JustNorth Outdoors: Wisconsin News

Washington Reacts to Barack Obama and John McCain Fishing Challenge

justnorth — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:26:00 GMT

In campaign news today, Washington is reeling as the news of the unprecedented Trout Whisperer fishing challenge to Barack Obama and John McCain spreads across the country. Watch closely, at the end of this video, to see the abuse that our worthy Fishing Party candidate, Trout Whisperer, must take...

Minnesota Trout Whisperer Runs For President

justnorth — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:29:00 GMT

According to campaign manager, Buck Anderson, Minnesota based JustNorth.com endorsed Presidential candidate, Trout Whisperer (Karl Seckinger from Two Harbors, Minnesota), has thrown his fly rod into the Presidential ring and has lashed out, with fishing knots, against Barack Obama and John McCain...

Barack Obama and John McCain Challenged to Fishing Contest by Minnesota Man

justnorth — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:14:00 GMT

Minnesota based JustNorth.com endorsed presidential candidate, Trout Whisperer, challenges Barack Obama and John McCain to Fishing Contest...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - May 2008

justnorth — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:40:00 GMT

The weather did not cooperate Saturday morning of the opening of Wisconsin 2008 game fishing season. Cold conditions statewide with some rain in the south and even some snow in the north put a bit of a damper on fishing. However, conditions improved in the afternoon and on Sunday, and many anglers reported success. Most lakes across the state were free of ice, but some of the larger, deeper lakes in far northern Wisconsin were still ice covered...

Turtle tagging clinic offered

justnorth — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:38:00 GMT

People interested in the status and biology of different types of turtles in Wisconsin can sign up to assist wildlife biologists as they conduct research surveys for nesting female turtles at the Department of Natural Resources Sandhill Wildlife Area...

Grants available for forest and wildland fire suppression

justnorth — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:37:00 GMT

Natural gas pipeline project may result in incidental take of rare birds

justnorth — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:35:00 GMT

The construction of a natural gas pipeline in Sheboygan County may result in the “incidental taking” of three types of birds that are listed as state threatened species, under an authorization the state Department of Natural Resources is proposing for the project. Incidental take refers to the unintentional loss of individual endangered or threatened animals or plants that does not put the overall population of the species at risk...

Buying a state trail pass supports great trails in Wisconsin

justnorth — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:33:00 GMT

With the approaching Memorial Day weekend signaling the unofficial start of summer, many people will be tuning up their bicycles, getting out their rollerblades and oiling their saddles in preparation for heading out to one of Wisconsin’s many state trails...

Now’s the time to test private well water

justnorth — Thu, 15 May 2008 01:30:00 GMT

Now is a good time for the nearly 1 million Wisconsin households that get their drinking water from private wells to test the water’s safety, and a new video shows people how to do that to get accurate test results...

Wisconsin Statwide Birding Report April 2008

justnorth — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:23:00 GMT

Great horned owl, raven, and eagle chicks are being reported in some nests...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report April 2008

justnorth — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:22:00 GMT

Winter continued to rear its head late last week in northern Wisconsin, with some areas of northern Ashland, Iron and Vilas counties receiving nearly a foot of heavy, wet snow. Warm temperatures this week melted most of the snow that fell...

Sponsors sought for Wisconsin disabled hunter deer hunts this fall

justnorth — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:19:00 GMT

Landowners interested in sponsoring a gun deer hunt this fall for hunters with disabilities have until June 1 to enroll their property in the Deer Hunts for Persons with Disabilities Program...

Barbless rules in effect for catch-and-release Wisconsin bass seasons

justnorth — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:18:00 GMT

Anglers gearing up for the May 3 opener of catch-and-release bass fishing season in the northern zone and on other waters with bass catch-and-release seasons should note a regulation change...

Walleye bag limits adjusted for Ceded Territory lakes

justnorth — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:17:00 GMT

Daily walleye bag limits have been revised on 412 lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory in response to harvest declarations made by six bands of Chippewa in Wisconsin, the state Department of Natural Resources has announced. These bag limits are effective between May 3, 2008 and March 1, 2009, inclusive...

Town of Ettrick claims two state fish records for 2007

justnorth — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:15:00 GMT

Anglers in 2007 continued their record setting ways, with Ettrick, population 1,879, grabbing more than its fair share as two anglers from the town set new records for fish caught with a bow and arrow...

Wisconsin Record sauger caught

justnorth — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:02:00 GMT

It didn’t take long for the first state record fish to fall in 2008...

Record breaking Wisconsin harvest of Lake Michigan chinook salmon

justnorth — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:00:00 GMT

Chinook, or king salmon, once again reigned in Lake Michigan’s waters, with anglers reeling in a record-breaking harvest of 431,000 salmon in 2007, according to angler (creel) surveys...

New Trout Whisperer Outdoor Adventure CD Now Available on Justnorth

Buck — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 22:35:00 GMT

We are very pleased to be a part of the release of the new audio CD by Trout Whisperer. I have read his many articles, but did not realize the intensity, mystique, and quality of his storytelling until I heard him speak...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - March 20 2008

justnorth — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:03:00 GMT

Spring officially begins today, and while signs of spring have been showing up in greater numbers across central and southern Wisconsin, winter was holding on in the north, with some areas receiving as much as 6 inches of new snow in the last week. Snow depths of up to two feet were still being reported in Vilas and Iron counties, and snowmobile trails were still being reported in fair to good conditions. Most state parks are reporting cross-country ski trails were now closed...

Outdoor cooking workshop to feature Dutch oven cooking

justnorth — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:01:00 GMT

Great food makes any experience better, and many outdoors enthusiasts believe that is especially true when the food is prepared and enjoyed in the outdoors...

Tree seedlings still available from state nurseries for planting this spring

justnorth — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Some varieties of tree seedlings are still available from state tree nurseries for Wisconsin landowners who are interested in planting trees on their property this spring...

New information available on TV, plastic bag recycling

justnorth — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:59:00 GMT

A federally mandated transition from traditional, analog broadcasts to all-digital broadcasts is likely to result in many households replacing their current televisions with new digital TVs. State environmental officials are offering information on how people can recycle their electronic equipment in Wisconsin to avoid putting heavy metals in landfills and to recycle and reuse valuable metals...

Endangered Resources Tax Checkoff celebrates 25 years of conservation successes

justnorth — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:56:00 GMT

It has been 25 years since the loon silhouette first appeared on Wisconsin income tax forms and for a quarter of a century these donations have helped to protect more than 200 endangered and threatened animals and plants in our state including bald eagles, grey wolves and prairie white-fringed orchids...

DNR urges caution on late season ice

justnorth — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 03:55:00 GMT

Outdoor enthusiasts are being cautioned that as warmer temperatures and spring showers move in, Wisconsin’s winter ice cover on lakes is beginning to move out. Lake ice that supported vehicles, fishing shelters and snowmobiles now is no longer trustworthy...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of March 6 2008

justnorth — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:30:00 GMT

Snow continues to blanket most of Wisconsin, but additional snowfall in the last week has been limited and conditions in southeast and west central parts of the state have deteriorated, with some locations reporting a couple of inches or less of snow. However, snow depths continue to range from one to two feet in many locations. Snowmobile trails are now...

Wisconsin Volunteers Needed for Sturgeon Guard

justnorth — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:28:00 GMT

OSHKOSH, Wis. -- Each Spring, hundreds of volunteers guard sturgeon at their spawning sites on the Wolf River to protect the fish from poaching. This rich tradition and partnership with the public is directed by Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement staff and funded, in part, by Sturgeon for Tomorrow, a local sturgeon conservation organization...

Wisconsin wildlife adapted to surviving cold, snowy winters

justnorth — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:25:00 GMT

Despite record breaking snowfalls in southern Wisconsin and cold temperatures statewide, hunters and residents should not be alarmed about this winter’s impacts on wildlife, according to state wildlife officials...

A primer on steelhead fishing for the novice angler

justnorth — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 04:23:00 GMT

Fishing for steelhead can be one of the most exciting of Wisconsin’s many angling opportunities -- and some the best time for steelhead fishing is coming soon to Lake Michigan tributary streams...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - 1/26/2008

justnorth — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:27:00 GMT

Anywhere from several inches to more than a foot of snow fell across Wisconsin in the last week, and snow depths now range from a low of 4 to 5 inches areas of southeaster, central and far northwestern Wisconsin, to more than 2 feet in far north central Wisconsin. Snowmobile trails were currently...

