Thursday, April 24, 2014

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report

The Parnell Tower at the northern unit of the ...
The Parnell Tower at the northern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest near Dundee, Wisconsin. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Spring finally arriving to Wisconsin's Northwoods
Despite some flurries still falling on Thursday, it appears that spring is slowly arriving in the Northwoods. Most of the state is now free of snow on the ground, with the exception of heavily wooded areas in the far north that still have a foot or more of snow. Spring is progressing rapidly in the south, with reports of bloodroot and round lobed hepatica blooming in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.
Lots of anglers are wondering whether lakes will be ice free in the Northwoods by the May 3 general inland fishing opener. While it depends on the weather between now and then, at this point most lakes still have upwards of 15 inches of ice covering them, so there is a definite possibility that the larger, deeper lakes will still be ice covered, so anglers may want to have alternate plans such as fishing flowages, lakes and spring ponds, as well as streams and rivers.
While northern lakes are still ice covered, access is poor with shorelines having a lot of soft grainy ice and a fringe of open water, so for the most part, the ice angling season has ended. Spring walleye fishing on rivers that remain open year round for game fish had been excellent on some waters, especially northern Lake Michigan tributaries and the Fox, Wolf, Wisconsin and Rock rivers. Action slowed this week, though, with mostly males reported, indicating runs may be coming to a close.
The first signs of the Lake Winnebago sturgeon spawning season were reported this week with pre-spawn activities at numerous sites. As spawning gets closer, male sturgeon actively cruise near the rocked shorelines of sturgeon spawning sites. This "cruising" activity was observedWednesday afternoon at numerous known spawning sites on the Wolf River.
Lake Michigan tributaries were generally running high and muddy but trout and salmon anglers were having some success for steelhead on the East and West Twin Rivers, Menomonee, Root and Pike rivers. A reminder, the early catch and release inland trout season closes this Sunday, April 27.
The spring turkey season is now open and turkeys are starting to break away from the winter flocks. Hunters in the first turkey period saw mild temperatures and conditions overall. With the snow melting in the north, deer have begun to disperse from their deer yards, with many being seen feeding on the grass that has just begun to green up.
The spring bird migration is ramping up, with the vanguard of warblers, including yellow-rumps, palm, pine, orange-crowned, hooded, black-and-white, and northern waterthrush seen in the south. The first whip-poor-wills have returned to the south as well. Overhead, the first kettles of broad-winged hawks have reached Wisconsin from their central and south America wintering areas. Loons are staging on southern lakes such as Mendota and Monona in Madison waiting for ice-out on northern lakes.
This Saturday will be the best opportunity to help out in state parks, with a dozen properties holding Work*Play*Earth Day events. Help out cleaning parks and doing minor maintenance projects in the morning and then stick around to enjoy the park in the afternoon. For information, search the DNR website for Work Play Earth Day.

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Deer Management Assistance Program enrollment begins April 29 in Wisconsin

MADISON - Enrollment for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Deer Management Assistance Program will begin April 29, 2014. DMAP provides habitat and herd management assistance to landowners interested in managing their property for deer and other wildlife.
DNR wildlife and forestry professionals will work with participants to develop consistent and realistic goals for their property. In return, participants will share information, collect biological and observational data and attend annual meetings and workshops.
DMAP will offer three levels of participation:
  • Level one (no minimum acreage requirement; no fee/three years)
  • Level two (160 acre minimum; $75/three years)
  • Level three (640 acre minimum; $150/three years)
Level one is intended for landowners interested in learning more about DMAP before deciding to apply for a higher level of enrollment. There is no deadline for
enrolling at level one -- participants will receive habitat and herd management information, annual program reports and invitations to regional DMAP meetings and workshops.
Participants at level two will receive the above benefits, but will also receive eligibility for reduced-price antlerless tags, an on-site visit from local DNR wildlife and forestry staff and a property management plan. Level three benefits include, in addition to those granted in levels one and two, assistance with population monitoring, habitat evaluations and additional site visits as needed. To be eligible for participation in levels two and three in 2014, landowners must apply by May 30, 2014.
Landowners with property within one-half mile of one another may choose to form a group cooperative. Cooperatives are a great way for interested parties to qualify at a higher DMAP level, minimize participation costs and benefit from the consistent application of management practices over a larger area.
Enrollment in DMAP is also an option for public lands that may require specialized deer herd and habitat management attention. Public land managers interested in receiving more information should contact the DMAP coordinator.
In 2014, all level one applications will be accepted for enrollment. However, enrollment in levels two and three will be limited. Applications received in 2014 but not accepted in levels two or three will automatically be enrolled at level one and will be processed for enrollment in higher levels beginning in 2015.
Interested landowners may apply via a MyDMAP online application system that will go live on the DNR website beginning April 29 or by requesting a hard-copy and mailing it to Bob Nack, DNR DMAP coordinator, PO Box 7921, Madison WI 53707-7921. For more information search the DNR website dnr.wi.gov for keyword "DMAP."
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bob Nack, DMAP Coordinator, 608-264-6137

