White-tailed deer fawns are being born across Wisconsin and conservation wardens and DNR offices are receiving the annual calls about abandoned fawns. A new-born fawn’s only defense against predators such as bears, coyotes, wolves and raptors are its spotted coat and the fact that it does not have a scent for the first few days after birth. Does leave their fawns alone after birth to protect them, but they are not far away and will return to feed the fawn when safe. If you see a fawn, do not disturb, approach, or handle it. Leave the area and its mother will take care of it.
Much of the state experienced dangerous wildfire conditions on Wednesday, May 20; high winds, warm temps and low humidity kept fire control staff busy from morning until early evening with numerous and some very large fires. Going into the Memorial Day weekend, wildfire conditions vary between Moderate and Very High around the state. Burning permits are cancelled in some areas. Check the current fire danger and daily burning restrictions for your area before doing any burning, and be extremely careful this weekend with campfires or any sources of ignition.
Most Wisconsin state parks are reporting that reservable campsites are booked for the holiday weekend, and at many of the most popular campgrounds, campers should not expect to get a campsite without a reservation. However, many smaller parks and many state forests have non-reservable sites. Contact a park or forest office directly to check on the availability of campsite.
The strong winds of the last week have made for some difficult fishing conditions and many anglers chose to seek out more sheltered locations. Walleye anglers reported some fair catches, with the best action occurring near dark as the wind would subside a bit. Water temperatures are mostly still in the 50s on northern lakes, but near 60 degrees on smaller lakes, which has moved panfish toward the shallows, and some crappie have begun to spawn in the shallow, warmer bays and there have been reports of both largemouth and smallmouth bass beginning spawning activity in warmer lakes.
This weekend is the musky opener in the Northern zone and fishing prospects look excellent. Most musky have completed their spring spawning ritual and should be active with the warming temperatures. Northern pike success also continued to be good.
The wind also hampered fishing on Lake Michigan and Green Bay this week. Anglers fishing the southern end of Green Bay continued to do very well on the walleyes. Early in the week anglers trolling the Lake Michigan shoreline landed some nice brown trout but by Saturday, strong winds kept most anglers off the lake and piers and even forced the cancelation of the first day of the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament. When anglers could get out, smallmouth bass was very good, with lots of larger smallmouth continuing to be taken all along Door County.
The weather also made for some tough hunting during the fifth spring turkey period. Gobblers weren’t as visible in fields and hens are sitting on nests. The sixth and final turkey hunting period ends this Sunday.
Morel mushroom hunters have been having very good success over the past couple of weeks. Spring wildflowers are near their peak and the upcoming week should bring the peak of spring bird migration. Recent south winds have brought in the push of later warblers, flycatchers and shorebirds and have cleared the southern portion of the state of many of the early migrants. Recent arrivals include Connecticut warbler, Canada warbler, mourning warbler, yellow-bellied flycatcher, pewee and common nighthawk. Early nesters are already fledging young, including Canada geese, sandhill cranes and eastern bluebirds.
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
The upcoming week should bring the peak of spring bird migration. Recent south winds have brought in the push of later warblers, flycatchers and shorebirds and have cleared the southern portion of the state of many of the early migrants. Recent arrivals include Connecticut warbler, Canada warbler, mourning warbler, yellow-bellied flycatcher, pewee and common nighthawk. Last week saw a nice movement of terns and Franklin's gulls as well as the first big push of shorebirds. Some of the early nesters are already fledging young including Canada geese, sandhill cranes and Eastern bluebirds. Look for migration to progress this week. Birders should be able to find good flocks of warblers and other migrants in forest patches with bugs and shorebird watching should be good along the Lake Michigan coast and at inland mud flats.
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Statewide Wildfire Report
For the week of May 14-20, a total of 69 wildfires were reported to have burned 37 acres in parts of the state where DNR has suppression responsibilities. Eleven structures were threatened by these fires and three were destroyed. Much of the state experienced dangerous wildfire conditions on Wednesday, May 20; high winds, warm temps and low humidity kept fire control staff busy from morning until early evening. Many of the fires that burned on Wednesday have not yet been entered in the DNR’s fire reporting system and will be described in next week’s wildfire report. Wildfire conditions vary between Moderate and Very High around the state. Burning permits are cancelled in some areas. Check the current fire danger and daily burning restrictions. Nine prescribed burns were completed on 299 acres this week, helping to reduce fuels, improve habitat and control invasive species.