Monitoring finds area covered by endangered butterfly conservation plan can be reduced

justnorth — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:17:00 GMT

The amount of land that needs to be managed to protect habitat for the Karner blue butterfly – a species listed as endangered federally, but that has one of its largest concentrations in Wisconsin – could be substantially reduced without harming conservation efforts for the species, according to state and federal officials...

Wisconsin State parks, forests offer variety of winter camping options

justnorth — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:15:00 GMT

Having a state park campground nearly to oneself may sound like a dream to someone accustomed to visiting their favorite park on a summer weekend, but for those hearty enough to try their hand at winter camping, park officials say, it is more the norm...

Winnebago sturgeon spearers look forward to a good season

justnorth — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:12:00 GMT

Sturgeon spearers are hoping the ice cover created on the Winnebago pool lakes by December’s cold weather will hold and provide good travel conditions for the Feb. 9 opening day for the two spearing seasons, the Lake Winnebago and the Upriver Lakes seasons...

Winter Trout Fishing in Minnesota - The 2008 Trout About Video

justnorth — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 10:19:00 GMT

The Justnorth.com crew joined the Trout Whisperer in the Superior National Forest of Minnesota for the opening of Winter trout fishing. Commonly known as a 'Trout About'...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - January 1 2008

justnorth — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:16:00 GMT

Although Wisconsin only received minimal snowfall in the last week, colder temperatures and the wet, heavy condition of the snow that fell in the first snowstorm have allowed snow cover to hold up very well through this week....

Wisconsin Timber wolf tracking & ecology and winter mammal tracking clinics offered

justnorth — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:13:00 GMT

People interested in learning how to track wolves as well as learn about wolf ecology or how to read the tracks and other signs mammals leave in winter can sign up for two upcoming workshops at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center near Babcock...

Wisconsin Invasive species classification proposed to help prevent spread of troublesome invaders

justnorth — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:12:00 GMT

A proposal to slow the spread of invasive species into Wisconsin by restricting the sale, planting or release of the most troublesome invaders is the topic of public informational meetings statewide in January...

Candlelight skis and hikes start Jan. 5 at Wisconsin State Parks

justnorth — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:10:00 GMT

Following several low snow years where state park and forest “candlelight skis” became candlelight hikes or were cancelled, early winter conditions hold promise that hundreds if not thousands of people should be able to enjoy skiing by candlelight at parks and forests this winter...

Wisconsin snowmobile season begins as many counties open trails

justnorth — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:08:00 GMT

With Wisconsin receiving some of the best early snowfalls that it has in years, especially in the southern portion of the state, many snowmobilers are tuning up their sleds and preparing to hit the trails. New 55-mile-per-hour nighttime speed limit in place statewide...

Wisconsin DNR turns 40 in 2008; first integrated resource management agency in Nation

justnorth — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 02:07:00 GMT

Forty years ago, bipartisan legislation created the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources from a storied state fish and game department and what had been, until a few years previously, a collection of regulatory agencies perceived by some as toothless and duplicative...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - December 8 2007

justnorth — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 08:01:00 GMT

Cold temps and snow throughout the state have pushed many of the late migrant waterfowl and other birds out of the state. Birders have reported increased activity at bird feeders with the additional ice-covered snow...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of December 8, 2007

justnorth — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 07:59:00 GMT

Wisconsin was blanketed by two snow storms in the last week that left anywhere from six inches to more than a foot of snow on the ground, enticing many winter recreational enthusiasts outdoors. Many state parks and forests have begun grooming cross-country ski trails...

Wisconsin Waste Reduction and Demonstration Grants awarded

justnorth — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:38:00 GMT

Three businesses, a county solid waste department and a nonprofit agency will get grants totaling $500,000 to conduct pilot projects in waste reduction, reuse and recycling, Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank has announced...

Onshore treatment of ship ballast water feasible, study concludes

justnorth — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:37:00 GMT

Onshore treatment of ballast water discharged from international ships arriving in Great Lakes ports is an economically and environmentally feasible option to eliminate the pathway by which dozens of invasive species have arrived in the Great Lakes, according to a recently released study...

December Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine features bald eagle recovery

justnorth — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:36:00 GMT

The December issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine is arriving in mailboxes this week – the first holiday present of the season that delivers all year long. The December issue includes articles like...

Wisconsin 2008 state park admission stickers on sale

justnorth — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:33:00 GMT

Admission stickers are holiday gifts that give all year long...

Tips to help turn your white Christmas green

justnorth — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:32:00 GMT

People looking for ideas on how they can help the environment and save some money this holiday season can find tips on reducing holiday waste, including an innovative way to reuse colorful wrapping paper, on the Department of Natural Resources Web site...

Make sure ice is safe before venturing out fishing

justnorth — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:31:00 GMT

As ice thickens on Wisconsin waterways, anglers are preparing to venture out and take part in one of Wisconsin’s most participated winter activities – ice fishing. Knowing when it is safe to venture out onto the ice, how to travel on ice, and what to do should the ice break are as important as the rudiments of fishing itself...

Wisconsin ice fishing season begins as northern lakes start to freeze up

justnorth — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 01:30:00 GMT

Ice fishing season has started for many northern Wisconsin anglers and is spurring their southern counterparts to ensure their tip-ups are in tip-top condition...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - November 16 2007

justnorth — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:58:00 GMT

Wisconsin’s annual nine-day regular gun deer hunting season opens this Saturday, Nov. 17 and runs through Sunday, Nov. 25. It is followed by a muzzleloader only hunt Nov. 26 through Dec. 5 and a statewide antlerless deer only gun hunt Dec. 6-9. License sales are running slightly ahead of this time last year, with nearly 500,000 sold through Tuesday, and sales are expected to increase significantly through the end of the week, so officials expect that as many as 650,000 gun hunters may go afield this year...

Wisconsin DNR increases outreach efforts to Hmong community

justnorth — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:56:00 GMT

An expanded customer service call-in center that now offers Hmong-speaking representatives who can answer questions about hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation rules and activities is one of several initiatives the state Department of Natural Resources has undertaken to increase its outreach efforts to Wisconsin’s Hmong community...

2007 Report on Wisconsin groundwater conditions and protection activities now available

justnorth — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:54:00 GMT

Cleaning up nearly 600 contaminated sites, implementing a law to protect groundwater quantity, and increasing efforts to better understand and address groundwater contamination from manure are among the advances Wisconsin made in 2007 in protecting groundwater, according to a recently released report to the Wisconsin Legislature...

A chronology of Wisconsin deer hunting from closed seasons to antlerless permits

justnorth — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:52:00 GMT

Wisconsin has a long and storied tradition of regulated gun deer hunting, going back to 1851. There have been many changes over the years, but none more dramatic as those experienced by hunters during the 1990’s and early twenty-first century...

Wisconsin Deer Hunting Season - Top 10 Most Asked Questions

justnorth — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:49:00 GMT

Wisconsin’s deer gun hunt is one of the most exciting times of the year for many residents, but it is important for everyone to follow the rules and regulations for gun deer season so that everyone stays safe in the woods. Here are some answers to the 10 more frequently asked questions...

2007 Wisconsin black bear season harvest

justnorth — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 18:47:00 GMT

Preliminary figures indicate hunters harvested more than 2,570 black bears in Wisconsin during the 2007 bear hunting season. This figure is expected to increase slightly in the next month as remaining registration data is entered and is very close to the 2,650 harvest goal for the 2007 season...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - October 26 2007

justnorth — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:19:00 GMT

A hard frost hit the Northwoods this week, which along with rainy and windy weather conditions statewide have brought down a lot of leaves across the state. Leaf drop is now near complete in the north, with leaves blanketing the forest floor. Although most leaves are off the trees, the tamarack tree is in its full golden glory. The tamarack is the...

Wisconsin Black bear hunting zone designations to change for 2008 season

justnorth — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:17:00 GMT

Bear hunters who are submitting an application for a 2008 Wisconsin Bear Harvest Permit should be aware that Subzone A1 will be renamed Zone D. There will now be four zones, A, B, C and D where hunters may apply for a bear hunting permit. The deadline for submitting a 2008 bear application is Dec. 10, 2007...

