CORRECTION - The four-day antlerless deer hunt runs Dec. 11 through 14.
A winter storm dropped up to nearly a foot of snow in some areas of southern and central Wisconsin this week, allowing many Wisconsin state parks and forests to groom cross-country ski trails. Ski conditions are being reported as good to very good at the Kettle Moraine State Forest trails, and at many southern and central state parks. Most of this snow missed the northern half of the state and there is not enough snow at most northern parks or forest to groom trails yet.
In most counties, snowmobile trails will not open until Dec. 15. Each county determines when to open trails, and many are waiting until the four day Dec. 11 though 14 statewide antlerless deer hunt is over. However, Dane County has opened snowmobile trails and some individual trail sections on state properties, such as the Kettle Moraine State Forest and some state trails are also open. Contact county snowmobile trail coordinators for the status of open trails.
Most lakes across the Northwoods now have between 4 and 6 inches of ice, with 3 to 4 inches of light snow on top of that, and as a result some lakes are already developing slush. Lake Superior is slowly forming ice along Chequamegon Bay along the South shore of Ashland, but the bay still has open water between Bayfield and Madeline Island. Ice is also forming on southern lakes, but many larger lakes remain open. The heavy snowfall in the last week may slow ice formation, and the forecast is for warmer temperatures this weekend, which could cause what ice has formed to deteriorate. Most of the Mississippi River’s main channel is frozen over. Barge traffic appears to be done for the year. The back waters of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers are frozen over, for the most part, but extreme caution must we used as early ice is extremely dangerous, not just because of the thin ice but because of flowing water.
More and more ice anglers have been venturing out for some early-season ice fishing and initial success has been pretty good. Most anglers have been targeting walleye and some decent catches of 12 to 15-inch fish have been reported, with most of the action occurring in the late afternoon hours. A few panfish anglers have also been venturing out and initial reports indicate just fair success on crappie.
Muzzleloader hunters reported some good success during their season that closed Dec. 10 and there were some reported signs of a second rut this past week. With the statewide antlerless deer hunt opening today and running through Sunday, archery hunters need to be sure to wear blaze orange, and all outdoor enthusiasts including skiers and snowshoers are urged to wear blaze orange clothing.
Now is a good time to check for different animal tracks in the snow. There have been reports of deer, fox, coyote and fisher. This is also the time of year when white-tailed bucks first start to shed antlers, though many will not shed until later in winter. Bald eagle sightings have been more common lately as well. There is a full moon on Friday, making for some bright conditions through the night with the snow cover. The December moon is sometimes called the Long Night Moon because of the long winter night.
Winter bird patterns have set in across most of the state. Open water areas still contain good numbers of geese and ducks with small concentrations of tundra swans lingering in southern Wisconsin. This continues to be an excellent year for pine siskins, white-winged crossbills, and common redpolls. Some wintering short-eared owls, harriers and rough-legged hawks are being seen in large grassland areas. A reminder that the Christmas Bird Count season is almost upon us. Check the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology Web site [www.wsobirds.org] (exit DNR) for more information on a counts around Wisconsin.
And 2009 Wisconsin state park and forest admission stickers and trail passes are on sale now at all parks and forest offices and DNR service centers and they make great holiday gifts for the outdoors enthusiasts.
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
Winter bird patterns have set in across most of the state now snow and ice covered. Open water areas still contain good numbers of geese and ducks with small concentrations of tundra swans lingering in Madison and southeast Wisconsin. This continues to be an excellent year for pine siskins, white-winged crossbills, and common redpolls. Birders can find crossbills almost statewide in areas with mature, cone-bearing conifers. Glaucous, Thayer's, and other migrant/wintering gulls are being found wherever large gull concentrations exist. Check the Lake Michigan harbors or landfills in Madison or Superior for best results. Birders in large grassland areas are reporting some wintering short-eared owls, harriers and rough-legged hawks. Buena Vista Wildlife Area in Portage County appears to have a large number of short-eared owls. This also appears to be a good winter for seeing snowy owls. Check large, open agricultural areas or harbors that have a lot of ducks and other prey items. Rare birds seen this week include a lingering rufous hummingbird in McFarland, an eared grebe in Madison, and Townsend's solitaires in Devil's Lake State Park. As always, please report sightings to Wisconsin eBird (
www.ebird.org/WI) to help better track migratory bird populations. Also a reminder that the Christmas Bird Count season is almost upon us. Check [www.wsobirds.org] for more information on a count near you.
