A sure sign of autumn’s approach is the opening of several major hunting seasons this weekend, including fall turkey, the early archery deer season, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit and squirrel. There is a special two-day youth duck hunt this weekend that is open to youths 12 to 15 years of age who are hunter safety certified and accompanied by an adult. New this year for the fall turkey season, effective Oct. 1, hunters in Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, Vernon, and Wood counties will be allowed to hunt turkey using dogs. This rule change was the result of this year's spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings, and is not included in the current fall turkey regulations brochure.
Fall colors are also starting to come on stronger, with the Rhinelander area reporting fall colors at 25 to 50 percent, and many other areas of the north reporting fall colors in the zero to 25 percent range, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s fall color report. The report is updated regularly on the [travelwisconsin.com] Web site. (Click on the fall color report button at the top left.)
With the start of school and hunting seasons, fishing pressure has gone down. Water levels on many lakes across the Northwoods continue to be very low and many boat landings have been difficult to use with the shallow conditions. Musky continue to be the primary species of interest and action has been fairly consistent. With cooling water temperatures, more fish have been showing up along the weed edges and in shallower water. Walleye anglers have reported some fair action along weed beds.
In the south, smallmouth bass fishing has improved greatly on rivers with the moderating stream flows and cooler water conditions. Panfishing has been consistent on Lake Winnebago, with perch and bluegill biting best, and some walleye reports coming from the Lake Winnebago reefs. Fishing for catfish has been good on the Fox River. Bluegills are moving into their fall patterns on southeastern Wisconsin lakes, with catches of larger fish in 15 to 18 feet of water.
Fishing on Green Bay was slower this past week. Poor weather made fishing very difficult over the weekend. Water temperatures continue to drop and many anglers report great luck one day and then none the next. Pro walleye anglers fished throughout the week in preparation for Sunday’s tournament. On Lake Michigan, shore anglers were out in high numbers this past week in anticipation of the fall salmon run. With the water cooling down considerably, fish are starting to move in close. Fishing from the piers was good for salmon anglers early in the week but as the week progressed, fishing success declined. Anglers trolling out on Lake Michigan had success throughout the week landing large catches of chinook salmon and a few brown trout and coho salmon.
Mississippi River bass, bluegill and catfish fishing has been fair since the flooding has receded. Crappie fishing is improving. Some nice bluegill have been hanging in submerged dead trees along sloughs near. Mississippi River water temperatures have been about 75 degrees but temperatures will drop with the cooler days. Backwater boaters will find a number of changes due to the flooding, with some new sand bars where rivers and streams deposited silt loads.
Cooler temperatures and northwesterly winds have accelerated bird migrations across the state. The warbler migration is at peak statewide with birders reporting as many as 20 species in a single outing. Water levels at Horicon Marsh are at full pool due to the recent rains. A great variety of ducks are beginning to show up on Horicon Marsh. The first migrant Canada geese commonly return to Horicon around the Sept. 15, with peak numbers building up by late October.
# # #
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.
Statewide Birding Report
Cooler temperatures and northwesterly winds have accelerated bird migrations across the state. Passerine migration is in full swing with the peak of the warbler migration occurring statewide along with good numbers of Swainson's thrushes. Birders have reported high species diversity with as many as 20 species in a single park. Many of the flycatchers, swallows and orioles have already left the state but there still good numbers of tree and barn swallows staging for migration in and around wetlands with good insect populations. Raptor migration has begun with the first good push of broad-winged and sharp-shinned hawks. Southern Wisconsin birders have also noted migrant purple finches and red-breasted nuthatches this year. Shorebird numbers have peaked but there are still good numbers of plovers, yellowlegs, least and Baird's sandpipers in appropriate habitat. Birders have also been reporting sanderlings from Lake Michigan and Lake Superior beaches. Rare birds reported this week include a western sandpiper in Ashland and Racine, buff-breasted sandpiper in Rock County, and a surf scoter in Ashland. Birders should return to the woods this week as the mosquitoes have been waylaid by the recent cold spell! Birders should expect good numbers of migrant passerines and good hawk numbers after a frontal boundary. Wetlands will be active with shorebirds, early waterfowl and staging blackbirds, swallows and other water birds preparing for migration. Birders looking for shorebirds may want to check flooded fields in southern Wisconsin or the Lake Mills Wildlife Area - Zeloski Unit as they now have exposed mudflats again along with good numbers of shorebirds. As always, please report birding observations to
www.ebird.org/WI to better track the progress of migration across the state.