Wisconsin early waterfowl results a mixed bag

justnorth — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:15:00 GMT

The opening day of duck season had mixed reports from around the state, which state wildlife biologists say reflect differences in water levels and hunting pressure...

Ginseng harvest illegal on state or federal lands

justnorth — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 12:14:00 GMT

Wisconsin State officials are reminding people interested in harvesting wild ginseng in Wisconsin that ginseng harvest is highly regulated and may only be done under certain conditions...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - October 19 2007

justnorth — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:46:00 GMT

Neotropical migrants have all but left the state after last week's strong cold front, but birders are still reporting a handful of warbler species in southern Wisconsin...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - October 19 2007

justnorth — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:44:00 GMT

The fall hunting seasons move into a higher gear this week, with the opening of a large number of hunting and trapping seasons. There is a gun deer hunting season opening Thursday, Oct. 18, in the herd reduction zone of the chronic wasting disease management area, which encompasses much of south central Wisconsin. That season runs through...

Proposed Mitchell Park trail project will result in incidental take of rare snake

justnorth — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:38:00 GMT

The construction of the Mitchell Park Bike and Walking Trail Project, which includes the Fox Brook Park Connector Trail and the Mitchell Park Scenic Loop Trail, in the City of Brookfield, may result in the incidental take of a rare snake, under an authorization the Department of Natural Resources is proposing for the project...

Nominations sought for statewide Ethical Hunting Award

justnorth — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:37:00 GMT

Hunters and others who observe someone out hunting who does a good deed or sets a positive example for other outdoor uses are being encouraged to nominate the individual for the 11th annual Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources – La Crosse Tribune Ethical Hunter Award...

Wisconsin Volunteers needed to help monitor wolf population in the state

justnorth — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:35:00 GMT

The Wisconsin wolf program is looking for a few good trackers. People interested in volunteering to locate gray wolves and other forest carnivores in the coming year and to help keep count of the elusive animals can learn how to track wolves during a series of upcoming training sessions...

Deer feeding must be stopped for 30 days if site is visited by bear or elk

justnorth — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:34:00 GMT

Wildlife watchers and hunters who feed or bait deer should be aware that new rules took affect Oct. 1 to help protect wildlife, including deer, bear and elk, from infectious disease and reduce risk of automobile-wildlife collisions...

Wisconsin Deer Hunt 2007 set to air on statewide public television Nov 8

justnorth — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:33:00 GMT

Hunters and others interested in the white-tailed deer will want to tune in to Deer Hunt 2007 on public television stations statewide at 8 p.m. on Nov. 8. Familiar deer show and Outdoor Wisconsin television host, Dan Small, will interview new Department of Natural Resources Secretary Matt Frank, along with other experts on deer management, hunting history, traditions and culture...

Wisconsin counties gearing up for next spring’s gypsy moth suppression sprays

justnorth — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:31:00 GMT

Residents in central Wisconsin and in Marinette County who have noticed rapid increases in gypsy moth populations this year and who would like to be considered for spray treatment next spring should be contacting their county or municipal gypsy moth coordinator now, if they have not already...

Plan proposed to reduce cormorant population along Lake Michigan and Green Bay

justnorth — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 01:30:00 GMT

Breeding populations of double-crested cormorants – a once rare colonial nesting water bird that is now common along the Great Lakes and other costal areas – would be reduced by half along Green Bay and Lake Michigan, under a proposed management plan that will be the subject of three upcoming public meetings...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - October 1 2007

host — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:16:00 GMT

The blue-wing teal migration is near peak along the Mississippi River. Green-wings will not peak until well into October. Each passing cold front brings more Canada geese to Horicon Marsh and numbers are growing. The fall population tends to peak around late October. Fall naturalist programs are going on each weekend at the marsh...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - October 1 2007

justnorth — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:13:00 GMT

Fall colors are at or very near peak now in northern Wisconsin, and despite the dry conditions this summer, colors are reported as very vibrant in many areas. There is a hint of fall color in the south, with some sugar maples having patches of bright orange, ash trees turning yellow and staghorn sumac turning a deep scarlet. Check the Wisconsin Department of Tourism Fall Color Report for current updates...

Wisconsin waterfowl hunters cautioned to watch for swans, whooping cranes

justnorth — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:11:00 GMT

Waterfowl hunters currently in the field hunting geese and heading out this month to hunt ducks need to be especially careful in identifying all birds before shooting. With more than 100 pairs of endangered trumpeter swans nesting in Wisconsin this year, state wildlife officials estimating the total population of free-flying swans in the state with close to 600, many of which are immature, so they have a not yet developed their signature white feathers and have a more grayish plumage...

Mystery of catching more trophy muskies in the fall remains unsolved

justnorth — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:08:00 GMT

The jury is still out on whether the adage that fall is the best time to catch trophy muskies is true, but the old saying does carry enough weight to send scores of musky hunters out and about as autumn winds blow in...

Crews collecting fish eggs take steps to prevent spread of deadly Wisconsin fish virus

justnorth — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 04:04:00 GMT

Fall trout and salmon runs up Lake Michigan tributaries are trophy time for anglers and a great time for everyone else to see these big fish up-close at the state egg collection facilities critical to continued fantastic fishing on the big pond...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - September 17 2007

justnorth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:44:00 GMT

Cooler temperatures and northwesterly winds have accelerated bird migrations across the state. The warbler migration is at peak statewide with birders reporting as many as 20 species in a single outing. Water levels at Horicon Marsh are at full pool due to the recent rains. A great variety of ducks are beginning to show up on Horicon Marsh. The first migrant Canada geese commonly return to Horicon around the Sept. 15, with peak numbers building up by late October. ..

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of September 17, 2007

justnorth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:42:00 GMT

A sure sign of autumn’s approach is the opening of several major hunting seasons this weekend, including fall turkey, the early archery deer season, ruffed grouse, cottontail rabbit and squirrel...

Advanced outdoor photography

justnorth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:41:00 GMT

People interested in hands-on tips to improve their outdoor photography skills can attend a two-day course this October at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center near Babcock...

Fall naturalist programs offered at Horicon Marsh

justnorth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:40:00 GMT

The up to 200,000 Canada geese that migrate through Horicon Marsh each fall attract an estimated half a million visitors, but these migratory geese are just one of the attractions that have earned the marsh designation as both a “Wetland of International Importance” and a “Globally Important Bird Area.”

Great Lakes salmon and trout stamp revenue expenditures report available

justnorth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:39:00 GMT

Over the past four years, state fisheries managers have been able to dedicate more than $10 million to maintain and enhance the salmon and trout fisheries in Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and their tributaries with more than half of the funding coming from the stamps anglers purchase to fish the Great Lakes...

Wisconsin hunters should review baiting regulations prior to hunting seasons

justnorth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:37:00 GMT

Deer hunters who hunt over bait should review Wisconsin’s deer baiting and feeding rules prior to deer hunting, according to state wildlife managers and conservation wardens...

Wisconsin Woodcock season opens Sept 22

justnorth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:36:00 GMT

Interest in pursuing the “timberdoodle,” as woodcock is also known, throughout the forests of Wisconsin remains high with more than 19,000 woodcock hunters spending 72,000 days in the field in 2006, according to federal harvest surveys. Wisconsin ranks second in the nation for woodcock harvest at almost 43,000 birds...

Wisconsin Duck season opens Sept. 22 in northern zone

justnorth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:35:00 GMT

Duck hunters will enjoy a full 60-day hunting season in Wisconsin and again have expanded shooting hours when the duck season opens in the Northern Zone on Sept. 22. The season opens at 9 a.m. instead of noon as in previous years...

Wisconsin Gypsy moth populations on the increase

justnorth — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:33:00 GMT

Gypsy moth populations have been increasing to damaging levels in parts of Wisconsin, according to state forestry officials, who stress that this is the best time of year for landowners to determine if trees on their property could be defoliated by this pest next summer, and if so, to determine the best course of action to address the problem...

Flood safety is more than just high water

justnorth — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:41:00 GMT

Record-setting rainfalls have left many parts of the southern half of Wisconsin under water, with flooding, washed-out roads, basements under water, downed electrical lines, and the uncertain safety of drinking water just a few of the hazards faced by people living in the rain-soaked and flooded areas...