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NORTHERN REGION
Superior DNR Service Center area
Brule River State Forest - Anglers are hitting the ice for some early ice fishing. It is reported that many smaller lakes have 5-6 inches of ice on them, and larger lakes still have some open water due to wind. Many factors can create unsafe ice conditions such as springs, depth of the lake, underwater animal activity, water current, snow cover, and decaying plant material. The Brule-St. Croix Snowmobile Trail is now open to snowmobile and winter ATV use, but conditions are considered poor. For snowmobile reports for Douglas County call 715-378-4528, for Bayfield County call 1-800-472-6338. The Afterhours Ski Trail was being rolled Dec. 11. Updates will be posted on
www.skinnyski.com .Wednesday Dec. 10 marked the end of the muzzleloader season, transitioning into the four-day antlerless season (Dec. 11-14). Antlerless deer may be harvested with a gun or bow during this season but archers must wear blaze orange.
Ashland DNR Service Center area
Big Bay State Park – Lake Superior is slowly forming ice along Chequamegon Bay along the South shore of Ashland. The bay is open water between Bayfield and Madeline Island and Madeline Island Ferry Service is still running, however on a limited schedule. Cross-country ski trails are still not ready due to low amounts of snowfall. As of Dec. 9, the park had only received about 3 inches of accumulation. Lake Superior water temperatures have a great effect on weather conditions which moderate are snowfall conditions. As soon as the park receives enough snow ski trails will be groomed. When the ski trails are groomed they become designated ski trails and foot traffic, snowshoeing and pets are not allowed on these trails. This protects the groomed trails from damage and lowers the maintenance cost needed for grooming. The Lagoon Ridge Trail within the park is then designated to foot traffic and pets. All pets must be on a leash at all times while visiting the park.
Copper Falls State Park - As of Dec. 10, about 7 inches of snow cover the landscape at Copper Falls. Ski trails have been packed twice over the last week resulting in about a 2-inch base. Track has not been set because of snow conditions. Hiking and pets are not allowed on ski trails within the park. Visitors are also reminded that the Cascades trail, the trail around Copper and Brownstone Falls, is closed for the season for hiking as a portion of the trail is designated ski trail. For those wishing to hike, walk a pet, or snowshoe; the Red Granite Falls Trail remains open all season for those users. Pet owners are reminded that pets must be leashed at all times. Winter Camping is also an option for those willing to brave the elements at Copper Falls. Camping during the winter months offers peace and solitude. Sites 1 through 5 will be plowed throughout the winter months.
Park Falls DNR Service Center area
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Most lakes across the Northwoods now have between 4 and 6 inches of ice, with 3 to 4 inches of light snow on top of that. More and more anglers have been getting out to try some early-season ice fishing and initial success has been pretty good. Most anglers have been targeting walleye and some decent catches have been reported from several local waters (Turtle-Flambeau Flowage, Phillips Chain, Butternut Lake). Most of the walleye have been in the 12 to 15-inch size but a few nice fish in the low to mid 20-inch size have also been caught. The best catches have occurred on the shallow mud flats in 5 to 8 feet of water, with most of the action occurring in the late afternoon hours. Tip-ups using medium golden shiners and sucker minnows suspended 4 to 6 inches off the bottom has been the most successful method for catching these early season walleye. A few panfish anglers have also been venturing out and initial reports indicate just fair success on crappie. The few catches that have been made have come over deep water areas with the fish suspended just off the bottom. Wax worms and small minnows have produced the best.
