DNR Outdoor Report as of November 29, 2007
Hunters registered a preliminary total of 343,644 deer during Wisconsin’s regular nine-day gun deer season. There was nearly a 6 percent increase in the harvest of antlerless deer over 2006, and a 3.5 percent decline in the buck harvest, which wildlife officials attributed to the Earn-a-Buck rules in place in many deer management units. In those units, which have been well over population goals for a number of years, hunters were required to shoot an antlerless deer before being allowed to shoot a buck, unless they had prequalified for a buck harvest sticker by shooting an antlerless deer from one of the units last year. There were a total of 641,432 gun deer licenses purchased by resident and nonresident hunters.
Deer hunting continues in Wisconsin with a muzzleloader season going on through Dec. 5 and a statewide antlerless gun deer hunt Dec. 6 through 9. The archery season reopened on Nov. 26 and runs through Jan 6. Archers and small game hunters are reminded that while gun deer seasons are open through Dec. 9, all hunters except waterfowl hunters are required to wear blaze orange clothing, and safety specialists recommend that all people recreating or working in the woods and fields also wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing. There were six firearm related incidents during the season, three of which were fatal.
With the deer season going on and ice beginning to form on lakes, very little fishing activity has been taking place. Many Northwoods lakes have a covering of skim ice, and some of the smaller lakes have 2 to 3 inches of ice. Most of the larger lakes still have large areas of open water. There have been some early sightings of some ice fishing activity but recreational safety specialists urge anglers to wait for a solid 4 inches of ice before venturing out. A reminder that the musky season closes on November 30.
Along Lake Michigan, shore anglers have been taking a few brown trout and some browns and a few steelhead were still being caught on the Milwaukee and Root rivers. Some walleyes and crappies were being caught on the Wolf River shortly before deer hunting season. The Mississippi River is holding steady around the 7.5 foot mark at Prairie du Chien. Walleye and sauger action has been good.
Waterfowl numbers have decreased from a couple weeks ago. Many diving ducks moved out from the Mississippi River with the colder weather. However there were still a lot of ducks and swans to be seen with hunters reporting mixed bags of mallards, canvasback, bufflehead, pintail, widgeon, shoveler and gadwall. A reminder that the southern zone duck season closes Dec. 2
Sandhill cranes have been migrating south with the cold weather freezing the marshes. Turkeys are noticeably flocking up for the winter. Many hunters observed turkey groups while deer hunting.
Only far northern Wisconsin is reporting any snow cover, ranging from a trace from an inch or less in Lincoln County to 3 to 4 inches in Vilas County. More snow is in the forecast for this weekend.
With snow just around the corner many people are pulling out their bird feeders and preparing for the winter bird feeding season. Remember that bird feeders should be disinfected periodically throughout the winter with a 10 percent bleach solution to prevent the spread of disease. Recent sightings at bird feeders include purple finches, cedar waxwings, cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, and gold finches. Woodpeckers have been actively visiting suet feeders.
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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 - The Bois Brule River is flowing at 174 cubic feet per second (cfs). The 61 year average is 150 cfs. Cooler temperatures have hit the surrounding area. Single digit low temperatures in the past couple of days are helping the area lakes ice over. The ice is not safe to venture out on the lakes yet though. The ground is still sporting a light dusting of snow. Although there is not enough snow for winter recreational activities yet, it is enough to get people in the mood for skiing, sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and many other winter activities. For those with snowmobiles, don't wait until the snow flies to get everything ready to go. Make sure that the registration is current on the machines or trail passes are purchased before hitting the trails. Keep in mind that just because there is snow on the ground some trails may not be open right away. Several trails cross over areas that need to freeze hard before snowmobile/winter ATV traffic is safe to go through. Another thing to keep in mind that it is a good idea to wear blaze orange though Dec. 9 while the black powder season and statewide antlerless season is going on. The black powder gun season runs through Dec. 5. The statewide antlerless season will then go from Dec. 6-9.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With most lakes in the Upper Chippewa Basin developing a thin layer of ice, the open water fishing season came to a grinding halt over this past weekend. Nearly all lakes have a covering of skim ice and most of the larger lakes still had large areas of open water. There have been some early sightings of some ice fishing activity on 2 to 3 inches of ice on some shallow bays, but no reports of any success yet. Most ice anglers wait for a solid 4 inches of ice before venturing out, and it will take several more nights of single-digit temperatures to reach that thickness.
