Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer hunting season opens this Saturday, Nov. 18. Conditions should be good to excellent with a current statewide deer herd estimated at 1.5 to 1.7 million animals. White-tailed buck deer are still reported to be in rut, or in their mating season, across most of the state, meaning deer movement should be good. Most snow that fell last week has melted, but an area in north central Wisconsin around Lincoln, Oneida, Price, Iron and Vilas counties was still reporting from 1 to 5 inches of snow on the ground as of Thursday, and there was a small chance of snow in the forecast for Friday night in some areas of the north.
In 2005, Wisconsin hunters harvested more than 467,000 deer, the sixth best season in Wisconsin hunting history. Wisconsin holds the record among states for a single year harvest at 618,000 in 2000, and is also the top deer harvest producing state over the past decade. Despite these record harvests, in 2006, Wisconsin’s deer herd remains above population goals in many areas, and hunters who hunt in any of 21 deer management units across Wisconsin this year will be required to register an antlerless deer before being able to register a buck, unless they registered an antlerless deer from one of those units last year. This Earn-a-Buck requirement as it is known has proven in the past to be effective in reducing deer numbers. There are 36 deer management units that are on a “Earn-A-Buck watch list” for having this requirement in place next year. Hunters can pre-qualify for a buck tag that can be used next year should a unit be designated as Earn-a-Buck in 2007 by registering an antlerless deer from that unit this year.
With the upcoming gun deer season and the recent cold, weather the open-water fishing season activity has dropped off. Northwoods lakes are generally still free of ice, but some shoreline fringe ice has been observed on some of the smaller lakes. The start of any kind of ice fishing still looks to be several weeks away. Those anglers out report muskies have been aggressively feeding prior to ice up. Late season musky anglers were also still out on southern lakes, but action has generally been slow. Walleye fishing has been slow. Brown trout, steelhead, and even some chinook salmon remain in the upstream portions of some Lake Michigan tributaries. Anglers at the Milwaukee lakefront have been catching a few browns. When the weather cooperated, Lake Michigan trollers were catching good numbers of chinooks and brown trout.
The Mississippi River was steady all week. The river stage held around the 6.7 foot mark most of the week at Prairie du Chien. The Wisconsin River is very low. Some walleye action was reported in the lower portions of Pool 10 and up in Pool 9 on the wing dams and deeper sloughs on minnows
Snowshoe hares are turning white. Weasels are already white. With the lack of snow these animals are very visible against the darker backgrounds. Most black bears should have begun hibernating, although a number of them may get disturbed during the gun deer season. Bats have either migrated or are hibernating now. Now would be a good time to get attics sealed up so bats do not get in next year. Large groups of Canada geese resting on the unfrozen lakes. Tundra swan numbers are peaking along the Mississippi River. White pelican numbers are low, since their migration through the upper Midwest is almost over.
And a reminder, with the gun deer season opening people participating in other outdoor recreational activities are encouraged to make sure they are highly visible with bright colored and preferably blaze orange clothing.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - The Brule National Weather Service Work Station measured 3.5 inches of snow Monday, Nov. 13. This snow melted down to 0.15 inches. The next few days brought warm temperatures that quickly melted the snow. The extended forecast calls for high temperatures in the mid to upper 30s and low temperatures in the high teens to mid 20s. A small chance of snow is predicted for Friday night and Saturday. Increasing winds are expected early next week. With the lack of snow and possible winds hunters are asked to be very careful with their warming fires. Make sure the fires are extinguished when unattended. Bucks are reported to still be in the rut, which should keep the deer moving presenting more opportunities for hunters. People are reminded that the Brule River State Forest is a multi-use area and many recreational activities will come in contact with each other. With the gun deer season upon us hunters should be aware that there are other recreational activities going on and that some people may not always have blaze orange on….be sure of your target and beyond. Non hunters should make sure they are highly visible with bright colored clothing (preferably blaze orange). The Bois Brule River was flowing this week at 105 cubic feet per second (cfs). The 60 year average is 156 cfs. Fishing on the Bois Brule River is closed for the year. Snowshoe hares are turning white now. Weasels are already white. With the lack of snow these animals are very visible against the darker backgrounds. When the snow comes they will blend right in with their surroundings. The rabbit population (both cottontails and snowshoe hares) are reported to be up. Most black bears should be hibernating by now, although a number of them may get disturbed during the gun deer season. This is a time when bears may be getting into garbage cans and bird feeders looking for a meal. Bats have either migrated or are hibernating now. Now would be a good time to get attics sealed up so bats do not get in next year. This also will keep other animals such as flying squirrels out for the winter.