Woodruff DNR Service Center area
Area fishing guides and Conservation Wardens report that the walleye bite is beginning with northerns doing well also. Exercise care when venturing out onto the lakes as the recent snow hit prior to real good ice conditions forming; there are many lakes developing slush as a result. Snowmobile trails are not yet open but the recent snowfall should provide for some good conditions when they do open. Muzzleloader hunters are reporting some good success and there have been some reported signs of a second rut this past week. Beginning Thursday there is an antlerless deer hunt statewide so archery hunters need to be sure to wear blaze orange. Keep in mind that antlers begin to drop this time of year.
Antigo DNR Service Center area
Hartman Creek State Park - The park received 8 inches of snow on Monday, Dec. 8. All cross-country ski trails have been groomed and are in excellent condition. Horse and off-road biking trails are closed for the season.
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NORTHEAST REGION
Peshtigo DNR Service Center area
Marinette County - Moderate snow amounts have fallen with the latest winter storm in the range of 5 to 6 inches. Access to hunting areas for the antlerless hunt is still feasible. Milder temperatures are forecast for this weekend. Lake access for ice fishing will be limited to snowmobiles as ice conditions are not solid. The snowfall will add slush to the ice cover. Turkey have been observed in large groups in the southern portion of the county.
Shawano County - Ice fishing for panfish on inland lakes has been good. Winter enthusiasts are cautioned to be careful on the ice at all times. The cross-country ski trail at the Navarino Nature Center will be groomed this week.
Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area
Door County
Peninsula State Park – As of Tuesday, Dec. 9, the park had around 10 inches of snow on the ground. Ski trail grooming was proceeding and most trail sections should be in good condition by mid day on Wednesday. The sledding hill is open. Snowmobile trails will open Wednesday afternoon. Only the Tennison Bay campground remains open. Water systems are shut down, though a central drinking water supply is provided.
Potawatomi State Park - Potawatomi received over 6 inches of new snow on Dec. 9. The groomers set track on the cross-country ski trails after the storm. Trails should be in good shape for this coming weekend. Ice quality has been affected by the snow. No ice anglers have been fishermen on Sawyer Harbor yet. The Coast Guard is conducting ice rescue training on December 10 off the park's shoreline.
Whitefish Dunes State Park - The park has received its second major snowfall. The cross-country ski trails were rolled and tracked on Dec. 9. The trails are considered to be in excellent condition. Ski trails are for stride skiing only. For those looking for an easy ski with little to no hills, the Green Trail offers a quiet pine forest beginning with a rolling hill red trail ending. Skiers who wish to put on a few miles; the yellow trail covers 4.2 miles through a variety of different habitat types. There are segments of the yellow and red trail that have sharp hills and turns, skiers are cautioned to take their time and ski at their experience level. The Black Trail and beach are open to hikers and snowshoers. There is no hiking or snowshoeing allowed on any ski trail (Red, Yellow or Green). The Brachiopod trail does not make a continuous loop during the ski season; those wishing to see the wetland are asked to return on the Black trail. There is no hiking or snowshoeing on the side of the ski trail. Responsible pet owners and their pets are welcome at Whitefish Dunes. Here are a few simple rules to ensure that you, your pet, and other visitors will enjoy the park. These rules apply to all pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities. Dogs are allowed on the Black trail and beach. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet at all times. Using a leash helps prevent your pet from bothering park wildlife and people, especially people with other pets. Leashing your pet also can help you control what your pet can eat or drink, helping ensure its safety and health. 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. The shelter building is open to all. Enjoy a warm fire with wood provided by the Friends of Whitefish Dunes. Please be respectful of others and the Friends by cleaning up the shelter after using it.
Wautoma DNR Service Center area
With the area receiving so much snow recently, snowmobilers and skiers are itching to get out. Skiing has opened on area hills, but snowmobilers must wait until after the antlerless gun hunt to get on the trails. Waushara county trails are scheduled to open on Dec. 15. Right now is a good time to check for different animal tracks in the snow. There have been reports of deer, fox, coyote and fisher. Bald eagle sightings have been more common lately as well. The waxing moon, approaching toward a full moon on Friday, is making for some bright conditions through the night with the snow cover. The Farmer's Almanac states that during December, the winter cold fastens its grip and the nights are at their longest and darkest. It’s called the Full Cold Moon, or, the Full Long Night Moon. The Long Night Moon is an appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The full moon on Dec. 12 will be at its closest (356,556 kilometers, or 221,554 miles) to Earth since 1993, and the full moon won't be this close again until 2016.