Firewise Tip: Take some time to clean out the areas under decks and elevated porches. The leaves and pine needles that have collected here could be easily ignited by flying embers produced during a wildfire.
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NORTHERN REGION
Northern Region Wildfire Report
Brule and Cumberland Dispatch Groups - Fire danger in the Brule and Cumberland Dispatch Groups this week generally stayed in the High range. Because of the High fire danger and lack of precipitation, all burning permits have been cancelled until more rain is received. The Brule Dispatch Group reports five new fires for the week May 14-20, burning 0.65 acres with one structure lost. Cumberland Dispatch Group reports four new fires for the week which scorched 1.05 acres with the loss of one structure. Wednesday May 20, Brule and Cumberland Dispatch Groups experienced one of the worst fire days of the year. High winds and low humidity pushed the fire danger to Very High. There where numerous power line fires reported that kept fire crews jumping all day. These fire numbers will be reflected on next week’s report. The Memorial Day weekend is upon us and outdoor enthusiasts will be out in force. Remember to be extra careful with your camp fires while enjoying northern Wisconsin this weekend and remember Only You Can Prevent Forest Fires. Thirty-three prescribed burns were completed on 240 acres in the Brule and Cumberland Dispatch Groups this week.
Park Falls-Woodruff Wildfire Report - In Woodruff & Parks Falls Dispatch Groups, 38 fires burned approximately 68 acres with nine structures saved and no structures lost this week. Power lines were the leading cause of wildfires in the Park Falls-Woodruff area. High winds and downed power lines caused 25 fires across the area on Wednesday burning approximately 48 acres. Resources from both dispatch groups assisted on US Forest Service fires this week. Burning permits were suspended across the area but rain brought some relief this morning. Current fire danger is Moderate across the region due to recent rainfall. Please remember to check the burn permit status for your county before you burn by visiting dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire or calling 1-888-WIS-BURN. No prescribed fires occurred this week.
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Chestnut-sided and common yellowthroat warblers, indigo buntings, scarlet tanagers, and kingbirds have returned to the area. Chorus frogs have started calling. Wild oats, downy yellow violets, and the wild ginger are some of some of the flowers that have recently started to bloom. Don't forget the bug repellent or protective clothing...the mosquitoes have just emerged and the ticks are still very active. Hang on to your hats...there have been some windy days lately! This along with lack of moisture has made for some very dry conditions and high fire danger. Last Wednesday (May 20) proved to be a hot windy day. Low humidity's and high winds caused around twenty two fires across the Brule fire dispatch area (Douglas, Bayfield, Ashland, and Iron counties) mostly due to trees falling on power lines. Land owners are reminded that after obtaining their written annual burning permits, they must check the internet or call the hotline (dnr.wi.gov/forestry/fire or 1888-WIS-BURN [947-2876]) for daily burning restrictions after 11 a.m. on the day that they wish to burn. Due to the dry conditions permits have been canceled several days this spring. Cooking, warming, and campfires are still allowed but please use caution. It is always amazing how temperatures can differ from one short distance to another around Lake Superior. On Wednesday, May 20, the Brule Ranger Station recorded a very warm 93 degrees for the high temperature while Superior experienced very cool temperatures for the first part of the day. With spring comes baby animals. It is a good time to remind people that many animals will leave their young for long periods of time. These babies are not abandoned…leave them where they are so their parents can find them later. No one takes care of them better than their parents. Many well meaning people will bring these animals home only to have these animals die of stress, sickness, or improper nutrition. Deer fawns should start being born soon. Many people get worried that fawns orphaned or are starving while waiting for the doe to return and will then feed the fawn from a bottle. This can be very dangerous to fawns. Cow milk can upset the digestive system of a fawn, sometimes causing diarrhea which can dehydrate the fawn to the point that they can't be saved. Unless there is a dead doe nearby it is best to leave the fawns alone.
