Northwestern Wisconsin receives snow; whitetail deer rut continues in full swing

A band of snow moved across northwestern Wisconsin this week dropping 3 to 4 inches in some areas with only minimal melting reported due to colder temperatures, which are also forming more skim to light ice on small ponds.

The white-tail deer rut continues in full swing in many areas, though some areas report it is just getting underway. Deer have been observed during all hours of the day. Fawns are beginning to split away from does and bucks are being seen more during daylight hours. Archers continue to reports some very good success.

Trappers are out in full force and are reporting good success in harvesting raccoons but some areas are reporting lower numbers of muskrats.

Grouse hunters are having more success now in their late season spots with birds keying in on small fruits like hawthorn, grapes, and viburnum. A few straggler woodcock were still around for the last weekend of the season which closed Nov. 4. The dove season closes Nov. 9.

Visitors to Wisconsin state park properties are reminded that many properties will open to hunting and trapping on Nov. 15. Maps are posted at all properties indicating which areas are open and closed to hunting. All park visitors are encouraged to wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing during the

hunting seasons, which remain open in parks through Dec. 15 for firarms and through Jan. 5 for archery. For a list of open properties, maps and more information search the DNR website for "hunting state parks."

Waterfowl migration picked up across the state this past week. Aerial surveys taken 1 to 10 miles offshore from Manitowoc to Door County tallied more than 20,000 long-tailed ducks and 5,000 red-breasted mergansers this week. Tens of thousands of canvasbacks, mallards, ring-necked ducks, wigeon, and other ducks continue on the Mississippi River pools. On Chequamegon Bay in Ashland, birders reported hundreds of common goldeneyes, typically one of the latest migrant ducks. Migratory Canada geese numbers continue to build up at Horicon and Theresa Marsh wildlife areas.

With the cold and breezy weather of the past week, fishing pressure has been generally light across the Northwoods. A few musky anglers have been out trying their luck and have had minimal success. The walleye bite on the Menominee River in Marinette County has been very good. In the south, musky and walleye anglers have been reporting moderate to good action on Lakes Monona and Waubesa and nice catches of walleye have been reported on Lake Wisconsin. Anglers along the Rock River have been catching walleye, white bass, and northern pike.

Rain late last week brought additional fall fish-run opportunities for anglers as additional salmon made a run up Lake Michigan tributary streams. Coho moved up the Root River in large numbers along with some chinook and brown trout. Fish were also reported in the Manitowoc, Kewaunee and Oconto rivers.

Sandhill cranes are plentiful and the newly released whooping cranes that were reared at Horicon this past summer are still in the area and can be seen hanging around with sandhill cranes in farm fields near the marsh. Tundra swans arrived in significant numbers as they stage here en route to wintering areas along the Atlantic coast. Loons are heading south, with three seen on Lake Monona this in Madison this week.

Fall colors (exit DNR) are now past peak in southern Wisconsin, though many areas report oak trees came into their own glory last week with impressive colors, ranging from yellow, orange, deep reds and the traditional russet browns.

Related articles

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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report

Door County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Winter continued to hang on this week, with a mid-week storm dropping from 2 to six to 8 inches across a swath from northwestern to south eastern Wisconsin. Snow depths range from a low of 6 to 8 inches in the south to nearly 2 feet in some areas the north. That could change rapidly, though with warmer temperatures and rain in the forecast for this weekend across southern and central Wisconsin.

Snowmobile trails reopened in many counties in southern and central Wisconsin with conditions generally fair to good, while many trails in the north range from good to excellent. State recreational safety wardens are cautioning snowmobilers that while many trails have reopened, rain and warm temperatures this weekend could cause conditions to deteriorate rapidly, especially on waterways. Wisconsin has already recorded 18 snowmobile deaths this winter, and wardens are reminding sledders to slow down and avoid travelling on rivers and lakes.

Some very good cross-country skiing is being reported statewide, from trails in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine all the way to the Northern Highland-American Legion state forests in good to excellent condition. Again, that could change this weekend, so call ahead to check on current conditions.