DNR Northern Region
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Bois Brule River is flowing at 113 cubic feet per second (cfs). The 62 year average is 138 cfs. Leaf color in the Brule area is less than 5 percent and most of that color is due to the drought. Peak color in the last three years was around the last week of September. Although late October (before the ground freezes) is the best time to plant/transplant trees, now is a good time to start deciding where to place the trees. It is better to wait until the tree is dormant and leaves have fallen before moving them. Dormant trees do not need water for the upper part of the tree; therefore the roots will receive all of the water giving the root system a chance to repair itself from damage from planting and moving. The root system will continue to grow and will be in much better shape by spring when the entire tree will need the water. When putting the trees in the ground be sure to tamp the ground around it to make sure that air pockets are eliminated and the soil is sifted around the roots, that way the root tips will be insulated against cold air pockets. Anglers are reminded that the inland trout season closes Sept. 30. The Bois Brule River trout season will close on this date from it's headwaters in Solon Springs to Highway 2 in Brule. The stretch of the Bois Brule River from Highway 2 to Lake Superior will remain open until Nov. 15.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the start of school and several hunting seasons, fishing pressure has gone down on most lakes across the Northwoods. Water levels continue to be very low and many boat landings have been difficult to use with the shallow conditions. For fishing, musky continue to be the primary species of interest and action has been fairly consistent. With cooling water temperatures, more fish have been showing up along the weed edges and in shallower water. Musky have been hitting on a variety of baits and at most any time of the day. Most of the fish have been in the 30 to 40 inch size, but a fair number of 40-plus-inch musky have been reported. A few anglers have started to fish with live suckers, but it still is a bit too early for this as the suckers don't last too long with the current water temperatures in the upper 60s. Sturgeon anglers continue to enjoy some real good action with most anglers catching fish. Quite a few sub-legal fish have been caught but the number of legal fish > 60 inches has been relatively low. Cut bait or a plain old gob of night crawlers fished in the deepest holes on the river has been the most successful method. Bass success has been a bit erratic with both largemouth and smallmouth moving to deeper water with the cooling temperatures. Largemouth have been found in and near the thick cover in 4 to 8 feet of water, with soft plastics and crankbaits being most productive lures. Smallmouth bass continue to be active near cover in the 5 to 10-foot depths, with small finesse plastics producing the most success. Walleye anglers have reported some fair action, with weedless jigs and minnows starting to produce fish in and along weed beds. Panfish have provided some consistent action with nice catches of crappie reported on small twister-tail jigs fished over mid-depth cover or near deep weed edges.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Acorns have begun to drop and fall colors are already showing up throughout the area. It is believed that the dry conditions have triggered the early change in leaf conditions. Fishing activity has improved on walleyes particularly on river systems with low water with minnows the bait preferred. Flowages are several feet below normal and most lakes are experiencing between 1 to 3 foot drops in their levels. Musky reports indicate that the fish are beginning to move into their fall feeding patterns. Bear hunting is now open. Reports indicate the bear are active on bait stations as the very limited berry and cherry crop has them seeking for food sources. There was very limited early goose season success as goose numbers were low. A few ducks are now starting to show up with the opening on Sept. 22. Wild rice season is in full swing with a moderate crop reported. Check with DNR service center on which lakes are open and which are closed. There are many hunting seasons opening Sept. 15 including archery for deer. Hunters who happen to harvest an antlered deer still in the velvet need to contact a local warden to get a free permit to keep the antlers.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Breezy and cooler has been the weather pattern for the week. Beautiful weather to adventure in the outdoors. There are no mosquitoes to speak of, although there is some tick activity yet. Migrating geese and cranes are on wing along with hummingbirds from the backyard feeders and gardens. Several hunting seasons will begin this weekend such as archery deer, ruffed grouse, and fall turkey. Chinook were being caught in 70 feet of water near the green can near Green Island on various lures, such as the stingers. A few were caught on flies. Size ranged from 24 to 30 inch fish. A few Chinook were being caught off the Michigan side of the pier along Menominee River.
