ice anglers report a few fish and others report getting wet trying to reach their destination. Area hunter's are anticipating the CWD Holiday hunt starting Dec 24 and ending Jan. 8. A great way to fill the freezer with venison while getting a little exercise after all those Holiday meals.
Wyalusing State Park - No ice anglers to date at the boat landing at Wyalusing State Park. Trails should be in good hiking condition. It rained much of the day Wednesday, so the trails will be wet with a covering of damp leaves. Sentinel Ridge Trail is an excellent choice for a short, easy walk through the woods overlooking the colorful bluffs and the confluence of the Mississippi and the Wisconsin Rivers. Bird and squirrel nests, previously hidden by full leaf coverage, are now clearly visible in the bare trees. Amazing river views can now be seen due to lack of vegetation. There is a wonderful new bird feeding station at the park, with two posts in the ground and boards attached between them from with eight hooks hang for bird feeders. No more trying to fill feeders using a step stool. Bird sightings in the park include: bluejays, juncos, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves, bluebirds, red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, wild turkeys, pheasants, various hawks, bald eagles.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Columbia County - This has been a busy wildlife filled week for county wildlife staff. The week kicked off with the discovery of a bear den between Portage and Wisconsin Dells. This is the first confirmed bear den in the county in a long time (although biologists have been sure there's been a few bears denning in the area the past few years with early bear sightings occurring). The next discovery for wildlife staff was a great blue heron rookery just outside of Poynette. This appears to be a fairly new rookery in an upland oak woodland site, which is a fairly rare event. The very same day, wildlife staff were called out to Randolph to assist a trapper who had caught a badger in a foothold trap. It also seems that the eagles are beginning to congregate in the Wisconsin River area as Russ Straka, Jr. snapped this picture of eagles eating on a deer carcass earlier this week in Caledonia Township. There were 10 eagles in the field. Some small game hunters are waiting for snow in South Central Region. There area still some flocks of sandhills and geese in the South Central Region.
Dane County - Ice conditions around Dane County are extremely poor with only a skim of ice on top of local lakes that do not have any current. Large flocks of geese have remained in the area and have been working new fields. There have been reports of bucks running again, so bow hunters have an opportunity to hunt the second rut. The CWD-zone holiday hunt starts on Dec. 24. Snowy owls are entering the state and this time it is not just a northern Wisconsin experience. Snowy owls have shown up in many southern counties, one of them being Dane.
Sauk County - Some local flocks of geese have been hanging around the Reedsburg area. The geese are working the fields around the city. Some ice anglers made it out onto the ice of Lee Lake in Cazenovia. Some nice fish were caught on the fresh ice. Current ice conditions have deteriorated with the recent rains. Some young eagles and ospreys were seen feeding on the ice of Fox Court of Lake Redstone on a recent die off of gizzard shad.
Devil's Lake State Park - Fall is still hanging on at Devil's Lake - the snow is long gone from the early November snow storm and the lake is still open. There is some ice forming on the edges of the lake, but the deeper areas are still open. The geese have been enjoying the ice "platforms" and a large flock can be seen, especially in the morning. Some waterfowl can be found closer to the North Shore of the park and will probably stay until the lake completely freezes.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Pierce County - With the recent warm up walleye anglers have been heading to the Mississippi River in search of some open water walleye action. Some walleye were being caught, but mostly sauger were showing up in the live wells. Soft plastics along with a jig and minnow have been the baits of choice.
Dunn County - First ice on Lake Menomin in the bays was later that usual, but the fishing was good until the warmer weather made the ice unsafe. All ice in Dunn County is unsafe and hazardous to walk on.
Buffalo County - River ice conditions in the Alma Area have turned poor since the warm-up and rain this week. Early tip-up action has been good for bass but big panfish have been hard to come by to date. The main channel is open and open water fishing opportunity is available below dams 4, 5 and 5A.
St. Croix County - Little snow has fallen and what did has melted, snowmobile trails are closed. Lakes have ice on most bays, but are not completely froze over. Be careful on ice and is recommended to not go out on it yet.
Interstate Park - There is not sufficient ice on Lake O' the Dalles or the St. Croix River for ice fishing. Winter recreation trails have been mowed and are open for use. There is no snow cover on the trails. Red and white breasted nuthatches, chickadees, gray squirrels, fox squirrels, deer and wild turkeys are often seen at the bird feeders at the Ice Age Interpretive Center and can be comfortably viewed from the Exhibit Room. The North Campground, flush toilet facilities and the shower building are closed for the season. Vault toilets are available in the picnic areas. Water is available near the old park office building and in the Pines Group Camp.
Willow River State Park - Ice fishing continues following two days of thaw, drizzle, and rain. Park staff does not monitor ice conditions. Some panfish were caught over the weekend. Most of the snow has melted so trail users can expect to find a mixed bag of conditions. The rain soaked in so puddles-mud should not be an issue. The ski lesson for Dec. 17 has been cancelled; the next one is set for Saturday, Jan. 7. The ski lessons are for adults. Call the office for further information. The trail link from the Trout Brook bridge to Nelson Farm Road will be set up for skiing when enough snow arrives. It will be an ?out and back? Most Difficult trail due to the hills. The easiest possible route was chosen. The brush cutting machine continues to work on the rest of the north side trails and the dozer work is over for winter.