Wisconsin Groundwater rules kick in September 1

justnorth — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:38:00 GMT

Rules and recommendations aimed at getting a better handle on how much groundwater is pumped out of Wisconsin aquifers and at assuring trout streams and other high quality waters get the groundwater to sustain aquatic life take effect Sept. 1, 2007...

Wisconsin 2007 fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse seasons open September 15

justnorth — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:35:00 GMT

The 2007 fall wild turkey and ruffed grouse seasons are set to open at the start of shooting hours on September 15. The grouse population continues to climb as it is still on the upward side of this popular game bird’s 10-year population cycle and wildlife officials have increased the number of fall turkey permits to 94,800 from last year’s 90,600 as the wild turkey continues to expand its populations in Wisconsin...

Wisconsin 2007 archery deer season opens September 15

justnorth — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:26:00 GMT

The first of the fall deer hunting seasons is set to open on Sept. 15 with the start of archery deer hunting. The early archery season runs Sept. 15 through Nov. 15 and the late archery season runs Nov. 26 through Jan. 6, 2008. Archery hunting in both Chronic Wasting Disease management zones is open continuously Sept 15 – Jan 6...

Wisconsin Watercraft inspectors and wardens out in full force

justnorth — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 23:21:00 GMT

Focus on educating boaters on steps to prevent spread of invasive species. Wisconsin conservation wardens and watercraft inspectors will be out in force this Labor Day weekend, helping remind boaters, anglers and paddlers to clean their boats and what’s at stake if they don’t...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - August 22 2007

justnorth — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 22:22:00 GMT

Although most of Wisconsin has received rain in the past week, with more than 2 inches reported in some southern and southwestern parts of the state, moderate to severe drought conditions continue across the northern half of the state...

Lake Laura Hardwoods designated as 500th State Natural Area in Wisconsin

justnorth — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 22:19:00 GMT

Lake Laura Hardwoods, an 852-acre old-growth forest of maple, basswood, red oak and hemlock that contains diverse wildlife from bald eagles to bobcats, has been permanently protected through designation as the 500th State Natural Area in Wisconsin...

The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of Lake Michigan chinook fishing

justnorth — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 22:17:00 GMT

As the last days of summer draw near and the changing colors of leaves signal the approach of autumn, chinook salmon fishing on Lake Michigan continues to provide a great angling experience for both boaters and shore anglers...

Wisconsin early Canada goose and dove seasons open Sept. 1

justnorth — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 22:15:00 GMT

Hunters anxious for the fall hunting seasons will have their first opportunities when the 2007 Wisconsin early Canada goose and mourning dove hunting seasons open Sept. 1...

Wisconsin prequalified hunters will receive buck stickers in mail

justnorth — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 22:04:00 GMT

Wisconsin hunters who registered an antlerless deer last season in a deer management unit that was not Earn-a-Buck (EAB) then but is under EAB requirements this year will begin receiving their 2007 buck authorization stickers by mail later this week, according to state wildlife officials...

Wisconsin Over-the-counter sales of regular unit antlerless deer tags to begin Aug 25 at noon

justnorth — Wed, 22 Aug 2007 22:02:00 GMT

Wisconsin Deer hunters are reminded that over-the-counter sales of antlerless deer tags for regular deer management units (DMUs) and deer hunting access permits for state parks begin Saturday Aug 25 at noon...

8/13/2007 Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan

justnorth — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 02:18:00 GMT

Big four-year-old Chinooks, lots of two and three year olds are making up the catch on most boats. Now is the time to get out on the water. All species are active in all sizes. The wind has been light with east wind and west moving the temp break up and down. Check for the location of 52-degree water for the best action...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - August 4 2007

justnorth — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 22:11:00 GMT

Despite some locally heavy rain that fell late last week across the state, conditions across Wisconsin remain very dry. Water levels on most lakes and streams continue to be at very low and the rain that fell did little to raise lake or river levels...

Public hearing set on yellow perch harvest in Green Bay

host — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:59:00 GMT

Commercial fishers of yellow perch in Green Bay could be looking forward to larger harvest limits in 2008. A rule change allowing the increased harvest will be the topic of Aug. 13 public hearings in Green Bay and Peshtigo...

Build it and they will come - Wisconsin trout populations growing thanks to stream habitat work

host — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:57:00 GMT

2007 marks the 30th anniversary of the Wisconsin trout stamp and state fisheries biologists say trout anglers have plenty of reason to celebrate. Data collected from streams throughout the state show that trout populations -- and anglers fishing inland waters – have benefited significantly from habitat restoration work supported with trout stamp funds...

Wisconsin DNR park offers a natural oasis for respite at lively Wisconsin State Fair

host — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 12:52:00 GMT

A tree-shaded canopy, beautiful native plants and a meandering stream at the Department of Natural Resources park at Wisconsin State Fair provide a pleasant respite for fair-goers of all ages and a great place to learn about Wisconsin’s natural environment...

Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) rules slated for public hearings in August

Buck — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:50:00 GMT

Public hearings for proposed permanent rules to help prevent the spread of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) are set for August 14, 15, 16, 20 and 23 at locations across the state. The proposed rules would make permanent emergency rules now in place that affect boaters, anglers and other water users as well as the bait industry...

Wisconsin Statwide Birding Report - July 29 2007

Buck — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:48:00 GMT

Shorebird migration is beginning to heat up with many adults and even a few first-year birds staging in Wisconsin on their way to points farther south. Tree swallows are beginning to stage in large groups and sandhill cranes are beginning to flock up in recently harvested farm fields...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - July 29 2007

Buck — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:46:00 GMT

With a lack of rain over the past few weeks over much of the state, the dry conditions have water levels on many lakes and rivers extremely low, and wild fire danger has risen across the state, which is unusual for mid summer. Fire danger levels have reached high in south central Wisconsin and are moderate across the rest of the state. Burning permits were suspended in Douglas and Bayfield counties this week. The Wisconsin River is running near historic lows in southern Wisconsin and was at less than half its historical flow for this time of year at Wisconsin Dells...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - July 24 2007

justnorth — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:26:00 GMT

Wild turkey broods are becoming more and more visible as they forage in fields and grassy openings...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of July 24 2007

justnorth — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:25:00 GMT

With the seasonal summer weather of the past week, boating and water recreation has been at its peak with most lakes bustling with activity. Boaters should be especially cautious around swim areas and beaches as many people are swimming during the warm weather. Although much of the state received some rain in the past week, many lakes and rivers are extremely low for this time of year. Water levels on some Northwoods lakes are...

Wisconsin - Mild winter expected to result in above average deer population growth

justnorth — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:22:00 GMT

For the third year in a row, relatively mild winter weather across the north is expected to result in high level of survival and good reproductive rates in white-tailed deer, according to state wildlife biologists. They estimate that the Wisconsin whitetail population will be between 1.6 and 1.8 million animals this fall...

Wisconsin Public hearings set on 2007 Wisconsin waterfowl hunting seasons

justnorth — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:20:00 GMT

Waterfowl hunters in Wisconsin would have an 85-day Canada goose season in the Exterior zone with a two goose daily bag limit, six tags in the Horicon and Collins Canada goose zones, and a 60-day duck season under a preliminary season proposal state officials will present this week at the Mississippi Flyway Council...

Wisconsin Forestry operations improve protection of water quality

justnorth — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:19:00 GMT

Practices to protect water quality while harvesting timber were correctly applied over 94 percent of the time on federal and industrial timber sales in 2006, based on the results of a monitoring effort coordinated by the Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division...

Plan ahead for hunter education courses

justnorth — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:18:00 GMT

Don’t wait until October to find a hunter education course...

Sept. 1 is deadline for disabled gun deer hunt applications in Wisconsin

justnorth — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:16:00 GMT

Disabled gun deer hunters who qualify for a Class A, long-term Class B or Class C disabled hunting permit and hunt sponsors have until September 1 to complete the application process for the October 6-14 disabled gun deer hunt...

Plans proposed to clean up four streams in Wisconsin

justnorth — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 19:15:00 GMT

Public has until Aug. 22 to comment on proposed cleanup plans...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - July 4 2007

justnorth — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:14:00 GMT

With the passing of the summer solstice, bird nesting season is in full swing. Most migrants are feeding young and some have even fledged youngsters from the nest already. Recently fledged young include reports of...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - July 4 2007

justnorth — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:12:00 GMT

With the Fourth of July Holiday upon us, state parks and forestry officials are reminding people that fireworks are prohibited in state parks and forests, and they are also reminding people that anyone responsible for starting a wildfire can be held liable not only for...