Oconto County - A few nice walleye are coming from Green Island area. Also there are a few salmon and browns in the Menominee River and below the Peshtigo Dam. Early goose season will end this weekend. Some bucks are still in velvet with very nice racks forming. Turkey flocks are of good size in mixed habitat areas.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Fishing on the bay was overall slow this past week. Poor weather made fishing very difficult over the weekend. The perch bite seemed to be hit or miss. Water temperatures continue to drop and many anglers report great luck one day and then none the next. The fish that are found seem to be in deeper water around 30 feet at Bay Shore and Chaudoir’s launches although many mornings can be found in shallower water. Pro walleye anglers fished throughout the week in preparation for Sunday’s tournament. Overall walleye action has tapered off although some decent fish were still reported. Many anglers concentrated on the reefs up north although high winds made them difficult to reach come Sunday. Geano reef has produced all summer and continues to be steady. Some moderate northern pike and musky action has begun with the onset of fall. Smallmouth bass also were targeted by anglers in a tournament out of Sturgeon Bay. The bite was fairly slow also although some great fish were reported. Fall is setting in faster and faster with deer antler growth slowing and velvet has begun to be shed. Many leaves are starting to change up Door County although it is still a few weeks from the peak of color change. Some goose hunters have been braving the bay trying for the honkers passing by.
Manitowoc County - In Two Rivers, anglers were out in high numbers this past week in anticipation of the fall salmon run. Fishing from the piers was good for salmon anglers early in the week but as the week progressed, fishing success declined. Pier anglers caught good sized chinook salmon and some nice coho salmon this past week. Another angler that fished the north pier was able to pick-up a nice smallmouth bass. Anglers trolling out on Lake Michigan via the Two Rivers launch had success throughout the week landing large catches of chinook salmon and a few brown trout and coho salmon. Anglers were picking up salmon in 35 to 80 feet of water with bright colored spoons. In Manitowoc, anglers had a good week of fishing for salmon and trout. Anglers fishing from the piers had success throughout the early part of week, with much less success this past weekend. Those who landed chinook salmon were using green and silver spoons casting halfway down the far segment of the south pier inside toward the harbor. Anglers trolling on Lake Michigan via the Manitowoc launch also had a good week with most boats returning with fair sized catches of chinook salmon and a few rainbow trout and coho salmon. Anglers fishing the weekend had good weather allowing many smaller boats to take advantage of near-shore salmon. Most boaters that had success were trolling in 35 to 55 feet of water. The Manitowoc River had little fishing pressure this past week. A couple of anglers fishing at Lower Cato Falls County Park had a fair Sunday, catching a couple smallmouth bass using a twister and spinner combination in the current. On the Branch River, a couple of anglers fishing near Danmar Road caught a couple of smallmouth bass and a northern pike casting floating stick baits.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - It was another very pleasant week in Door County. There are still burning bans in effect in portions of Door County so continue to be careful with fire. The action out on Lake Michigan was fair to good this week. Anglers fishing the Bank Reef brought in some fish trolling from the surface to 60 feet of water with fly and dodger combinations and spoons. The fish seem to have moved into the shallower water and anglers trolling in the Sturgeon Bay ship canal, and out to the mile and a quarter buoy were also reporting success. Some nice fish were being taken off of the piers on the Lake Michigan end of the canal on stick baits and spoons. Conditions were much the same in the areas off of Baileys Harbor. Washington Island, Ellison Bay and Rowley’s Bay were also reporting fish. Smallmouth bass action also continued to improve, with Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay and the Sturgeon Bay flats all producing some smallmouth, as did the deeper structure off of Sherwood and Henderson points. Tube jigs and goby imitating baits continue to produce some nice smallmouth. Some nice smallmouth were also being taken from Anderson’s dock in Ephraim and from the old ferry dock in Rowley’s Bay and Stone Quarry County Park. Some nice walleyes were reportedly taken from Larsen’s Reef, Monument Shoals and the areas around Hat, Strawberry and Chambers Islands. Crank baits and crawler harnesses fished in 10 to 25 feet of water seemed to be the key for the walleye. Perch fishing continued on the slow side; however, the waters off of Chaudoir’s dock, as well as Little Sturgeon and Sand Bay were producing some perch, along with the weed edges between the bridges in Sturgeon Bay and along the buoy line from the Bay View Bridge to the Sturgeon Bay ship canal. Northern pike fishing was good to very good this week. Crank baits along with jerk baits fished along the weed beds in front of the marines and along the channel in Sturgeon Bay, as well as from Little Sturgeon, Riley’s and Sand Bays all produced some northerns, as did the points and steeper shorelines.