Oshkosh DNR Service Center area
Snowmobile trails in Winnebago County will not be open until after the antlerless gun deer hunt that is to be held Dec. 11-13. The earliest possible date for trails to open is Dec 16. This week's snow left a total of about 12 inches in the Oshkosh area. The Red Bird Trail is groomed for cross-country skiing at High Cliff State Park. Outagamie County reports the cross-country ski trails are in good condition. Kettle Moraine State Forest-Northern Unit also reports ski trail conditions are rated as good.
High Cliff State Park - As of Dec. 11, the Red Bird Trail is groomed for cross-country skiing. Dogs are not allowed on ski trails when snow is present. Dogs are allowed on other trails, but must be kept on a leash. Hiking/Snowshoeing is allowed on the Forest Management Trail and the Lime Kiln Trail. Snowshoe rentals are available at the park office - $3.50 per pair for up to 3 hours. Note: Rentals must be returned by 3:30 p.m. on the day of rental.
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SOUTHEAST REGION
Harrington Beach State Park - The park has 2.5 miles of groomed and tracked cross-county ski trails open. They were tracked Dec10. They should be in good condition for the rest of the week and for the weekend. There is still open water on Quarry Lake. Some waterfowl have been observed around the Point.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Lapham Peak Unit – As of Dec. 10, the area received about 5 inches of new snow Tuesday. The trail has been rolled and a classic track set. Conditions are very good, though a bit soft with the new snow. Ski trail lights are lit until 10 p.m. each day except Sundays. There are new expanded hours for ski rentals at Lapham Peak, which is available at the park through our concessionaire, Wheel & Sprocket. New hours are: Monday to Friday 5 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Kettle Moraine State Park - Pike Lake Unit - Cross country ski trails are in very good condition. Trails were groomed and tracked on Wednesday Dec. 10 and have an 8 inch snow base. Call (262) 670-3400 for the most current trail conditions. As a reminder, the only groomed trail that hikers, snowshoers, and dog walkers are allowed on is the red trail, located to the south of the beach area.
Kettle Moraine State Forest - Northern Unit - The state forest received approximately 10 inches of snow on Tuesday, Dec. 9, bringing the total of approximately 18 inches of snow on the ground. The Northern Kettle Moraine Nordic Ski Club Volunteers have been busy packing, grooming skating lanes and setting diagonal track on the nine mile Greenbush ski trail system. Conditions are rated as excellent. Keep in mind, because of the heavy snowfall, the trail surface will be soft for a couple of days until it become more firm with skier traffic and freezing temps. The Greenbush Recreation Area also has a heated shelter, snowshoe trail and sledding hill. Zillmer trails conditions mirror Greenbush -- excellent with skating lanes groomed and diagonal tracks set. The snowmobile trails are currently closed. Normally, the network of private and pubic trails can be opened, if conditions dictate, starting on Dec. 15. Call the snowmobile trail hot line for Sheboygan County and the state forest at 920 892-7455.
Kettle Moraine State Forest-Southern Unit - The Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest has good winter recreation conditions. The area received nearly 6 inches of snow on Monday night through Tuesday, bringing to total to more than 12 inches of snow since Dec. 1. All three ski trails in the forest have been groomed and are in very good or better skiing condition. Scuppernong trail, which is for classical skiing only, has been packed and a double track set around the entire system. Ski conditions were very good in general, but there remains a fair amount of leaf litter that has blown out of the trees onto the trail. Grooming covered many of them, but there are still some around. McMiller was groomed for both skate and classical skiing. Conditions were excellent with a firm skate lane and a classical track that has set up well. Nordic trail is groomed for both skate and classical skiing. Nordic received a little less snow than McMiller or Scuppernong, but there was still a nearly 5-inch packed base on the entire trail system. Conditions were very good. The Biathlon range is open for use at McMiller. For more information contact WisconsinBiathlon.com. Snowmobile trails in the forest are snow covered and opened for use. However the local county and club trails do not open until Dec. 15. Snowmobilers must remain on state forest property. Ottawa Lake is covered with ice, but snow fell shortly after the ice formed, insulating the ice. Ice thickness is minimal although some ice anglers have been on the lake. There is an antlerless deer hunting season taking place in the forest Dec. 11 - 14, 2008. All outdoor enthusiasts are urged to wear blaze orange clothing to ensure all forest users are aware of each others presence in the woods. 2009 park stickers and trail passes are available for sale at this time and honored in December as well as all of 2009.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Ozaukee County - In Port Washington shore fishing has been slow overall, but anglers have been catching a few browns on spawn near the power plant.
