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 January 12, 2012Snow was falling across Wisconsin Thursday, after most DNR offices and staff submitted reports this week. DNR properties and county snowmobile coordinators and snowmobile clubs will evaluate conditions after the snow falls and determine if and when trails will be groomed and opened. Check the Department of Tourism snow conditions report and state parks current conditions pages for updates.
If enough snow arrives, it will be timely for the four candlelight skis scheduled for this weekend. People interested in attending should contact the parks directly to confirm if the events will be held and if there is enough snow for skiing.
Prior to the snow and cooler temperatures that arrived Wednesday, Wisconsin had continued to experience very unseasonably warm weather, with temperatures in the low 50s even triggering reports of insects out in some locations. The warm temperatures continued to create hazardous conditions on southern Wisconsin lakes. There were three fatalities over a three day period in the last week from people falling through thin ice. Ice anglers reported that lakes that had 4 to 6 inches of ice a week ago had thinned to 2 to 4 inches this week. Recreational safety specialists are cautioning that this week?s snow may create even more hazardous conditions. The new snow will insulate lakes from colder temperatures, slowing ice formation, and will make it more difficult to see thin areas. While many northern lakes now have a foot or more of ice, there are still lakes in southern Wisconsin with open water.
The nice weather of the last week brought out good numbers of ice anglers where there is good ice and even increasing number of anglers open water fishing from boats or shore. In the north, anglers were reporting action for walleye and northern pike was picking up with some nice sized fish being caught on tip-ups, but action slowing some for panfish.
Along Lake Michigan anglers have been fishing from boats for the trout that would usually be caught through the ice this time of year. Browns and steelhead were being caught all up and down the Milwaukee county coast line. One day this week there were as many as 40 boats out on the water enjoying the weather and the fishing. Open water boat anglers have been also been fishing the Mississippi River below lock and Dam 11, catching sauger on the Iowa side near the locks.
A mid-winter waterfowl survey along the Fox River in the Fox Cities found a mixed bag of waterfowl, including more than 1,500 mallards, 8,000 Canada geese, 1,900 goldeneyes and 800 mergansers, along with several hundred bald eagles. An annual mid-winter eagle survey the first week of January recorded 186 bald eagles along the Wisconsin River from Petenwell to the Mississippi River, which is close to the 20-year average for the survey. That?s good news for this weekend?s 25th anniversary of the Eagle Watching Days at Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. The event includes a live birds of prey show featuring hawks, eagles, owls and falcons, the release of a rehabilitated eagle, children?s events, and tours to observe eagles throughout the day Saturday and Sunday. A complete schedule of activities is available on the Ferry Blugg Eagle Council website.
www.ferrybluffeaglecouncil.org/eagledays (exit DNR)
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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 -
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Ashland County - Last week saw new record highs temps for the area and ice conditions on Lake Superior have generated warnings for caution by the local fire department ice rescue team. Bobcat hunting continues to be fair with snow on the ground.