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 which quickly disappeared with the warm weather. The temperatures during the season averaged in the mid 30s making for very comfortable hunting experiences. Warm 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. Early reports are that buck harvest numbers are down a bit compared to last year with an increase in antlerless deer taken. A reminder to archery hunters that hunters orange is required while the muzzleloader and late deer season is open. Although some of the smaller area lakes have iced over, travel on them is not recommended. Colder weather is predicted later this week which will in turn start forming some ice fishing opportunities.
DNR Northeastern Region
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Cold overnight temperatures are causing a thin sheet of ice on top of inland lakes and ponds. The ice is still forming and is too thin to support a person at this point. Ice anglers are again checking out their equipment and looking forward to early crappie and walleye fishing. The waters of the Menominee River below the Hattie Street Dam remain accessible to trout and salmon anglers. Light flurries are expected mid week with dropping temperatures. Turkeys are noticeably flocking up for the winter. Many hunters observed turkey groups while deer hunting with a good number of longbeards among them. Place some suet out for the nuthatches, chickadees and woodpeckers as the temps drop down.
Shawano County - Many of the cranes have migrated south with the cold weather freezing the marshes. Ice is starting to form on some of the smaller/shallower lakes in the area. Ice anglers are urged to use extreme caution during early ice conditions. Some walleyes and crappies were being caught on the Wolf River shortly before deer hunting season.
DNR Southeast Region
Kohler-Andrae State Park - All nature and hiking trails are open. A very light dusting of snow was received Nov. 21. Trails may have slippery and icy areas. A pair of White-winged Crossbills has been visiting the park office bird feeders. Sanderling Nature Center is closed for the season. Kohler-Andrae State Park is open to deer gun hunting (muzzleloaders only) through Dec. 5. The park will also be open for the late archery season through Jan. 6, 2008. A map is available of the open and closed hunting areas in the state park. The open hunting area includes state land west of the Black River except for 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 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.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Ozaukee County - Port Washington shore anglers have been taking a few brown trout on spawn sacs in the harbor.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee anglers near the Summerfest grounds have been catching browns on minnows fished near the bottom. On the Milwaukee River, a few steelhead have been taken on spawn at Kletzsch Park.
Racine County - In Racine flows on the Root River are very low. Numbers of fish are dropping rapidly in the upstream parts of the river, but some steelhead and brown trout can still be found downstream near the Main Street bridge. The Root River Steelhead Facility is closed until spring. During the fall spawning season DNR crews handled 3,547 chinooks, 1,169 coho, 98 steelhead, and 242 brown trout.
Kenosha County - Shore fishing in Kenosha remains hit-or-miss. On good days, fair numbers of browns have been taken on spawn in the harbor.
Inland fisheries team report
Fishing reports have been scarce as most sportspersons concentrated on the deer hunt last week. Muskie season closes on November 30. As always, ice formation takes place first on shallow lakes that have less water mass to cool down. Anglers are reminded to take all safety precautions available, especially on first ice. Remember that geese roosting on lakes can leave areas of thin ice even into February. Ice is never completely safe.
DNR South Central Region
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park – The Mississippi River at Prairie du Chien was at 7.5 feet as of Nov. 27. Activity at the park bird feeders has greatly increased with the cold weather. Sightings at the feeders and in the park include:, red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers, purple finches, cedar waxwings, cardinals, bluejays, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, ring-necked pheasant rooster, gold finches, and crows.