Participation was quite heavy in some locations for the opening of the early catch-and-release trout season that enjoyed clear water and sunny warmer weather. Trout anglers reported success ranging from moderate to excellent. Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay is still locked in ice, though there is a lot of snow on top and the sunny days have been creating slush, and ice fishing has generally been slow. Along Lake Michigan, anglers were now open water fishing on the Fox River at Voyageur Park with some walleye and perch being reported. Northern pike action has been good through the ice on the bay in several locations. Some perch and whitefish were being caught along Door County. Trout and steelhead action has been spotty at Lake Michigan harbors.

Ice depths on inland Northwoods lakes continue to hold in the 18-20 inch range and travel remains tough with the deep snow and slushy conditions on many waters. Ice fishing pressure has been rather light in the past week with these difficult travel conditions and the closure of the game fish season March 3. In the south, northern pike are starting to stage for spawning at Theresa Marsh and other spawning sites.

Wisconsin fishing and hunting licenses for the 2013-14 seasons went on sale Wednesday. Licenses are available through the Online Licensing Center, from authorized license agents and DNR Service Centers or by calling toll-free 1-877-LICENSE (1-877-945-4236). Licenses for the 2012-13 seasons expire March 31.

Snow has temporarily grounded the early March bird migration. Warmer temperatures predicted for this weekend should bring significant thaw to open fields and will likely bring another large push of migrants. Expect to see eagles, red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks, red-winged blackbirds, robins, song sparrows and sandhill cranes. Trumpeter swans are beginning to claim their territory on iced over flowages and goldeneye drakes are starting to display some of their mating rituals and calls.

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Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for January 19, 2012

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Much of Wisconsin received snowfall last weekend and this week, but snow depths continue to be marginal for outdoor winter recreation through much of southern, central and northwestern parts of the state. Anywhere from 4 to 6 inches of snow fell last weekend, but the snow was light and fluffy and strong winds caused drifting and bear spots in many locations. Snowmobile trails remain open only in about a dozen northern counties, and are only rated as good in a few of those according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Cross-country ski conditions faired better, but many trails in the southern half of the state have had minimal grooming and many are reporting there are some bare or thin spots. The good news is that snow is forecast for later this week into the weekend, with higher amounts expected in the southern part of the state.

Cold temperatures that moved into Wisconsin this week have finally frozen over most of the larger lakes that still had open water last week, including Winnebago and Mendota. However, some areas are reporting that certain spots are still being kept open by large numbers of waterfowl that were staying in the area. And conservation wardens are continuing to caution that much of the ice that formed is still very thin, and now covered by a protective layer of snow. There were numerous reports of snowmobiles and ATVs going through the ice on Lake Winnebago in the last week. Wardens are still advising foot traffic only on southern waters and for people to check ice depths regularly and be prepared should they fall through thin ice.

Ice conditions in the north through the central part of the state are generally good with a foot or more being reported in many locations. Many areas reporting fishing action slowed this week, likely due to the new snow cover. The best action continued to be for panfish, with some reports of very nice crappie and bluegill being caught, but with anglers having to move around a lot to find them. Action for walleye was slower, but there were still some reports of nice northern pike being taken on tip-ups.

While ice has also begun to form on some Lake Michigan harbors, there were still anglers open water fishing this past week. None of the harbor ice is considered safe at this time. Similarly, ice is again forming on the Bay of Green Bay and Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, but it is not safe. Anglers on Sawyer harbor and Little Sturgeon Bay were reportedly fishing along the shore ice, but with open water not too far out in the bay.

Mid-January generally is the onset of coyote and red fox breeding cycles that last into March. Cold, crisp winter nights afford opportunities to listen for the raspy barks of red fox or the high pitched yipping of coyotes. Pup litters of both species are born in March or April.

Among the waterfowl keeping areas of some lakes open were more than 300 tundra swans that have been on Lake Mendota for a couple of weeks. And more than 100 trumpeter swans have been reported on open water at Willow River State Park in St. Croix County. Visitors to bird feeder have included nuthatches, pine siskins, black-capped chickadees, dark-eyed juncos, blue jays, tufted titmice, northern cardinals and American goldfinches.