Bayfield County - Ice conditions in Southern Bayfield County on most lakes appears good for foot travel, though on the larger lakes near channels, bridges and narrows, open water can still be seen and\or thin ice should be expected and cautions should be used. Though some vehicle (trucks/cars) traffic is being seen on several of the larger local lakes, most people continue to venture out by foot or smaller size vehicles (snowmobiles/ATV). Those fishing the local lakes are seeing any where from 4-14 inches of ice. People who had driven a small truck onto Upper Eau Claire last week reported they left the ice quickly when they drilled their first hole and saw there was only 4 inches of ice where their vehicle was parked. Foot travel and or small size vehicles (ATV/Snowmobile) would be the best way to travel on the local lakes until the temperatures stay cold for several nights. The lack of snow has not affected the fish from biting. While walleye activity appears to be a little slower, panfish and northern pike fishing has been very good, with bag limits of both being seen on the Eau Claire Chain this past weekend. Though walleye fishing has slowed a bit on Lake Namekagon, pan fishing continues to pick up and those fishing for northern on both Namekagon and Cable Lake were finding good success. Panfish success has been good on many of the smaller local lakes, with bag limits of perch, bluegill, crappie and trout being seen. Anglers should check the fishing regulations and postings at the landings before going out fishing, because use of minnows is prohibited on some lakes prohibit, while others have more restrictive bag and size limits. Those using the snowmobile trails this past weekend saw anywhere from a few inches and a good base to bare ground and mud conditions, though most were happy to finally have enough snow to get out and enjoy the trails, though with the recent warm weather trail conditions continue to deteriorate even more. Snow was falling Thursday with close to 3 inches of fresh snow on the ground and more in the forecast over the next few days, so trail use is looking good for the upcoming weekend. Cross-country skiers state that though the trail conditions could be better, there has been enough snow to get out each day. Those skiers preparing for the Birkie were happy to see the 3 inches of fresh snow that fell Wednesday night and they are hoping for a few more inches as predicted over the next few days. Grouse hunters continue to struggle with few birds being harvested, though they report that where they find one bird, they usually flush a handful. Bobcat hunting has been slow, but with the fresh snow conditions that too should change. More coyote hunters have been seen this year, many using callers and finding some success. Recent warm temperatures caused the raccoons to venture out with trappers finding some late season success. A positive note of having little snow so far this winter, local wildlife is doing GREAT. And it appears the local deer herd has yet to move into their wintering grounds and are looking very health, most are still feeding on acorns and grass. People who like to feed deer for viewing purposes are allowed one feeding site within 50 yards of a residence where they can place up to 2 gallons of feed.
Spooner DNR Service Center area
Burnett County ? As of mid week, the mild weather of last week melted all the snow, which has made wildlife viewing more difficult and the nice white landscape brown again. Ice conditions vary across the county lake by lake. Use caution when traveling on any frozen lakes. Anglers on Yellow Lake have had good success on perch and walleyes. The panfish bite has been very spotty on other lakes.
Polk County - Fishing has been slow on most area lakes. Anglers who have been fishing with tip-ups for bass and northern pike have been doing okay along the weed lines in the mornings and evenings. Day time fishing for panfish has been spotty. The evening crappie bite has not really turned on yet. Ice conditions vary from lake to lake. Some people have driven pickup truck on Big Butternut and Big Round Lake. There is approximately 8-10 inches of ice on those lakes. Ice conditions on Balsam Lake are good in some areas and very poor in other areas. East Balsam Lake has approximately 8-10 inches of good ice but the main lake has spots that are 4 inches or less. Anglers and snowmobilers should be carefully when traveling on Balsam Lake as there are several ice heaves on the lake. Some of which are 3 feet high. The ice is also thinner and weaker near these heaves.
Ladysmith DNR Service Center area
Rusk County - Good ice conditions have anglers out hitting the area lakes. Reports are hit or miss with the most consistent action being on the Dairyland Reservoir. Crappies were being caught in 15 to 20 feet of water on live bait. Snowmobile trails remain closed as there is little snow, and no significant amounts expected in the near forecast. Bobcat hunting has been slow with the lack of fresh snow for finding tracks.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Despite the mild weather of the past week, ice conditions have remained relatively stable on lakes around the Park Falls area. Ice depths are in the 10 to 13-inch range on many local waters, and there is about 2 to 4 inches of snow on top of the ice. Slush has not really been a problem yet, but many smaller lakes that don't see much recreational use have been reported to have much thinner ice than the larger, more heavily used waters. As such, all outdoor enthusiasts should be aware of the variable ice conditions and use extreme caution when venturing out on a lake with any kind of motorized vehicle. The recent trend of mild temperatures really brought out the panfish anglers - but success was reported only as fair. Anglers seemed to be spreading out among many of the smaller lakes in the area and many said it was tough to find big numbers of active fish. A few decent catches of perch and bluegill have been reported, and the best action has been on a teardrop jig tipped with a waxworm for fish that were suspended just off the bottom in deeper water. Walleye activity seemed to pick up a bit with the milder temperatures and a few anglers were reporting some decent catches. The best action has been near dark on the cloudy and milder days, with small suckers fished near break lines in 8 to 12 feet of water. Most of the walleye have been in the 11- to 16-inch size but fish up to 24 inches have been reported. Northern pike action has been fair on large golden shiners or sucker minnows fished 1 to 3 feet off the bottom near mid-depth weed beds have produced some good catches of pike in the 18- to 24-inch size.
