Midwest Deer Hunting: Mississippi

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Friday, October 11, 2013

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report

Horseshoe Island in Door County, Wisconsin fro...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Fall color now peaking in central Wisconsin

Fall colors (exit DNR) are now peaking in central Wisconsin, and while colors are reported as past peak in north central Wisconsin, they are still at peak in the northeast and northwest. Heavy rains in the last week brought down a lot of leaves across much of the state, but especially in the north.

The rain and fog did put a damper on last weekend’s youth deer hunt, but there were still many reports of successful young hunters. And the leaf drop should be aiding archery deer hunters as well as grouse, partridge and woodcock hunters.

With unseasonably warm temperatures recently, the waterfowl migration has been slow but this past week did see a major flight of northern ducks into the state, including many redheads, scaup, common goldeneye, buffleheads and an initial wave of canvasbacks. Canada goose numbers are slowly picking up with increased numbers at Horicon and Theresa wildlife areas.

The southern zone duck season reopens this Saturday, and with the federal government shutdown, DNR officials have been receiving many inquiries on what areas are open for hunting. While the Horicon and Mississippi national wildlife refuges are closed, the Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area and all state, county and local access points on the Mississippi River and the waters of the Mississippi and all state and local public lands remain open. Additionally, while campground and facilities within the Chequamegon and Nicolet national forests are closed, the forest lands themselves are open.

The rain coupled with some strong winds made for tough fishing conditions in the Northwoods. Musky anglers continue to provide the most fishing pressure and success has continued to be generally good, with most anglers having now switched from artificial baits to live suckers. Walleye haven't settled into a solid fall pattern yet, but there has been a surge in crappie action.

The rain did draw more trout and salmon up Lake Michigan tributaries, with fish reported in the Oconto, Ahnapee, Kewaunee, East and West Twin, Sheboygan and Root rivers. Salmon were also being reported all over Door County with every major marina having some fish inside. Perch fishing has also been good along the bay side of Door County.

The Root River Steelhead Facility had more success this week and has now processed more than 375 fish. The facility will be hosting an open house this Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with guided tours, fish spawning demonstrations, fly casting lessons, knot and fly-tying, and tips for cooking fish.

The Gov. Tommy G. Thompson State Fish Hatchery in Spooner continues its harvest of walleye for stocking in state waters. The hatchery has more than quadrupled production of larger walleye fingerlings under the Wisconsin Walleye Initiative, which aims to stock more larger walleye by expanding production at state hatcheries and at private, tribal and municipal hatcheries.

Lots of other events are also taking place this weekend with the 9th Annual Harvest Moon Festival at the Capital Springs State Recreation Area near Madison on Friday, and on Saturday, Smokey Bear’s Spook-tacular candlelight hike at Peninsula State Park in Door County, and a candlelight hike and astronomy program at Governor Dodge State Park in Iowa County. For a listing search the DNR website for “Get Outdoors.”

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for June 14, 2012

The Wisconsin River delta into the Mississippi River taken at Wyalusing State Park in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin flows from the near right to the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River flows from the right to the left. Iowa is visible in the distance on the other side of the Mississippi River. Prairie du Chien is just out of view to the right. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Areas of Wisconsin have received some scattered showers in the last week, but many areas of the state are quite dry, with very little rain reported so far in the month of June. Water levels on lakes and rivers are mostly dropping, with the exception of the Mississippi River, which is still running 3 to 4 feet higher than normal at Prairie du Chien because of heavy rains in northern Minnesota. The lower Wisconsin River is running very low, with numerous sandbars making navigation difficult on some stretches.

Windy and variable weather made for some tough fishing conditions at times this week, though success has continued to be pretty good. Mayfly hatches are subsiding in the north and allowed for a more consistent walleye bite. Musky success continues to be very good, with anglers reporting quite a few catches and some multiple fish days. Panfish have been the highlight of the week, with some good catches of bluegill and pumpkinseed reported. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass action during the northern catch and release season has been very good. Most bass have finished up their spawning activity, and with that, the success on larger fish should begin to improve as the northern bass harvest season opens up on Saturday.

Very good walleye fishing continued to be reported on the east shore Lake Winnebago, but there are still cautions about blue-green algae on Lake Winnebago and on other waters across the state. Exposure to this algae poses a health risk to people and pets. Avoid contact with blue-green scum, and shower or rinse off after swimming in any water body.

High water has slowed Mississippi River fishing, but some good fishing for bass and catfish has been reported in the deeper holes below sandbars and against steep banks on the lower Wisconsin River, while bass and catfish were reported farther north near Wausau.