Wisconsin Public hearing set on updated shoreland development rules

justnorth — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:10:00 GMT

Public hearings are set statewide in July and August for new proposals to update shoreland development rules along lakes and rivers so they better balance property owners’ desires for their land with better protection of water quality and habitat critical for healthy fish and wildlife...

Wisconsin - Some stocking of hatchery raised fish to begin

justnorth — Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:08:00 GMT

Testing found no signs of deadly fish virus...

Wisconsin Birding Report - June 22 2007

justnorth — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:37:00 GMT

Many birds are starting to fledge young, especially those that are short-distance migrants. House Wren fledglings were seen this week. Robins are building second nests already...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - June 22 2007

justnorth — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:34:00 GMT

Mild, pleasant conditions ushered in the official beginning of summer, with the arrival of the summer solstice...

Panfish spawning season can be a rewarding fishing experience for young anglers

justnorth — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:32:00 GMT

Panfishing is considered one of the easiest kinds of fishing you can do and fishing during the panfish spawning season makes it even easier. That is why state fisheries specialist say the next couple of weeks is the perfect time to...

Wisconsin State firewood restriction relaxed for dimensional lumber scraps

justnorth — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:30:00 GMT

People camping at Wisconsin State Parks and Forests are allowed to bring scrap lumber such as 2x4s and 2x6s, with some exceptions, for campfires, according to state forestry officials...

Wisconsin Draft Waterfowl Strategic Plan available for public comment

justnorth — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:28:00 GMT

Wisconsin waterfowl hunters and waterfowl enthusiasts have until August 31 to comment on a plan for waterfowl management in Wisconsin...

Wisconsin boating safety programs aimed at keeping people safe on lakes and rivers

justnorth — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:24:00 GMT

With more than 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 659 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, waterways are a focal point for outdoor recreation in Wisconsin. But with an estimated 1 million boaters gearing up to use state waters this year, boating safety specialists say...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - June 15 2007

justnorth — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:56:00 GMT

Warm temperatures and the advance of spring have made for good nesting conditions for many species of birds...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - june 15 2007

justnorth — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:43:00 GMT

Wisconsin enjoyed some very stable weather patterns during this past week, resulting in some great weather for outdoor recreation. Very little rain has fallen in the last week. Wildfire danger levels remain low across most of the state, but they have again reached high in the Wisconsin Rapids area of central Wisconsin. Fishing activity has continued to...

Wisconsin DNR seeks to fill park manager and ranger vacancies

justnorth — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:41:00 GMT

People interested as working as a park manager or ranger at a Wisconsin state park, trail or forest can fill out an on-line application and examination that is available on the Department of Natural Resources Web site through Wednesday, June 27...

Canada thistle - wild parsnip starting to flower

justnorth — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:39:00 GMT

Three noxious and invasive weeds that are common along roadsides and grasslands are just getting ready to flower, making this an excellent time to take steps to control them and limit their ability to spread...

Wisconsin communities prepare for emerald ash borer

justnorth — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:36:00 GMT

Wisconsin communities have a new resource to assist in their preparation for the possible arrival of the invasive forest best, the emerald ash borer. The Emerald Ash Borer Toolkit for Wisconsin Communities is designed for municipal tree managers and urban forestry consultants and contains more than...

Beach monitoring season begins at Great Lakes beaches

justnorth — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:34:00 GMT

Beach monitoring is in full swing on Wisconsin’s public coastal beaches and work is expected to begin soon on an effort aimed at improving water quality for swimmers and other beachgoers...

Wisconsin Grouse population estimates improve for second year running

justnorth — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:31:00 GMT

Wisconsin’s ruffed grouse population appears to be on the upswing for the second year in a row, according to preliminary data state wildlife managers collected during the 2007 spring drumming counts. The central and southeastern grouse management regions showed the greatest increases over 2006...

Spring turkey hunters register record turkey harvest

justnorth — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 12:29:00 GMT

Preliminary figures show that hunters set a new harvest record, registering 51,306 turkeys during Wisconsin’s 2007 spring wild turkey season. This is a 9 percent increase from the 2006 spring harvest of 46,662 birds. The statewide hunter success rate for all hunting periods was 25 percent, compared to 23 percent in 2006...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - June 2007

justnorth — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:51:00 GMT

The erratic weather conditions made for some variable fishing success this week. The northern zone musky season opened this past weekend to some very windy and cooler conditions...

Additional funding proposed to help prevent wildlife from becoming endangered

justnorth — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:50:00 GMT

In a strong show of support, the House Interior Appropriations Subcommittee has approved allocating $85 million for the federal State Wildlife Grants Program. Wisconsin has received...

Final 2007 Wisconsin wolf population numbers slightly below preliminary estimate

justnorth — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:48:00 GMT

There were an estimated 540 to 577 gray wolves across Wisconsin over the winter of 2006-07, according to the finalized wolf count compiled by biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources...

Wisconsin northern zone bass season opens June 16

justnorth — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:47:00 GMT

As the popularity of bass fishing in Wisconsin continues to increase, so does the number of anxious anglers awaiting the northern zone bass season opener on June 16...

Gypsy moth caterpillar numbers on increase

justnorth — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:44:00 GMT

Gypsy moth caterpillars are on the increase in parts of Wisconsin this summer, according to state forestry officials, who caution that additional outbreaks may become apparent in the next few weeks as the caterpillars leave the tree canopy and will move to tree trunks or the sides of buildings...

June is Wisconsin Invasive Species Awareness Month

justnorth — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 15:42:00 GMT

Tired of feeling helpless at every new headline about another invasive species entering Wisconsin’s lakes, forests, wetlands and prairies?

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of May 22, 2007

justnorth — Wed, 23 May 2007 12:09:00 GMT

Varying weather patterns brought some rainfall and cooler than normal temperatures to areas of the state this week. This helped lower wildfire conditions to low to moderate in most areas, but they remain high in the northwestern part of the state. Emergency fire restrictions are scheduled to be lifted in Sawyer, Ashland, Iron, and Bayfield counties as of Friday, May 18, but they remain in place in Burnett, Douglas, and Washburn counties...

Wisconsin advanced rifle marksmanship course offered

justnorth — Wed, 23 May 2007 12:08:00 GMT

People who have taken a basic hunter education course and are looking to take their hunting skill up to another level can now enroll in an Advanced Rifle Marksmanship Course being offered by the state Department of Natural Resources...

Start planning now to take Wisconsin Hunter Education Classes

justnorth — Wed, 23 May 2007 12:05:00 GMT

The cool, crisp days of autumn may seem far away as outdoor activities focus on lakes, rivers or easy access to shade. But it will only be just a few months before the paddles and skis are put away and thoughts once again turn to fall hunting seasons. Thousands of people – many of them first-time hunters – will take to the fields and forests in search of feathered or furry prey...

Permits, keeping records to be required for people who harvest bait from the wild

justnorth — Wed, 23 May 2007 12:04:00 GMT

Effort aimed at tracking new outbreaks of deadly fish disease. To help contain the spread of a fish virus in Wisconsin that recently caused a fish kill on Lake Winnebago, people who harvest and sell minnows from the wild will soon need to carry a free bait harvest permit and keep records of their bait collection and sale...

Leave the firewood at home when packing for camping

justnorth — Wed, 23 May 2007 12:02:00 GMT

Memorial Day weekend is coming up and as campers get out to enjoy the great outdoors, state park and forestry officials are reminding all visitors that firewood can transport dangerous pests. They are asking people to avoid moving firewood more than 50 miles or brining it in from out-of-state...

Wisconsin Walleye bag limits will increase on some northern lakes

justnorth — Wed, 23 May 2007 12:00:00 GMT

Daily walleye bag limits will increase May 26 on 89 lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory to reflect spearing harvest results by six Wisconsin bands of Chippewa Indians. The bag limit for Lac Vieux Desert in Vilas County was increased from one walleye per day to two walleye per day on May 11...

