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| Snow Cat (Photo credit: clickclique) |
After running hot and cold for weeks, teasing and taunting Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts in the process, weather conditions are now prime for winter activities. Ski, snowmobile and ATV trails are increasingly open. Inches have been added to many state waters, and ice anglers are out, but always keep in mind ice conditions vary and are subject to change.
So, when going out, especially on the ice, think safety first. Ice should be at least 4 inches thick before walking out onto it, 5 inches if taking a snowmobile, ATV or other vehicle.
Wear proper clothing and equipment – dress in layers including wool hats, mittens and waterproof boots. Include a float coat to help you stay afloat and slow body heat loss should you go into the water.
And don’t go out alone. Go out fishing or spearing with friends, take a cell phone with you, and make sure someone knows where you are and when you expect to return.
For many, the big event of the week is the opening of the 2013 sturgeon spearing season opens Saturday at 6:30 a.m. The season will run for 16 days, or until harvest caps are reached. More information about the upcoming season, including regulations and harvest caps, can be found on the DNR website by doing a keyword search for "sturgeon spearing."
Ice angling success has increased in Marinette County especially crappies on the flowages. Ice depths vary from 12-17 inches of ice pretty much on every lake in Marinette County.
In Milwaukee County anglers have been fishing the harbors at McKinley Marina and South Shore Park, as well as the lagoon at Lakeshore State Park. Success has been mixed for brown trout and steelhead.
In Polk County, anglers have had success catching largemouth bass with tip-ups on smaller lakes.
Snow depths have also improved in many places; for current statewide information on statewide snow conditions, log onto the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). There are still some counties that have snowmobile trails closed, or in poor condition, but many regions report major improvements.
Snowmobile trails in are groomed and in good to excellent condition across the northern tier of counties and through much of central Wisconsin. Trails are good to poor father south.
All of the snow makes for beautiful cross country ski and snowshoe hikes as well. Skiing and snowshoeing opportunities are good at the Northern-Highland, Brule River, Peshtigo River and northern unit Kettle Moraine state forests, and Council Grounds, Potawatomi and Willow River State parks. Eight state park properties are hosting candlelight events this weekend.
Snow has also improved conditions for cottontail and coyote hunting.
Wyalusing State Park bird sightings at park feeders include juncos, chickadees, white-breasted nuthatches, goldfinches, cardinals, blue jays, red-bellied, downy and hairy woodpeckers, and purple finches.
A western Sauk County resident reported seeing a wolf. Eagles are being seen in good numbers at traditional wintering areas along the Mississippi and Lower Wisconsin River and a golden eagle continues to be seen in the skies over Waupaca County. And as one of our earliest breeding species, some great horned owls have likely begun nesting activities in the south.