Price County - Anglers were having limited success tip-up fishing for northern pike on Wilson Lake located on the Phillips Chain of Lakes. Bobcat hunters with hounds have been locating and harvesting bobcats with the snow cover. Ruffed grouse have been observed in groups "budding" in tag alders.
Taylor County - Poor snow conditions reduced hound hunting of coyotes and bobcats. Both populations are high and the season is open but conditions have reduced interest due to little snow and poor tracking conditions. Anglers continue to flock to area lakes with the warm January weather and lack of snow making access easy. Fishing success has been poor with a few northern pike and bass being caught on tip-ups and crappies and bluegills are the fish of choice for the jig anglers. Morning doves continue to concentrate at the bird feeders and several large flocks of snow birds have been observed along area roads in the past few days.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Ice fishing activity has been good with anglers reporting catching walleyes on walleye suckers. The panfish were also biting well. Some lakes are experiencing areas with slush on the ice, in particular around the shorelines. Snowmobiling conditions have been okay but not great. Some areas are seeing bare spots on the trails. Oneida and Vilas County trails are open. Bobcat hunters are having a difficult time to the lack of fresh snowfall.
Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest - Due to the warm temperatures and lack of snow. Grooming has been suspended until the area receives adequate snowfall. As of Monday, trails were deteriorating rapidly with bare spots emerging on all trails.
Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area - The abundant snowfall over the New Year?s weekend provided for some great outdoor fun. Snowshoeing on any of the Turtle-Flambeau area?s five established trails may provide sightings of snowshoe hare, grouse, deer or at least some interesting tracks. Ice fishing for walleye and crappies remains good. Nice catches over the holidays were had by many. When traveling on the flowage, always use caution over narrow passages or original stream channels; these typically do not freeze well. The 10 inches of snow received may make travelling by vehicle difficult due to drifting and slush.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Langlade County - Ice conditions remain stable on most bodies of water with approximately 12 inches of solid ice on most lakes. Avoid moving water. Lower Post Lake had an illegal aerator operating, which kept a large bay open near Isle of Pines Road. This area is now marked and should be avoided. There is very little snow and all trails are closed until conditions improve. Fishing remains spotty, with minimal panfish being caught before dark.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Ice conditions in Marinette County average anywhere between 6-12 inches of ice. Trucks are driving on most lakes but staying away from the middle of the lakes or flowages. Ice creepers have been a must in early January on lakes because of minimal snow cover. Ice fishing action has been good with some larger walleye and northern seen on the ice.
Governor Thompson State Park - Ice anglers were the main visitors to the park this week. Both Boat Landing 13 and Woods Lake saw a fair amount of activity this past weekend. There have been some geo-cachers and hikers out in the park, but the lack of snow hasn?t brought the right conditions to groom trails for cross-country skiing.