Pattison State Park – The park has been experiencing a dry spring. The trails are in very good condition, and all the waterfalls are flowing well. Some wild flowers are starting to bloom.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Fishing success was rather inconsistent in the past week due to the strong winds, fluctuating temperatures and generally unstable weather. Strong winds have made for some difficult fishing conditions and many anglers chose to seek out more sheltered locations. This limited success on many of the larger waters. Walleye anglers did report some fair catches of 14- to 18-inch fish, with the best action occurring near dark as the wind would subside a bit. Jig/minnow combinations and minnows on slip bobbers provided the most success, though artificials also produced some pretty good action. Water temperatures are near 60 degrees on most lakes across the Northwoods and this has moved most panfish toward the shallows. Panfish have provided the most consistent fishing action lately and some nice catches of crappie, bluegill and perch have been made. Some crappie have begun to spawn in the shallow, warmer bays; and bluegill should also begin as the water continues to warm this spring. Northern pike success continued to be good, with most fish being found in and around the newly forming weed beds. Some of the smaller lakes have water temperatures in the low 60s and this has spurred both the largemouth and smallmouth bass to begin their spawning activity. Anglers are reminded that the catch and release season remains in effect in the Northern Bass zone until June 20. Trout action on the managed trout lakes continues to be good and most anglers have had real good success on trout in the 8 to 10-inch size, with some catches of 14 to 18 inch brown and brook trout. This weekend is the musky opener in the Northern zone and fishing prospects look excellent. Most musky have completed their spring spawning ritual and should be active with the warming temperatures. Abundance is still high on many small waters in the Chequamegon National Forest and anglers looking for action should try Day Lake Flowage, English Lake, and Mineral Lake in Ashland County; Ghost Lake, Lower Clam Lake, and Black Lake in Sawyer County; Others waters with good abundances of musky include Butternut Lake, the Phillips Chain, Solberg Lake, and the Pike/Round Chain in Price County. Small bucktails and jerkbaits should provide some good action and look for the fish to be holding on the deep edges of newly forming weed beds.
Flambeau River State Forest - Water levels are up on both the North and South Forks of the Flambeau River and should make for great paddling. Spring peepers and croakers, ticks and turtles are out, and bears are making their appearance. Trout lilies, bloodroot, marsh marigolds and spring beauties are blooming. ATV trails are open. Lake of the Pines campground is open. Connors campground will open May 21.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Area lake water temperatures are holding in the 50-degree range. There are a few lakes that have seen water temps hit the low 60 degree mark; however they have not been able to maintain that level. All fishing action is sporadic as unstable weather patterns dictate the north. Cooler temperatures have kept most fish from moving into the shallows. Look for a good bite to start with warm and stable weather. Walleye activity varies, with minnows reportedly to be the bait of choice at the moment. However, a few reports of slip bobbers and leeches are taking some walleye on the deeper weed edges. Bass action is picking up with reports of some spawning activity beginning. Bass remains a catch and release season until June 20. This coming weekend, May 23 marks the start of the musky season. Although the area has experienced some minor rain falls, it is extremely dry throughout the Northwoods. Flowage water levels are already about 6-8 feet below where they should be and several of the natural lakes are down over a foot. The area has received several reports recently of bears on the move and/or causing problems in yards. A simple solution may be the temporary removal of a bird feeder due to the fact that the bears consider birdseed to be quite a treat. Black bears are very active and on the move this time of year. The boars (male bear) can cover large amounts of territory this time of year as the breeding season approaches. Spotted fawns should be appearing soon and as a reminder, do not approach or pick them up. The doe (mother) is not far away and will return for their young. A fawns only defense against predators such as bear, coyote, wolves and raptors are its’ spotted coat and the fact that the animal does not have a scent for the first few days after birth. Do not disturb, approach, or handle fawns or other young of the year. Hummingbirds are reported to have returned to the area. Many people enjoy hanging their feeders outside their windows or around their porches in order to catch a glimpse of these fragile creatures. Just remember that hummingbird “juice” is also an attractant to the bears. Free Fishing Weekend is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 6 - 7 statewide. Area Conservation