DNR West Central Region
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - A flock of over 20 young turkeys was observed standing on the road between the campground and the boat launch. The flock did not move until the vehicle was almost upon them. Acting like the deer, (or feathered cows,) the turkeys just ambled out of the way, no hurry. The flock was the largest reported inside the park. Other birds observed in the park include turkey vulture, bluebirds, downy woodpecker, an unidentified sparrow, and cedar waxwings. There is a large orange house cat in the park that can easily be mistaken for a red fox. There will be a Moon Hike Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Nature Center. The bird presentation will be egrets and juncos. Meet at the nature Center at 7 p.m. Deer hunting continues with the archery season running into 2008. Relatively few hunters participate in the archery season. Hikers probably will not see anyone hunting and can generally treat this season as a non-factor in the choice of trails. All the one way ski trails have been mowed and signs are up. The one way signs are for skiers. Hikers may take the trail in either direction until skiing begins. Final trail work has been done including washout repair and some finer gravel over the rough part of the Trout Brook Trail. There may be some random trail work done before ski season. Hikers are reminded that once the trails are signed as skiing only, hikers will have fewer choices for trails. Hiking on ski trails is not allowed. Adult cross country skiing lessons will be offered by the Willow River Nordic Skiing Association. All dates are Saturdays: Dec. 15, Jan. 5 and 19, and Feb. 16. The lessons run from 9 a.m. to noon. You must sign up in advance. Both classic and skating classes will be offered. If the December date does not have enough snow, the instructors will have a waxing demo and then hit the trails for some dry land training. “Waxless” skis still need glide wax to work best, so the waxing demo is for all skiers. Join the park’s Friends group (OWLs) for all sessions ($15 individual or $25 family) or pay $5 per session. Lessons are free for OWLs members. Call the park office to register (715) 386-5931.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
With snow just around the corner many people are pulling out their bird feeders and preparing for the winter bird feeding season. Remember that bird feeders should be disinfected periodically throughout the winter with a 10 percent bleach solution to prevent the spread of disease. Black oil sunflower seeds are a good all around bird food. To attract a wide variety of birds it is important to use several types of feeders. Juncos and morning doves like to feed on the ground while blue jays like elevated open platforms. Chickadee's and finches prefer standard tube feeders. Don't forget the beef suet for the woodpeckers.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River is holding steady around the 7.5 foot mark. The Wisconsin River and the Kickapoo River are both at normal water levels for this time of year. Most of the boat landings on the Mississippi River are in good shape. The landings at Gordon’s Bay, Lynxville, Cold Spring, Ferryville, Winneshiek, and Big Slough are pretty much weed free. Bluegill and crappie action was kind of slow this week mainly due to the cold and windy weather. Limited crappie action was found in tree tops and snags in the Mississippi River. Try a small minnow for crappie or small ice fishing jigs (red or yellow) tipped with red worms or waxworms for bluegills. Cold Spring heated up early last week, but slowed later in the week. Walleye and sauger action was good at Lock and Dam #9 at Lynxville or further down stream near the Harpers Ferry slough. Casting or vertical jigging One-Eyes have been productive. Anglers were having success using minnows. Walleyes and sauger were being located in deeper sloughs in the back waters also. The Roseau and Black Sloughs have produced at times. Walleyes have been biting up in Pool 9 in the deeper backwater areas south of the Lansing dike. Wing dam action fair this week. Most were finding bass action pretty good even though not many bass anglers have been out. Wing dams have produced some smallmouth bass but the best action was been in the backwater adjacent to deeper water for largemouth bass. Waterfowl numbers have decreased from a couple weeks ago. Many diving ducks pulled out of Pool 9. However there are still a lot of ducks and swans to be seen in the Ferryville area. Duck hunting was pretty good this week. Cold and windy weather kept the birds moving on Pool 9. Duck hunters were met with stable water levels this week. Some hunters report moderate action up in the Ambro Slough complex. The Lower Bottoms south of Prairie du Chien is now closed to duck hunting. Some areas of Pool 9 like the Copper Creek, Buck Creek, and Rush Creek bottoms had some good days. The Winneshiek and Big Slough complex south of the Lansing dike had some good mallard, gadwall, and pintail days. Successful hunters report a mixed bag of mallards, canvasback, bufflehead, pintail, widgeon, shoveler and gadwall. Hunters report fair to good action along the island complexes outside Lynxville (Deer Island) and Ferryville (Capoli Island). The lower Wisconsin River has been kind of slow. Some hunters are finding a few mallards using the bottoms. Hunters in the bottoms of the Wisconsin River need to scout around to find active duck spots. The nine-day gun deer season closed last Sunday. Many hunters report good numbers of deer. Many hunters filled antlerless tags. Registration stations appear to be at or above last year’s numbers. With the gun deer season beginning early this year, many took advantage of the by taking stand and killing some really nice bucks. Squirrel hunters are having pretty good success now that the leaves are starting to fall.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Fishing action has been slow due to the deer hunt and a thin layer of ice that has formed and is holding in the backwater bays. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, black capped chickadees, phoebes, northern juncos, pileated woodpeckers, great horned owls, barred owls, bald eagles, and Canada geese. An area to the north and east of the main office, including part of the Nordic Trail system, is open to limited antlerless deer hunting, with special access permit only. The park’s islands are not open to hunting. The muzzle loader antlerless deer hunt, with special access permit only, runs through Dec. 5. The antlerless archery season, with special access permit only, takes place through Jan. 6. Archers will be required to wear blaze orange through Dec. 5. The park will not be open to muzzle loader hunting during the Dec. 6-9 antlerless gun hunt. Hikers are strongly cautioned to wear blaze orange if they will be using the areas open to hunting. The main island is not open to hunting and we would encourage hikers to use the trails and roadways available there. The south campground is open with electric sites, hand water pump, and a pit toilet.