Peshtigo River State Forest - As of Monday, there was still no snow, it?s been a very mild winter in the Northwoods, which is great unless you want to cross-country ski. Trails still have not been groomed due to the lack of snow. There is a section of Parkway Road between Highway X and Ranch Road that is closed during peak hours this week due to construction. Ice anglers are here is full swing, and enjoying the flowages.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County ? As of Tuesday, there is no snow in Green Bay and where there is ice, the conditions are constantly changing with the warm temperatures. A few anglers have been able to fish some of the tributaries and shallow bays but overall, ice fishing in the area is minimal. In the Green Bay area, trappers and late season archery hunters have been active. Tracking continues to be a challenge without having the snow most sportsman are accustomed to by this time of the year.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Potawatomi State Park - Mild winter temperatures have brought out hikers, bikers, and dog walkers. As of Jan. 10, there was still no snow on the ground. Ice anglers have been checking ice conditions, but no one is venturing out yet. There is still open water near the park. Some visitors are taking advantage of the warm January to try winter camping. Tents, pop-ups, and small motor homes have been here over the past week.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Fond du Lac County - Ice conditions on the south end of Winnebago have gone down pretty fast. Most of the southwest side of the lake has become spider cracked and spongy. Some Ice Anglers starting to venture out but as always take appropriate ice safety precautions with this first ice of the year. The day time temperatures have been in the 40s with sun but hopefully that is about to change this weekend. Snowmobilers and other outdoor enthusiasts are just waiting for winter snow to finally arrive. Many of the lakes in the kettles have 3-4 inches of ice and a few people are fishing. With the snow in the forecast, it will hid a lot of bad ice and make the lake appear safe when in reality it is very thing and some times open.
Outagamie County - Anglers are reporting that areas with 5-6 inches of ice last week now have 3-4 inches of ice and several individuals were observed open water fishing along the Fox River in Neenah and Menasha. Much of the shoreline ice has pulled away from shore and the ice that is left appears to be very water filled and full of holes. For those looking to see some wildlife stop at Doty Park in Neenah to see a variety of waterfowl species taking advantage of the open water. More than 25 eagles were spotted along County Z and ZZ in Kaukauna, including 15 in one tree. If people are feeding birds they should continue to do so for those birds can become dependent on those sources, especially when adverse conditions arrive. People also should clean feeders as the recent warm spell may have spurred on bacteria growth. Concentrations of waterfowl continue to be seen on and along the Fox River in the Fox Cities. A mixed bag of waterfowl seen are mallards (1,500+), Canada geese (8,000+), goldeneyes (1,900+) and common mergansers (800+). Eagle numbers are over several hundred (270+) with the most common sightings being at Thousand Islands area in Kaukauna, Trestle Trail in Menasha, Alicia & Telulah Parks in Appleton, Heesakker and Doyle Park areas in Little Chute, Sunset Park in Kimberly, Bay Beach in Green Bay and Ashwaubomay Park and Voyager Park in DePere. Species seeing occasionally are wood ducks, hooded mergansers, great-blue herons, cormorants, pelicans, robins, red bellied woodpeckers, kingfishers and white and red breasted nuthatches all along the Fox River. Spiders, and other invertebrates have been active where the sun has warmed up areas on the south side of buildings, trees and hill slopes. Let's hope no snakes or amphibians have been active during this warmth for they will succumb to the elements.
DNR Southeast Region
Milwaukee DNR Service Center area
Unseasonably warm temperatures have anglers fishing from boats for the trout that would usually be caught through the ice. Browns and steelhead were being caught all up and down the Milwaukee county coast line. One day this week there were as many as 40 boats out on the water enjoying the weather and the fishing. With the warm temperatures comes some dangerous ice conditions inland however. Inland lakes have a few inches at best and Tuesday evening there were a few teenage girls who fell through the ice in one of the county ponds (no injuries). This is just a reminder that many areas are not safe and with the additional weight of 6 inches of snow in the forecast can make for even more unpredictable ice conditions. Worse yet folks won't be able to see what the ice looks like with the snow. If people are going out, just remember that things are a lot more unpredictable this year because of the warm temperatures. Take extra time to be sure that whatever you area doing is safe before you head outdoors.
