WDNR Outdoor Report as of December 4, 2008
Hunters registered just under 277,000 deer during the regular nine-day gun season that closed Sunday, according to a preliminary call-in from the nearly 600 deer registration stations across Wisconsin. State wildlife officials say that while the call-in tally is down 20 percent from last year, the number is preliminary and is expected to change before final figures are compiled in late winter. This does not include harvest totals from the archery, muzzleloader, or October and December antlerless seasons.
Wildlife biologists say many factors could have affected this year’s hunt, including winter conditions lasting longer into spring than estimated and a late, cool spring which caused lower fawn production than average. Fawn production statewide was the lowest it has been in 15 years.
A statewide muzzleloader season is now open and runs through Dec. 10, followed by a statewide antlerless deer only hunt Dec. 11 to 14. Blaze orange is still required clothing for all hunters, except waterfowl hunters, during any gun deer hunt.
Snow cover currently ranges from just a trace in some areas, to up to 10 inches in a few isolated areas near Hurley in Iron County and in the Washington County area. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism snow conditions report is now available on their Web site [http://www.travelwisconsin.com/snow_report.aspx], with conditions for downhill and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Counties or local municipalities determine when snowmobile trails open, and Only Hurley was reporting any open trails this week. Most trail easement don’t begin until mid December, and using snowmobile trails before they are officially open is trespass and may result in the loss of trail easements as well as damage to trails. Most state parks and forests will not start grooming cross-country ski trails until there is at least 6 inches of snow, and often not until after all deer hunting seasons have closed, if the property is open to hunting. However, some properties are already reporting good to excellent skiing, including the Lapham Peak and Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Call parks or forests directly for the most current conditions.
Some lakes across the Northwoods now have from 3 to 6 inches of ice, but many lakes have less, and larger lakes like Trout in Vilas County are still open. Ice is forming along some lakes in the south and a few smaller lakes have frozen over, but only with minimal ice. A few early ice anglers have been creeping out onto northern lakes, mostly targeting walleye with some fair catches of 12- to 15-inch walleye made, with the best action coming in the hour before dark. Thin ice is now covering most of Lake Winnebago and Lake Butte des Morts. A few brave anglers have been jigging for panfish.
Along Lake Michigan, cold nighttime temperatures have been causing ice to form in slow moving stretches of tributaries, but warmer daytime temperatures have melted some of what forms overnight. Anglers fishing off the piers and at harbors have been catching a few brown trout and some steelhead.
Hunters have until Dec. 10 to apply for a permit for the 2009 Wisconsin spring turkey hunting season or for the 2009 Wisconsin black bear hunting season. Preliminary permit levels for the spring turkey season are set at 221,000, an increase from 211,425 permits last spring. As of the fall 2008, Wisconsin turkey management zones (pdf; 452kb) were consolidated into seven large zones instead of the previous 46 zones. Based on the results of a two-year black bear population study that found the Wisconsin population is likely more than two times larger than previously thought, the DNR bear committee has recommended a total of 6,950 permits for the 2009 season, an increase of 50 percent over the number available in 2008.
Applications and the required $3 permit application fee may be can be purchased: over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236); at license sales locations; or DNR service centers during their regular business hours (check service center link for hours of operation, which vary by service center; service centers are closed Saturdays).
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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
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Copper Falls State Park - Although the ground is white, ski and snowshoe trails remained closed as of Nov. 29, with only about 1 inch of snow blanketing the ground. Trail grooming will begin when snow conditions are adequate. Hikers are reminded that once ski trails are snow covered, hiking and pets are not permitted on designated ski trails. For those wishing to hike, walk a pet, or snowshoe; the Red Granite Falls Trail remains open all season for those uses. Winter camping is an option for those willing to brave the elements at Copper Falls. Camping during the winter months offers peace and solitude. Sites 1 through 5 will be plowed throughout the winter months.
