Wisconsin’s regular nine-day gun deer season opens this Saturday, Nov. 22 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 30. State wildlife officials say hunters should be able to look forward to a good season. Even after a pretty tough winter in parts of the state, and a harvest of more than 520,000 deer last year, the deer herd is still a good deal larger than established population goals in much of Wisconsin. Biologists estimate that the herd numbers between 1.5 and 1.7 million animals going into the fall 2008-09 seasons, a slight decrease from last year.
Despite one of the latest possible opening days, which is always the Saturday before Thanksgiving, white-tail buck deer are still being reported in the chase phase of the rut, or their mating season, in many parts of the state. This should make it more likely that deer will be on the move.
As of Wednesday, only the far north central part of the state was reporting any snow cover, with 5 to 6 inches on the ground in the Mercer to Hurly area of Vilas and Iron counties. Flurries and cold temperatures are in the forecast for opening weekend, so it is possible that more of the state will have and hold at least some tracking snow.
The cold temperatures have allowed downhill ski resorts to make snow, and Granite Peak Ski Area located at Rib Mountain State Park near Wausau was hoping to open runs to skiing this weekend. Cross-country ski trails have begun to be groomed just across the border in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where up to 8 inches of snow is on the ground, but as of yet no Wisconsin state parks or forests have had enough snow to groom trails.
For all intents and purposes, the open-water fishing season has come to an end across the Northwoods of Wisconsin. A few late season musky hunters have been taking advantage of the remaining open water opportunities but most of the smaller lakes have iced over and many of the bays on the larger lakes also have a thin layer of ice. Ice thickness is generally less than an inch and is no where near thick enough for any kind of ice fishing. It will likely be another week or so until the ice is thick enough for the first ice fishing reports to come in.
Whitefish are spawning in the Lower Menominee River. Brown trout are in the Lower Oconto River. Walleye anglers were reporting some success on the Wolf River and anglers have been catching a few legal-size walleye on the Rock River below the dam in Jefferson. Walleye action has been sporadic on the Mississippi River, with the best action on small saugers and only limited success on walleyes below dams.
Shore anglers fishing off the Lake Michigan piers and harbors have been catching a few browns trout with an occasional steelhead reported.
The cold temperatures and strong winds this week accelerated the bird migration. Late ducks including mergansers, goldeneyes and mallards are pushing through. The northern zone duck season closes next Tuesday, November 25.
Northern Wisconsin is seeing a large influx of common redpolls and white-winged crossbills. Pine siskins, purple finches, smaller numbers of pine grosbeaks, evening grosbeaks and very few bohemian waxwings have been seen. Snowy owls are continuing to move into the state. Most birds so far have been immature and in poor condition. The peak tundra swan movement has probably come and gone but many swans still remain on the upper Mississippi River refuge and at larger open water bodies throughout the state.
And a safety reminder, with the gun deer season open, hunting safety specialists encourage everyone recreating outdoors to wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing, and they caution all hunters to always be sure of their target and what lies beyond it. Have a safe and successful hunting season, and with the Thanksgiving holiday next week, the next DNR Outdoor Report will be December 4.
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.
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Statewide Birding Report
Cold temperatures and favorable winds have accelerated bird migration this past week. Northern Wisconsin is seeing a large influx of common redpolls and white-winged crossbills. This should be a good year to see both species in the southern portions of the state as winter progresses. Other finches seen include siskins, purple finches, smaller numbers of pine grosbeaks, evening grosbeaks and very few bohemian waxwings. Snowy owls are continuing to move into the state. Most birds so far have been immatures in poor condition. The late waterfowl migration is upon us. Many of the small marshes and lakes are now frozen over. Late ducks including mergansers, goldeneyes and mallards are pushing through. The peak tundra swan movement has probably come and gone but many swans still remain on the upper miss refuge and at larger open water bodies throughout the state. Scoters, long-tailed ducks, and harlequin ducks are all around with the larger flocks of diving ducks on Lake Michigan and bigger inland water bodies. Winter gulls are also starting to show and birders should be on the lookout for kittiwakes in with the late flocks of adult Bonaparte's gulls. This is also the best time to find purple sandpipers and red phalaropes along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Rare birds reported this week include a rufous hummingbird in McFarland, varied thrush and Townsend's solitaire in Bayfield County. As always, please report sightings to ebird.org/WI to help better track migratory bird populations.
