Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for August 14, 2014
Complete DNR Outdoor Report (Reports from conservation wardens, wildlife and fisheries staff and property managers from around the state)
As Labor Day approaches, signs of fall showing up in trees turning color, first of the hunting seasons beginning
Labor Day weekend traditionally signals the end of the summer season and signs of fall are beginning to appear with some trees in the north already beginning to change color.
State parks are reporting most reservable campsites have been booked for the holiday weekend. People looking for last minute camping opportunities can check the availability of non-reservable sites in the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. Campers in state parks are reminded they may only bring in certified firewood processed to be free of harmful pests and diseases or wood obtained from within 10 miles of state properties. Maps and more information is available by searching the DNR website for "firewood." Sandbars are still available on the lower Wisconsin River but recent rains have raised water levels above the Prairie du Sac dam and many sandbars are under water.
Boaters will be out in high numbers over the holiday weekend and conservation wardens will be on duty checking for adequate life jackets, impaired operators and a special unit will be working with to help stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.
The first of the fall hunting seasons are also around the corner. The early Canada goose and mourning dove seasons kickoff Monday Sept. 1 as does a new experimental early teal-only duck hunting season that will run from Sept. 1-7.
Fishing activity in the north has been variable. Musky have still been the focus for many anglers in the area and action was inconsistent with the changing weather. Walleye success has remained fair, with many anglers still making decent catches and panfish activity has continued to be fair as well, with some catches of crappie, perch and bluegill.
Some very good musky action was reported on Green Bay this week with anglers catching multiple fish with the largest coming in at 55 inches. Perch and walleye action was also good along both west and east shores. On Lake Michigan action picked up with trollers getting some of the best catches of the summer with many boats getting limits out of Sheboygan, Port Washington and Milwaukee.
Recent rains have caused river and wetland water levels to rise significantly while also refreshing muddy farm fields flooded in the wet spring. This is providing good shorebird and waterfowl migratory habitat.
Bird migration is in full swing with recent cold fronts bringing our first good waves of warblers, orioles, hummingbirds and tanagers. Common nighthawks have been seen darting overhead at dusk this week. This should continue over the next one to two weeks so keep an eye to the sky for these acrobatic birds as daylight wanes.
The last of the blueberry crop is beginning to wane in the north, but decent numbers are still available to pick. Many of the prairie plants are done blooming except the late ones such as goldenrods and asters and the grasses are fully mature. Bugs are starting to decrease and it's a great time to explore parks and trails.
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Outdoor Report editors:
Paul Holtan, DNR Office of Communications, Madison
608-267-7517 or paul.holtan@wisconsin.gov