Hayward DNR Service Center area
Tuscobia State Trail - Currently the trail has just a very light dusting of snow. The Tuscobia will again open up for ATV use in Sawyer County on December 15.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Ice fishing has begun on many of the area waters, but conditions are variable. Smaller lakes and bays have up to 6 inches of good ice now. However, the larger lakes still have open water over deep pockets, while Trout Lake and Fence Lake are wide open. Fishing has been good, and should continue to be during the "early ice" period which can last through early January. Anglers have been having great luck fishing walleyes off rocky points in relatively shallow water, 10 feet deep or less. Some walleye were also being taken at weed edges that taper to deep water. Tip-ups baited with small golden shiners have been best, although early in the season jigging with a Swedish Pimple or jigging Rapala can be excellent too. The last hour of daylight is the best time to try. Northern pike have been hitting just about any time of day especially if it is overcast or pre-cold front. Large shiners on tip-ups are the best bet for northerns, and folks have been setting a couple tip-ups while jigging for panfish with their third line. Best action for panfish will come from using the lightest line (2 lb test or less) and small rocker jigs baited with spikes or wax worms.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Area Conservation Wardens reported that hunting pressure in the area during the nine-day gun deer season varied from pockets of average to low. The deer gun season opened with sparse snow cover throughout the area and got a bit refreshed during the week. The temperatures during the season averaged in the mid 20s making for very comfortable hunting experiences. Warmer temperatures allowed hunters to sit still for longer periods of time resulting in deer sitting pretty tight. Numerous hunters reported not seeing any movement of deer throughout the season. Early on the deer were still in rut with many of hunters stating the bucks were following the does. Reports are that deer harvest numbers are down compared to last year. A reminder to archery hunters that blaze orange is required while the muzzleloader and late deer season is open. Please remember that even though the lakes have begun their freeze-over, ice thickness is not stable. Ice thickness varies considerably as the last of the larger lakes just beginning to freeze over. Anglers are reporting some success on walleye activity but with no real patterns to rely on. Reports indicate that fish are being taken at all times of the day and late into the night. Before venturing out onto the lakes, remember to follow these precautionary measures: Use common sense, test the ice thickness before travelling on it, and use the following guidelines for safe and enjoyable ice fishing. 1) Immediately following freeze-up, ice toward the middle of the lake is thinner than the ice along the shoreline; 2) Beware of lakes covered with snow; heavy snow cover slows freezing and causes overflow seepage of water on top of the ice; 3) Cloudy ice or ice formed by the freezing of slush and overflow or under windy conditions is weaker than clear ice; 4) Ice thickness is not always an accurate measure of its strength; clear lake ice is strongest and new ice is stronger than old ice; 5) Beware of areas that attract lots of other people; continuous travel over the same path will weaken thinner ice; 6) Keep weight spread out; 7) River/flowage ice thickness can vary throughout the winter in different parts of the body of water, according to the strength of the current beneath it, and whether we are having a cold or warm spell;
River/flowage ice is 15 percent weaker than lake ice. Some of the snowmobile trails will be opening next week; however, minimal snow conditions may delay openings. The forecast for this week is cold temperatures and more snow. Snowmobilers need to remember that if they were born on or after January 1, 1985, state law requires they have a certificate of completion of a snowmobile safety course in order to operate a snowmobile in Wisconsin. People looking for stocking stuffers or other gifts may want to consider purchasing park stickers, trail passes, stamps or fishing or wildlife licenses.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Most lakes across the Northwoods now have about 3 inches of ice, with an inch of light snow on top of that. This is still not considered safe for ice travel as there are still many areas with only 1 to 2 inches of ice --especially around any moving water, inlets and outlets, and the centers of the larger lakes. However, there have been a few early ice anglers creeping out onto the small and medium-size lakes. Most of these early-season ice anglers have been using tip-ups and targeting walleye, and the first reports indicate mixed success. Some fair catches of 12- to 15-inch walleye have been made in 5 to 6 feet of water on the mud flats, with the best action coming in the hour before dark.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Hartman Creek State Park - Cross-country ski trails received about 4 1/2 inches of snow this past week. No grooming will occur until the trails receive at least 6 inches of snow. All ski trails are open and no trail fees are being charged at this time. The horse and off-road biking trails are now closed for the season.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Ice is forming on the main waterways with sloughs and tributaries basically ice covered. A few lakes in the northern half of the county are ice covered enough for adventurous anglers. Success rates for fishing has been minimal at this time. Anglers have still been somewhat active below the Hattie Street Dam on the Lower Menominee River. One angler caught a smallmouth that he believed to be near record size from the Lower Menominee. The muzzleloader season began this week and will run right up to the statewide antlerless hunt which runs Dec. 11 through 14.