Plymouth DNR Service Center area
Ozaukee County - Ice conditions are poor in Ozaukee County. Activities on the ice are NOT recommended. Open water fishing from shore and boats has been good around Port Washington. Many anglers have been out due to the mild weather conditions. Several nice rainbows, brown trout and northern pike have been caught.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County - The weather has not been very good for ice fishing. Warm weather continues to cause poor ice conditions. Mid-week temperatures in the 50s caused the remaining ice to weaken even further. The ice may be good in some few locations but, in must all places the ice is not safe and too thin to be walking on. This past weekend, saw ice fishing limited to two locations. Haville Lake North of Bagley on the Mississippi River saw a few bluegill anglers catching a few small sized bluegills. A few anglers were also fishing near the River of Lakes docks as open water was close by, in the inner boat channel. Ice conditions at Wyalusing park noted open water from 3-4 feet along shore upriver from the fishing pier. Open water boat anglers have been using the mild weather to fish below lock and Dam 11 near Dubuque, catching sauger on the Iowa side near the locks. Winter lock and dam construction equipment is parked along the locks limited the usual fishing locations below the auxiliary lock. Anglers with small craft are launching off the northwest parking lot of O Leary Lake off the sand shoreline. This nice weather has been very good to the local wildlife populations: several groups of turkeys could be see as well as deer.
Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area - Ice cover is thin with occasional open water during warm or windy days. Anglers should personally check ice conditions before walking out to fish. Fishing activates have been slow.
New Glarus Woods State Park - Tree and ground squirrels are very active during this snowless winter. Deer are on the move but difficult to spot on the brown landscape. Some migratory birds are still in the area due to the unseasonably warm temperatures. Bluebirds, robins and even yellow-rumped warblers have been spotted in the area! Resident woodpeckers, chickadees and juncos are moving about the forests as usual. Distant hoots of the barred and great horned owls can be heard as they venture through the mating and nesting season. Reptiles and amphibians are tucked away for hibernation during this winter season but the occasional spider or insect is out during the warmer 40-50 degree days.
Sugar River State Trail - The trail has been open for hiking and bicycling, but that will change with snowfall. Users should remember to not use the trail if the surface is soft enough to leave tracks or ruts. There have been reports of a few remaining migrant birds along the trail corridor including yellow-rumped warblers and pine siskin's. Northern harriers have been seen in great numbers in the area and the calls of resident barred and great horned owls are common in the evening and early morning.
Richland County - DNR Biologists flew the annual mid-winter eagle and waterfowl survey on Jan. 4. and recorded 186 bald eagles along the Wisconsin River from Petenwell to the Mississippi River. That number is very close to the 20-year average for the count. The eagles were distributed fairly evenly down the river, with higher concentrations near open water, such as below dams and in areas with fast current. More than 3,000 Canada geese were seen on the survey. With another spell of spring-like weather this week, ice on the backwaters has deteriorated greatly. Early this week there was about 2 inches of honeycomb ice at the best. Trappers reported falling through numerous times. There is open water around some beaver lodges and muskrat houses. More anglers were seen in boats than on the ice. There have only been ice flows on the Lower Wisconsin a few times this winter. Coyote, fox and raccoon have all been active on the recent moon-lit nights. Skunks are still out, presumably due to the mild weather. Local landowners who have had problems with high deer numbers in recent harsh winters are reporting fewer deer so far this year.
