Outdoor Report: Celebrating Wisconsin Birds
It's Wisconsin Bird Conservation Week! Coinciding with the peak of spring bird migration, Governor Tony Evers proclaimed the week of May 16-22 as Wisconsin Bird Conservation Week, encouraging Wisconsinites to celebrate birds as natural treasures, respect our shared habitats and reflect on their importance.
This week and every week, birds are a vital part of Wisconsin’s ecosystems. Wisconsin is also vital to birds, providing critical habitat to over 300 species throughout the year.
Join us in recognizing the value of birds to our ecological, economic and emotional wellbeing and take action to help them by:
- Planting native trees and shrubs.
- Making windows bird-safe.
- Buying bird-friendly coffee.
- Contributing sightings to eBird.
Celebrate Endangered Species Day (Today!) And Help Wisconsin Birds: $25 Rebate For Endangered Resources License Plates
We're offering a $25 rebate for new purchases of an Endangered Resources license plate. The rebate is available for the bald eagle plate and the wolf plate during 2021.
Since 1995, sales of Endangered Resources license plates have played a critical role in funding DNR conservation work for more than 400 wildlife species and 300 plant species listed as endangered, threatened or special concern. Wisconsin’s Endangered Resources Program works to identify, protect and manage native plants, animals and Wisconsin’s natural communities from the common to the critically endangered.
Learn more in our news release.
Eagle Tower At Peninsula State Park Now Open
We're excited to announce that the iconic Eagle Tower at Peninsula State Park opened to the public on Wednesday, May 19.
You can now access the legendary landmark both up the tower stairs and through a fully accessible canopy walk. The new tower, located on top of Eagle Bluff, is 60 feet high with the top observation deck sitting 253 feet above the Bay of Green Bay. There are 100 steps to climb to get to the top of the tower, or visitors can enjoy an 850 foot fully-accessible canopy walk to the top. The tower offers panoramic views of the park, surrounding islands, the Upper Michigan shoreline and local communities.
In addition to reopening Eagle Tower, visitors will be in for a treat with new facilities and infrastructure upgrades across the park. More information on the park updates is available on the DNR website here.
Plan Your Wisconsin Park Picnic
Celebrate the golden period of spring in Wisconsin with a picnic in the park. Pack a lunch, grab a blanket, gather your housemates (or a good book) and dine outdoors.
While we can’t offer appetizers or candlelight, you’ll find our natural ambiance is unmatched.
Catch Fish Of A Lifetime During Northern Zone Muskellunge Season May 29-Dec. 31
The 2021 northern zone muskellunge (musky) season kicks off May 29, 2021 and runs through Dec. 31.
Anglers can catch musky on open waters within the northern muskellunge management zone. All regulations and license requirements apply.
Proclaimed the official state fish in 1955, the muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is one of Wisconsin's most unique trophies.
More musky world records have been landed in Wisconsin than anywhere else. The current state and world record is a tremendous 69-pound, 11-ounce musky taken from the Chippewa Flowage.
Anglers should consult the 2021-2022 Hook and Line Fishing Regulations for daily bag and size limits.
Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the GoWild system or from a license vendor. More information on licenses can be found on the DNR’s fishing license webpage.
Learn more about trophy muskellunge waters and the elusive fish by visiting the DNR's musky webpage.