Oconto County - Several inches of snowfall and slick roadways faced hunters this week. Some muzzleloaders will be enjoying a quieter week of deer hunting with one hunter comparing it to the archery hunt. Turkey are flocking up in preparation for overwintering feeding on acorns and the fruit of trees such as oak hop hornbeam, maple, pine and beech.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Point Beach State Forest - As of December 2, 2008, trails have less than one inch of snow cover. Gun Deer Hunting continues at the property through Dec. 14. Winter camping is available at Point Beach.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Peninsula State Park - Peninsula State Park had around 4 inches of snow on the ground as of Dec. 3, not sufficient to officially open any winter trails or facilities. The road through the park is plowed. The road to Eagle Bluff Lighthouse is not plowed. Only the Tennison Bay campground remains open. Water systems are shut down, though a central drinking water supply is provided.
Potawatomi State Park - With a significant snowfall arriving on December 3 and more snow in the forecast, the volunteer ski trail groomers will start rolling the trails this week to establish a base. North Norway road is now closed to automobile traffic, as part of it will become a snowmobile trail. Winter camping is available in the south loop of Daisy Field. Seven electric sites are plowed throughout the winter. Water is available near the campground shelter.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - The park has received its first major snowfall. The trails will be rolled and tracked by Dec. 6, by the volunteer groomers. Ski trails are for stride skiing only. For those looking for an easy ski with little to no hills, the Green Trail offers a quiet pine forest beginning with a rolling hill red trail ending. Skiers who wish to put on a few miles; the yellow trail covers 4.2 miles through a variety of different habitat types. There are segments of the yellow and red trail that have sharp hills and turns, skiers are cautioned to take their time and ski at their experience level. The Black Trail and beach are open to hikers and snowshoers. There is no hiking or snowshoeing allowed on any ski trail (Red, Yellow or Green). The Brachiopod trail does not make a continuous loop during the ski season; those wishing to see the wetland are asked to return on the Black trail. There is no hiking or snowshoeing on the side of the ski trail. Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome at Whitefish Dunes. Here are a few simple rules to ensure that you, your pet, and other visitors will enjoy the park. These rules apply to all pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities. Dogs are allowed on the Black trail and beach. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times. Using a leash helps prevent your pet from bothering park wildlife and people, especially people with other pets. Leashing your pet also can help you control what your pet can eat or drink, helping ensure its safety and health. 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. The shelter building is open to all. Enjoy a warm fire with wood provided by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes. Please be respectful of others and the Friends by cleaning up the shelter after using it.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Although the area has seen some significant snow in the past week, area snowmobile trails are still closed. For those who are ready to hit the slopes skiing, Nordic Mountain in Waushara County is now open on the weekends. The majority of area lakes have frozen over but none are safe enough to travel on. Big Silver Lake is still open and there are a number of different migratory waterfowl using this lake as a resting spot as they move south.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Thin ice is now covering most of Lake Winnebago and Lake Butte des Morts. A few brave anglers have been jigging for panfish at Asylum Bay, Sunset Point and the bay southwest of the Butte des Morts bridge. Please use extreme caution on the ice. Snowfall forecasted throughout this week will insulate the ice and slow additional ice formation. The preliminary total of deer registered in Winnebago County during the nine day Gun Deer Season was 1,539. Area hunters will still have a chance to harvest antlerless deer during the period of Dec. 11-14. This Antlerless deer only hunt is open in all Herd Control and Earn-a-Buck Units. Spring Turkey and Bear Applications are due on Dec. 10. There is no longer a paper application for Bear. Applicants will submit their choices while purchasing this application.
DNR Southeast Region
Kohler-Andrae State Park - The park area received about 2 inches of snow on Dec. 1. More snow will be needed to establish a base for the ski trail. Grass was still visible. All nature and hiking trails are open. Trails may be snow covered and slippery. Mourning doves, juncos, blue jays, black-capped chickadees, goldfinches, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, and cardinals are all daily visitors to the office feeders. Flocks of buffleheads have been seen on Lake Michigan. A large flock of sandhill cranes was seen passing through the area on Friday, November 29. Campsites are available in the northern loop of the campground. Showers, flush toilets, and water fountains are closed for the season. Kohler-Andrae is open to deer gun hunting through Dec. 10. The park will also be open for late archery season through Jan. 4, 2009. Only holders of an unfilled 2008 Park Access Permit for Kohler-Andrae State Park may deer hunt in the park. Kohler-Andrae State Park is Deer Management Unit 77E. The open hunting area includes state land west of the Black River except state land south of Old Park Road. The Black River Trail system is open to hunters during the entire hunting season. Recreational users should plan on wearing blaze orange while hiking, biking or horse riding on the Black River Trail system. The closed hunting areas include all state land east of the Black River which includes the main recreational areas within the state park, the Kohler Dunes State Natural Area, the family campground and all picnic areas.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit–Lapham Peak had approximately 3 additional inches of new snow Dec. 3, with about 8 inches on the ground as of Dec. 4. The ski trails were rolled and a shallow classic track was set. Two skiers described the conditions as excellent, with one skier claiming conditions were currently "the best in North America."