Wyalusing State Park - No ice anglers to date at the boat landing at Wyalusing State Park. Mississippi River stage at Prairie du Chien this week was 7.7 feet. The water is too thick for boating, but not thick enough for ice fishing. Temperatures reached 50 degrees Tuesday and expected high temperature Wednesday will be in low to mid 40s, but because of the bluff areas, these patches may remain icy. Hiking trails may have patches of snow or ice remaining on north facing slopes. Sentinel Ridge and Mississippi Ridge Trails are an excellent choice for an easy walk through the woods overlooking the bluffs with a great view of the Mighty Mississippi. The forecast through Sunday includes 80 percent chance of snow and rain tonight with a low near 20 degrees and new snow accumulation of 1-2 inches possible. Thursday?s forecast calls for snow and patchy blowing snow with temps falling to 18 degrees by 5 p.m. and winds gusts as high as 26 mph. There is an 80 percent chance of snow on Thursday with additional snow accumulation of 1-3 inches. Thursday night temps will drop to around 12 degrees with wind chill values as low as negative 2 degrees. Friday calls for 20 percent chance of snow before noon with a high near 18 degrees and a low around 8 degrees. Saturday and Sunday, temps will reach mid to upper 20?s with a slight chance of snow. The unseasonable warm weather has certainly increased the amount of traffic at the park last week and so far this week. There were more people in the park last week and yesterday than in November and December combined. There was one camper on Friday and Saturday night of last week. The local bird population has now found the new feeding station. So have the raccoons. The unseasonably warm temperatures mean the raccoons are still out and they attack the feeders overnight, leaving them empty and on the ground. Hopefully with colder temperatures, the raccoons will no longer be raiding the feeders. Bird sightings in the park include: blue jays, juncos, cardinals, goldfinches, mourning doves, red-bellied woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, pileated woodpeckers, tufted titmice, wild turkeys, pheasants, various hawks, bald eagles. A bluebird was heard this morning. Avid bird watchers from Prairie du Chien spotted a flock of red crossbills on Monday, Jan. 2 in the pines south of Homestead Picnic Shelter. Redpolls, pine siskins and red-breasted nuthatches were also sighted. The birds were feeding on pine cone seeds.
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County - Water Levels on the Rock River in Hustisford will be very low in the upcoming weeks due to repairs being done to the dam.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Columbia County - Ice conditions are poor in many places in South Central Region. Anglers are advised to check with your local bait shops before venturing out onto area lakes. Many geese and even a few sandhill cranes were still being seen due to the mild winter conditions. Area snowmobile trails are marked and snowmobilers are eagerly awaiting snow and open trails.
Dane County - Winter outdoor activities have been pretty limited this season so far with very poor ice conditions and no snow. Unseasonably warm temperatures made for generally very poor ice conditions on the Madison area lakes. Ice fishing action has generally been very slow on Madison area lakes. In the places around lakes Monona and Mendota where there is ice some ice anglers have been having a little luck catching some panfish. Ice thickness varies greatly in other areas of Dane County. Some lakes have 4-5 inches of ice, others have almost all open water. Anglers should be reminded to be very careful on any ice at all times but especially now where ice conditions are hazardous at best and carry equipment that would assist in getting out of the water if they do fall through. The mating season for coyotes is right around the corner and it seems like coyotes are out rooming around a little more than normal and coyote hunters have been having some success using both hounds or using calls during the night or early mornings. Full moon nights that provide a little more light can be extremely effective for harvesting coyotes at night. The warm conditions and complete lack of snow has also kept the snowmobile trails closed so far this winter season. The warm temperatures has resulted in many good wildlife viewing opportunities with many bird species remaining active and/or returning to the area and many mammal species taking advantage of excellent foraging conditions.
Jefferson County - With the end of the gun deer season coyote hunters are ready to get going. However, the lack of snow and warm temps are keeping them out of the field. Eagles have been spotted by local residents from the mouth of Lake Koshkonong (north) to the Jefferson dam. Ice conditions remain poor and anglers are urged to use caution. Cold temps will get here and thicker ice will follow.