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee, open water can still be found on the Milwaukee River under the Hoan bridge. Shore anglers there have been catching a few browns on spawn.
Racine County - In Racine most of the Root River is locked up with ice, but some open water remains in Colonial and Quarry Lake Parks, as well as below the Horlick dam. Anglers have still been catching a few coho.
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SOUTH CENTRAL REGION
Dodgeville DNR Service Center area
Grant County
Wyalusing State Park - Wyalusing State Park received approximately 6 inches of snow between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning of this week. All trails are snow covered. Cross-country ski trails should be groomed by this weekend. A change to the cross-country ski trails has been made this yea. Mississippi Ridge will no longer be groomed for cross country skiing. In addition to Whitetail Meadows, Turkey Hollow Trail will now be a cross-country ski trail. Parking for both trails will be available near the Astronomy Center. Ski trail conditions will change based on the expected forecast of temperatures in the upper 30s on Saturday and Sunday. Rain is forecast for Sunday. Mississippi Ridge will make an excellent trail for snowshoeing. Park visitors interested in snowshoeing can park in the park office lot and travel Homestead Camp Road to Cathedral Tree Drive and Mississippi Ridge Trail. Homestead Camp Road will not be plowed this year. A beautiful winter view of the Mississippi River at Henneger Point awaits those who are willing to brave the elements along the 5 mile round trip trek. Homestead Picnic Shelter is the perfect place to build a fire to take the chill off or to roast marshmallows or hotdogs after snowshoeing or skiing. It is centrally located where both trails meet. Firewood will need to be gathered in the area. Please remember that dogs are not allowed on cross country ski trails when the trails are groomed. The cold weather and snow has increased the activity at the park office bird feeders. Bird sightings include: gold finches, purple finches, chickadees, nuthatches, juncos, tufted titmice, blue jays, cardinals, mourning doves, downy woodpeckers, hairy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers. The large convocation of bald eagles near the park entrance provides excellent viewing of these beautiful birds and a great opportunity for photographers. As of Dec. 11, the eagles were still near the park entrance. It is not known how long they will be there.
Iowa County
Blue Mound State Park – Cross-country ski conditions are very good. All trails were groomed and tracked, the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 9. Time to bring out good skis! Snowshoe trails are open.
Fitchburg DNR Service Center area
Sauk County
Devil’s Lake State Park – Ten to 14 inches of snow fell in the park on Dec. 8 and 9. The lake’s surface is mostly frozen, though quite recently, so the ice is very thin. Nine camper groups braved the winter weather this past weekend. Ski trails are well covered with snow, but have not been packed or tracked. The hill where many like to sled is snow covered.
Mirror Lake State Park - All cross country ski trails were in good condition as of Dec. 10, with a 4-inch base. A four-day antlerless gun deer season will begin on Dec. 11 and run until Dec. 14. The water level on Mirror Lake has returned to its normal level after the drawn down to accommodate the chemical treatment of Dell Creek as it flows through the footprint of the dewatered Lake Delton took place on Dec. 3, 2008.
Dane County
Lake Kegonsa State Park – The park received approximately 6 inches of snow this week. All cross-country ski trails are in good condition and were last groomed on Wed., Dec. 10. There is an approximate 3-inch base after grooming. Due to high winds, there may be some areas with drifted snow. Hikers and pets are prohibited from all designated ski trails. Please see the winter park map for locations to hike with pets.