Chippewa Moraine Ice Age State Recreation Area - The quiet time of late fall is relaxing and with the lack of snow, hiking trails are still in very good condition. Trails vary in length, but all are very scenic but don't forget that snowshoes are available for use in winter once snowfall arrives. If your visiting us on a winter weekend, you may want to call ahead to reserve snowshoes. Most migrant birds have already left, but winter birds are busy at the feeders and these include red-breasted nuthatches, dark eyed junco’s red-bellied, downy, and hairy woodpeckers. Ruffed grouse seem to be on the rise within the Reserve and many have been spotted. The recent deer hunt proved successful for some of the area hunters. Bald eagles can be seen as they fly low looking for carrion or occasionally, sitting on the frozen lake. There have been otters seen within the Reserve lately, which sometimes provide the viewer with lots of entertainment. With colder temperatures arriving, many visitors are looking for inside activities to do. The Interpretive Center can provide hours of entertainment in a fun and educational way. Most younger visitors enjoy doing one of the eight indoor scavenger hunts where they search for things on their sheets. After a short and easy quiz by Center staff, kids can select their Smokey Bear prize. Hands on activities could include holding a snake or turtle, exploring the "touch and guess" boxes, and digging for fossils.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Muzzleloader deer hunting is allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area (formerly wildlife area B) ONLY. New hunting maps are available at the park office and on the park website 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. Campsites 8, 9, 16 are open year-round. Sites in the group camp are open. Sites are first come. Drinking water is available at the park office and group camp. Fall is a great time to hike and take pictures for the photo contest. 2008 park stickers go on sale Dec. 1 and make great gifts! If you self-register for your sticker it will be mailed to you.
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VHS fish disease update as of Nov. 29, 2007
The state Natural Resources Board, DNR’s independent policy setting board, will consider permanent rules to prevent the spread of VHS at their Dec. 5 meeting in Madison. [http://dnr.wi.gov/org/nrboard/agenda/2007/December/12-07.htm] At their October meeting, the board tabled consideration of DNR’s proposal for permanent rules, which maintained the bans on moving live fish and water away from the Lake Winnebago and Lake Michigan systems, where fish had tested positive for the virus, and from their connected waters up to the first barrier impassable to fish. Under that proposal, the rules would have extended to additional waters found to have VHS.
The board instructed DNR to return to the December meeting with more information on how DNR’s rules mesh with Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection requirements for VHS testing for fish farms and bait fish harvested from the wild. At the same time, board members approved emergency rules, effective Nov. 2, that extended the VHS rules statewide, so that the bans on moving live fish and water away from a water apply to every water in the state. [http://dnr.wi.gov/fish/pages/vhs_rules.html].
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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, December 1, 2007
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Adult Program: Winter Birding. Winter is a wonderful time to go bird watching--no leaves on the trees. Dress warm as we will spend the majority of the time outside looking for sparrows, juncos, hawks, and owls. We have binoculars to borrow if you need a pair. Environmental Awareness Center. 10 a.m. - noon. Family Program: Night Hunters. With keen eyesight, superb hearing, and silent flight, owls are well adapted to nighttime hunting. Join us as we unravel some of the mysteries surrounding owls. Environmental Awareness Center. 10:30 a.m. - noon.
• 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 $15 fee.Visitor Center. There are two sessions; you may register for only one—8:30-10 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. - noon.
• Willow River State Park, Hudson, (715) 386-5931 - Full Moon Hike. Local birding experts Ed and Angie Coloski will present a slide show about egrets and juncos. Then head out on an easy walk to see what’s out in the full moon. Dress for the weather. Nature Center. 6-7:30 p.m.
Friday, December 7, 2007
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Nature Storytime: Chick-a-dee-dee-dee. Always bright-eyed and full of energy, chickadees add a cheery note to any winter day. You'll be amazed by the lives these tiny birds lead. 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 8, 2007
• Havenwoods State Forest, Milwaukee, (414) 527-0232 - Discovery Saturday: Flight Experiments. Spend some time inside doing some flight experiments. Make paper airplanes and little parachutes, and drop them from the balcony to see how different designs fly through the air. Environmental Awareness Center. 9 a.m. - noon.
• Kettle Moraine State Forest—Northern Unit, Campbellsport, (920) 533-8322 - Exploring Nature Program: Gifts from the Heart of Nature. Create a gift using materials from nature. We will make several crafts from ornaments and sun catchers to pressed flower note cards. To ensure plenty of supplies, register by December 6. 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.
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/
