Portions of Wisconsin have received snow in the last week, with the southeast getting up to 10 inches in some area last Friday and the far north receiving from 5 to 10 inches early this week. The Lapham Peak and Southern units of the Kettle Moraine State Forest were able to groom and track cross-country ski trails and conditions were reported as excellent last weekend. Those trails have received heavy use and there are now reports that they have deteriorated some, with lots of leaves and debris now on the trails, but forest officials say there is enough base built up that they hope the snow will withstand the warm-up in the forecast for later this week. No snowmobile trails have opened as of this time. The Hurley area in Iron County reported up to 10 inches of new snow this week and clubs in that area have begun to groom snowmobile trails, but those trails will not open until after the close of the four-day antlerless deer hunt that runs Dec. 7 through 10. The 25th annual Hurley Red Light Snowmobile Rally is scheduled for Dec. 14-17.
Cold temperatures in the last week have been quickly forming ice on lakes, especially in northern Wisconsin, but on some smaller southern lakes and bays also. Anglers are beginning to venture out, and while this weekend may provide ice fishing opportunities on some inland lakes, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts should be cautious of the areas where typically the ice may be questionable such as moving water in channels between lakes, where rivers or streams flow into or out of lakes or where springs are known to exist. As always check the ice before travel on any water body.
As of mid week there were 2 to 3 inches of ice on the smaller northern lakes. A few of the early anglers were catching bluegills and northern pike in the shallow weedy areas. Ice is beginning to form on the more shallow southern lakes, but larger and deeper lakes take much longer to cool down to freezing due to the much larger volume of water that has to cool. A few anglers continue to open water fish on southeastern Wisconsin lakes, with some bluegill and walleye action reported. Along Lake Michigan, fishing in the harbors and off piers has generally been slow. A few brown trout and a steelhead continue to be reported in some Lake Michigan tributaries.
Wildlife officials are hoping for a good turnout for the antlerless deer hunt being held Thursday through Sunday this week. The hunt is open statewide this year, and hunters can use their free antlerless deer carcass tags in any of the deer management units designated as herd control or earn-a-buck. These are units in which the deer population is well above established goals. In regular units, hunters must purchase a unit specific antlerless tag in order to hunt. Those tags are $12 each, and are already sold out for some units. Additional herd control or earn-a-buck unit tags may be purchased for $2.
Last week's cold snap and subsequent ice-up has resulted in the wide scale migration of staging tundra swans, geese, ducks, and cranes. All of the remaining whooping cranes have now left the state on their way to Floridian warmth! Large flocks of migrating Canada geese are being seen as the snow and ice is moving them south. Winter finches such as redpolls, siskins, pine grosbeaks and purple finches continue to be reported as well as a new influx of rough-legged hawks and northern shrikes.
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
Last week's cold snap and subsequent ice-up has resulted in the wide scale migration of staging tundra swans, geese, ducks, and cranes. All of the remaining whooping cranes have now left the state on their way to Floridian warmth! Many reporters reported seeing migrating flocks of geese and cranes on NW winds towards the latter part of last week and weekend. Winter finches such as redpolls, siskins, pine grosbeaks and purple finches continue to be reported as well as a new influx of rough-legged hawks and northern shrikes. Rare birds include a lingering Selasphorus hummingbird in New Glarus and a Barrow's goldeneye in Milwaukee. In the next week, birders should still find good concentrations of waterfowl on the large open lakes including our annual buildup of common mergansers. Many birders are reporting tufted titmice away from their typical forested locations in southern and western Wisconsin. Thayer's, glaucous, and other winter gulls are starting to show up on the Great Lakes and birders in northern Wisconsin should be checking those conifer swamps for American three-toed woodpeckers and gray jays. We encourage you to submit these and other bird sightings online at
www.ebird.org to better document bird migration and populations throughout the state. Finally, this is the time of year to begin making plans to participate in Christmas Bird Count. The annual CBC season starts on Dec. 14 and their are opportunities to participate in a count statewide. A list of counts in Wisconsin is available on the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Web page .
NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest – As of Dec. 7, there was 2.5 inches of light snow on the ground. The muzzleloader season is now closed and the Herd Control (antlerless deer only) season runs Dec. 7-10. The snow should make tracking easier. High temperatures are expected up into the 30s over the weekend, making the wait much more comfortable than the cool temperatures that the Brule area has been experiencing recently. The Bois Brule River flow has risen considerably. According to the USGS Real Time Water Data, the flow for the Bois Brule River is up to 241 cubic feet per second (cfs) as of 12/7/06. The 60 year average is 142 cfs. The Afterhours Ski Trail only has a little layer of snow...not enough to do any grooming yet. Afterhours Ski Trail updates will be available on
http://www.skinnyski.com/trails/reports.asp and
www.norwiski.com when conditions look better.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Unseasonably cold temperatures have persisted in the Park Falls area with a more seasonable reprieve forecast for this weekend. Ice is quickly forming on area lakes and anglers are beginning to venture out on a number of lakes. This weekend should provide ice fishing opportunities on many inland lakes but anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts should be cautious of the areas where typically the ice may be questionable such as moving water in channels between lakes, where rivers or streams flow into or out of lakes or where springs are known to exist. As always check the ice before travel on any water body. The cold temperatures provided access to many beaver ponds for winter beaver trappers and little snow makes foot travel easy. Muzzleloader season runs through Dec. 6 and the bow season continues to Jan. 7, 2007. Snowmobile trails will open when adequate snow arrives to groom trails. The deadline for spring turkey and bear permit applications is Dec. 11.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the unseasonably cold weather of the past week, ice cover has formed on most lakes in the Northwoods. A few of the smaller lakes are reported to have 3 to 4 inches of ice but most of the larger lakes have only a 2 to 3-inch layer. This is still not considered safe for ice travel, as there are many areas of the lakes with only 1 to 2 inches of ice, especially around any moving water, inlets and outlets, and the centers of the larger lakes. Most anglers want 4 inches of solid ice before venturing out. But despite the thin ice, there have been a few early ice anglers starting to creep out onto shallow bay areas. Most have been walleye anglers using tip-ups in 3 to 6 feet of water, but their success has been generally slow. A few catches of early walleye have been reported from the edges of the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, but fish have been hard to come by on most other lakes in the area.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) -There have been a few early ice anglers out on the smaller area lakes, and in some cases fishing bays with open water on the main lake. Currently there is only 2 to 3 inches of ice on the smaller lakes so extreme caution is advised for those who try to get out. Many of the better walleye lakes in the are still are unsafe to walk on. A few of the early anglers are catching bluegills and northern pike in the shallow weedy areas. Tip-ups baited with golden shiners are key for northern pike, while a small jigging rod using the lightest line you can find ( 1-2 pound test), tipped with a small rocker jig and wax worm work well for bluegills. The cold weather seems to be locked in place so in approximately another week, there should be plenty of good ice everywhere in the area.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - A dusting of snow is all we have received so far although a few more inches are expected before the weekend. Snowmobile trails will not be open until there is at least 5 inches of base snow. Frigid temperatures are making some ice on inland waters and the river edges are becoming ice-rimmed. Deer hunters are again looking forward to another deer hunt starting Dec. 7 through 10 statewide for antlerless deer only. The snow cover should aid the hunters in locating deer. Turkey and Bear applications need to be postmarked by Dec. 11 to meet the deadline for next years hunt.
Oconto County - A one day Snowmobile Safety Course will be given at the Mountain Community Center on Saturday, Dec. 16, at 8 a.m. Please contact the instructor to register for the course at (715) 276-6941.
Shawano County - Trumpeter swans have returned to Shawano. Please do not feed these birds! Deer hunters are getting some nice deer now that temperatures have turned colder. Ice is forming on area waters, but ice conditions can vary from one water body to the next so caution is urged regardless of the ice thickness reports. Ice anglers have been getting out on some of the bays. Northern pike have been the main fish caught. Lots of waterfowl remain around open areas yet. Visit the Navarino Nature Center on Saturday, Dec. 16 to participate in the annual Christmas Bird Count or check their Web site out at . Tim Ewing from Navarino Nature Center is coordinating the event. Contact him at (715) 758-6999 if you are interested in this event. The "Closed Area" on Navarino WA will open again on Dec. 17 (goose season ends on Dec. 16). A snowmobile safety course will be offered at the Birnamwood Trail Riders Club on Dec. 14-16. To register contact the instructor at (715) 449-2687. Anyone at least 12 years old and born on or after Jan. 1, 1985 is required to possess a valid Snowmobile Safety Certificate while operating. CD Rom classes are available to persons 16 yrs of age and up.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County
Peninsula State Park - As of Dec. 5, there was approximately 2 inches of snow on the ground. Water levels in Green Bay are still very low. No winter trails were officially open. Ski and snowmobile trails remain closed. Crews are working to pack existing trails in preparation for the next substantial snowfall. The sledding hill remains closed until more snow arrives. The main road through the park is open and plowed. Most other roads are unplowed and closed to cars. As of Tuesday, Eagle Bluff lighthouse is still accessible by motor vehicle. The Tennison Bay campground is open year-round. Only vault toilets and a central water supply are available. A trail pass is required for skiing on Peninsula's trails. Hunters harvested 12 deer during this year's black powder deer season in Peninsula.