Along Green Bay, some very good walleye action continues to be reported along both the east and west shores. Smallmouth bass fishing has kicked into high gear along the Door County shoreline, with good catches reported at many locations. Some perch have also finally been reported in some areas. The phenomenal chinook salmon fishing reported out of Lake Michigan harbors has slowed some, but fishing has still been good to very good with coho salmon and brown, rainbow and lake trout now making up more of the bag.

With Father’s Day this Sunday, kids looking for a fun way to get out with dad can download a free Father’s Day Fishing Certificate from the "Fishing Wisconsin" DNR Web page to take dad out for a fun day on the water.

White-tailed deer are wearing their red summer coats and bucks are developing velvet-covered antlers. Black bear breeding season in full swing, and sows have chased off yearling bears, so these young bears are on their own for the first time and they are being sighted at back yard bird feeders. Remove feeders to avoid unwanted black bear encounters.

Snapping turtles are being seen all over right now depositing their eggs in the gravel most often near a roadway that is adjacent to water.

Sandhill crane chicks are growing rapidly and can be viewed feeding with parents in wetlands and agricultural fields. Ruffed grouse broods are being seen in the north. Warblers, tanagers, and orioles are beginning to fledge young in the south.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for June 7, 2012

White-tailed deer fawns are continuing to be seen around Wisconsin in good numbers and many calls came in this week of abandoned fawns. Fawns are rarely abandoned. They are intentionally left alone by their mothers. Fawns have no scent and leaving them hidden alone helps protect them from predators. The doe is nearby but out of sight and returns once or twice a day to care for the fawn. If you see a fawn leave it alone and its mother will take care of it. You do not need to report it as abandoned.

Some of the earliest born fawns have begun to move around with their mothers, and vehicle deer collisions are on the increase. June is second to the fall deer mating season – or rut – for vehicle deer collisions. This is because does chase off last year’s fawns before they give birth this year, and the now young emancipated deer are dispersing on their own. Also roadside ditches are often first to green up with grasses that attract deer. Drivers should be extra alert now for deer along roads and remember that if you see a deer crossing a road, watch for another deer or fawn to be following it.

The Mississippi River at Merrick State Park. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Water levels remain quite high on the St. Croix and Mississippi rivers. The Mississippi is expected to crest today or tomorrow at about 13 feet at Prairie du Chien. High water levels have closed some campgrounds at Merrick State Park. The lower Wisconsin River, however, is running near record lows for this time of year, which means there are abundant sandbars available.

Warm weather has increased water temperatures and caused some blooms of blue-green algae on Lake Winnebago and Dane County’s Lake Kegonsa. Blue-green algae is not only unsightly and smelly, but sometimes produces toxins. People should avoid swimming, wading, skiing or coming into contact with the water in areas of lakes and ponds where a green to bluish-green scum or mat of algae is present. Also make sure pets do not swim in or drink the water. Pets swimming in water with blue-green algae should be washed off immediately so they don't lick the algae off their fur.

Lake Superior trollers were finding lake trout six plus miles out from the Superior. Excellent salmon and trout fishing continues to be reported on Lake Michigan. Chinook continue to make up most of the bag, but also fair numbers of coho along with rainbow, brown and the occasional lake trout. Fishing was reported good to excellent out of almost all harbors. Walleye fishing remains good along both the east and west shores of Green Bay. Walleye fishing was also good along the east shore of Lake Winnebago.

Inland, bluegills were still being reported as spawning on some waters but have finished up on others and were moving out into deeper water. Bass spawning is now nearing its peak. Musky fishing continues to be good in the north, with some 40-inch plus fish reported.

Turtle nesting appears to be approaching its peak and turtles were being seen crossing roads in large numbers this week. Again, if it can be done safely, please move turtles off roads in the direction that they were headed to help protect turtle populations.

Along with fawns, bear cubs, fox kits, turkey poults, pileated woodpecker chicks and a sandhill crane chicks were seen this week. Hummingbirds are being seen in good numbers. Karner blue butterflies are in their first flight.