Sauk County - This weekend is the 25th anniversary of the Sauk Prairie's Eagle Watching Days in Sauk City and Prairie du Sac. Events include eagle watching bus tours and wildlife photography seminar. With the warm weather, wasps have been seen flying around. Weather will be getting colder and snow is predicted for the end of the week.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
In the Durand area ice conditions remain poor. The Chippewa River has not frozen over yet and there are still some open spots on Lake Pepin. In St Croix and Pierce Counties, ice fishing has been good on certain lakes for panfish (perch and crappie). ATVs and permanent shacks are on the river in areas. Ice is still not safe for vehicles walking and use of ATVs is the order for now. Boat anglers have been getting fair catches of sauger on the Mississippi River at Redwing. Large numbers of ducks, geese and trumpeter swans are still in the area.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Vernon County ? Great horned owls are calling vigorously. Owls are territorial, and one of the primary reasons that owls call is to verbally defend their territories from other owls of their own kind. Great horned owls will continue calling well into February. On still nights, listen for the deep WHOO, WHOO-WHOO, WHOO-WHOO, WHOO call of the male. Often the female mate will reply in a higher pitched WHOO, WHOO-WHOO-WHOO, WHOO-OO, WHOO-OO. The great horned owl is probably the most widely distributed breeding bird in North America, and it also occurs well south through Central America into South America. These owls rarely build their own nests. Instead they usually occupy nests formerly constructed by crows, Cooper's hawks, red-tailed hawks, red-shouldered hawks, or squirrels. Egg laying typically takes place from late January through mid-February, and owlets are born about a month later. Now is a good time to look for evidence of voles -- tiny teeth marks low on shrubs and trees, snow tunnels about half an inch in diameter, or short, tubular earth deposits called trail castings or eskers. According to the book "The Wild Mammals of Wisconsin," the meadow vole is one of the most abundant mammals in Wisconsin and is found throughout the state. Because of these two factors, in addition to its high reproductive rate, this small rodent is an important member of many food chains, supplying a major food item for various raptors, cranes, gulls, snakes, and carnivorous mammals. Meadow vole populations typically exhibit dramatic 3-5 year cycles, influenced by breeding rates, litter size, number of litters, predation, and food. About 90 percent of meadow voles die before they are a month old, and few live beyond a year.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - Cross-country ski and snowshoe trails are awaiting snow this week. Ski trails have been in good hiking condition throughout the snow-less winter. Once snow falls and grooming begins to make base and hopefully set track - the cross country trail will be skiing only. Some of the oak trees still have leaves hanging. On a sunny day the russets and red colors of the oaks stand out and contrast with the white pine trees that are still green.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - Winter temperatures are set to return to the area starting Thursday, but as of Jan. 10 there was still no snow on the ground. The trails are open to ATV but not to snowmobiles due to a lack of snow. Also UTV are not allowed on the trails during the winter. After four straight good years of winter at the forest, this year has been a disappointment for skiers. Even with the lack of snow the trail can still be enjoyed by hikers. The cabin at the Smrekar lot is open and is a great place to warm up after a cold hike. New for 2012, Pigeon Creek campground will be on the reservation system. Nine of the 38 sites will be reservable from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Adams County - Panfish bite has slowed at Devil's Elbow and ice is weak in many areas of Camelot Lake and other small lake access points. Snowmobile trails are closed until significant snow arrives.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Eau Claire County - Anglers are cautioned about open water and minimal ice depths on Half Moon Lake in the City of Eau Claire. Lake Altoona has about 11 inches of ice in most areas, but motor vehicle use is not recommended. Some nice sized perch and crappies are taking the bait on Lake Altoona, but catch rates have been low. Snowmobiles who ride on trails before they are declared open threaten future use of the trails - snow is on the way.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Fluffy snow is falling today and we will have to see when it is all done if the snow conditions are good and enough snow to groom ski trails. If there is not, trails will be good for making your own trail. Maybe you will see a bald eagle by the lake! There is ice forming on the lake but still open water in areas. Applications for the accessible cabin can be postmarked or faxed on or after Jan. 10. The cabin is available from May 1 through Oct. 15. Application can be found online at:
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks/reservation/pdfs/2500085.pdf 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, January 14, 2012
? Governor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, (608) 935-2315 - 13th Annual Candlelight Ski/Hike/Snowshoe. Walk, ski, or snowshoe a trail lit with glowing candlelight. Warm up by the bonfire after enjoying the trail. Limited snacks and hot beverages will be available for sale. Weather and snow conditions determine trail location. Supported by the Friends of Governor Dodge State Park. Start at Cox Hollow Beach Picnic Area. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
? Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Drop-In on Tracks. With snow on the ground, winter is a great time to look for animal tracks. Stop inside the building to learn how to identify tracks and play some tracking games. Then grab a tracking guide and head outside to look for real animal tracks. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Learn to Ice Fish: Exploring Nature Program. Learn the tricks of winter fishing with some experienced ice anglers. We will start inside the Mauthe Lake picnic shelter for a presentation on safety tips and appropriate gear and tackle. Then it's off to Mauthe Lake to try our best at luring those fish out of the water. Equipment, tackle and bait will be provided. This program is best for ages over 6 years old. To register call (920) 533-8322 by January 12, 2012. Special surprises await all who pre-register. Mauthe Lake Recreation Area Picnic Shelter. 10 a.m. ? Noon.
? Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Candlelight Ski and Hike. Ski or Hike a 2-mile trail lit by tiki torches on this fun-filled annual event. Warm-up shelter open. Light refreshments served. No pets, snowshoes or sleds allowed on the ski trail. Vehicle admission sticker required. Supported by the Friends of Kohler-Andrae. Cross-country ski trail, stop at park office for directions. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
? Lake Kegonsa State Park, Stoughton, (608) 873-9695 - Candlelight Ski. Enjoy a beautiful winter evening skiing along two miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, lit with hundreds of glowing luminaries. When you are finished, warm up by the bonfire and enjoy refreshments sold by the Lake Kegonsa State Park Friends Group. This event is for skiing only. No pets, hiking or snowshoeing are allowed on cross-country ski trails. This event is weather and snow conditions permitting. 6-9 p.m.
? Lapham Peak Unit - Kettle Moraine State Forest, Delafield, (262) 646-3025 - Candlelight Ski/Hike. Just over 1 mile of candlelight skiing and hiking on the trails of Lapham Peak. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from the Friends of Lapham Peak, as well as live music entertainment, and the warmth of a fire while sitting inside the Trekker Lodge. Outside seating and bonfire will also available. Homestead Hollow parking lot and Trekker Lodge. Event is weather permitting. 6-9 p.m.
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - The Story of Snowflake Bentley 11-11:30 a.m. Nature Center. Children?s story and snowflake art. Animal Tracks and Signs 1-1:45 p.m. Visit meadow and forest to look for signs of squirrels, raccoons, turkeys and more. About a 0.5-mile trek.
? Rib Mountain State Park, Wausau, (715) 842-2522 - Snowshoe Day Hike. Enjoy a day snowshoeing at Rib Mountain. Supported by the Friends of Rib Mountain State Park [exit DNR]. Meet at the concession stand. 1-3 p.m. Event is weather permitting. For more information, call (715) 581-7983 or (715) 842-2522, .
? Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - The Art of Falconry. Join falconer Ed Foster and some friends to discover the details about one of the world?s oldest sports. Meet some birds and discover how their adaptations help them hunt. Meet at the Visitor Center. 9 - 10 a.m.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
? Kettle Moraine State Forest--Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Greenbush Nordic Challenge Ski Races. Youth of all ages, break out your cross-country skis! There will be a race at 11 a.m. for ages 12 to 18 and another race at 1 p.m. for children under 12 years old. Food and refreshments will be available. Supported by the Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club. Register for races starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Greenbush Recreation Area Shelter. Races begin at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. For more information, see the Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club website [exit DNR].
? Peninsula State Park, Fish Creek, (920) 868-3258 - Wild About Woodpeckers 12:30 -1 p.m. Nature Center. Discover amazing adaptations of the pileated woodpecker. Watch for downy, hairy and red-bellied woodpeckers at the feeders.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
? Interstate State Park, St. Croix Falls, (715) 483-3747 - Nature Storytime. Naturalist Julie Fox will share a story and activity with pre-schoolers and their parents at the Ice Age Center. It is a great opportunity for parents to get out to the park with their little ones during this time of the year! Nature Storytime will generally last between 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of participants. Program is indoors and outdoors, weather permitting, so parents should dress their children accordingly. 10 a.m.