Cumberland DNR Service Center area
Large groups of Canada geese resting on the unfrozen lakes. No ice activity on the larger lakes yet and some persons are still fishing and having some success. Though the area was snow covered on Monday, there is no snow left in Barron County.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Seasonal temperatures have moved into the Park Falls area and the limited amount of snow is slowly melting. There is a possibility of snow forecast for late in the week but it remains to be seen if there will be any snow on the ground for the gun deer season opener on Saturday Nov. 18. If the snow remains, hunters will find tracking deer a bit easier. Ice continues to slowly form on smaller lakes in the area with the colder night time temperatures. Whitetail bucks are still actively pursuing does and deer are visible moving through most of the day be alert and cautious when driving. Hunters preparing for the opener should be sure to pack licenses and tags for their hunting trips. Read the deer hunting regulation pamphlet to determine the tagging options for the deer management unit that you will be hunting in. Have a safe and enjoyable deer season. Archery hunters have been having good success with some large bucks being harvested in the area. Song birds are very active around feeders and with the cold nights they will appreciate plenty of high energy food.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the upcoming gun deer season and the recent cold, snowy weather, the open-water fishing season has basically come to an end in this part of the Northwoods. The lakes are generally free of ice, but some shoreline fringe ice has been observed on some of the smaller lakes. The start of any kind of ice fishing still looks to be several weeks away.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Smaller lakes, bays and ponds continue their trend toward ice up; however, warmer temperatures this past week are slowing this process considerably. Anglers have only another couple of weeks left to get out onto the larger lakes and enjoy the final days of fall fishing in the area. Open water fishing activity continues to remain constant with muskies aggressively feeding prior to ice up. Buck activity continues to be in full force with numerous reports of rut at its peak. For those deer hunters who will be hunting during the nine-day gun/deer season a change in the law allows you to purchase your license after the season has opened. Currently the Northwoods still has a few inches of snow remaining but warmer temperatures are whittling that away. As we continue with hunting season, those outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and walking the woods in the fall should remember to wear blaze orange for safety. Please consider the areas where hiking/walking is planned so as not to place yourself at risk. Waterfowl reports improved this past week with greater numbers of migrating birds now in the area. This week predicted warm temperatures will more than likely keep these birds here for a while so take advantage while you can.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Mild temperatures are expected for the opening weekend. Fire danger in the Northwoods is low due to the precipitation received last week. All snow cover has disappeared from last week’s snowfall. The deer are very active with bucks chasing the does, sometimes across roadways. Bucks are still halfway through rut. Drivers need to be cautious during dusk and dawn hours for unexpected deer crossings. Preseason scouting is suggested as some areas are wetter than last fall's hunt. Area businesses are geared up for the local hunting season. Some highway construction has been completed in southern Marinette County on State Highway 141, which should decrease travel time. Fishing pressure is still moderate below the Hattie Street Bridge on the Menominee River. Anglers are bringing in salmon, whitefish and nice-sized walleye. Please be considerate and pack out what you take in.
Oconto County - Birdwatchers grab your binoculars as swans are still present out on Green Bay. Inland lakes are seeing reduced fishing pressure due to the upcoming hunting season. Upland bird hunting is good with grouse numbers better than last year. South of Hwy 64 is an Earn-a-Buck zone for the county. An antlerless deer must be harvested before harvesting a buck in that zone, unless a hunter is pre-qualified. Remember respect landowners, other hunters, non-hunters, wildlife and our natural resources.
Shawano County - Check your hunting spots out before opening day especially if you hunt on the Tigerton Lumber Company land as the public may not have access for hunting. Check your hunting gear now including your tags so your not trying to replace things at the last minute.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTHEAST REGION
White-tailed deer rutting activity is still going on in the region. Nice bucks are being seen along roadways. There has been lots of bow hunting activity early in the morning on public lands. No snow in the woods and the leaves are fairly dry making hearing deer pretty easy. Some hunters report seeing more deer in the morning than in the evening.
Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan action in the harbor and off the piers has been slow. On the Sheboygan River water levels are up, and fish are still being caught near the Kohler dam. Browns, steelhead, and even some chinooks remain in the upstream portions of the river. Most fish have been caught on yarn flies or spawn.
Kohler-Andrae State Park - There was a mixture of rain and snow to the area on Nov. 10. Hiking trails had snow-covered or icy areas. The park water system (showers, flush toilets, and trailer dump station) is closed for the season. Kohler-Andrae will be open to deer gun hunting (muzzleloaders only) starting Nov. 18 and ending Dec. 6. The park will also be open for the late archery season which starts Nov. 27 and ends Jan. 7. Only holders of an unfilled 2006 Park Access Permit for Kohler-Andrae State Park may deer hunt in the 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 at Kohler-Andrae State Park. Recreational users should plan on wearing blaze orange while hiking, biking, or hours riding on the Black River Trail system. The areas closed to hunting 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.