Potawatomi State Park - The park had a few inches of snow on the ground as of Dec. 6, and volunteer ski trail groomers will be rolling the trails this week to establish a base. Roads are plowed to the boat launch on Sawyer Harbor and the ski trail parking lots.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Upper Fox-Wolf basin fisheries report - Walleye fishing continued to be very good on the Wolf River around Fremont and up to Wieland's Landing. Angels were getting limits of fish on spinners, large shiners, and gold hooks.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST REGION
Area anglers are anxiously awaiting the beginning of the ice fishing season. Fishable ice has not yet been reported.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan action in the harbor and off the piers has been slow. On the Sheboygan River water levels are very high. Browns and steelhead should still be in the area as flows drop back down.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore fishing has been slow. The discharge at the power plant remains turned off, and in that area only a few browns have been caught on spawn.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, water levels are good on the Milwaukee River, although there has been some ice forming in the past few days. Some steelhead can be found in the deeper holes in Kletzsch Park and around Hubbard Park. Anglers at the Milwaukee lakefront have been catching a few browns by the Summerfest grounds, as well as along the shoreline at Bender Park. Milwaukee trollers have been finding good numbers of browns in the harbor, and when the weather cooperates, both chinooks and browns have been taken in 50 to 70 feet of water.
Racine County - In Racine, flows on the Root River were quite high over the weekend but have dropped considerably since then. There are decent numbers of brown trout and a few steelhead in portions of the river. Look for browns in the shallow, gravelly areas and the steelhead in deeper pools. Small black flies and egg patterns have been effective for browns, and drifting a brightly colored spawn sac under a bobber has produced steelhead. The Root River Steelhead Facility was shut down on Nov. 13. A total of 12,378 fish were processed over the fall season, including 10,318 chinooks, 1,400 coho, 536 steelhead, and 124 browns. Most of the stop logs have been removed from the river, and fish can move freely past the facility.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, most action has been in the small boat harbor, where browns and a few steelhead have been taken on spawn. Anglers have been catching most of the fish under the bridge.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Ice is beginning to form on most of the lakes in the area. The more shallow lakes will become ice covered first as they can cool down much faster. Deep lakes such as Big Cedar and Big Elkhart Lakes take much longer to cool down to freezing due to the much larger volume of water that has to cool. Also, be aware that roosting geese can keep fairly large areas of lake surface open and those areas may be weak all winter long. Such areas have claimed several vehicles over the past few years and were probably responsible for the death of one driver on Random Lake two years ago. Ice on lakes is never entirely safe!
Waukesha County - Some bluegill action was reported from Nagawicka and Pewaukee lakes. Trolling crankbaits produced walleyes on Little Muskego, Okauchee and Lac Labelle.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lapham Peak Unit – The forest received about 10 to 12 inches of snow Dec. 1. Ski trails were groomed and have been in excellent condition. Late on Saturday night the trails were re-groomed and a new classic track was put in place. Overnight the trails have set up very nicely and ski trail conditions were excellent. A warm-up is in the forecast, but based on current conditions, trails should hold up unless the area receives rain. At this point there is still enough on the ground to hold up through a few 40-degree days. The ski trail lights are not lit on Sunday. Hiking or dogs are not allowed on the ski trails. For current conditions call the Lapham Peak 24-hour information line at (262) 646-4421.
Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit - As of Dec. 6 the cross-country ski trails were open. Current conditions are available on the trail hotline at (262) 594-6202. Being a state forest, hunting is allowed in the Kettle Moraine, skiers are advised to wear bright colored clothing, with "blaze orange" highly recommended. The gun deer season will go through Dec. 10. Kettle Moraine is in the CWD herd reduction zone. Hunting is allowed in most of the Kettle Moraine including biking, horse, and hiking trails. The Scuppernong Ski trail, located on Hwy ZZ just east of Hwy 67, is set in a mature pine plantation. Three color coated loops range from just over 2 to 5 miles. This trail is double tracked for classical stride skiing only. Hiking not allowed when trail is groomed for skiing. The Nordic Ski Trail, located on Hwy H south of the Village of Palmyra or north of LaGrange and Hwy 12, offers skiing through a variety of vegetation, hardwoods, pine plantations and open meadows, and kettle moraine terrain. There are 6 different trails of varying lengths and degrees of difficulty providing great skiing for a day or a few hours. The trail is groomed for classic and skate skiing. When the trails are groomed for skiing no hiking is allowed. The McMiller Ski Trails, located on Hwy NN south of the Village of Eagle, provide skiing for skate and classical stride skiers. The trails traverse some significant terrain, which provide great training opportunities for all skiers. McMiller also offers a Biathlon course for those who participate in this unique sport that combines physically demanding cross country skiing with rifle marksmanship. Hiking is not allowed when the trail is groomed for skiing. The Emma Carlin trail and John Muir Trail, located on Hwy H North of the Town of Lagrange and Hwy 12 are open for hiking and snowshoeing.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Horicon DNR Service Center area