Wardens continue to remind boaters to wear life jackets and that with the arrival of the holiday weekend and the beginning of summer, more people will be out on area lakes relaxing and having a good time. Don’t let an unnecessary tragedy occur that will ruin a vacation, get-together or outing as a result of injury or loss of life. Remembering the simple safety basics when out on the water (and elsewhere) will insure a happy memory for all: wear a lifejacket, avoid alcohol, be courteous to and aware of others around you on and off the water and keep your speed under control. Ticks are out in full force now. Remember to check pets and yourselves when returning inside from the outdoors. The male ruffed grouse can be heard this time of year “drumming” for a mate. The sound is one of a series of “thuds” performed by the male ruffed grouse. The drumming occurs in a series, with each series lasting about 5-7 seconds in crescendoing beats. It was once believed that the grouse beating its wings against its chest or a log caused the drumming action. This is not the case. The drumming sound is actually caused by the bird cupping its wings and using the breast muscles to move the wings at such an intensely rapid speed that the action produces very small sonic booms.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) - Bass are cruising the shallows searching for nest areas and will likely be on beds this weekend on most lakes. Crappie are hitting throughout the area in emergent vegetation areas, and over the tops of weeds in bays. Try a small jig tipped with a crappie minnow below a slip bobber for best success. Walleye are still hitting up shallow, but the best action is coming at dark or very early in the morning before sunrise. Jig and minnow combinations are the best bet, although a few fish are beginning to take leeches now. Bluegills have not come in shallow yet to spawn, but warmer weather over the coming weekend will most likely get them active, as they begin looking for nesting sites.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Northeast Region Wildfire Report
In parts of the region where DNR has wildfire suppression responsibilities, a total of 23 wildfires burned 19 acres this week. One structure was lost during a Marinette County wildfire. Three structures were threatened during other fires this week. Current fire danger is High to Very High across the region. Burning permits are currently suspended in the Waupaca Dispatch Group and will continue to be suspended until conditions improve. Burning is currently allowed in the Peshtigo Dispatch Group, but will be suspended if conditions warrant this safety precaution. With the cool nights this holiday weekend, many campers will be building campfires to keep warm and to cook by. Remember, be safe with your campfires, don’t leave them unattended; we have a lot to lose. Prescribed burn activity continued this week with 2 burns being completed on 22 acres in the Waupaca Dispatch Group.
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Shore anglers are catching catfish with crawlers fished on the bottom. A standup jig head tipped with a leech, worked slowly is bagging some nice walleye and small mouth. Smallmouth bass were the catch of the day at the dam in Peshtigo; spinning lures, stick baits, and twister tails were working all well. Musky anglers dominate the landscape on the Menominee River but so far their luck has been sparse. Walleye were being caught, in the Turn Basin, jigging in large numbers, but many of the fish are a bit less than 15 inches. The Light House Pier and Government Pier have been producing nice walleye after dark using lead headed jigs with twister tails and walk trolling stick baits. Fiddlehead ferns are up along with wild blueberries in bloom. The insects will soon be hatching with the warmer weather, bring the bug spray along. It’s a beautiful weekend for hiking and bird watching. Bluebird clutches are hatching. Turkey season is in its last week through Sunday. Some toms are still strutting although more solitary hens are being observed. Deer will soon be dropping fawns, remember to leave the young to be cared for by its parent.
Oconto County - The Stiles Dam area is still producing trout along with some nice smallmouth bass using spinners and floating crawlers. Up by the Stiles Dam a few bluegill are being caught with the aid of a slip bobber and worms. The walleye bite at Pensaukee, Oconto Breakwater, and Oconto Park II has slowed a bit. Willow blade crawler/harness trolled at less than a mile an hour is working during the day. After dark the Breakwater Harbor is producing some nice fish casting zip lures, raps and twister tails. Several Oconto county lakes have been surveyed by the fisheries crew with good largemouth and panfish populations being observed.
Green Bay DNR Service Center area
Brown County - Anglers fishing the southern end of Green Bay have been doing very well on the walleyes over the last week. Most anglers have been targeting them with stick baits and crawler harnesses. Walleye were being caught in 5 to 15 of water. Anglers that have been fishing in the Fox River have been picking up a lot of rough fish. A few pike and walleye are also being found in the river.