Wisconsin Free Fishing Weekend June 2 - 3

justnorth — Wed, 23 May 2007 11:57:00 GMT

Now that sunny skies and warmer weather are upon us, Wisconsin’s Free Fishing Weekend on June 2 and 3 is the perfect opportunity to grab your friends and family and head outdoors to the many fishing events taking place throughout the state...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - Mid May 2007

justnorth — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:15:00 GMT

Migration is in full swing across the state with south winds and warm temperatures. Birders have been reporting strong numbers of warblers, tanagers, grosbeaks, flycatchers and other Neotropical migrants...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of May 15, 2007

justnorth — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:14:00 GMT

The weather generally cooperated last weekend for the opening of the 2007 fishing season, except for a strong southeast wind that created some tough conditions for anglers on larger lakes and flowages. Angling pressure was only moderate on some of the larger Northwoods waters where walleye are usually the primary target, but good numbers of anglers were reported on southern waters as well as on trout streams across the state...

Power transmission line project may result in incidental take of rare turtle

justnorth — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:12:00 GMT

The construction of a portion of a high-capacity electricity transmission line across northern Wisconsin could result in the incidental taking of a rare turtle species if encountered during construction...

Wisconsin Adopt-A-Trail program seeks volunteers

justnorth — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:10:00 GMT

Earth Day has passed, but individuals and groups looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day any day can help keep Wisconsin’s State Trail System beautiful year-round by joining the Wisconsin Adopt-A-Trail Program...

Wisconsin Musky fishing continues to grow in popularity

justnorth — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:09:00 GMT

When the first day of the 2007 northern zone musky season arrives May 26, more anglers will be catching more fish faster, and sending more back to the water to fight another day, than a generation ago...

Wisconsin - Northern zone musky season opens May 26

justnorth — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:08:00 GMT

Results of a recent study of how muskellunge move about lakes and home ranges may be of interest to musky anglers who will be searching out a trophy fish when the northern zone musky season opens May 26...

Deadly fish disease reported in Lake Winnebago system

justnorth — Wed, 16 May 2007 10:06:00 GMT

State seeks to expand emergency rules aimed at containing deadly fish disease...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - May 10 2007

justnorth — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:52:00 GMT

The unseasonably warm weather has really spurred on fish activity and made for a great fishing opener, with some great post spawn walleye action on waters across the Northwoods. Surface water temperatures are near 60 degrees and this has pulled many fish into the shallows. Panfish have really been...

Learn to deer hunt - course applications available

justnorth — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:50:00 GMT

Youths and beginner adults who have never hunted deer before can learn the basics of deer hunting and deer ecology by applying to participate in “Learn to deer hunt” workshops that will be held this year at the Sandhill Wildlife Area near Babcock...

Wisconsin sturgeon spawning to be featured in IMAX movie

justnorth — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:48:00 GMT

SHAWANO – The Lake Winnebago system lake sturgeon may have ended their 2007 spawning run up the Wolf River, but people will soon be able to experience that primordial journey in living, 3-D color...

International Migratory Bird Day May 12

justnorth — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:45:00 GMT

From looking back at records that renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold kept on the springtime arrival of migrating birds at the family's farm on the lower Wisconsin River, ecologist Nina Leopold Bradley found that birds such as the rose-breasted grosbeak are arriving up to 20 days earlier in the spring now than they did when her father recorded their arrival more than 60 years ago...

New rules restrict movement of firewood to Wisconsin state campgrounds

justnorth — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:43:00 GMT

As the weather warms and outdoor enthusiasts get ready for camping and campfires, state park and forestry officials are reminding campers that transporting firewood can also transport dangerous pests...

Wisconsin Gypsy moth spraying to begin soon

justnorth — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:41:00 GMT

Aerial spraying to protect trees and forests from the potentially defoliating effects of the invasive gypsy moth could begin in Wisconsin within the next two weeks...

May is Wisconsin Clean Air Month

justnorth — Thu, 10 May 2007 10:38:00 GMT

There are easy actions people can take every day to help keep Wisconsin’s air clean and healthy that will also help them save money, gas and energy...

Wisconsin Statewide birding report - May 2 2007

justnorth — Thu, 03 May 2007 10:08:00 GMT

Migration is now in full swing across the state. Last weekend brought strong south winds and many new species including numerous neotropical migrants into the state. Birders reported good activity in...

Wisconsin inland trout stocking returns to normal levels

justnorth — Thu, 03 May 2007 10:06:00 GMT

Trout anglers anticipating the May 5 opener will be pleased to know that trout stocking is back to normal levels, and nearly 400,000 legal size trout will be stocked before opening day. A list of more than 300 waters where the Department of Natural Resources is scheduled to stock legal size trout is available on the DNR Web site...

Numerous forest fires blacken 2,000 acres across northern Wisconsin

justnorth — Thu, 03 May 2007 10:04:00 GMT

A series of forest fires collectively burned more than 2,000 acres across the northern half of the state Saturday and Sunday, April 28 and 29. Aided by prolonged droughty conditions, warm temperatures and strong winds, the fires kept fire fighting crews from the Department of Natural Resources, local fire departments and U.S. Forest Service busy through the night in some cases...

Restore wetlands by raising special beetles to eat an invasive plant

justnorth — Thu, 03 May 2007 09:58:00 GMT

People who want to help reclaim wetlands from an invasive plant are encouraged to get involved in a state program to raise and release special beetles that eat only the invasive plant purple loosestrife...

Horicon Marsh Bird Festival May 11-14

justnorth — Thu, 03 May 2007 09:56:00 GMT

Bird watchers will flock to Horicon Marsh the weekend of May 11 through 14 for the annual Horicon Marsh Bird Festival, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary...

Wisconsin statewide birding report - April 23 2007

justnorth — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 11:05:00 GMT

The Crex Meadows area is still hosting large numbers of short-eared owls and rough-legged hawks along with nesting trumpeter swans. Birders should be checking mudflats and beaches along Lake Michigan for early...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of April 23 2007

justnorth — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 11:03:00 GMT

The ever changing weather patterns are responsible for a wide range of spring time conditions. The spring wildfire season is underway in Wisconsin and fire danger levels are at High to Very High in certain areas of the state...

Wisconsin wolf population continues to increase

justnorth — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:39:00 GMT

The population of gray wolves in Wisconsin has increased to between 540 and 600 animals, according to a preliminary estimate compiled by the state’s wolf population monitoring team...

Wolves kill bird dog in Lincoln County, Wisconsin

justnorth — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:36:00 GMT

Wolves attacked and killed a bird hunting dog April 7 in an area about nine miles west-south-west of Tomahawk in the Harrison Hills near the Otter Lake Campground in Lincoln County. The dog was one of four its owner was exercising in the area...

Hearings set on proposal to control Wisconsin mercury emissions

justnorth — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:13:00 GMT

The public will have an opportunity to review and comment on a proposal aimed at reducing the amount of mercury that coal-fired electrical generating units emit in Wisconsin at a series of public hearings in May...

Wisconsin inland fishing season opens May 5

justnorth — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 13:06:00 GMT

Spring’s rollercoaster weather has been sending Wisconsin fish mixed signals, but it’s clear that the May 5 opening day of the regular inland fishing season should be another great time on the water, the state’s top fisheries official says...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - April 14 2007

justnorth — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 16:17:00 GMT

Cold temperatures and snow have thrown a wrench into the typical bird migration patterns for this time of year. Short-distance migrants that made it to Wisconsin prior to the cold are having to deal with...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of April 14, 2007

justnorth — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 16:14:00 GMT

Winter made an abrupt interruption to spring this week, with up to 8 inches of snow falling in portions of southern Wisconsin with much of the lower half of the state receiving between 3 to 7 inches. This storm missed northern Wisconsin, but a snowstorm last week dropped as much as 15 inches of snow in areas of the north. Snowmobilers are reminded that despite the...

Wisconsin Fish surveys basis for quality fisheries, ice-out starts process

justnorth — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 16:07:00 GMT

As soon as the lakes thaw, state fisheries crews begin surveys that are the cornerstone of the state’s system to manage waters in the ceded territory of northern Wisconsin...

