DNR Outdoor Report update, May 22, 2014 - This Memorial Day weekend help avoid spreading invasive species
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Complete DNR Outdoor Report (Reports from conservation wardens, wildlife and fisheries staff and property managers from around the state) This Memorial Day weekend help avoid spreading invasive species: get firewood were you burn it; inspect boats and trailers for aquatic hitchhikers Weather is looking very good for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend and lots of people are expected to head out to finally enjoy some warmer temperatures. Wisconsin State Park System properties are reporting that almost all reservable campsites are filled for the weekend, and that first-comes sites were expected to fill quickly. People looking for last-minute camping opportunities can check the campground availability for the rustic campgrounds at the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest. People heading to campgrounds are being reminded to get firewood where they plan to use it to help keep pests like emerald ash borer, gypsy moth, oak wilt and others from spreading around the state. State-certified firewood is the only wood allowed on state properties from out of state or from more than 25 miles away this Memorial Day weekend. Ice is finally out of inland lakes, though there are still some reports of ice flows on Lake Superior. Daily walleye bag limits will increase May 23 on 447 lakesin northern Wisconsin in time for the long Memorial Day weekend. The bag limits are adjusted to reflect actual tribal spearing harvests. Anglers should consult the 2014-2015 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations, signs at boat landings, and the 2014-2015 Revised Ceded Territory Walleye Bag Limits [PDF] for lake-specific information. Anglers fishing at the mouth of the Menominee River caught good numbers of walleye. Walleye fishing was also very good on Green bay in the Little Suamico area and anglers had great success fishing for white bass in the Fox River. Lake Michigan trollers were catching good numbers of coho, and occasional rainbow trout and chinook off Racine and Kenosha, and shore anglers continued to have luck with brown trout at Milwaukee. With many people putting boats on the water for Memorial Day Weekend they are being reminded about aquatic invasive species laws. Clean all visible aquatic weeds from boats and trailers and drain live wells and bilges prior to leaving the landing. We are nearing the peak of white-tail deer fawns being born, and already some well-intentioned but misguided people have brought in fawns they thought were abandoned to DNR offices. Does intentionally leave their fawns alone for protection and return to take feed and take care of them - they are not abandoned. Please, help keep wildlife wild. Peak bird migration for most migratory birds has now passed in the south Wisconsin, but not without first providing great numbers and views of warblers, thrushes, vireos, tanagers, and other highly-sought Neotropical migratory songbirds, which are now moving through central and northern Wisconsin. Short-distance migrants and resident birds like chickadees, cranes, herons, robins, and blackbirds should be well into their nesting attempts across much of the state. Backyard feeders have been exceptionally active this year due to below-average natural foods caused by the later spring. Orioles, rose-breasted grosbeaks, scarlet tanagers, American goldfinches, indigo buntings, purple finches, blue jays, ruby-throated hummingbirds and other species have provided an amazing array of colors. Blooming wildflowers include anemone, bloodroot, hepatica, Dutchman's breeches, trout lily, spring beauty, marsh marigold, violet, woodland phlox and trillium, and morels were being reported in much higher numbers than in the past few weeks. Archived under: Previous Outdoor Reports DNR Outdoor Report in Portable Document Format (Requires Adobe® Acrobat® Reader®) DNR Outdoor Report in Rich Text Format Upcoming Events at DNR Parks, Forests and Trails Outdoor Report editors: |