Manitowoc County - Manitowoc anglers had an up and down fishing week. Early in the week boat anglers trolling the Lake Michigan shoreline landed some nice brown trout that ranged in weight from 4 to 7 pounds. Successful anglers were running stick baits or J-plugs in 10 to 20 feet of water. On Saturday, strong winds kept most anglers off the lake and piers. Although Sunday morning was calmer only a couple anglers tried their luck on the north and south piers. Success off the piers was low this week with only a few nice brown trout landed. On the Manitowoc River, most anglers were fishing at either Lower Cato Falls Park or the County Highway S crossing targeting smallmouth bass or northern pike. Fishing, however, was a bit slow. Most anglers were casting stick baits or spoons. In Two Rivers fishing was slow this week. Inside the harbor trout anglers had limited success. Anglers fishing for other species such as catfish or bullhead had better luck catching a steady stream of fish. On the East Twin River fishing was good early in the week. Smallmouth bass anglers had a good week of fishing. Anglers casting crank baits or spinner baits just below and above the dam caught a good number of bass this past week.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County - The weather this week continued to be nice. Saturday was one of the breeziest days in recent memory, wind blown waves, in the 4 to 5 foot range, forced the cancelation of the first day of the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament. Walleye action continued to be good with anglers trolling at night with stick baits and jerk baits in 8 to 15 feet of water. Henderson Point, Sherwood Point, the Sturgeon Bay flats and Dunlap Reef, as well as the area around Fish Creek and Peninsula State park were all producing fish. Daytime action also remained good for walleyes with reports of some nice fish being taken from the area between Henderson Point and Chaudoir’s dock, trolling in 8 to 30 feet of water. Smallmouth bass fishing remained very good this week with lots of larger smallmouth continuing to be taken all over the county. In the south, Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, Sand Bay and the Sturgeon Bay flats, along with the shoreline off Potawatomi State Park continue to produce nice smallmouth. Tube jigs, stick baits, grubs, and Katelands remain the baits of choice. Up north, Anderson’s dock in Ephraim, as well as Baileys Harbor, Rowley’s Bay, Egg Harbor and Sister Bay were all producing smallmouth. Anglers looking for northern pike continued to have decent success fishing along the channel in the area between the bridges in the Bay of Sturgeon Bay, as well as Little Sturgeon, Riley’s Bay, Sand Bay and Sawyer Harbor. A few brown trout and lake trout continued to be taken south of the canal and up around Baileys Harbor, as well as on the bay side, the trick seems to be finding cold water for the bay side browns.
Peninsula State Park – Flocks of migrating warblers are moving through the park. Sandhill cranes and white pelicans are back. Most summer residents have returned. Watch for bald eagles in the vicinity of Eagle Tower and the Lighthouse. The trees are budding out. Spring peepers (frogs) are noisily making their presence known in the evenings. Trails are in good condition. All campgrounds will open on May 21. Do not expect to obtain a campsite over the Memorial Day weekend without an advanced reservation. Eagle Bluff Lighthouse will be open for tours on weekends starting Memorial Day and running through through June 7, and will then be open seven days a week from June 8 to October 18.
Potawatomi State Park - All hiking and biking trails are open and in good condition. The protected Sawyer Harbor launch facility sees a lot of action on windy days. Follow the buoys for the deepest channel out of the harbor into Sturgeon Bay or Green Bay. The campgrounds, sanitary dump station, and shower building are open for the season. The shower building was remodeled this spring. Four new non-electric group sites will open Memorial Day weekend. Solar panels will light the pit toilet buildings and power the wells.