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NORTHERN REGION
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - For all intents and purposes, the open-water fishing season has come to an end across the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Most of the smaller lakes have iced over and many of the bays on the larger lakes also have a thin layer of ice. Ice thickness is generally less than an inch and is no where near thick enough for any kind of ice fishing. It will likely be another week or so until the ice is thick enough for the first ice fishing reports to come in.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Very desirable weather should greet hunter’s opening weekend of the deer gun season. Snow cover varies throughout the Northwoods from several inches to patchy bare spots. Cool temperatures are predicted, which will help in keeping snow on the ground. Predictions for later in the week are for colder temps and light precipitation. Deer are still in rut so one can plan their strategies with that in mind. The bucks are now actively “chasing” and will no doubt still be in that mode come opening morning. Cool night time temperatures have caused some of the smaller lakes and shallow bays to skim over with ice. Daytime warmer temps have inhibited any significant ice formation so many late season musky hunters are taking advantage of the open water opportunities. Most success is reported to be associated with using suckers as bait. A reminder that waterfowl season closes on November 25 in the northern zone.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Deer activity is excellent with bucks chasing does according to archery hunters although this is a late start for the season and bucks may be coming out of rut by next week. Check the deer hunting regulations regarding blaze orange on ground blinds on state lands. Ground blinds constructed of deadfall from the area are not included in this new rule. Whitefish are spawning in the Lower Menominee River. Water temperatures are again on their way down.
Oconto County - Brown trout are in the Lower Oconto River in the city along with limited walleye. Hunters who completed a Hunter Safety Course this year are eligible for a free antlerless tag that is good in any unit statewide. The tags can be picked up at DNR Service Centers only.
Door County
Peninsula State Park - Peninsula will again hold its annual black powder deer hunt November 22-30. About three-quarters of the park is open to hunting, and most back roads will be closed to vehicles. Non-hunters may still gain access to the lighthouse, Eagle Tower, sections of the Sunset Bike trail and may drive though the park. All mountain bike trails will be closed to biking at this time. Trails currently are open and in very good condition. This is a great time to view migrating waterfowl along the western shore of the park (Green Bay). There are no limits to what you could see! Only the Tennison Bay campground remains open. Water systems are shut down, though a central drinking water supply is provided.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - The color season has ended and once again the park getting ready for snow and skiing. All the trail signs and maps have been changed over to winter layout and the park staff is waiting for the first good snow fall to groom the trails. Volunteer crews and staff have spent the last two weeks preparing the trails for skiing. Migrating waterfowl have been seen feeding off the rocky shoreline and resting on the beach. Quiet day hiking the woods revile hidden treasures such as lady ferns, princess pines, and club mosses. A quiet hiker can see deer on the move or encounter rough grouse. Park staff suggests hiking the Brachiopod Trail or the Green Trail for diversity in habitats and wildlife. The Brachiopod Trail was recently resurfaced with the help from the Friends of Whitefish Dunes volunteers and a local foundation grant. Keep an eye out for new spring additions on this and other trails. Dog are welcome but must remain on a leash 8 feet or less. Dog owners are reminded to be responsible pet owners and pick up after their pets. Pets are not allowed on groomed ski trails. Please respect our volunteer groomers’ time by hiking the beach or Black Trail to enjoy the park with your pet.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Slow presentations are proving successful for walleye fishers on the Wolf River. Anglers in the Fremont area are using jigs and minnows. Deer hunters are gearing up for opening day of the 2008 regular gun deer season on Saturday. The season dates are Nov 22 -30, and there is some snow forecasted in the Oshkosh area. Hunters in Earn a Buck or Herd Control Units may purchase extra antlerless permits for $2 each at any license sales location. Hunters can help feed hungry people in the area by donating their registered, field dressed deer. Remember to call ahead to verify processor's have space to accept the deer. Trapping season is in full swing. This is made quite evident by trap markers found along the Wolf River. A fair number of fisher have been brought in. The predicted price increase for fur has increased trapping numbers this year. Nice-sized flocks of tundra swans were found at Collins Marsh Wildlife Area this week. Duck numbers appear to be down. Some have already come through the area. Hunters are still looking forward to late season mallard and goose hunting opportunities.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Deer are still being difficult to find. Many are being seen on trail cameras at night and not in the daytime. This should bode well for the gun hunters as more people in the outdoors should be moving these deer around. Looking for a good gun deer harvest in Waushara County. Swans are moving through signaling the end of waterfowl hunting. A few area shallow lakes have frozen over.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan shore anglers fishing off the piers and near the Deland Park boat launch have been catching a few browns on spawn and spoons. In the Sheboygan River some coho and browns have been caught on flies near the Kohler dam and in Esslingen Park.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, shore anglers have been catching a few browns on spawn near the power plant and on spoons in the harbor.
Milwaukee County - Shore anglers in Milwaukee have been catching a few browns on spawn and spoons in the harbor. The Milwaukee River is low, but browns and steelhead have been reported downstream of Estabrook Park. Both spawn and flies have been producing fish. A few brown trout have also been caught on crankbaits near the Bender Park ramp.