New Wisconsin rules aimed at containing deadly fish virus

justnorth — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 16:01:00 GMT

All boaters, anglers and people who harvest bait from the wild must follow new rules regarding moving live fish, requiring water to be drained from boats after being used on potentially infected waters, and how they use and move bait...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - April 7 2007

justnorth — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 11:57:00 GMT

Spring bird migration continues across the state, despite the snow in the north and chilly weather statewide this week. Robins, meadowlarks, grackles, blackbirds, killdeer and...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - April 7 2007

justnorth — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 11:55:00 GMT

After a couple of weeks of spring-like temperatures and conditions, the past week has delivered significant rainfall across much of the state, some severe weather, strong winds, a foot or more of snow in locations in northern Wisconsin and temperatures more typical of February than April. Snow depths from the storm Tuesday range from a couple of inches in parts of west central Wisconsin to a foot or more near...

Cooperative efforts to restore trumpeter swans recognized

justnorth — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 11:54:00 GMT

Officials plan to begin process of removing swans from Wisconsin endangered species list...

Orienteering workshop offered at Sandhill

justnorth — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 11:52:00 GMT

BABCOCK – People interested in assuring that they’ll be able to find their way back home while they’re walking in the woods can sign up for an orienteering workshop being offered at the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center...

Great Lakes Water Wars | Climate Change talks highlight lakes convention

justnorth — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 11:50:00 GMT

The author of the recently published “The Great Lakes Water Wars” and an internationally renowned expert on water and climate change headline the Wisconsin Lakes Convention, set for April 26-28 in Green Bay...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report

justnorth — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 10:08:00 GMT

Warm temperatures have accelerated bird migration across the state. Robins, meadowlarks, grackles, blackbirds, killdeer and other early migrants are now present statewide...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of April 1 2007

justnorth — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 10:06:00 GMT

Spring truly arrived with last week’s Vernal equinox ushering in very warm temperatures and some strong winds and rain showers that opened up lakes across southern Wisconsin, started frogs calling, and had trees buds swelling and the first plants coming up in the southern part of the state. No areas of Wisconsin were reporting any snow cover yet this week, with the exception of some of the larger snow piles that haven’t melted...

No chronic wasting disease found in west central Wisconsin

justnorth — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 10:04:00 GMT

Sampling conducted in 19 west central Wisconsin counties during the 2006 deer hunting seasons found no signs of the fatal chronic wasting disease, indicating the disease has not spread to that part of the state, according to state wildlife officials...

Wisconsin - University geneticist assists state’s musky stocking program

justnorth — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 09:56:00 GMT

By collecting muskellunge eggs from different lakes where muskies have proven they can grow to large sizes and reproduce successfully on their own, state fisheries officials are hoping to improve Wisconsin’s musky rearing and stocking program and provide better musky angling for years to come...

Hypothermia is a serious concern during spring boating

justnorth — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 09:54:00 GMT

The dramatic rescue of a kayaker from a flood-swollen river in west central Wisconsin this month offers what state boating safety specialists say is a compelling example of how quickly cold water can affect a person and why boaters need to take special precautions when on Wisconsin’s waterways this spring...

Lake Michigan yellow perch recovery continuing

justnorth — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 09:46:00 GMT

Yellow perch from the big pond are making a comeback in anglers’ creels, reflecting the growing recovery of this species in Lake Michigan and Green Bay...

Wisconsin Birding Report - Late March 2007

justnorth — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:23:00 GMT

Wisconsin and birders running the first round of owl surveys have reported saw-whet, long-eared, barred, screech and great-horned owls. And some of Wisconsin's now famous whooping cranes have returned to summer haunts in central and southern Wisconsin, including the pair that successfully raised a chick last year...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - Late March 2007

justnorth — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:21:00 GMT

Areas of northern Wisconsin received from a trace to up to 3 inches of snow in the last week, but as of Thursday only northern Vilas County was reporting any significant snow cover, with up to a foot of snow still on the ground. Rivers and some lakes are opening up quickly, and the national weather service has cautioned that portions of southern Wisconsin are currently at a higher risk of flooding...

Wisconsin - Risk of flooding high; dam owners urged to check control structures

justnorth — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:19:00 GMT

The risk of flooding is high statewide in coming weeks because of the prolonged drought in the north and the threat of rain on partially frozen ground in the south, state dam safety officials say. They warn owners and operators of Wisconsin’s 3,800 dams to take steps now to try to prevent problems before water levels rise...

Jason Dorgan - Wisconsin runner to take on thousand mile Ice Age Trail challenge

justnorth — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:16:00 GMT

When Jason Dorgan sets off on a trip across Wisconsin next month, he will be following what many would maintain is one of the state’s most scenic routes. And with an anticipated 21- to 23-day itinerary, he should have plenty of time to take in the sights – if he stops long enough to catch his breath and look around...

Wisconsin Survey seeks input on fish and wildlife priorities

justnorth — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:11:00 GMT

Survey seeks public input on Wisconsin fish and wildlife management priorities...

Wisconsin Birding Report - March 20 2007

justnorth — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:09:00 GMT

March came in like a lion, but recent warm temperatures have melted much of the snow in southern Wisconsin and migration is now in full swing. Birders across the southern portion of the state are...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - Mid March 2007

justnorth — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:07:00 GMT

March came in like a lion, but quickly turned lamb-like with temperatures reported in the 60s and even into the 70s in the last week. Much of the snow has melted, and only far northern Iron and Vilas counties were reporting more than a foot of snow still on the ground. Most of the rest of the state has...

Wisconsin Birding Report - Mid March 2007

justnorth — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:38:00 GMT

Male cardinals are becoming more active in singing, another indication of the upcoming spring. Barred owls have been more active during the daytime looking for additional food to feed to their young. With snow presently dominating the landscape, it might seem odd to be thinking about...

Wisconsin Gray Wolf - Federal delisting of wolf transfers management to state

justnorth — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:35:00 GMT

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett joined officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in a wolf spotting flight from Siren to Ashland Monday, March 12. At a press conference at the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute at Northland College in Ashland following the flight, Hassett discussed the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s removal of the gray wolf from the federal list of threatened and endangered species and the transfer of wolf management in Wisconsin to a state management plan...

Burn leftover firewood to help avoid spreading tree pests and diseases

justnorth — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:33:00 GMT

Spring is almost here in Wisconsin and state forestry officials are urging home and cabin owners who have a small amount of wood left from this winter to burn it up by April 1. This is especially important if you don’t know where the wood is from, or it was transported more than 50 miles to your home...

Draft plan proposed for managing new Peshtigo River State Forest

justnorth — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:31:00 GMT

Additional day-use recreation areas, horse trails, traditional camping as well as campground for horseback riders, swimming beaches, and improved boat access to Caldron Falls Reservoir, High Falls Reservoir, Potato Rapids Reservoir, and the Peshtigo River are being considered for Wisconsin’s newest state forest...

Studies examine impact of ‘culling’ on fishing tournaments in Wisconsin

justnorth — Wed, 14 Mar 2007 03:25:00 GMT

Bass fishing tournaments in which participants are allowed to “cull,” or sort fish, have a minimal effect on fish survival when water temperatures are low but can be a concern when water temperatures are warm, according to a recently released report on the impacts of such tournaments in Wisconsin...

Wisconsin Birding Report - March 5 1007

justnorth — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 03:08:00 GMT

Heavy snows and winds made birding conditions challenging over the weekend. Despite the snow, multiple observers have reported some evidence of spring migration...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - March 2007

justnorth — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 03:04:00 GMT

Most bucks have dropped their antlers so shed hunters will be out in force once the snow melts. Robin numbers are starting to build; a turkey vulture was reported in Crawford County; mourning doves are beginning to sing; and Canada geese are pairing up and staking out (frozen) nesting territories...

Wisconsin updated flood maps aim to better protect people and property

justnorth — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 02:15:00 GMT

A series of open houses begins this week on preliminary flood risk maps developed for 12 Wisconsin counties as part of a modernization effort to give people near big lakes and rivers better information about their risk from flooding so they can better protect their family and property. The modernization effort was mandated and paid for by the U.S. Congress and is being overseen by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA...

Wisconsin Statewide birding report - Late February 2007

justnorth — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 20:18:00 GMT

Goldfinches are beginning to show just a hint of yellow on the front of their necks. The first great-horned owls and bald eagles are sitting on eggs, but good numbers of eagles are still being seen along the Mississippi River between La Crosse and Prairie du Chien...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - Late February 2007

justnorth — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 20:14:00 GMT

The more seasonal weather of the last week helped to increase ice fishing pressure across the state, but success has continued to be erratic. Coyote activity has been noticeable as this is the beginning of their mating season...