Kewaunee County – It was a mixed bag of weather again for this last week. A few nice days with a few really bad days made for another interesting week of fishing. Rain and storms rolled through about every other day this week and strong winds on Saturday really shut the fishing down. Anglers, however, were still catching some fish in the near shore areas of the lake near Algoma and Kewaunee. Anglers have been reporting some success in the morning casting spoons for browns and rainbows off of the piers in Algoma and Kewaunee. Anglers that have been going out on the lake have been met with limited success. Browns and steelhead were being caught in water 10 to 20 feet on trolled stick baits and spoons. With water temperatures still in the forties the bite has been slow.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
Lupine and spring ephemerals (woodland flowers) are blooming. Hummingbirds have returned. Migrations are winding down. Some waterfowl are hatching. Turkeys are nesting. Deer are molting into their summer coats. Area lakes have colder temps then normal for this time of year, which can cause fish to not move around as much, but area fishing reports have been positive. Little Green Lake was sprayed recently for weeds.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Wildlife staff is working on garlic mustard control and finishing burns on state properties. Fawns are often seen by themselves this time of year. The mother will sometimes leave them for their protection or to forage for an extended period of time. Eastern tent caterpillars are very abundant this year. If you are concerned with an ornamental tree that is inhabited, simply remove the webbing with caterpillars. Please report any Winnebago system tagged walleyes to the Oshkosh Service Center, 920-424-3050 or send an email to: DougRinzel@wisconsin.gov
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Harrington Beach State Park - Trails are in good spring hiking condition. Quarry Lake was stocked with rainbow trout earlier this year. People have been fishing, but no report on how they are doing. Spring flowers like May apples, wood violets, etc are up. Scarlet tanager, redheaded woodpecker, and sandhill cranes, have been seen. The new campground is scheduled to open sometime this year. An opening date has yet to be determined.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan a few browns have been caught from south pier on spoons. Trolling out of Sheboygan has been slow.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington, anglers fishing off the pier and in the harbor have been catching a few browns on spoons and minnows. Trollers out of Port have been catching browns in 30 feet of water on spoons.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee shore fishing has been relatively slow, although a few browns have been taken near the Summerfest grounds. Trollers have been catching browns and lake trout in 35 to 50 feet of water, and there have been a few reports of chinooks out deeper, from 75 to 100 feet of water. Both spoons and flies have been effective.
Racine County - In Racine anglers fishing off the piers have been catching occasional browns on spoons, but action has not been consistent. Trolling has been slow out of Racine.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, trollers working south towards the Illinois border have been reporting coho on small dodger and fly combinations, and the coho should be moving north very soon. Shore fishing in Kenosha has been slow.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
South Central Region Wildfire Report
Four wildfires burned in DNR protection areas last week; three in Columbia County and one in Crawford County. The fires were quickly suppressed, each burning less than a tenth of an acre. Current fire danger is Moderate across the region. Remember, burning is not allowed on Sunday, permits are required, and you must be present until your fire is completely out. Prescribed burning is winding down; two burns were completed this week on 34 acres.
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Iowa County - Brown trout have been biting on Trout and Love creeks on worms and spinners. The walleyes have been biting at Peck’s Landing by anglers using minnows suspended just off the bottom. The bass have still been biting at Bakken’s Pond with purple rubber worms. Crappies have been biting at Birch Lake on minnows. The most recent turkey season found a lot of dead gobblers and happy hunters in the Iowa County area, but still not as productive as early in the season this year.
Blue Mound State Park – The swimming pool will be open for Memorial Day weekend. Swimming pool hours are Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday (Memorial Day) 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Yellowstone Lake State Park - Birding has been exceptional. Bluebird are at all stages from eggs to fledglings. A new purple martin house has been erected. A nesting pair of bald eagles are raising two eaglets in a nest along the shore of the lake. The exciting find was the observation of a Henslow's sparrow along one of our trails. Sighting of this particular Sparrow is uncommon and the population is declining. The beach is open. The lake is open to boating. There is a boat rental and bait shop available on the lake. Fishing has been fair. Panfish are picking up (spawning) as the weather warms. Bass have been slow as have musky and northern. Walleye have been good just not many in the slot size. *Yellowstone has specific fishing regulations. Make sure you read the 2009-2010 Wisconsin Fishing Regulations prior to fishing on Yellowstone Lake.