Racine County - In Racine water levels on the Root River remain low, but good numbers of fish can still be found throughout the river. Upstream of the weir anglers have been catching mostly coho, and downstream of the weir most fish have been brown trout. Fishing has been slow overall, but small yarn eggs and woolly buggers have been most productive. Coho egg-taking goals have been met, and the Root River Steelhead Facility was shut down on Monday, November 10. During the Fall 2008 season, 1,413 chinooks, 2,071 coho, 243 browns, and 10 rainbows were passed upstream of the facility.
Kenosha County - For shore anglers in Kenosha, a few browns have been caught in the harbor and off the piers on spawn and tube jigs. Fishing on the Pike River has been slow, and water levels are low.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County - Fall waterfowl migrants seen on Lake Mendota last Sunday included buffleheads, shovelers, coots and a couple of tundra swans.
Jefferson County - Anglers have been catching a few legal-size walleye below the Jefferson Dam mostly on twister-tails although some have been caught on jigs with a minnow. Deer movement has picked up with the rut on. Many large bucks have been observed following does even during daylight hours in Jefferson County. Most of the corn is now harvested, which will aid gun hunters in locating deer for the upcoming opener. Duck hunters are now shooting some northern mallards that have migrated down due to the colder temperatures. Duck numbers still seem to be less than in some past years. Tundra swans have been observed migrating through over the last couple days as well as large flocks of sandhill cranes. Snowmobile clubs are actively getting trails posted on the private/public lands anticipating a good snow season. Several snowmobile safety classes have already been held in Jefferson County with only a couple to go. Check the DNR Web site for class dates and locations.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Ice was on Little Falls Lake Tuesday morning. Visitors are reminded of the upcoming gun hunting season for deer. The season opens Saturday, Nov. 22 and ends Sunday, Nov. 30. Areas open to hunting are north of the Willow River and some undeveloped land to the east of the main use area. Some trails border or come close to open hunting areas. All trail heads that access or are near open hunting areas will be posted. Places that do not engage nearby open hunting areas are: the park road, the Hidden Ponds Nature Trail, the White-Tail, Oak Ridge, Knapweed and Pioneer trails. To see Willow Falls, go in from the parking lot at the top of the hill on County Road A. Visitors may encounter hunters entering open hunting areas from the closed area. Many visitors go about their activities as normal during hunting season making certain to wear brightly colored clothing. They visit mid day when hunting activity is at its lowest. (Hunting activity typically peaks during low light hours.) The dogs still come along. To those visitors, the hunting issue is a minor inconvenience for ten days. If you are uncomfortable with gun hunting available close to your favorite place to visit, and the options listed above will not work, plan something else for that nine day gun hunting season. Deer hunters are reminded that a daily or annual park sticker is required on your vehicle to hunt in the park, in addition to a deer hunting license. If you are a Conservation Patron there is no valid park sticker on the vehicle (it does not need to be your vehicle) leave your CP license on the dashboard as a valid admission. No other permits are needed. Office hours vary but we try to staff it most business hours. You may self- register for the daily or annual pass at the park office (when closed) or at drop boxes located in outlying parking areas. There is a new office under construction. The office you want is farther in to the park. Rifles may not be used in Zone 60M which includes the park. Hunters may park their vehicles off the roads where it is safe to do so. Hunters may park in closed areas and walk to the open hunting areas with the gun unloaded and inside a case. Once inside the open area, the gun may be uncased and loaded for use. If you have already met your Earn A Buck requirement in another such zone, you may fill the buck stickered tag part of your license. Expect to share the open hunting area with other hunters on the opening weekend. The hunting activity slows during the week; then it picks up again on Thanksgiving morning. The closing weekend does not see as much activity as the opener. Pick up a map at the park office. Cross country skiing training continues Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30 pm at the Purple trail head. Bring a headlamp, good trail shoes, ski poles, and your own drink. Its 100 percent headlamp training now so make sure lamps have fresh batteries. Trainers heard a barred owl last Thursday night and trained in the fog. It was a bit slippery on some down hills so any time its wet, (and now its dark,) consider the training as a “maybe” or plan on some road work. There are some good hills on the road between the Purple trail head and the group camp lot. There’s enough shoulder to use poles off the asphalt. Snow is being made at area ski hills. Some of the trainers may move there when the cross country trails are ready. Man-made snow is fast to ski on. This trainer suggests it for anyone that knows how to ski, especially if the regular ski season is slow to start. The Willow River area is experiencing “normal” November weather so far, so hope is high that we will be skiing here in a few weeks. Trail brushing crews may be found on trails most any day until there is substantial snowfall that will stick. These crews may be volunteers, park staff, or both. Volunteers (skiers) worked on the low hanging pine branches area of the Burkhardt Trail, a winter multiple use trail. Please report down trees so the work crews can get the mess cleaned up. Construction work continues at the new office, campground, and at the beach area. A new retaining wall is going in at the beach.