Green County
Badger State Trail - As of Dec. 11, the Badger State Trail is open for snowmobiling from Sun Valley Parkway, near Paoli, south to the Wisconsin/Illinois state line. Snowmobiles are not permitted in the Stewart Tunnel. Contact the Green County Trial Information Line at 608-527-2335 for current conditions.
Browntown-Cadiz Springs State Recreation Area - As of Dec. 11, all trails at Cadiz Springs Recreation Area are open for back country, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Trail surfaces are not groomed. Hiking and pet walking are permitted on all trails. Pets must be leashed at all times and owners must remove any pest waste. Hunting is open by permit only – permits can be obtained at the park.
New Glarus Woods State Park - As of Dec. 11, all trails at New Glarus woods are open for back country cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Trail surfaces are not groomed. Hiking and pet walking are permitted on all trails. Pets must be leashed at all times and owners must remove any pet waste. Hunting is open by permit only – permits can be obtained at the park.
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WEST CENTRAL REGION
Baldwin DNR Service Center area
Recent cold weather has frozen over all Lakes in the area and some ice anglers are going out; however, several area lakes like Bass, Cedar, Pine, Hatfield and Tainter recently had heavy waterfowl use keeping some areas open longer so ice conditions can be quite variable on the same water body, as always extreme caution is need by ice anglers. There was good tracking snow for the latter part of the muzzleloader deer season, but cold conditions kept activity down. Snow conditions in the area are not enough for skiing or snowmobiling as of this week. Late season pheasant hunting is providing some action for those willing to brave the cold and hit heavy cover especially near standing corn.
St. Croix County
Willow River State Park - One angler reported catches of bluegills and then the small perch moved in, so the angler quit fishing at that time. Another on Sunday afternoon reported good bluegill action late in the afternoon. Bluegill action was reported as good this morning. Reminder: the pan fish daily limit is 10 fish total. Willow had about 2 inches of windblown snow on Saturday morning. It did not cover the grass at the office. Sunday added a little more creating a total of around 3 inches of soft fluff and the grass is still visible. The park did have skiers Saturday morning and afternoon. The morning skier (classic) was reasonably pleased skiing on the Orange-Yellow loop. The afternoon skier, this reporter, took the same general route and had problems with sticking probably more related to waxing issues, so it was a very short trip. No skiers were observed or reported conditions on Sunday. Given the 3 inches of fluffy snow on the ground, and more predicted later in the week, the volunteer ski groomers may give it a try with the roller only, no track. As of, Monday, Dec. 8, the trails were still open for all users, but it won’t be long till the skiing only rule goes on and signs will go up. Call the office (715) 386-5931 (recorder option 4) or check
www.skinnyski.com for updates.
La Crosse DNR Service Center area
La Crosse County has about 6 to 8 inches of snow on the ground. Snowmobile trails will remain closed until after the four-day Dec. 11 - 14 antlerless gun deer season. Snowmobilers wanting to use trails in La Crosse County on or after Dec. 15 should phone (608) 785-9770 to find out if the trails are opened before riding. Ice fishing has started slower than normal for early ice angler in La Crosse. Anglers using underwater cameras and flashers have been having the best success on crappie and bluegill. Anglers with cameras and flashers have been reporting lots of fish but slow to bite. Ice conditions are always extremely variable on the Mississippi River and it's backwaters, but the new blanket of snow over thin river ice has made it is more important than ever for anglers to continually check the ice as they move about as ice conditions can change quickly on the river.
Wildcat Mountain State Park - The park received over 9 inches of snow with more on the way this week. The ski trails were being packed Tuesday, Dec.9. Trails should be groomed and ready for skiing by Friday, Dec.12.The muzzleloader deer hunt ends Dec 10.