Kinnickinnic State Park - Trail work has been completed for the cold weather months. The steep hill has been shaved down and another portion of the trail leveled off. Follow up work will be done in the spring with re-seeding and other work.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Ice conditions have deteriorated along the Mississippi River due the recent warm temperatures and rain. Ice conditions are unsafe for ice fishing. The river is open below the Genoa dam and individuals fishing from boats are catching some small saugers. Anglers report a slow "first ice bite" on Pool 10 of the Mississippi River. A few bluegills and crappie were reported being caught but not many numbers. Anglers continue to catch a number of walleye and sauger below lock and dam 10 and 9. The Mississippi River Zone goose season is open until Dec. 29 and there are pockets of Canada geese on the river. Turkeys are being seen in very large flocks. This gives hunters a good opportunity to harvest a bird as the season runs through December. Numerous diving ducks are still flocked up on the Mississippi River.
Vernon County ? Although snowy owl observations have captured recent birding interest, many rough-legged hawks have been observed in the Coulee Region. These large buteos breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to and winter primarily in the lower 48 states. They feed mainly on small rodents and often hunt for them by hovering above a grassy field before diving down on the unsuspecting prey. Deep snow cover tends to push the birds farther south. Rough-legged hawks get their name from their furry-looking legs, which are feathered to the toes with soft feathers. Identification characteristics include a small bill and feet, long, rounded wings, much white on the underwing flight feathers, and a white tail with a wide dark band or bands near the tip. Most rough-legged hawks have a dark belly and dark patch at the underwing "wrist." There are two color phases, light and dark, with light phases outnumbering dark phases. Look for these beautiful hawks along open ridgetops and expansive grassy areas.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Snowmobile and ATV trails will not open on Dec. 15. Warm temperatures and rain have melted most of the small snowfall the area received last week. Until temperatures return to normal and the ground freezes the trails will be closed for motorized use. Warm temperatures and rain melted most of last weeks snowfall.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Ice anglers report little success catching fish on Lake Altoona. Ice depths average about 3 inches or less, so please wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved Personal Flotation Device (vest or coat) that will help you stay afloat and slow body heat loss should you end up in the water. Pheasant hunters are still flushing some birds at the Tom Lawin Public Hunting Grounds northeast of Chippewa Falls - a great excuse to get some early winter exercise. Bobcat hunters have been running hounds in the Chippewa County Forest. Similarly, hunters are pursuing the clever coyote on area farmlands.
Hoffman Hills Recreation Area - Most of the snow disappeared the last couple of days due to the recent rainfall. However, this provides a late season hiking opportunity for visitors to enjoy the trails. Snowshoeing and hiking are allowed west of the park road and a trail that runs from the overflow parking lot to the tower. Please don't snowshoe or hike on the ski trails as it causes damage and makes the trails unsafe for skiers. The observation tower is not maintained in the winter time so use caution if you plan to walk up the stairs to any of the three platforms.
Wausau DNR Service Center area
Ice anglers have just hit the first ice within the past few days, especially in the backwater areas of the local rivers. Anglers are urged to be extra cautious during this new ice as ice thickness can be very spotty, especially on the river systems.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Portage County - Recent warm weather and rain has deteriorated ice conditions in the Stevens Point Area. Caution is advised before going out on any ice. Anglers had been catching some bluegills and crappies but very few were of what most anglers consider keeper size. Hopefully, with colder weather in the forecast, ice conditions should improve. Based on current weather patterns, snowmobiling in central Wisconsin is a long way off.
Buckhorn State Park - Three bald eagles have been seen around the Buckhorn bridge in the morning and late afternoon. Small game, waterfowl and trapping are allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area and Buckhorn Wildlife Area. Fall turkey is only allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area. Deer can be registered at the park office during open office hours. The park and wildlife areas are open for the late bow season.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is now closed and parking is available in the winter lot on Czech Ave, park stickers required to park there. The stairway will remain closed during the construction and through winter.
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, December 16, 2011
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 Clever Crows Nature Storytime. Crows are big, black birds that are always making noise. We'll try to figure out what these clever crows may be talking about. This hour of nature fun awaits three to six year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center (located off Hwy 67 half mile west of Dundee). 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Winter Solstice Night Hike. Gather around the fire as we share some traditions about the longest night of the year (actual solstice is December 21). We will then travel through the dark woods to discover what animals are awake and braving the cold of a winter night. This program is best for families with children more than six years old. Zillmer Trail Head (located off Hwy SS between Hwy G and Hwy 67 near New Prospect). 7-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 17, 2011
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 or e-mail - Drop In on Owls. Havenwoods is home to several owls: great horned, long-eared, and screech. You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to dissect an owl pellet, learn how owls find their prey in the dark, and make an owl puppet. Then take a map outside to look for owls and pellets. 9 a.m. - Noon.
? Heritage Hill State Park, Green Bay, (920) 448-5150 - A Heritage Hill Christmas. Experience the magic of Heritage Hill transformed into a holiday wonderland. Celebrate the season in a breathtaking setting by trying historic dancing, toy making, and holiday baking on the farm. Relive Christmas Pasts as you visit with St. Nick. Enjoy a horse drawn wagon ride as music of the season fills the park and warms the hearts of guests of all ages. Heritage Hill is managed by the Heritage Hill Foundation and different admission fees apply.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Celebrate the Solstice. Enjoy a natural celebration at this busy time of year. Learn how others have celebrated the return of the sun then hike and do some of your own celebrating. Dress to be outside. Meet at the Amphitheater. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Supported by Bong Naturalist Association .