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit - The Greenbush Cross-country ski trail has been rolled. There was about 8 inches of snow as of Dec. 2, with a lot still in the trees. More snow was forecast this week, and after it sets up, crews will be out setting track in time for the weekend. The Zillmer trails have conditions similar to Greenbush.
Kettle Moraine State Forest – Southern Unit - Scuppernong cross-country ski trail has been rolled but no track set, very good snow cover. The Nordic trail also did not have classic track set as of Dec. 2 but good snow cover
Richard Bong State Recreation Area - There was approximately 4 inches of snow on trails as of Dec. 4. Trails are open for skiing but are not groomed. Snow is quite sticky. All trails south of Hwy BB (includes the blue and green trails south of Hwy 142) are open to diagonal stride/classic skiing but are never groomed. Wolf Lake is open for skate skiers. All trails south of Hwy BB are also open to hikers. (Includes the blue and green trails south of Hwy 142) No dogs are allowed on those trails when trails are snow covered. Hikers please be courteous and stay off all ski tracks. The trails north of Hwy BB (parking lot A) are open for snowshoeing. Snowmobile trails are still closed in Kenosha County. Racine Co automated snow line for trail conditions is 262-554-0133. For Kenosha County trail conditions call 262-694-8242. Parking Lot A will not be plowed this winter. No vehicles, snowmobiles or ATVs are allowed on Wolf Lake or any other body of water in the park. Ice shanties are allowed on Wolf Lake and may be left on the lake with proper identification. (See fishing regulations) Pheasant stocking will continue until approximately Dec. 10. After stocking stops, hunting hours stay the same but armband cost will be $1.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Cold nighttime temperatures have been causing ice to form in slow moving stretches of local tributaries, but warmer daytime temperatures have melted some of what forms overnight.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan shore anglers fishing off the south pier have been catching a few browns on spawn and spoons. In the Sheboygan River some browns have been caught on flies near the Kohler dam.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers have been catching a few browns on spawn near the power plant and on spoons in the harbor.
Milwaukee County - Shore anglers in Milwaukee have been catching a few browns on spawn in the Milwaukee River under the Hoan bridge. Browns and steelhead have been reported in the river downstream of Estabrook Park. Both spawn and flies have been producing fish.
Racine County - In Racine water levels on the Root River remain low, but fair numbers of fish can still be found in downstream stretches of the river. Good numbers of brown trout and a few steelhead have been hitting drifted spawn sacs in the deeper parts of the lower river.
Kenosha County - Shore anglers in Kenosha have been catching a few browns and steelhead in the harbor on spawn or tube jigs tipped with wax worms.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Wyalusing State Park - Wyalusing received between 1 and 2 inches of snow this past week. All trails are snow covered. As of Thursday, Dec. 4, there was not enough snow for cross-country skiing. Gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers are regular visitors at the park office feeders. A large convocation of bald eagles has been frequenting the field and edge of the woods at the park entrance this past week. Try offering food for the squirrels in a different spot from bird feeders. A little bribery never hurts. If birds have not visited your feeders for more than a few days, make sure the food has not gotten clogged in the feeder. Homestead Campground is closed for the season. All sites in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground are open on a first come, first served basis. The showers, flush toilets, dumping station and all water fountains throughout the park are shut down for the season. A winterized water faucet for filling water containers is located in the Wisconsin Ridge Campground.