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore fishing has been slow. The discharge at the power plant has been turned off, and in that area only a few browns have been caught on spawn.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, water levels are above average on the Milwaukee River, and some steelhead can be found in the deeper holes toward the southern end of Kletzsch Park and in the Hubbard Park area. Anglers at the Milwaukee lakefront have been catching a few browns by the Summerfest grounds, as well as along the shoreline at Bender Park. When the weather cooperates, Milwaukee trollers have been catching good numbers of chinooks and browns on spoons in 50 to 70 feet of water.
Racine County - In Racine, the Root River Steelhead Facility was shut down on Monday, November 13. A total of 12,378 fish were processed at the facility over the fall season, including 10,318 chinooks, 1,400 coho, 536 steelhead, and 124 browns. The DNR crew will remove the stop logs from the river later this week or early next week. On the Root River, flows are good. Most anglers have been fishing below the weir in Lincoln Park. There are decent numbers of brown trout and a few steelhead in the downstream portions of the river. Small black flies and chartreuse egg imitations have been catching good numbers of fish.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha, most action has been in the small boat harbor, where browns have been taken on spawn. Anglers have been catching fish from the Best Western all the way to the boat launch.
Washington, eastern Fond du Lac, and inland Sheboygan counties - Late season musky anglers are still out chasing the monsters of the deep. Musky action has generally been slow but, there have been flurries of activity. Most anglers are using suckers to entice a hit. Row trolling has been the other method of choice for musky hunters. Panfish and walleye fishing has been unproductive. Brown trout are spawning in area streams. Look for clean gravel areas in headwaters streams to identify the spawning areas called "Redds". One can sometimes walk up carefully to the stream bank and actually watch the actual spawning action take place.
Waukesha County - Fishing has slowed down recently with the cold weather moving in. Some musky action has been reported on Okauchee and Oconomowoc Lakes. Best bites have been coming from 13-22 feet of water using crankbaits and jerkbaits. Crappie action has been excellent on Beaver, Pine and North lakes in 7 to21 feet of water over weedbeds on small fatheads. Walleye fishing has been slow, but some good action was reported on Pewaukee and Nagawicka lakes and Lac La Belle.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Iowa County - Deer hunters report that bucks are definitely well into the seeking phase of the rut and the chase phase is beginning. A number of very large bucks are being shot in the Arena area of Iowa County. Waterfowl hunters have been disappointed lately with the few number of ducks in the area. Experienced archers in Iowa County are saying that they have never seen so much chasing activity by bucks looking for does. The recent cold has gotten the bucks moving quite a bit as well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - Willow River has an area open for deer hunting during the nine day gun season (no rifles) beginning Saturday, Nov. 18, and the late archery season. The open area is north of the Willow River and on some undeveloped land east of Burkhardt. Pick up a map at the park office. A daily admission or annual sticker is required on your vehicle to hunt in the park. Willow River is in an Earn a Buck zone. Make certain you have the correct tags / and a buck sticker if you qualify. Tags and deer registration are available at the nearby gas station in Burkhardt. Open areas are posted. Hikers need to be aware that some trails border the open hunting area and one is completely contained within a hunting area. Most hunting activity will occur on the opening weekend. Most hunters prefer the hours that have low light. Bright clothing is suggested for hikers during the gun hunting season if you are using a trail in or near a hunting area. Water is turned off and all flush toilet buildings are closed for the season. Water for trailers or portable containers is available at the service building just down the hill from the park office. The dump station remains open to unload tanks only until freeze up. The campground road will be closed to vehicles when snow falls. The Willow River Nordic dry land cross country ski training group meets at the Nature Center Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. A park sticker is required on your vehicle. A small fee is charged for those that are not members of the Willow River OWLs. Participants (age 13 and older) need good trail shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather, ski poles, and a headlamp. Bring a sports drink since these sessions are physical fitness training.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
Deer rutting behavior has peaked, but bucks remain very active. Gun deer hunters will observe many deer, both bucks and does, exhibiting breeding behaviors. Favorable weather conditions have resulted in excellent raccoon hunting. Many raccoon hunters have reported successful harvests. Raccoon numbers are very high.