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report

Ruffed Grouse -- Algonquin Provincial Park, On...
Ruffed Grouse
Spring continues to be a tease, and Mother Nature is presenting many challenges for wildlife.
Heavy rains over the weekend in southern parts of Wisconsin resulted in significant flooding and greening grass. The recent cold weather has quieted the frogs, although some hardy spring peepers are still calling. Other frogs which had been vocal are chorus frogs and wood frogs.
There are numerous migratory birds coming through Wisconsin now, including many waterfowl species that are enjoying high waters along the lower Wisconsin River. Nine loons were observed Sunday on Lake Eau Claire. It is likely they are waiting for the far north lakes to thaw before returning to that area. Another loon was observed at Devil’s Lake State Park last week.
Portions of the Sauk Prairie Recreation Area are now open to the public through May 27 for outdoor activities, including spring turkey hunting. In addition to turkey hunting visitors can trap, hike, bird watch, pick mushrooms and berries, bike open roads, study nature and take photographs. There will not be any fishing opportunities and horseback riding will not be allowed during this time period. The U.S. Army is opening many of the lands it still owns at the former Badger Army Ammunition Plant to public use during this time. Visit the DNR website and search keyword “Sauk Prairie Recreation Area” for property hours and maps.
Male ruffed grouse are approaching the peak of their annual breeding activities known as drumming. Males locate a downed log, tree or rock on which to display themselves. Typically the display platform is located in thick vertical cover which provides security from avian predators. The males attract females with a series of repeated, rapid wing strokes with 3-4 minutes between series. As their wings compress the air, they create a vacuum which results in a thumping noise. Wildlife biologists use this drumming behavior to create an index to the grouse population. Each year the same route is traveled and drumming grouse are counted. From year to year, population trends can be determined based on the number of drumming males heard per route. Quiet early mornings, with air temperatures between 25 and 40, are the best times to listen for drumming ruffed grouse.
Spring turkey hunting officially kicked off Wednesday, April 16. Last weekend was the youth turkey hunt and many successes were reported statewide. This week’s high water affected fishing across many parts of the state as waters filled with sediment and debris. Some of the northern inland lakes are still covered with ice but travel on these lakes is dangerous and not recommended.
The Wisconsin Conservation Congress held their annual county meetings Monday, April 14, along with the state’s annual fish and game rules hearings. The WCC is the only statutory body in the state in which citizens elect delegates to advise the Natural Resources Board and the Department of Natural Resources on how to responsibly manage Wisconsin's natural resources for present and future generations. This year over 7,000 constituents cast ballots at their local county meetings. For results of hearings, visit the DNR website and search keyword “Conservation Congress.”

Saturday, April 19, 2014

DNR accepting comments on hunting rules

English: crop of File:Bgforhunting.jpg Taken b...