Military Ridge State Trail - The trail is closed for snowmobiling until it receives 6 inches of snow. The bridge work has been completed for now and the trail is open for hiking. Please be sure to have your pet on a leash 8 feet or shorter.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - Dodge County snowmobile and ATV trails remain closed. Dec. 1 marked the official start of the Dodge County snowmobile and ATV trail seasons, which will continue through March 31, pending weather conditions. Despite the recent snowfall and the official start of the trail season, both the snowmobile and ATV trails remain closed at this time. The Dodge County snowmobile trail system, consisting of over 320 miles of trails crossing nearly 600 private properties and the Wild Goose State Trail, will remain closed at least until after the upcoming antlerless deer hunt Dec. 11 – 14. Sufficient snow cover, typically a minimum of 4 to 6 inches, will then be required prior to opening of the snowmobile trails. Additionally volunteer snowmobile club members need to finish getting all the trail sections cleared, leveled and signed prior to opening. The ATV trail, located on the Wild Goose State Trail from Hwy 60 to Hwy 49 in Dodge County, can be opened when the trail surface is sufficiently frozen or snow covered to protect it from wheel damage. As of Dec. 1, some trail sections were bare and still not sufficiently frozen to prevent damage. Officials plan to be extra cautious with opening of the ATV trail this season due to some recurring trail ruts encountered over the past few years. As in past years, a 24 hour trail status number (920-386-3705) will provide updated trail status information. The Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Department Web site at
www.dodgeparks.com can also be consulted for trail information and status. Riders need to verify whether the trails are open prior to entering them. Snowmobile and ATV use on the county trails when the trails are declared closed is considered trespassing and is subject to a citation with steep fines. ATV riders are warned that ATV use on the snowmobile trails off of the Wild Goose State Trail in Dodge County at any time, is also considered trespassing subject to citation. Trail enforcement is jointly administered by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department Recreation Patrol and the DNR conservation wardens. Volunteer trail patrols by trained snowmobile and ATV club members will be out assisting riders and providing extra eyes and ears for law enforcement officials during the season. Under the State Snowmobile and ATV Programs, Dodge County receives more than $82,000 per year in funds from snowmobile and ATV registration fees and a State gas tax formula to maintain its network of snowmobile and ATV trails. Nineteen volunteer snowmobile and ATV clubs annually prepare and perform maintenance and grooming of the trail system. Last year snowmobilers and ATV enthusiasts enjoyed their best trail riding season in years. The ATV trail was open for 73 days and the snowmobile trails were open for 46 days, both well above the previous year totals and the 10 year average of 67 days and 22 days, respectively.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Mirror Lake State Park – As of Dec. 2, with 2 inches of snow cover the cross-country ski trails have not been groomed. Snow was falling Wednesday. If the park receives an additional 2 inches snow staff will begin grooming trails. Currently the water level on Mirror Lake is two feet below normal level as the lake has been drawn down to accommodate the chemical treatment of Dell Creek as it flows through the footprint of the dewatered Lake Delton. It is anticipated that the lake will return to normal levels by no later than December 20, 2008.
Jefferson County - Anglers have been catching a few legal size walleye below the lower dam in Watertown. The fish were biting on a jig and minnow. Success is slow overall. Several inches of snow are on the ground in Jefferson County aiding deer hunters in observing and tracking deer. A few pheasant hunters are still hunting the stocked public hunting grounds and having some success. Pheasant stocking is getting close to ending for the season. Several snowmobile safety classes have already been held in Jefferson County with only a couple to go. Check the DNR website for class dates and locations. The snowmobile trails are still closed due to unfrozen ground and many trails not completely posted yet. Call the trail condition hotline in Jefferson County at 920-699-7669 and in Dodge County at 920-386-3705 for trail updates.
DNR West Central Region
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Hunters looking for some late season opportunities can consider setting their sights on squirrels. These abundant mammals are found statewide and offer plenty of challenges for beginning and advanced hunters alike. Squirrels remain active throughout winter but will hole up for several days during the nastiest winter weather. With a daily bag limit of five and an open season that runs through Jan. 31, there are numerous opportunities for late season hunters. Remember to comply with the blaze orange clothing requirement during open firearms deer seasons. Many tundra swans were still present on the Mississippi River at the end of the gun deer season, although that could change any day. Ducks, geese and eagles are also present in good numbers. Many ducks and swans are likely to migrate this week, if the weather forecast is correct. Late season duck hunting can be very dangerous due to ice covered areas, cold water and cold weather.