Peninsula State Park - Fall colors are slowly starting to emerge (less than 10 percent). Plants and trees in the park are very stressed due to dry conditions. Despite recent rains, conditions remain dry. Peninsula is under a Campfire Advisory. Keep fires small and tended! Trails are ready for summer use, and in very dry condition. The Sunset Bike Trail is dusty due to the lack of adequate moisture over the past three months. Water levels in Green Bay and Lake Michigan are still very low, approximately 18 inches below the long-term average. Peninsula State Park golf course is still open.
Kewaunee County - A week of cooler temperatures and higher winds moved in and let anglers know that September has really arrived. With that the water has cooled down considerably and fish are starting to move in close. Anglers fishing off of the piers in Algoma and Kewaunee have had another nice week of fishing off the piers. Kings were being caught in some fairly good numbers and some browns and rainbows are being caught as well. Casting with spoons has still been the tackle of choice for these anglers, but crankbaits have also been working as well. Anglers trolling out on the lake have been coming in with some fish, but it has been tough fishing out on the lake this last week. Most boats were coming in with kings, but there have been some browns, cohos, and steelhead being caught as well. Anglers this week found most of the fish out in water of depths between 60 and 120 feet with fish being caught anywhere from about 20 feet down all the way to 80 feet. The best choice for tackle has been fly and dodger combos as well as dipsies. Spoons have also been working well this week as well.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Upper Fox-Wolf basin fisheries report - Panfish in Lake Winnebago are biting consistently with perch and bluegill biting the best. Good walleye reports are coming from the reefs in Lake Winnebago. They are biting on crawlers. There have been reports about white bass but they are few and scattered in their numbers and locations. Fishing for catfish on suckers in the Fox River has been good. Bluegills were getting hooked off-shore. Reports on walleyes, 14- to 16-inch size class, casting with flies from the shore are good. Some bluegill activity in Lake Butte des Morts has been reported, but they are running small. Crappie have been biting by the mouth of the Wolf River past Rat River. Some medium-sized white bass were being hooked on the Wolf River. Northern and catfish were still being caught in the river as well.
DNR Southeast Region
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan, fishing in the Pigeon River has been slow, but on the Sheboygan River anglers have taken a few chinooks and browns on spoons downstream near the Eighth Street launch and at the base of the south pier. Water levels remain low on both rivers. The lake side of the south pier has also produced a few coho and browns on alewives fished on the bottom. Trolling off Sheboygan has been relatively slow, with boaters finding chinooks scattered from the harbor out to 110 feet of water.
Ozaukee County - Shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching good numbers of chinooks on spawn sacs in the power plant area. A few coho and brown trout have also been caught off the pier. Spoons fished off the end of the pier have produced the coho, and minnows on the lake side of the pier have produced the browns. Trolling off Port Washington has been hit-or-miss, with most chinooks caught in 30 to 40 feet of water on J-plugs or spoons.
Milwaukee County - Shore fishing in Milwaukee has been improving with colder water nearshore. Good numbers of coho have been caught on crankbaits off McKinley pier. Trolling action in Milwaukee has slowed recently. Most boats have been able to catch a few chinooks, coho, and browns in 40 to 55 feet of water or chinooks and browns in the harbor. Glow-in-the-dark and wonderbread spoons or blue & silver J-plugs have been producing fish.
Racine County - In Racine shore anglers have been catching browns, chinooks, and coho off the piers. Both spoons and crankbaits have been taking fish. Trollers working around the harbor mouth and in the Root River have been catching mostly chinooks, along with some brown trout, on spoons and J-plugs in blue or green. On the Root River, the water level remains relatively low, but anglers have been catching chinooks and a few browns just below the Horlick dam, in Quarry Lake Park, and in the Washington Park golf course area. Both yarn flies and spawn sacs have been productive. DNR will not be collecting Skamania strain broodstock at the Root River Steelhead Facility this year, and therefore, the facility will not be running until later into the salmon run. The recent flooding has left large piles of debris on top of the stop logs at the weir. Once crews are able to remove the debris, they also plan to pull some of the stop logs to allow easier fish passage.