* All trails are open and were mowed on May 18. All reservable sites are taken for Memorial Day weekend. As of Wednesday, May 20, here were still a few first come sites available.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Dane County - Turkey hunters had some tough hunting during the fifth period. Cool weather and gobbling lead to some limited success. Gobblers weren’t as visible in fields, which leads one to believe they are still spending a lot of time in the woods. On rainy days birds were out in fields and occasionally on sunny evenings they could be seen strutting on field edges. Hens are sitting on nests. Conditions look great for the sixth and final turkey hunting period. Lots of leftover permits are available for sale in Unit 1. Mosquitoes are non existent currently but should be hatching out with the warmer weather expected this week. Morel mushroom and asparagus pickers are having great success. Trout fishing continues to be very good throughout the area. Fishing on Madison Lakes has been spotty. Water temperatures are in the low 60s and the water is crystal clear. Some crappies have been taken in the bays of Lake Mendota. Bass are cruising the shallows and have been biting pretty well. No reports of any bluegill action have been received.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
West Central Region Wildfire Report
In the parts of the West Central Region where DNR is responsible for wildfire suppression, 18 fires burned just over 50 acres in the last week. Most of these fires were quickly suppressed. The majority of the acreage burned was a result of the Bell Fire in Jackson County, which burned 48 acres in upland oak, jack pine and wet aspen. No structures were threatened. The cause is under investigation. In Juneau County, Town of Clearfield, a power line-caused fire resulted in a 1.6 acre wildfire in red pine plantation. The fire was stopped as it reached a grassy opening with a water drop from a single engine air tanker. Also in Juneau County, a homeowner burning cardboard in a burn barrel caused a wildfire just under 1 acre in size. Rapid response from the fire department led to quick suppression and two homes being saved. The two most common problems with burn barrels causing wildfires is the lack of a lid and a barrel that is in such poor condition that burning materials fall out of the sides. Remember that burning permits are also required for burn barrels. For more information on the proper use of a burn barrel is available on the DNR Web site. Fire danger has been steadily increasing over the last week and is currently at Very High. This means that we have very dangerous conditions. Fires start easily, spread very rapidly, crown and spot. They can be very difficult to control. Burning permits are currently suspended.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Sport fishing action on the Mississippi River in the La Crosse Area has varied from light to good with anglers having light action on walleyes, moderate action on bass, and some good action on crappies and white bass. Mississippi River levels are generally good but somewhat low so boaters should exercise special caution for wing dams and other potential obstructions. Turkey hunters have been having good action throughout northern La Crosse County. Morel mushroom hunters have been having very good success over the past couple of weeks. Birding opportunities are currently excellent throughout the La Crosse Area, particularly in river bottom areas. Baltimore orioles, a strikingly beautiful member of the blackbird family, have been seen. Males have jet black heads and tails, bright orange breasts and rumps, and white wing patches. Females are brownish olive on top with white wing bars, and a pale yellow-orange breast and belly. Baltimore orioles received their name because the male's colors resemble those on the coat-of-arms of Lord Baltimore. Males sing loud fluty whistles. This species generally resides in hardwood forests but has adapted to open woodlands, forest edges, parks, and urban backyards. Orioles' hanging pouch-like nests, created from milkweed down, weed fibers, dog hair, wool, yarns, and other fibrous materials, are usually constructed at the tips of tree limbs 15-30 feet above the ground, secure from predators. Orioles readily adapt to bird feeders that provide orange halves, small trays of grape jelly, mealworms, walnut pieces, apple bits, or nectar made from 4 parts water to 1 part sugar. Clumps of nesting materials, such as string, yarn, dog hair, or horse hair, suspended in trees and bushes may also serve to attract springtime orioles. American toads, leopard frogs, and gray tree frogs are calling sporadically. Their calling should intensify as temperatures increase. Green frogs and bull frogs should begin calling toward the end of May as water temperatures approach 65-70 degrees. Turkey hunters participating in the fifth hunting period seemed to fare well and reported encountering many hens that were not on nests. Many different birds migrated through the La Crosse area last week, including a large nighthawk migration late in the week. Other nightjars (formerly called goatsuckers) also arrived since whippoorwills were also heard calling. Tufted titmice, golden-crowned kinglets, lark sparrows and other distinctive birds were seen as well. Blue-winged teal have almost completed their migration through the area.