Snowmobiling will be allowed on the La Crosse River, Elroy-Sparta and 400 state trails when snowmobile trails open in La Crosse and Monroe counties. For snowmobile trail conditions call the La Crosse County Facilities Department, (608) 785-9770, or the Monroe County Snowmobile Coordinator, (608) 269-3375, or see the Wisconsin snow conditions report [exit DNR].
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - The first snowfall of the season left approximately 2-3 inches of snow on Sunday Nov. 30. Additional snow fell Dec. 3, leaving a range of 4 to 6 inches throughout the forest. ATV and Snowmobile trails will open on Dec. 15. One new change to the trails this year is that the Oak Ridge trail running south from Castle Mound to Millston will no longer be open to ATV whenever the trails have been groomed. This is due to a new change in Jackson County's trail ordinances. ATV riders will still be able to access Millston by travelling east of Castle Mound. Cross-country ski trails will be packed on Friday but track will not be set. This will be to establish a good base and expedite the freeze down of the trail. Forestry officials do not recommend anyone skiing on the trails until after Dec. 10 when the muzzleloader season will be over. The ridge trail and the east half of the north loop will be closed for the next few weeks to accommodate a timber sale. The warming cabin will open for the season on Dec. 5. For those of you not familiar with this facility this is a full log cabin that was constructed in 2006 by the Black River Forest Trail Foundation. A non profit group working to improve the ski, hike, and bike trail system on the property. This attractive building features a fireplace and benches and tables for skiers to relax on after hitting the trails. Snowshoeing is allowed anyplace on the property not groomed for other uses. Two recommended trails are the five mile trail running east and west from the Pigeon Creek Campground and the nature trail at Castle Mound. East Fork campground is closed for the season. Castle Mound is not plowed during the winter so only hike in camping is allowed once the snow makes the road impassible. Pigeon Creek does have its first loop plowed for winter camping. Backpack camping is also of course allowed during the winter.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Panfish action has been good in the north campground bays. Anglers are reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Vehicle passes are required year round. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, Canada geese, and blue jays. Brunet Island will not be open to the December antlerless gun hunt. An area to the north and east of the main office, including part of the Nordic Trail system, is open for late season archery deer hunt which runs through Jan. 4. Special access permit for zone 23A is required.
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 5, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Now That the Days are Colder. Bundle up; it's cold outside. Join us as we discover what the animals do to survive the cold days of winter. 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, December 6, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Family Program: Rocks!. Have you ever picked up a rock and wondered just what type it was? Discover the stories that rocks tell about the past, do experiments, and look at fossils. Come and have a rockin’ time. 10:30 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area , Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Holiday Greenery. Put some green in your holidays as you learn to create beautiful evergreen sprays or swags using natural materials. All materials provided. Space is limited; please call to preregister and prepay the $10 fee. You may only register for one session Sponsored by Bong Naturalist Association [exit DNR] . Visitor Center. 8:30-10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. - noon
Saturday, December 13, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturday: Visit With a Turtle. Spend some time inside visiting with the turtles at Havenwoods. We will have out our ornate box turtle for you to meet and you’ll even have a chance to make a turtle to take home. Environmental Awareness Center. Drop in anytime between 9 a.m. and noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Gifts with a Natural Touch. We'll use inspirations and materials from nature to make several crafts including nature print cards, sun catchers and winter wreaths. Call to register by December 11 to ensure that we have plenty of supplies. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 5277-0232 - Preschool Storytime: Be-Kind-to-Earth Gifts. We’ll make gifts from recycled materials. You’ll have fun making them and giving them away! Environmental Awareness Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. No admission sticker required.
Friday, December 19, 2008
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Nature Storytime: Clever Crows. 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 3 to 6 year olds with accompanying adults. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-10:30 a.m. Winter Solstice Night Hike. Gather around the fire as we share some traditions of the longest night of the year. 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/groups with children over the age of 6 years. Zillmer Trailhead. 7-8:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning Drop-in: Owls: Night Hunters. Havenwoods is home to several kinds of owls - great horned, long-eared, and screech. Dissect an owl pellet, learn how owls find their prey in the dark, make an owl puppet, and much more. You and your family or youth group can drop in between 9 a.m. and noon to discover cool things about nature through hands-on activities, experiments, crafts, games, and picture books. Environmental Awareness Center. No admission sticker required.
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/
