The pheasant opener saw some nice weather in areas, and some rain in others. But the high winds were what made it hard for the hunters. Birds were getting up and they were gone quickly. The cooler temperatures were especially welcomed by those hunting with dogs.
The strong winds also brought down many leaves across the state, greatly improving visibility for grouse and archery hunters. Grouse hunting reports have been mixed. In some areas hunters are finding grouse by the tag alders and along areas that are holding water, but other hunters reported seeing few birds. Similarly, reports of woodcock are mixed, with only a few areas reporting migrating woodcock so far this year.
With the re-opening of the southern zone waterfowl season, hunters were seeing a larger variety of ducks making their migration south. Most hunters have still been bagging mallards, wood ducks, and teal, but increasing numbers of diver ducks have begun to move into the state. Ducks and geese have been rafting up on the larger waters.
Wardens reported participation seemed down for the antlerless deer hunt in the chronic wasting disease management zone, though some stations reported decent registrations. Hunters in some areas are reporting that bucks have already entered the chase phase of the rut, which is early for this activity, but most areas are still reporting pre-rut activity with scrapes and rubs common.
Strong winds limited fishing activity, but musky anglers continue to work Northwoods lakes and there were reports across the north this week of some large 50-inch musky being caught. Walleye action also continues to improve, with most anglers now using live bait for walleye as well as musky. In the south, fishing picked up on the Madison Chain of lakes, with decent walleye action on Lake Mendota and musky fishing has picking up on lakes Monona and Waubesa.
Fall salmon and trout runs continue on most Lake Michigan tributaries, but action has slowed slightly, with anglers finding it more and more difficult to hook fish in the mouth and with many chinook very dark. Fish were still reported in the Manitowoc, East and West Twin, Sheboygan, Milwaukee, Menomonee and Root rivers.
Turkey vultures are starting to migrate and groups of 20 to 50 vultures have been seen at Devil’s Lake State Park. Very large flocks of sandhill cranes and blackbirds are also being seen. And there were numerous reports of the strong winds bringing juncos into the state, with hundreds sighted in some areas.
Eastern gray tree frogs were still being heard but they are hard to see as they blend in quite well to the natural colors of tree bark.
Conditions are right for DNR crews to conduct fall prescribed burns. These controlled burns will be conducted throughout southern and central Wisconsin in the next few weeks. Fire played a crucial role in the development of Wisconsin's native plant communities, and remains a critical tool for management of these same landscapes today.
Fall color is still being reported at near peak in about a dozen counties, mostly in the south, but most of the state is reporting color past peak on the Department of Tourism’s Fall Color Report (exit DNR). More than a dozen Halloween and fall festival hike and events are scheduled at state parks, forests and other properties over the next two weekends. Check the events schedule on the DNR website for details.
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