Bunchberries, blackberries and wild strawberries are becoming more numerous, and if there are not any more hard frosts this year, it is shaping up to be a good year for blueberries.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for May 17, 2012

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Baby fawns were being seen in good numbers across Wisconsin this week, and as usual, many people were calling DNR offices to report orphaned fawns. Fawns are rarely abandoned. Does will intentionally leave fawns unattended to prevent leaving scent around their young that can attract predators. Does are generally close by feeding and keeping an eye on their fawns. If you see a fawn in the wild, slowly back away and leave the fawn alone. Do not approach or touch it. Unless you know a doe has been killed, such as in a collision with a vehicle, please do not call DNR offices to report fawns.
Many other wildlife are also giving birth. It appears to be an excellent year for duck and goose production, with many large clutches of both being seen in many areas. Turkey poults have hatched in many areas. First of the year bluebird s are fledging from nest boxes already. Four peregrine falcon chicks hatched this week in a nest box on top of the Madison Gas and Electric Blount Street Generating Station. Trumpeter swans are still sitting on nests, but cygnets should be hatching very soon.

Water levels are very high on the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers after last week’s rain. The Mississippi was as much as 5 feet above normal in some locations. The Wisconsin was out of its banks in many locations, but was starting to drop. The North and South Forks of the Flambeau River were both high and offering excellent whitewater paddling conditions this week.
With the warmer weather in the last week, fishing picked up in many locations and some very good catches were being reported in a number of areas. Walleye bag limits were being reported on Northwoods lakes this week, as well as on the Upper River Lake Winnebago System and along both the west and east shores of Green Bay. Some of the best northern pike fishing in years was also being reported in the north. Crappies have finished spawning on most northern lakes and bluegills and bass were now on their beds. Anglers are reminded that bluegill and bass as they are very vulnerable while sitting on their beds and can be easily overharvested while spawning.
Despite some windy days, conditions were generally better for Lake Michigan trollers to get out on the water and catching good numbers of fish, with limits of chinook not uncommon, along with a mixed bag of coho and rainbow and brown trout. Anglers fishing at harbors and piers have also been catching a few chinook, browns, and rainbows. Along Door County, bass anglers were out in good numbers prefishing for the Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament this weekend.
Despite the rain in the last couple of weeks, warm, dry, and breezy weather this week kept current fire danger between moderate and very high, with 50 wildfires reported in the last week, causing the suspension of burning permits in several counties.
Turtles are crossing roads now from their wetland habitat to upland sand areas to lay eggs. Please watch for turtles crossing roads and if it can be done safely, move the turtle across the road in the direction that it was heading to help prevent it from being hit by a vehicle.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for February 16, 2012

English: Sunset looking west over Lake Winneba...

Image via Wikipedia

The warm-weather, low snow trend continued for another yet week in Wisconsin, continuing to limit outdoor winter recreation. While much of the state did receive some snow in the last week, ranging from a dusting to 3 to 4 inches, that was followed by temperatures that once again approached 50 degrees in the south and the mid 40s in the north.

Snowmobile trails remain open in the northern tier of counties, with the best conditions now being reported in northern Marinette and Florence counties, as well as the Mercer area onthe Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Trails in Vilas, Oneida and Iron counties are in fair to poor condition, as they have received very heavy use and are hard packed and icy in many areas. Trails remain open in a few other areas but are generally in poor condition. Cross-country ski trails were still in fair to good condition on the Northern Highland-American Legion and Brule River state forests.

Poor ice conditions and low water clarity continue to hamper spearers participating in the Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season. Wardens report there were about half as many sturgeon spearing shacks on the ice as a normal year. Spearers on the upriver lakes had better conditions, and that season closed Sunday after spearers reached the harvest cap, with 242 sturgeon registered. As of Wednesday, only a total of 122 sturgeon had been speared on Lake Winnebago, with just 17 fish on Wednesday. Spearers were reportedly moving shacks around a fair amount in search of happier hunting grounds on better ice.

Inland fishing was picking up somewhat, with anglers fishing open water below dams on the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers for walleye. Ice conditions continued to be poor on some southern lakes, with three vehicles going through the ice on Beaver Dam Lake in the last 10 days. With the mild temperatures, good numbers of ice anglers have been out on northern lakes, which still have a foot to 17 inches of ice. Reports were mixed, with some anglers having to move around a lot to find decent panfish, but some other areas reporting action picking up for walleyes and northern pike on tip-ups.

The fresh snow improved tracking conditions for coyote and fox hunters early in the week, but that tracking snow was short-lived. The mild winter has made it easy for many wildlife species. Turkeys are able to scratch to find food, deer are spread out because of simple travel, and birds can forge comfortably. There are still seeing a handful of white-tailed bucks holding their antlers, but most should have shed them by now.