Mississippi River - Tundra swan numbers are peaking on the Mississippi. White pelican numbers are very low, since their migration through the upper midwest is almost over. Numbers of ducks remain higher than average for this time of year. Bald eagles are abundant, especially on pools 7,8 and 9 where they are concentrated to feed on dead coots and ducks. A total of 477 were counted around Lake Onalaska last week. The coots and ducks are dying as a result of high level trematode infestations.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River was steady all week. The river stage held around the 6.7 foot mark most of the week, which is still pretty low. The Wisconsin River is very low right now. The Kickapoo River is about normal for this time of year. Hunters and anglers using the Mississippi River are finding another difficulty….floating weeds. Large masses of floating celery grass (aka eel grass) are floating down the river. It is causing problems at boat landing, makes fishing difficult and gets caught in lower units. Bluegill action was kind of spotty again this week. The colder weather is causing some anglers to wait until freeze up. Fishing around the wing dams on the East and Main Channel near Prairie du Chien and up in Pool 9 was spotty and difficult due to the floating weeds. Crappie and perch action has generally been slow. Some walleye action was reported in the lower portions of Pool 10 and up in Pool 9on the wing dams and deeper sloughs on minnows. There was some action on the East Channel outside of Prairie du Chien. Sauger were being taken for a while, but that too has slowed. Largemouth and smallmouth bass action this week was fair, but there didn’t seem to be many out fishing. Catfish action was very slow this week. Some duck hunters found low water conditions a bit of a problem. Duck hunting is starting to improve in some areas. A large number of ducks have moved into the Pool 9 area. Thousands of canvasbacks and other diver ducks along with mallards, gadwall, and widgeon are present. Hunters in Pool 9 reported good success this week. In the main body of Pool 9 a fair number of divers are present. Canvasback, scaup, ring, and bufflehead are present in pretty good numbers. In the Ferryville-Lansing area success was pretty good with mallards, some pintails, gadwall, and widgeon, bufflehead, canvasback, scaup and even a few redheads being taken. Some hunters are doing fairly well on diver ducks in the Ferryville area. Canada Goose hunters report fair amount of geese in the area. Most hunters report that there seems to be some migrant birds in the area. White pelicans are present in fewer numbers now that the weather is turning colder. A large number of swans are in the area. Pool 9 near Lynxville and Ferryville has good numbers of swans and a few pelicans. Cormorants are also using Pool 9 but there numbers are down a little. Some snow fell in the area last Friday. This caused wet conditions in farm fields. This hampered some area farmers with harvesting corn. Most of the soybeans have been picked. A lot of standing corn remains in the fields. The cold night time temperatures really knocked back the Box Elder bugs, Asian beetles, mosquitoes and ticks. Archery deer hunters report very good activity. Visibility in the woods is great and the rut is on. Some very nice bucks have been killed this week to include some in the 170 inch class range. Most archery hunters report seeing bucks chasing does. Some archery hunters are filling their antlerless tags with does.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
The rut is still going on -- deer are out and visible. Some of the snow received earlier in the week remains but temperatures for opening day are expected in the 40s. Some of the low-lying areas are likely to be harder to get to than in recent years when we had no snow or rain and dry weather enabled hunters. Expect the snow on the ground to help hunters see deer but also expect that the conditions will be such that deer will make little noise in the woods. If temperatures remain no higher than in the 40s hunters may not feel pressed to bring their deer into registration stations and processing plants as quickly as during years when warmer weather prevailed. Some Central Wisconsin hunters may be in for a treat as there are still a few whooping cranes present -- often with Sandhill cranes. Hunters in the Central Forest should remember that there are several wolf packs in the area and that Wisconsin wolves are federally endangered with stiff penalties for anyone who shoots a wolf. .
Brunet Island State Park - Fishing in the park has been productive with some large panfish being taken from the north campground lagoon. The South Campground is open year round with electric sites, hand water pump, and pit toilets available. The campground showers and dump station are closed for the season. North Campground Sites 59 through 69 will remain open through the winter with pit toilet facilities being available. Hikers have many great opportunities within the park. Whether it’s using the island’s trail system, exploring the wilder areas of the park, or a brisk walk on the park road, you’re sure to enjoy these beautiful woodlands.
Chippewa River State Trail - The trail is in good shape overall. Hunting is allowed on the trail from Caryville west to the junction with Red Cedar Trail. Hikers and bikers that use the trail during hunting season are advised to wear blaze orange or other bright colors.
Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - Hoffman Hills is open for deer hunting Nov. 18 through 26 for the regular deer gun season. It is not open for the December hunt, bow hunting or small game hunting. The trails are available for hiking. Hikers are advised to wear blaze orange or other bright colors.
Red Cedar State Trail - The trail is in good shape overall. The portion of the Red Cedar State Trail in the Dunnville Wildlife Area, which is the last 2 miles on the south end is open to deer hunting. Hikers and bikers are advised to wear blaze orange or other bright colors during the hunting season.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - Gun deer hunting is allowed in Wildlife Area B only. The early bow season 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, 16 and group camp area sites (A1-A8, B1-B3) are open for camping and are non-reservable. All other campsites are closed. Water is available at the park office and in the group camp. The 2007 photo contest has started - remember your camera to take fall pictures for the contest!
Last Revised: Thursday November 16 2006
http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/caer/ce/news/or/