Kenosha County - Shore fishing in Kenosha has been most productive before sunrise. Some chinooks have been caught on spoons fished off the beach near the mouth of the Pike River, and a few brown trout have been taken on white tube jigs in the harbor. Kenosha trollers have been catching chinooks in 30 to 50 feet of water. Fish have been hitting spoons and J-plugs in green or silver.
Inland fisheries team report
Smallmouth bass fishing along the Milwaukee River in Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Washington counties improved greatly with the moderating stream flows and cooler water conditions.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Bluegills and perch have been active on Big Cedar Lake. The larger panfish were being found in 15 to 18 feet of water. Some lakes were also producing some northern pike action along with largemouth bass. Trout streams are in great shape in the Sheboygan County area.
Waukesha County - Fishing this past week has been spotty but anglers were reporting some success. Bluegills are moving into their fall patterns with nice catches being reported from Pewaukee, Oconomowoc and Beaver lakes. Walleye action has been good for the weary anglers willing to fish late. Best catches coming after midnight from Pine, Lac Labelle and Little Muskego lakes.
DNR South Central Region
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - Water levels at Horicon Marsh are at full pool due to the recent rains. As a result, waterfowl hunters should have few problems navigating the river channels and main ditch within the state wildlife area. Be aware of closed areas and be sure to scout hunting areas before the start of the season. The fall migration is well underway for many birds with a great variety of ducks beginning to show up on Horicon Marsh and other nearby wetlands. The first migrant Canada geese commonly return to Horicon Marsh around the Sept. 15, with peak numbers building up by late October. Shorebirds continue to migrate through the marsh at this time of year and will provide good bird-watching opportunities and a challenge for birders. Sandhill cranes are likewise gathering in large flocks and as locally nesting birds begin to assemble into flocks and as migrants arrive in the areas and continue to pass through during the fall season, a great variety of birds should present for birders and photographers. Keep in mind that different birds migrate at different times of the year, so the variety of birds present on the marsh will change every week or so throughout the fall season. Also, at this time of year birds will be more difficult to identify due to adults changing into their winter plumage and the large number of young within the flock that will not have developed the adult plumage yet. Public naturalist programs will again be conducted on the weekends, from mid-September through the end of October. A full schedule of events can be obtained by calling the DNR Service Center at (920) 387-7877 or check at: [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife/reclands/horicon/edcntr/natprog/].
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County
Governor Nelson State Park - One boat landing pier has been reinstalled for all boaters.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Weekdays have been un-crowded. Plan on a weekday hike or camping and enjoy the quiet. Campers are reminded that water will be shut off and pit toilets opened the week of Oct. 1. The dump station will remain open to unload but not rinse. Water will be available at the service building just down the hill from the office. Walk-Run Along the Willow will be Saturday, Sept. 15. There will be a 5K and a 10 K walk and run along various trails. Register on the day of the event at 9:30 a.m. at the beach area. The walk and run begins at 10 a.m. This is a recreational run and finish times are available. Both run / walk courses are quite hilly. They start at lake level then climb up to the prairie, and back down. The 10K goes along the lake and the river. There will also be a children’s games area at the beach building. The event is sponsored by the Willow River OWLs to raise funds for an accessible fishing pier.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Mississippi River bass, bluegill and catfish fishing has been fair since the flooding in La Crosse area. Crappie fishing is improving. Some nice bluegill have been hanging in submerged dead trees along sloughs near Goose Island. As the water is clearing up and flows are decreasing, the fishing has been improving. Boaters have been enjoying Mississippi River water temperatures at about 75 degrees but water temperatures will begin to drop with the cooler days this week. Backwater boaters will find a number of changes due to the flooding. There are some new sand bars where local rivers and streams deposited their silt loads from the erosion caused by local flooding. Take a youth waterfowl hunting. There are good number of local wood ducks and teal in the area for this weekend. Archers headed for the woods should find good conditions for the opener with some fall like weather expected for the weekend. Mosquitoes will be the main problem as all the water from recent flooding has hatched lots of them. September is the month in which white-tailed deer shed their summer hair and replace it with highly insulating winter hair. Summer hair is reddish-brown and rather short and thin. Winter hair, on the other hand, consists of a dense layer of fine wooly hair under a layer of long, hollow, brownish-gray and white guard hairs. Deer guard hair is hollow, trapping more insulating air than non-hollow hair. Winter deer hair insulates so well that a deer may become covered with a layer of snow during a snowstorm that does not melt.
