1-22-14 Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for January 22, 2014
Complete DNR Outdoor Report (Reports from conservation wardens, wildlife and fisheries staff and property managers from around the state)
Brief reprieve from frigid temperatures brought people out in droves last weekend to enjoy winter recreation
A brief reprieve last weekend from this winter's frigid temperatures brought people out in droves to enjoy winter recreation in Wisconsin, but that ended abruptly again this week with temperatures diving back down into the sub-zero range at night and only a bit above zero during the day. The cold temperatures are forecast to moderate a little again later this week and weekend, before dropping again next week, possible to the coldest temperatures of the season so far.
Snowmobile trails are open and in good to excellent condition across about the northern two-thirds of the state according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism's Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Trails are open in a few southern counties, but with a marginal base of just 2 to 3 inches, which is not sufficient for grooming. Northern trails received heavy use last weekend, but thanks to additional snowfalls in the last week, they are being groomed and are in some of the best conditions of the year.
Cross-country ski trails across the north are also in good to excellent condition, and many are being regularly groomed. Trails are also open in many southern locations. Trails groomed for skate skiing are generally hard and firm thanks to the cold temperatures and in better condition than some of the classic trails which are getting somewhat shallow in areas and worn from use.
There are six candlelight ski, snowshoe or hike events scheduled for this weekend at Wisconsin State Park and Forest properties, although one scheduled for Saturday night at Lake Wissota State Park near Chippewa Falls has been cancelled due to the forecast for sub-zero temperatures and wind chills. People should call ahead to confirm events will be held as planned this weekend, or search the DNR website for keyword "candlelight."
The break in temperatures last weekend also brought out good numbers of ice anglers, especially in the Northwoods and on Green Bay, but again this week many areas reported ice fishing was in the mid-winter doldrums and those who were successful were having to move around in search of fish. Slush has now formed under the snow of many northern lakes making that moving around much more difficult. The good weather brought out many Green Bay anglersThursday, Friday, and Sunday, with anglers fishing off of the Door County shore having more success with whitefish this week. Anglers also continued to have luck with brown and rainbow trout at southern Lake Michigan harbors.
The nearly full moon and clear skies last week had great horned owls hooting it up. They are very close to mating and egg laying and males are patrolling their territories keeping other male owls out and letting the females know they are alive and well. Wild canines, such as fox, coyotes, and wolves are pairing off in preparation for the breeding season. They are moving noticeably more and marking and yipping in the early evening. Mating begins in earnest in February, and January is all about setting up territories.
Winter songbirds such as juncos and chickadees are frequenting feeders, and courtship and mating activity for mallards and other ducks is ongoing in open water areas where ducks are found, primarily the Lake Michigan shoreline and open streams below dams.
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Upcoming Events at DNR Parks, Forests and Trails
Outdoor Report editors:
Paul Holtan, DNR Office of Communications, Madison
608-267-7517 or paul.holtan@wisconsin.gov
Nolan Pickar, DNR Communications Specialist, Madison
608-535-2925 or Nolan.Pickar@Wisconsin.gov