However, the creatures under the ice have been struggling. Receding water levels and poor ice conditions have caused muskrats to seek better habitat in deeper water. Past similar conditions have proven to be harder on reptiles and amphibians. With the spring approaching, birds have begun to show mating behavior such as pheasants crowing, turkeys strutting, and geese and trumpeter swan pairs claiming nesting territory. Eagles are still being seen below dams on the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers, but more are now moving onto nesting territories and can be seen carrying sticks and grass to rebuild nests

Monday, December 19, 2011

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary for December 15, 2011

Image via Wikipedia

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.

Monday, October 3, 2011

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report Correction

The Blue-winged Teal is the commonest of the m...

Image via Wikipedia

The following information has been corrected in the September 29, 2011 Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary:

The waterfowl season opened last weekend in the northern and new Mississippi River zones and the duck season will open at 9 a.m. this Saturday in the southern zone. CORRECTION: Shooting hours do not begin until 9 a.m. only in the southern zone. The North and Mississippi River zones are already open and don't have the 9 a.m. restriction (they had it last week). Hunters are reporting conditions were good for the northern opener and they were seeing good wood duck and mallard numbers. Waterfowl are scattered due to good water levels, so ducks aren't nearly as concentrated as they have been in past years. Migrant Canada goose numbers are slowly building up, with some geese concentrated around Theresa Marsh, Horicon Marsh and other large wetland complexes, but most geese are spread out and hunters will need to do some scouting to figure out where the birds are feeding. Mississippi River water levels are below 8 feet in many areas resulting in large shoreline areas and mud flats. Waterfowl hunters in the new Mississippi zone commented on the large areas of "unforgiving mud" opening weekend. Wood ducks were prevalent with occasional flocks of blue winged teal and a few mallards.

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report Summary for September 29, 2011

Image via Wikipedia

Fall colors are coming on fast in northern Wisconsin, with several areas reporting colors are approaching peak. The Department of Tourism Fall Color Report (exit DNR). has most of central and even much of southern Wisconsin at near 50 percent color, with peak still two to four weeks off.

The entire state received rain in the last week, with some areas reporting 2 to 3 inches. Strong winds are in the forecast this week, with wind advisories for possible gusts up to 40 miles per hour. The rain and winds could bring down a lot of leaves.

The waterfowl season opened last weekend in the northern and new Mississippi River zones and the duck season will open at 9 a.m. this Saturday in the southern zone. Hunters are reminded that shooting hours do not begin until 9 a.m. in all zones this Saturday. Hunters are reporting conditions were good for the northern opener and they were seeing good wood duck and mallard numbers. Waterfowl are scattered due to good water levels, so ducks aren't nearly as concentrated as they have been in past years. Migrant Canada goose numbers are slowly building up, with some geese concentrated around Theresa Marsh, Horicon Marsh and other large wetland complexes, but most geese are spread out and hunters will need to do some scouting to figure out where the birds are feeding. Mississippi River water levels are below 8 feet in many areas resulting in large shoreline areas and mud flats. Waterfowl hunters in the new Mississippi zone commented on the large areas of "unforgiving mud" opening weekend. Wood ducks were prevalent with occasional flocks of blue winged teal and a few mallards.

Although the white-tailed deer rut, or mating season, is still about a month off, archery hunters are reporting they are already finding some scrapes made by bucks as they stake out territory. One registration station in central Wisconsin reported most bucks registered the first week were still in velvet, but that this week most bucks have polished antlers.

Cooler and windy weather along with hunting activity continued to suppress fishing activity, though some anglers continue to venture out. Bluegill action slowed some on the Mississippi River, but largemouth and small mouth bass fishing has been good to excellent in along with an occasional walleye being caught. Water temperatures are dropping and this transition is helping anglers catch walleyes and sturgeon on the Wisconsin River. Inland trout fishing has been good the last week of the season in both Coulee region streams and in central Wisconsin, where brown trout action has been strong. The inland season closes this Friday, Sept. 30.

Recent rains giving the trout and salmon some much needed help making their way up Lake Michigan tributaries. Chinook and brown trout were being reported up the Manitowoc, East and West Twin, Kewaunee and Sheboygan rivers, and fish were just beginning to move up the southeastern tributaries, with a few reported up Sauk Creek, and the Milwaukee and Root rivers. Strong winds have kept many trollers off the lake, but pier and shore anglers reported some good chinook and brown trout action at many harbors.

Now is the time to start looking for gypsy moth egg masses, which can help predict the pest’s population size and potential damage to trees next year. The yellowish egg masses can be found on tree trunks and the undersides of branches, but they can also be found on buildings, picnic tables, and other outdoor objects. People who find egg masses on their property can spray them with horticultural oil labeled for gypsy moth to help prevent them from hatching next spring.

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