Merrick State Park - All trails are in good condition. Fishing was slow last weekend but is beginning to pick up. Not many walleyes are biting. All campgrounds are open. The shower building is open for the season. The South Campground is first come first serve until June 1 when reservations are accepted. The nature center is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Perrot State Park - Trails are in good condition. All campsites and facilities are open. The boat dock has been installed. Water levels are very low, especially for this time of year. Currently blooming in the park: anemones, shooting star, jack-in-the-pulpit, baneberry, all violets, puccoon, pussytoes, cream indigo, buttercups, wild ginger, bellwort, columbine, woodland phlox, trilliums, wild geranium, virginia waterleaf and showy orchis. Migrant birds are everywhere and songs fill the air. Eagles continue to soar overhead and nesting is continuing. The barred owl family has moved from the campground out into the park. Wood ducks were reported fledging this morning! Toads are singing along with a multitude of frogs. The north road leading to the park is gravel for a short section nearing the park. Construction will hopefully be finished at the end of the summer. Naturalist programs begin Memorial Day weekend and will continue through Labor Day.
Great River State Trail - The trail is open but has not yet been graded. Local birds have arrived including blue herons and egrets. Sandhill cranes can often be heard flying overhead. Bathrooms at Trempealeau and Lytles Landing are open.
Buffalo River State Trail - All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed year-round on the Buffalo River State Trail. Adjoining county trail systems are currently closed to ATVs. Check with local counties for specific information. Resurfacing project will begin shortly. Watch for trail closures. For trail conditions in Trempealeau County, call (715) 538-2311 ext. 205. For trail conditions in Buffalo County call (608) 685-2410. Please report any damage or problems on the trail to Perrot State Park, (608) 534-6409.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Fishing has been productive with bass and northerns being taken. The crappie spawn is expected soon. Marsh marigolds, trilliums and hepaticas are in bloom. Park trails are generally dry with occasional muddy areas. Species of birds seen or heard include: belted kingfishers, loons, red winged blackbirds, bufflehead and mallard ducks ,bald eagles, ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, flickers, red headed and piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, mourning doves, sandhill cranes, blue birds, Canada geese, great blue herons, robins and blue jays.
Chippewa River State Trail - Wildflowers are in bloom along the trail. The restroom in Caryville is open, the drinking fountain will be on for the Memorial Day weekend.
Red Cedar State Trail - The trail is open and in good condition. The large-flowered trilliums are in full bloom. The restroom in Downsville is open and the drinking fountain will be on for the Memorial Day weekend.
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - Hoffman Hills is open for hiking. All the trails are in good condition.
Wausau DNR Service Center area
Rib Mountain State Park - Trails are in good condition. Plenty of deer can be seen while in the woods along with other wildlife such as turkeys, fox, woodchucks, etc. The Friends of Rib Mountain State Park and Park Staff completed the development of a new hiking/snowshoe trail this past year. This new "Quarry Trail" leads to the old 3M property purchased by the state several years ago, while the trail is accessible and useable from the red trail we are in the process of putting in trail markers. A new trail map showing these trails is available at the park office. Please note that mountain bikes are not allowed on the trails at Rib Mountain. Mountain bike trails are available at the nearby Nine-Mile County Forest Recreation Area, this facility is managed by Marathon County Parks, Recreation and Forestry. The campground is open for the 2009 camping season. Remember that Rib Mountain is on a first-come first-serve basis for camping.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - People are taking advantage of the nice weather fishing, boating and hiking. Crappies, perch, white bass, northerns, walleyes, bass and catfish are being caught. The park has three non-reservable, first come sites for the holiday weekend. Park stickers are required at Launch C, D, along Water St. and parking lot D before the bridge (small lot). Please use the self-registration box or stop at the park office. New park maps are available at the park office showing the new addition. Hunters who have Zone 1 can hunt in the Yellow River Wildlife Area. Canoes and kayaks are available for renting at the park. Picnic shelters are available for reservations. Kids will want to check out the stocked kids fishing pond across from the park entrance (park along Cty G and hike in). Meet at the amphitheater at 10 am on Saturday, May 23 to learn helpful tips for outdoor photography. Ticks are out - remember to use bug spray and do a tick check after hiking.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate is now open. Parking is also allowed in the Czech Ave lot. The campground is open and there are three non-reservable, first come sites for the holiday weekend. The weather is perfect for taking photos for the annual photo contest. Meet at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 23 at the kiosk shelter to learn helpful tips for outdoor photography. The picnic shelter by the mound/kiosk is reservable and has volleyball net and horseshoe pits.
Last Revised: Thursday May 21 2009
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