Perrot State Park - The trails are in good shape for hiking. The rains that did so much devastation in Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin missed the park. Fishing has been slow. Canoes and kayaks are for rent at the Headquarters. There is a good crop of mosquitoes and bug repellent is highly recommended. Cool weather is forecast for the upcoming week which may slow their activity.
Merrick State Park - All hiking trails are in great condition. The rains that did so much devastation in Minnesota and southwestern Wisconsin missed the park. Fishing has slowed. There is a good crop of mosquitoes and bug repellent is highly recommended. Cool weather is forecast for the upcoming week which may slow their activity.
Great River State Trail - The trail has dried out considerably since heavy rains a few weeks ago. There are a few spots that still have a light coating of sand over the trail due to washing, but they are safe to ride through. If there is additional rain, soft spots or puddles may occur, so watch the trail surface carefully as you ride. Please report any concerns to staff at (608) 534-6409.
Buffalo River State Trail - The trail is open to hikers, ATVs bicycles and horses. Stay alert and use caution when crossing roads or meeting other users on the trail. Small game hunting is allowed on the trail. Some species opens Saturday, Sept. 15. Hunters are reminded to watch for and show due respect for moving trail users. Please respect adjacent private landowners' rights.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - The open water game fish action has been good after the recent rains. Bass action on spinner baits and small minnows has been productive; walleye action has been good with live baits. Panfish have been fairly active in mornings and evenings near weed beds. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, rose-breasted grosbeaks, loons, a variety of wrens, phoebes, turkey vultures, northern juncos, piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, osprey, bald eagles, Canada geese and belted kingfishers. Hummingbirds are migrating through the area. Wintergreen, common mullein, white snakeroot, marsh skullcap, lesser daisy fleabane, Joe Pye weed, pearly everlasting, the pale and spotted jewelweed, rabbits foot clover, marsh hedge nettle, the water lilies, some of the aster varieties, and wooly yarrow are flowering. Brunet Island State Park north campground remains open with pit toilets and drinking water available. The south campground is open with electric sites, hand water pump, and a campground shower facility. The park dump station is open. The park will be undertaking a major road renovation project from early September to mid-October. Existing pavement on nearly all park roads and parking areas will be ground up and new pavement will be placed over it. The main park road will be widened slightly to accommodate a bicycle/pedestrian lane. All work will be done during daytime Mondays through Fridays. If you are planning a trip to Brunet Island during the construction, you may want to call ahead and check the status of the work.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - New hunting maps are available at the park office and on the park Web site for parkland, Buckhorn Wildlife Area (formerly area A), and Yellow River Wildlife Area (formerly area B). The Yellow River Wildlife Area (area B) is open to everything in the regulations. Buckhorn Wildlife Area (A) is open for small game, waterfowl, trapping, and deer bow hunting. The park is open for early and late bow seasons. Deer can be registered at the park office when it is staffed. Canoes and kayaks are still available for renting. Mosquitoes have started returning but are still not as bad as in June. There are also some biting flies. Cooler temperatures are on the way to provide relief! Check out the new signs on the barrens nature trail. The trail is great for bird watching. Take photos of the wildflowers, wildlife, sunsets, people using the park, etc. for the annual photo contest. Deadline for the photo contest is Sept 30.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Many late summer wildflowers are in bloom in the woodlands and prairies, including goldenrod and aster. Deer and turkeys have been abundant throughout the park. Take an evening hike and listen to the owls, coyotes, and turkey vultures of Roche-A-Cri. Come and enjoy the quiet campground setting. The 2007 photo contest is underway, but the Sept. 30 deadline is encroaching! The Roche-A-Cri Woods state natural area east of state highway 13 is open for hunting.
VHS fish disease update for Sept. 13, 2007
Fisheries officials are now reviewing written comments and comments from six statewide public hearings on the proposed permanent rules aimed at preventing the spread of viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS. They plan to bring their final proposed rules to the state Natural Resources Board for consideration at the Oct. 23-24 meeting in Platteville.
