DNR Outdoor Report update, December 12, 2013 - Cross-country ski trails and a few snowmobile trails open in the Northwoods
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Outdoor Report summary for December 12, 2013
Complete DNR Outdoor Report (Reports from conservation wardens, wildlife and fisheries staff and property managers from around the state)
Cross-country ski trails and a few snowmobile trails open in the Northwoods
Some very cold and windy weather has limited outdoor activities in Wisconsin in the last week, but that could change with warmer weather forecast for the weekend. Sub zero temperatures at night have continued to improve ice conditions on lakes across the state. Some Northwoods lakes have as much as 10 inches of ice already, while others have just 5 to 6 inches. Most southern lakes, except for the largest, are also frozen over. Lake Monona in Madison froze over Dec. 10 this year, compared to Dec. 31 last year. Lake Mendota still has open water.
The cold temperatures kept the early-season ice fishing pressure down. There have been a few walleye anglers out in the north and they have been having fair success on tip-ups. In the south anglers were having some success with bluegill and crappie on frozen lakes and backwaters of the Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers.
Snow depths range from a high of 12 to 18 inches in Douglas County in far northwestern Wisconsin to a low of just 1 to 2 inches in some central Wisconsin counties. South Wisconsin snow depths range from 2 to 6 inches. The deep snow in the north has allowed crews to groom and track cross-country ski trails at the Northern Highland-American Legion, Brule River and Flambeau River state forests with conditions reported from good to excellent. Some snowmobile trails are open in Iron and Douglas counties, but not all sections, according to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Snowmobile trails in the Flambeau River State Forest are scheduled to open Sunday Dec. 15.
All people venturing out should be aware that there is a statewide antlerless deer hunt opening Dec. 12 and running through Sunday, Dec. 15. Hunters must have a valid antlerless tag for the unit in which they are hunting, and all hunters, except waterfowl hunters, must wear blaze orange clothing. Recreational safety specialists urge everyone who will be out enjoying the snow this weekend to wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing. Hunters, hikers and snowshoers are reminded that trails on forest and park properties that have been groomed for cross-country skiing are only open to skiers.
The last of the pheasant stocking is wrapping up this week on state wildlife areas but with cold temperatures limiting hunting activity there should still be plenty of birds around. Ice-up has pushed most ducks out and resulted in large concentrations of Canada Geese on larger lakes and rivers across the south. The goose season closes on Dec. 12 in the north zone and Dec. 21 in the south zone.
There have already been some reports around the state of people finding shed antlers, which is very early as bucks don’t usually shed antlers until late January and February.
Snowy owls are again showing up, with more than 60 individuals found in Wisconsin as part of a large irruption of the birds occurring across the eastern U.S. The Christmas Bird Count season begins Dec. 14 and offers casual and avid birders alike a great opportunity to get outdoors, see some great birds and contribute data to conservation. People can find out more on the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology website.
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Outdoor Report editors:
Paul Holtan, DNR Office of Communications, Madison
608-267-7517 or paul.holtan@wisconsin.gov
Nolan Pickar, DNR Communications Specialist, Madison
608-261-0751