Kinnickinnic State Park - All of Kinnickinnic State Park will be open for the gun hunting season for deer. The park is in Zone 60 M which does not allow rifle hunting. Open dates are Saturday, November 22 through Sunday, November 30. Neither Kinnickinnic or Willow River State Park participate in the extended antlerless hunting seasons, although Zone 60 M has the extended gun seasons.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Waterfowl hunting action on the Mississippi River in the La Crosse Area has been sporadic lately even with the recent stretch of ideal waterfowl hunting conditions. Walleye fishing action has also been sporadic with fishers having good action on small saugers and only limited success on walleyes below area dams. Whitetail bucks have been active in the rut with bow hunters who have already qualified with Earn-A-Buck having good success harvesting nice bucks.
Buffalo River State Trail - ATVs are allowed year round on the Buffalo River Trail. The trail has been graded and is in good condition. All hunting seasons apply along this trail. Adjoining county trail systems may be closed to ATV's for the year. Check with local counties for specific information. The trail will be open for snowmobiles beginning December 1 when snow conditions allow.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open and in good conditions. The remnant prairie character of the old railway beds is dominant on the landscape right now with the prairie grasses stunning to behold. Tundra swans, migrating waterfowl and eagles have been seen in the area and can often be viewed on Lake Onalaska. The toilet buildings at Trempealeau and Lytle's Landing are still open. The water fountain at Trempealeau has been closed for the season. Hunting is allowed along the Great River Trail and occasional gunshots may be heard.
Merrick State Park - All trails are in good condition. Fishing has been slow this past week. Water level is very low. A few swans have been sited in the backwaters. The north and south campgrounds will remain open until December 1. The Island Campground is closed. Water is available at the Main Office. The dump station is open for dumping but no water is available for rinsing.
Perrot State Park - All trails are in fairly good condition. Fishing is fast or slow, depending on the day and your perspective. The water level is low. The Tundra Swans are in the area. They have been settling in at the adjacent Trempealeau Wildlife Refuge and in backwaters along the Mississippi. Larger concentrations have been reported at the Brownsville Marsh observation area south of La Crescent, MN. Eagles are still in the area. Duck season remains open and occasional gunshots may be heard near areas of open water. Sections of the park are open for deer hunting by permit only from November 22 through Nov 30. Hunters will be using muzzleloaders. Campsites 1-50 remain open for camping as walk-in only. The water is turned off in the campground. Shower and flush toilet buildings are closed for the season. Vault toilets are available in the campground and drinking water is available at the Park maintenance shop. The dump station will remain open for dumping through Nov. 30, but there is no water at that location. The Campground and the Riverview Trail are closed to hunting. Blaze orange vests are available in limited quantity at the park headquarters. The north road is being resurfaced. It is recommended to take the south road into and out of the park.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, phoebes, northern juncos, nuthatches, piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, Canada geese, and blue jays. Whitetail deer are in full rut and are very active during daylight hours. An area to the north and east of the main office, including part of the Nordic Trail system, will be open for a limited, shotgun only, special access permit required antlerless deer hunt beginning Saturday, November 22 to 30. Park trails are in good condition. 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. Please contact the office at 715-239-6888 if you have questions regarding the hunt. Brunet Island State Park north campground is open with pit toilets and hand water pump. The south campground is open with electric sites, pit toilet, and hand water pump. The park dump station is now closed.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Ice has started forming in bays and north of the bridge. Remember, park staff does not monitor ice conditions. The gun deer season and muzzleloader season are allowed in Yellow River Wildlife Area only. The park is open for early and late season for bow hunting (no special hunting permit is required). New hunting maps are available for the park and wildlife areas. Small game, waterfowl and trapping are allowed in the Yellow River Wildlife Area and in Buckhorn Wildlife Area only, not in the park. Deer can be registered at the park office when it is staffed. All other hunting is allowed in Yellow River Wildlife Area. Visitors have been enjoying the fall weather hiking, fishing, camping and checking out sites for future visits. Remember, park stickers are required for Launch C and D and there are no additional launch fees.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - Visitors have been hiking and enjoying the fall weather. Camping is now closed for the season. Hunting is not allowed in the park. There is a hunter parking lot on Cypress Ave for the Roche-A-Cri natural area east of Highway 13. The main gate is now closed. Parking is allowed in the Czech Ave/Prairie lot and vehicle stickers are required there. The parking lot will not be plowed this winter and trails will not be groomed. People will still be able to cross country ski and snow shoe in the park.
Last Revised: Thursday November 20 2008
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