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, September 14, 2007
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or (262) 338-8614 or (262) 894-9756 - Public Viewing Night. Explore the night sky with the Northern Cross Science Foundation at the observatory in the park. Sponsored by Northern Cross Science Foundation. Puckett's Pond. 8-11 p.m.
• Potawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, (920) 746-2890 or e-mail -Universe in the Park. Members of the University of Wisconsin-Madison astronomy department will lead an informational session on astronomy followed by stargazing through a high-powered telescope. Potawatomi Amphitheater. 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
• Brule River State Forest, Brule, (715) 372-5678 - Archery Fun Shoot. There will be men's, women's, and youth (under 17) divisions. The cost is $5 per adult and free for youth. Food and refreshments will be available and prizes will be drawn from each score entered. Sponsored by Brule Archery Club and Brule River State Forest. Afterhours Trail. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
• Devil's Lake State Park, Baraboo, (608) 356-8301 - Devil's Challenge Triathlon [exit DNR]. This includes a swim, bicycle, and running portions. The north shore area of the park will be completely filled for parking, and portions of the Quartzite Campground, County Road DL, north shore entrance and exit roads will be closed temporarily for limited times between 8 and 11 a.m. Sponsored by Wisconsin Triathlon Series.
• Harrington Beach State Park, Belgium, (262) 285-3015 or (262) 338-8614 or (262) 894-9756 - Fall Astronomy Day. Enjoy a day at Harrington Beach State Park and explore our universe through safe sun viewing, touring the 1,000-yard scale model of the solar system or getting amazing live views of celestial wonders through the huge 20-inch Panarusky telescope. Sponsored by Northern Cross Science Foundation. Puckett's Pond. 2-11 p.m.
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning: Fantastic Forests. Lots of amazing plants and animals live in a forest. Drop in and explore our indoor forest, make a leaf collection, explore a rotten log, and much more. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 or e-mail - Exploring Nature: Eight Legs and Silk. Spiders are found in almost every environment on earth. Uncover some cool facts about these eight-legged silk spinners. This program is best for families/groups with children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. Ice Age Visitor Center. 9:30-11 a.m.
• Kohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, (920) 451-4080 - Owls Seen in Wisconsin. Well-known wildlife photographer presents his slides on owls living in Wisconsin as well as those migrating through at various times of the year Sanderling Nature Center. 2 p.m.
• Pike Lake Unit, Kettle Moraine State Forest, Hartford, (262) 670-3400 or e-mail - Community Campfire. The 10th annual Community Campfire will feature singer/guitarist Randy Peterson. Sponsored by Friends of Pike Lake. North picnic area. 7-9 p.m.
• Richard Bong State Recreation Area, Kansasville, (262) 878-5600 - Candlelight Hike. Bring the family for fall fun by candlelight. hike the two-mile trail on your own or join us for a shorter guided hike or do both! There will be a bonfire for your marshmallows. Visitor Center. 7-9 p.m.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - One Wild Saturday Morning: Beautiful Beetles. Did you know there are 30,000 species of beetles in North America? Drop in and learn about Wisconsin beetles, discover how to recognize beetles, make your own beetle to take home, and much more. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - noon. No admission sticker required.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
• New Glarus Woods State Park, New Glarus, (608) 527-2335 - Spirits of the Night. A firefly will escort you through the woods to a campsite with a glowing campfire where a friendly ‘possum tells you all about its unique characteristics and how it fits into the balance of nature in the woods. Then you'll be led to other campfires to see other critters, such as a turkey vulture, owl, spider and more, and hear their stories. You might even catch a glimpse of the "Old Man of the Woods". Face painting for children. Bring a flashlight. Admission is $1 per person. Proceeds will go to the Friends group to help the New Glarus Woods State Park with maintenance, prairie restoration, children’s programs and other projects. No vehicle admission sticker required for this event. Sponsored by Friends of New Glarus Woods State Park. 6:30-8 p.m.
Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report
Edited by Paul Holtan
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 7921
Madison WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-7517
Fax: (608) 264-6293
E-mail: paul.holtan@dnr.state.wi.us
http://dnr.wi.gov/org/caer/ce/news/or/