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• Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of December 1, 2011 (midwestdeerhunting.blogspot.com)

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary for January 5, 2012

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Unseasonably mild weather is continuing, with much of the southern half of the state having no snow cover, and only far north central Wisconsin having enough snow for winter recreation. Most lakes across the state finally have some ice cover, but some of the larger lakes, like Mendota in Dane County and Lake Winnebago still have areas of open water.

Snowmobile trails are open in about a dozen northern counties, with conditions ranging from very good in Iron and Vilas counties, to good in Oneida, to only fair in Lincoln County, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Very few state parks or forest have been able to groom cross-country ski trails, with the exception of the Northern Highland-American Legion and Flambeau River state forests and Copper Falls and Council Grounds state parks.

This weekend kicks off the candlelight ski and snowshoe hikes at Wisconsin state parks, forest and trails, but all six events scheduled this weekend are in southern or central areas without enough snow for skiing. As of Thursday, all events were going to be held as candlelight hikes, and with mild temperatures in the forecast for the weekend, conditions are looking excellent for winter hikes by candlelight. Hikes will be held at Blue Mound, Harrington Beach, Mirror Lake and Wildcat Mountain state parks, and the Chippewa Moraine Recreation area and Havenwoods State Forest.

Ice depths now range from 7 to 12 inches across much of northern Wisconsin, with less on flowages. Ice through central Wisconsin ranges 4 to 8 inches and southern lake range from open water to 4 to 6 inches. But with mild weather in the forecast, recreational safety specialists are urging extreme caution for anyone heading out on frozen waters. Some ice anglers have begun to take recreational vehicles and even some trucks on to frozen water, but wardens are recommending against it. One truck went through the ice this week. State law requires these vehicles to be removed right away, which is a very costly venture.

Early ice fishing reports have been mixed, with some good action for northern pike and panfish, but slower action for walleye. Ice has begun to form again on Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay and Lake Michigan’s Green Bay, but not enough for travel. Strong winds in the last week have broken up much ice that forms. Anglers were still doing some open water fishing at Lake Michigan harbors and on the tributaries, with some action for brown and rainbow trout. Anglers were also open water fishing the Mississippi River, with little success for walleye and just some smaller sauger reported.

There were more reports of white-tail bucks shedding antlers this week. A reminder that the late archery, and Holiday and CWD management zone gun hunts run through this Sunday, Jan. 8. With mild weather, wardens report participation in the holiday and CWD hunts was up over the last week.

Recent waterfowl surveys have found unusually high numbers of waterfowl still being found in the state due to the mild weather and large amounts of open water. The surveys found good numbers of mallards, Canada geese, and various diving ducks like scaup, goldeneyes, ring-necked, and mergansers. They also still saw an occasional left-over wood duck, black duck, pintail or other puddle ducks not normally expected to be seen this time of the year. Other surveys found good numbers of eagles along the Mississippi River and about 300 eagles along the Fox River from Neenah to Wrightstown.

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Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary for December 22, 2011

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Winter outdoor recreation enthusiasts have colder weather and snow on their holiday wish lists, as most of Wisconsin is free of snow, and many lakes and rivers in the southern half of the state are open or have only unsafe ice. While the astronomical winter began this week with the Winter Solstice on Wednesday, there has been no significant snowfall in the last week. This has left just far north central Wisconsin, mostly Iron, Vilas and Oneida counties, with any snow cover, and that ranges from just a couple to at most 5 to 6 inches.

Snowmobile trails are open in parts of those counties, but are generally in poor condition, and any trails that cross lakes still closed. No cross-country ski trails are being groomed, but some trails in those areas can be skied.