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 12, on a proposal to make permanent a number of temporary hunting rules that have been in place for at least one hunting season.
The rules pertain to registration of game taken by hunting or trapping, hunter selection and descriptions of various hunting area boundaries such as wild turkey permit areas, deer areas and waterfowl hunting zones.
“Hunters have been applying for licenses and registering game under most of these rules for the past several seasons,” said Jason Abraham, DNR season setting specialist. “By making these temporary rules permanent, we provide additional consistency for hunters and streamline the process for managing a sustainable harvest.”
Many of the rule changes are intended to streamline regulations, reduce paperwork and modify zone boundaries to better match habitat conditions. The rules, summarized below:
  • Modify deer tagging provisions.
  • Allow deer hunters to apply for an either-sex permit and a special hunt in the same year.
  • Allow for online and telephone registration of bears and bait stations.
  • Update elk zone boundaries.
  • Provide for site validation coupons for fisher, marten and otter.
  • Modify farmland furbearer zone.
  • Consolidate wild turkey permit areas from 77 smaller areas into nine larger ones.
  • Streamline wild turkey license sales procedures.
  • Modify and consolidate prairie chicken zone boundaries.
  • Moved the prairie chicken license application deadline to the Friday nearest Aug. 17.
  • Correct rail and snipe possession limit for consistency with federal regulations.
  • Provide for three waterfowl zones and standardize waterfowl season definition.
  • Correct Migratory Waterfowl Feeding and Resting Area descriptions and
  • Clarify eligibility of hunters and mentors participating in Youth Waterfowl Day.
The proposed rules are published online in the April 7 edition of the State Register.
They are also is available on the DNR website.
Comments may be submitted to: Jason Abraham, Box 20, DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55115-4020 or by emailing jason.abraham@state.mn.us.

Friday, April 18, 2014

Comments sought on southeastern Minnesota deer population goals

Department of Natural Resources Logo

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments through 4:30 p.m. on Monday, May 12, on a proposal to make permanent a number of temporary hunting rules that have been in place for at least one hunting season.
The rules pertain to registration of game taken by hunting or trapping, hunter selection and descriptions of various hunting area boundaries such as wild turkey permit areas, deer areas and waterfowl hunting zones.
“Hunters have been applying for licenses and registering game under most of these rules for the past several seasons,” said Jason Abraham, DNR season setting specialist. “By making these temporary rules permanent, we provide additional consistency for hunters and streamline the process for managing a sustainable harvest.”
Many of the rule changes are intended to streamline regulations, reduce paperwork and modify zone boundaries to better match habitat conditions. The rules, summarized below:
  • Modify deer tagging provisions.
  • Allow deer hunters to apply for an either-sex permit and a special hunt in the same year.
  • Allow for online and telephone registration of bears and bait stations.
  • Update elk zone boundaries.
  • Provide for site validation coupons for fisher, marten and otter.
  • Modify farmland furbearer zone.
  • Consolidate wild turkey permit areas from 77 smaller areas into nine larger ones.
  • Streamline wild turkey license sales procedures.
  • Modify and consolidate prairie chicken zone boundaries.
  • Moved the prairie chicken license application deadline to the Friday nearest Aug. 17.
  • Correct rail and snipe possession limit for consistency with federal regulations.
  • Provide for three waterfowl zones and standardize waterfowl season definition.
  • Correct Migratory Waterfowl Feeding and Resting Area descriptions and
  • Clarify eligibility of hunters and mentors participating in Youth Waterfowl Day.
The proposed rules are published online in the April 7 edition of the State Register.
They are also is available on the DNR website.
Comments may be submitted to: Jason Abraham, Box 20, DNR, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55115-4020 or by emailing jason.abraham@state.mn.us.