Crawford County - The Mississippi River rose last week to 7.8 feet but fell over the weekend down to 7.3 feet. The forecast for the Mississippi River is to remain steady this week. Most of the Mississippi River’s main channel is frozen over. Barge traffic appears to be done for the year. The back waters of both the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers are frozen over, for the most part. Extreme caution must we used as early ice is extremely dangerous, not just because of the thin ice but because of flowing water. The first major snow storm of the year arrived early this week. Several inches of snow fell and high winds are causing drifting problems. The extra weight of the snow on the ice will cause some access problems. Ice thickness varies greatly throughout the area. Even though the snow has arrived, area snowmobile trails are still closed. Local club members are scrambling to finalize trail sign placement. Ice fishing in the area has been spotty. Again, ice conditions are dangerous and those venturing out onto the ice need to take extra safety precautions. Fishing on Sturgeon Slough has produced some bluegill and crappie, however the action is spotty. Cold Spring is dangerous but some are accessing the southern lobe from the handicap access site. Bluegill and crappie action was spotty there too. Ice fishing in the Ambro Slough area is still to dangerous. Some have ventured out onto Spring Lake with limited success. Coyote hunters are finding the snow cover a real benefit. Avid coyote hunters are finding plenty of hunting opportunities this time of year. Rabbit and squirrel hunters are also doing well. Bald eagles are being observed well inland now that the Mississippi River is almost completely frozen over. Song birds like chickadees, juncos, goldfinches, and several species of wood peckers are starting to come to bird feeders.
Black River Falls DNR Service Center area
Black River State Forest - The forest received an additional 8-11 inches of snow this week. Cross-country ski trails were being packed Dec. 10. Crews are only setting a base and not a track because the main grooming equipment is being repaired. It should be up and running soon. Skiers who come out this weekend should remember that the antlerless deer hunt is underway -- please wear orange clothing. The ridge trail and the east half of the north loop will be closed for the next few weeks to accommodate a timber sale. The warming cabin is open for the season. This full log cabin was constructed in 2006 by the Black River Forest Trail Foundation. A non profit group working to improve the ski, hike, and bike trail system on the property. This attractive building features a fireplace and benches and tables for skiers to relax on after hitting the trails. Snowshoeing is allowed anyplace on the property not groomed for other uses. Two recommended trails are the five mile trail running east and west from the Pigeon Creek Campground and the nature trail at Castle Mound. ATV and Snowmobile trails will open Dec. 15. One new change to the trails this year is that the Oak Ridge trail running south from Castle Mound to Millston will no longer be open to ATV whenever the trails have been groomed. This is due to a new change in Jackson County's trail ordinances. ATV riders will still be able to access Millston by travelling east of Castle Mound. East Fork campground is closed for the season. Castle Mound is not plowed during the winter so only hike-in camping is allowed once the snow makes the road impassible. Reservations are not accepted for Castle Mound at this time. Pigeon Creek does have its first loop plowed for winter camping. Backpack camping is also of course allowed during the winter.
Eau Claire DNR Service Center area
Brunet Island State Park - Panfish action has been good in the north campground bays. Anglers are reporting generally good ice conditions in the backwater areas. The park does not monitor ice conditions. The Cornell flowage water levels fluctuate throughout the year and we urge caution when venturing onto the ice. Species of birds seen or heard include: ravens, crows, phoebes, northern juncos, chickadees, nuthatches, piliated woodpeckers, great horned and barred owls, Canada geese, and blue jays. Brunet Island will not be open to the December antlerless gun hunt. An area to the north and east of the main office, including part of the Nordic Trail system, is open for late season archery deer hunt which runs December 1 through January 4. Special access permit for zone 23A is required.
Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area
Buckhorn State Park - The park received 10 inches of snow Monday night. Several roads are now closed to vehicles as the snowmobile route goes through the park. Crews hope to pack ski trails by the end of the week. The muzzleloader season and four day antlerless hunt are allowed in Yellow River Wildlife Area only. The park is open for late season for bow hunting (no special hunting permit is required). New hunting maps are available for the park and wildlife areas. Reminder - stands have to be taken out every day and may not be left up or left in the woods on state land. 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. Remember, park staff does not monitor ice conditions.
Roche-A-Cri State Park - 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. 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.
Last Revised: Thursday December 11 2008
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