Dodge County – Dec. 1 marked the official start of the Dodge County snowmobile and ATV trail seasons, which will continue through March 31, pending weather conditions. Despite the recent snowfall and the official start of the trail season, both the snowmobile and ATV trails remain closed at this time. The Wild Goose State Trail will remain closed at least until after the upcoming antlerless deer hunt Dec. 7-10. Sufficient snow cover, typically a minimum of 4 to 6 inches, will then be required prior to opening of the snowmobile trails. Additionally volunteer snowmobile club members need to finish getting all the trail sections cleared, leveled and marked prior to opening. The ATV trail, located on the Wild Goose State Trail from Hwy 60 to Hwy 49 in Dodge County, can be opened when the trail surface is sufficiently frozen or snow covered to protect it from wheel damage. The warmer temperatures and rain of the past week have left the trail surface still too soft in many areas under the recent snows. Officials also plan to be more cautious with opening of the ATV trail this season due to some increasing problems encountered over the past few years. New trail signs have also been installed on the Wild Goose Trail at the main trail parking areas located at Hwy 60 and Hwy 33 and at the Hwy 49 trail entrance. These signs indicate whether the trails are open or closed, in addition to providing general trail information. As in past years, a 24 hour trail status number (920-386-3705) will provide updated trail status information. Additionally, the Dodge County Land Resources and Parks Department Web site at
www.dodgeparks.com can also be consulted for trail information and status. Riders need to verify whether the trails are open prior to entering them. Snowmobile and ATV use on the county trails when the trails are declared closed is considered trespassing and is subject to a citation with steep fines. ATV riders are warned that ATV use on the snowmobile trails off of the Wild Goose State Trail in Dodge County at any time, is also considered trespassing. Trail enforcement is jointly administered by the Dodge County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Natural Resources. Trail patrols by trained snowmobile and ATV club volunteers will also be out assisting riders and providing extra eyes and ears for law enforcement officials.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil’s Lake State Park - There was no snow as of Dec. 6, despite Midwest areas farther south already receiving as much as a foot of snow; cross-country skiers will have to continue waiting. There are only bits of ice forming along the sheltered corners of the lake, so ice anglers will have to wait too, along with the skiers! There is still some gun deer hunting in some parts of the park through Dec. 10. The trails are great for hiking. Visibility is increased, and unseen vistas present themselves for the first time since last winter.
Dane County
Lake Kegonsa State Park - As of Dec. 1, the cross-country ski trails had an average of about 3 inches of snow on them and are windswept in some areas. The trails are not groomed, but are now closed to hiking. The campground, shower building and dump station are closed for the season and will reopen in May 2007.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Light snow has fallen this week. Ice has formed on the lake and there has been some fishing activity. The park does not monitor ice conditions. Hikers take advantage! Willow Falls is growing ice daily. See the ice before it gets covered in snow. All trails are frozen solid. Hikers should be cautious on the paved Willow Falls Hill trail since there is a light coating of snow on it. Waterfowl gather at the head of the lake at sunset. A flock of eight trumpeter swans were observed flying over the lake. The weather has been cold enough to make good ice. There is no gun hunting for deer in the park. See page #33 of the deer hunting regulations. Archery hunting for deer is open in undeveloped parts of the park. Hunters may pick up a map at the park office. The surrounding land, zone 60 M, is open for a continued gun hunting season (page #21.). Dry land cross country ski training continues Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Racers and recreational skiers are in the group. Call the park office for more details (715) 386-5931.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
If snow falls during the night, one need only step outside to find that there have been visitors to yards, gardens, fields, or woods. Though none may be in view, their footprints in the snow are evidence that they have been there: a grouse, sparrow, crow, squirrel, fox, weasel, or deer perhaps. All prints tell a story if one knows how to read and interpret them. Prints in the snow are best studied when freshly made in newly fallen snow, for later when snow has become packed or blown about, prints become distorted. Check out a tracking book from your local library to assist you with track identification. Looking for some late season hunting opportunities? How about setting your sights on squirrels? These abundant mammals are found statewide and offer plenty of challenges for beginning and advanced hunters alike. Squirrels remain active throughout winter but will hole up for several days during the nastiest winter weather. With a daily bag limit of five and an open season that runs through Jan. 31, there are numerous opportunities for hunters.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park – Gun deer hunting is allowed in Wildlife Area B only. Late season bow hunting is allowed in the park and both wildlife areas. Small game, waterfowl and trapping are allowed in wildlife areas A and B. Pick up hunting rules and maps at the park office. Deer may be registered at the park office when it is open. Campsites 8, 9, and 16 are open for camping and are non-reservable. All other campsites are closed. Water is available at the park office. The 2007 photo contest has started - remember your camera to take fall pictures for the contest! 2007 annual park stickers are now available. Great gift idea!
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/#top