Colder night temperatures in the north has made some more ice, after last week’s near 50 degree weather had melted much ice. Ice depths in the north now range up to 7 to 10 inches, but there are still many areas that have thinner ice, especially near inlets, outlets and springs or other moving water. Ice is forming again on Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, but is unsafe for travel. Ice depths drop quickly through central Wisconsin, and many lakes in southern Wisconsin remain open or have only unsafe ice. Conservation wardens are urging people to use extreme caution and check ice depths often. There were reports of two deaths in the last week from people falling through weak ice.

Ice anglers venturing out in the north reported some good early action for northern pike and walleye, mostly on suckers and shiners. There was also some good action for bluegills and crappies. With the mild weather, some open water anglers have returned, with some very good brown trout action reported in the Milwaukee harbor on Lake Michigan. Walleye fishing has been good on Lakes Monona and Mendota in Dane County and musky anglers have been having some success on Lake Monona. Walleye fishing was also good in on the Wisconsin River below the Wisconsin Dells dam.

Deer hunters still have ample opportunity to get out and do some more hunting. The Holiday Hunt starts Saturday, Dec 24 and ends on Jan. 8 in the chronic wasting disease management zone in south central Wisconsin. It is the same regulations as the nine-day rifle season in November, with one buck plus unlimited earn-a-buck there after. The late season archery hunt also remains open through Jan. 8 and some archery hunters reported this week that deer seemed to have just finished a second rutting period and have been seen feeding heavily, even during daylight hours. Hunters also report that bucks have begun shedding antlers and sheds are being found.

With open water remaining along Lake Michigan and southern Wisconsin, many waterfowl are still being seen, including Canada geese, goldeneyes, mallards, scaup, common mergansers and even an occasional wood duck.

There will be no Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report between the Christmas and New Years holidays. The next Outdoor Report will be January 5, 2011. Should snow arrive before then, check the Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR) for updates. Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary for December 15, 2011

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After last week’s colder temperatures and snowfall built up the anticipation of ice anglers, snowmobilers and skiers, warmer temperatures and rain this week dampened that excitement considerably. Conservation wardens across the state are reporting that ice conditions have deteriorated considerably. Lakes that had 2 to 3 inches of ice now have areas of open water and ice just an inch or two thick along shorelines. Lakes in the far north are in the best condition, with some near shore areas having a solid 5 to 6 inches of ice, but areas out over deeper water and just a short distance away may only have 2 to 3 inches of ice.

Only far north central Wisconsin has any remaining snow cover, with the most being reported in northern Iron County at about 5 inches. Most areas are reporting only 1 to 3 inches of snow remain.

Prior to the warm-up anglers were reporting fair to good action on early ice for bluegills and some northern pike. Initial walleye success on northern lakes has been generally slow for the tip-up anglers, but a few nicer fish have shown up, including a couple of 25-inch walleye have been reported.

Ice had begun to form on both Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay and on Lake Michigan’s Green Bay, but with warmer temperatures and wind, most of that ice has broken up. Some anglers have returned to open water fishing, with reports of walleye being caught from boats on the Fox River and some good sauger action on the Mississippi River.

Reports were mixed from the statewide antlerless deer hunt, with some areas mostly in the southern part of the state reporting participation and deer registrations were up, while activity was limited in much of northern Wisconsin. Bow hunters are now taking advantage of this recent mild weather to spend more time on tree stands.

Large flocks of Canada geese are still being reported across much of the state. The exterior goose season is now closed, but the Mississippi River subzone remains open through Dec. 29. Turkeys are reporting to be forming into their larger winter flocks with as many as 40 to 50 being seen feeding on many agricultural fields in the mild weather.

With the mild weather, some late season hunters are reporting still seeing black bear out and about, and wildlife biologists confirmed a black bear denning up in Sauk County this week, the first time this has been confirmed in quite a few years.

There has been an abundance of divers ducks, especially golden-eyes and mallards, stil being seen because of the open water. Large numbers of migrating waterfowl has been seen along the shores of Green Bay, including one report of an estimated 12,000 mergansers.

And for people looking for last minute holiday gifts for the outdoors lovers on their lists, 2012 Wisconsin State Park admission stickers and State Trail passes are on sale now at all state park and forest offices and DNR Service Centers.

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