MDC limits firearm antlerless permits for upcoming deer season

Decrease in deer numbers and resulting hunter and landowner input prompt changes.
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Conservation Commission approved regulation
changes at its meeting today (April 17) in Jefferson City that will reduce the availability of firearm antlerless deer hunting permits from “any number” in most of the state to one in most of the state.
Exceptions to this regulation change allow hunters to fill two firearm antlerless deer permits in Chariton, Randolph, Macon, Linn, Sullivan, and Adair counties, which surround the area where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been found in a small number of deer in Macon County. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), continuing to maintain stable deer numbers in this “CWD Containment Zone” will help limit the spread of the disease to other deer and other areas.
Other areas where hunters can fill two firearm antlerless deer permits include urban zones around the state where deer numbers are typically higher than desired, and in Barton, Howell, and Oregon counties where local deer numbers are higher than deer management goals.
The regulation changes are scheduled to become effective for the 2014 fall deer hunting season.
Details on these changes and other information on deer hunting will be available in the Department's “2014 Fall Deer & Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information” booklet available beginning in July at locations where permits are sold, MDC offices and nature centers, and online at mdc.mo.gov.
According to MDC Deer Biologist Jason Sumners, the regulation changes are in response to lower overall deer numbers around much of the state as a result of long-term efforts to reduce the deer population through increased doe harvest. Previous regulations allowing the harvest of any number of antlerless deer have helped to decrease and stabilize deer numbers in many areas where deer numbers were too high.
Sumners added that the planned effort to reduce deer numbers in some areas was intensified by an unanticipated, extensive outbreak of hemorrhagic disease (HD) throughout most of the state related to the record-setting drought during summer and fall of 2012. With the resulting recent decrease in deer numbers in many areas of the state, some hunters and landowners have voiced their concerns about the level of doe harvest and the continuing need to offer hunters “any number” of antlerless permits.
“Our Regulations Committee considers the changing status of the deer herd across the state -- along with feedback from hunters, landowners, and others -- each year as it reviews recommendations for deer-hunting regulations,” Sumners said.
“Deer populations in Missouri vary regionally and county-by-county as habitat, hunting regulations, hunter numbers, and frequency and severity of disease outbreaks affect deer numbers,” he explained. “As these factors change over time, our deer management strategy is to be responsive to those changes.”
He added that MDC’s deer management strategy focuses on using science-based wildlife management practices, providing opportunities for all citizens to enjoy deer-related recreational activities such as deer hunting and watching, maintaining a healthy deer population, and providing related information to the public.   
The Department is planning public meetings throughout the state for this summer to share information and get public input on how and why it manages Missouri’s deer.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

More than 90,000 pounds of donated venison sent to food pantries statewide in 2013

Venison Steaks 29,80 p/kg @ Baars Poelier, Mar...

 Hunters, meat processors and food pantries helped the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and its partners donate more than 90,000 pounds of venison to those in need in 2013.
"We are very proud to be part of this community-based program," said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. "Anytime we can have a safe, successful deer hunt and donate valuable food to our pantries it's a win-win for Wisconsin."
More than 2,000 deer were donated through the DNR deer donation program and processed packages of ground venison were distributed to food pantries statewide. The number of deer donated decreased by 27 percent compared to 2012, likely a result of fewer deer harvested.
"Regardless of the number of deer donated, the program is always considered a success," said DNR wildlife damage biologist Dan Hirchert.
"The deer donation program was designed to provide an outlet for surplus deer - whether hunters consume their own deer or donate to those in need, the meat is being put to great use," Hirchert said.
Since the program began in 2000, hunters have donated more than 85,000 deer and more than 3.8 million pounds of venison. The collected meat is distributed to Wisconsin families in need of food assistance. The program relies on cooperation with counties across the state, U.S. Department of Agriculture-Wildlife Services and community programs like Hunt for the Hungry and Target Hunger. These organizations help organize donations, coordinate processing, and distribute venison.
For more information about the DNR's deer donation program and more on how people can help, search the DNR website dnr.wi.govfor keywords "deer donation."

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

KANSAS NONRESIDENT DEER APPLICATION PERIOD OPEN

Nonresidents must apply online for limited deer permits
PRATT – Nonresidents who want to hunt deer in Kansas this fall must apply online for the limited number of nonresident deer permits by April 25, 2014. Season information, application instructions, permit quotas, as well as last year’s drawing statistics can all be viewed on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism’s (KDWPT) website,www.ksoutdoors.com.
Just more than 22,000 nonresident white-tailed deer combo permits were authorized for 2014, the same as last year. In addition, 266 mule deer stamps are allocated in Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 16, 17 and 18. Nonresidents who wish to hunt mule deer must apply for a mule deer stamp. If they draw a muzzleloader or archery whitetail permit in one of these units, they will then be entered into the drawing for a mule deer stamp. Those who draw a mule deer stamp will receive a combo permit valid for one white-tailed or mule deer, buck or doe, and one white-tailed antlerless deer.
Only online applications will be accepted, and applicants will be taken through the process step-by-step on KDWPT’s website. General nonresident white-tailed deer combo permits are $346.96, including application and convenience fees. The Mule Deer Stamp is $102.50. Nonresident youth white-tailed deer combo permits (hunters 15 and younger) are $116.34. All nonresident permits are combo permits and include one either-sex whitetail tag and one antlerless whitetail only tag.
For more information go to www.ksoutdoors.com or phone 620-672-0728.