Wisconsin Highway expansion, gas line relocation may result in incidental take of snake

justnorth — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 20:11:00 GMT

Wisconsin’s endangered species law (s. 29.604, Wis. Stats.) requires the Department of Natural Resources to notify the public when it proposes to authorize the incidental taking of a state Endangered or Threatened species...

Wisconsin Sturgeon spearing lasts entire 16-day season

justnorth — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 20:04:00 GMT

Sturgeon spearers were able to enjoy the full 16-days for the 2007 Lake Winnebago season, which closed Sunday Feb. 25, with a system wide preliminary harvest total of 1,347 fish...

Wisconsin Inland game fish season closes March 4

justnorth — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:59:00 GMT

Anglers should be aware that the game fish season on most inland Wisconsin waters closes at the end of the day on Sunday, March 4th...

Forest certification efforts ramping up in Wisconsin

justnorth — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 19:57:00 GMT

Efforts to responsibly manage Wisconsin’s forest resources will be shifting into a higher gear in 2007, with a number of innovative activities planned for state-owned and national forest lands, according to the new coordinator of the state Forestry Certification Program...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - February 19th, 2007

justnorth — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:20:00 GMT

Despite the cold temperatures, birders have been turning up some good birds across the state. A great-tailed grackle was discovered outside of Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area and is still around. Varied thrushes have still been...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - February 19th, 2007

justnorth — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 13:17:00 GMT

Unseasonably cold weather has continued across Wisconsin, but more moderate temperatures are in for forecast for this weekend and next week. Areas if southern Wisconsin received from a trace to more than 5 inches of new snow in the last week. Snow depth now ranges from a low of 2 to 3 inches in northwestern and west central Wisconsin to more than a foot in parts of north central and southern Wisconsin. The Department of Tourism...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - Mid February 2007

justnorth — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:27:00 GMT

The brutally cold weather of the past week has put a damper on outdoor recreation. Northern Wisconsin reported temperatures in the minus 20 degree range at night last weekend and single digit sub-zero temperatures during the day. Snow cover ranges from a low of 2 inches in west central Wisconsin to 18 inches in the far north central part of the state, with most of the state...

Wisconsin Street expansion project may result in incidental taking of rare plant

justnorth — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:23:00 GMT

Wisconsin Arbor Day student essay contest deadline March 9th

justnorth — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:16:00 GMT

Smokey Bear and the Department of Natural Resources want to remind Wisconsin fourth graders and their teachers that the deadline for entering the 2007 Forest Appreciation Week Writing Contest is March 9th...

First youth spring turkey hunt to be held in Wisconsin

justnorth — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:12:00 GMT

2007 marks the first year Wisconsin youth will be able to participate in an annual youth spring turkey hunt. The hunt is designated to give youth hunters, ages 12 through 15 that have successfully completed a hunter education program, an opportunity to hunt turkeys and gain valuable hunting experiences...

2006 Wisconsin Deer Harvest - third highest deer harvest on record

justnorth — Wed, 14 Feb 2007 12:09:00 GMT

No statewide October antlerless hunt in 2007. With nearly all registration stubs from the 2006 season compiled, hunters harvested just under 500,000 white-tailed deer, which would make 2006 the third highest year on record for deer harvest in Wisconsin, according to state wildlife officials...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - February 6th, 2007

justnorth — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:54:00 GMT

Colder temperatures and more snow have increased activity at bird feeders around the state. This has also made some winter rarities visiting feeders to be more viewable. Varied thrushes are...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - February 6th, 2007

justnorth — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:48:00 GMT

Snow depths across Wisconsin range from a low of about 2 inches in Chippewa County to more than 20 inches in the Hurley area of Iron County, with most of the state reporting depths from 4 to 8 inches. Snowmobile trails remain closed in many southern and central counties but are open in some. The best snowmobile conditions are being reported in the north central counties of...

Wisconsin Deer Management Unit population and status meetings to be held statewide

justnorth — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:44:00 GMT

The public can talk with wildlife professionals about the 2006 deer hunt and deer management unit (DMU) population estimates at Department of Natural Resources public information meetings across the state. Locations and times are listed below and posted on the DNR Web site and at DNR Service Centers...

Wisconsin Spring wildlife and fish rules hearings April 16

justnorth — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:41:00 GMT

In addition to getting taxes filed, Wisconsin residents will have another stop to make on the way home from the post office on April 16: the 2007 Spring Wildlife and Fisheries Rule Hearings, which are held annually in every county of the state...

Ice on Winnebago and upriver lakes firms for 2007 sturgeon season

justnorth — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 14:33:00 GMT

The Sturgeon spearing season on Lake Winnebago and the upriver lakes Butte des Morts, Winneconne and Poygan is definitely a “go,” state fisheries biologists say, thanks to bone chilling cold that has gripped the area on the heels of an earlier cold snap. The deep chill has negated the effects of a mid-winter thaw and the open water that characterized the lakes in early January by adding much needed inches to ice thickness...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report

justnorth — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 04:02:00 GMT

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - January 30th, 2007

justnorth — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Snowfall last weekend dropped anywhere from an inch or two to more than 7 inches of snow across Wisconsin, allowing some counties to open their snowmobile trails for the first time this winter, but many county trails do remained closed. Many state parks and forests were able to pack and in some cases groom ski trails...

Winter sports safety reminders

justnorth — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 03:57:00 GMT

A recent cold spell and snow cover across much of the state has outdoors enthusiasts pulling out their sleds, ice augers, skis, skates, snowshoes, binoculars and even ice kites...

Free turkey hunter education clinics offered statewide in Wisconsin

justnorth — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 03:55:00 GMT

Free Turkey Hunter Education Clinics will be offered again this year around the state. These free clinics are presented by volunteer instructors, and are sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the National Wild Turkey Federation...

2007 Wisconsin Spring Turkey Hunt | 162,500 permits issued

justnorth — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 03:52:00 GMT

More than 162,500 permits have been issued through the spring turkey preference drawing for the spring 2007 Wisconsin wild turkey season. Another 43,800 spring turkey permits will be sold over-the-counter starting at 10 a.m., Friday, March 23...

Lower Wisconsin River bald eagle numbers up from last year

justnorth — Wed, 31 Jan 2007 03:49:00 GMT

Bald eagle numbers this winter along the Lower Wisconsin River corridor are almost double last year’s count according to an aerial survey conducted earlier this month by the Department of Natural Resources...

Wisconsin Statewide birding report as of January 25, 2007

justnorth — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 06:38:00 GMT

The return of winter has not "cooled off" the birding in Wisconsin this week. Observers along the Lake Michigan shoreline continue to find good numbers of birds at Harrington Beach State Park, Milwaukee, and Sheboygan including glaucous, thayer's, iceland, great black-backed gulls, harlequin duck, barrow's goldeneye, and red-throated loons...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of January 25, 2007

justnorth — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 06:36:00 GMT

Wisconsin - Winnebago sturgeon spearers hope for ice

justnorth — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 06:33:00 GMT

Spearers eager to participate in the 2007 lake sturgeon spearing seasons here are anxiously watching the thermometer and waiting for ice to form on the Winnebago System lakes so there will be enough ice for the season opener...

ATV trail advisory group recommends two forest corridors for further study

justnorth — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 06:31:00 GMT

An advisory group formed to help identify potential areas for locating all terrain-vehicle (ATV) trails within the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest is recommending two potential ATV trail corridors for further study...

Wisconsin Hunters register 19,000 deer during December antlerless deer hunt

justnorth — Fri, 26 Jan 2007 06:29:00 GMT

Hunters registered about 19,000 antlerless deer during a four-day antlerless gun deer hunt held Dec. 7 to 10, with 2,800 deer harvested from deer management units north of Highway 8, according to Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials...

Participation in winter sports increasing in Wisconsin

justnorth — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:46:00 GMT

Baby, it’s cold outside -- but apparently, that’s the way people in Wisconsin like it, according to a recent survey of participation in outdoor recreation...

Brown trout fishing good on Lake Michigan tributaries and harbors

justnorth — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:44:00 GMT

The warm winter thus far may have Wisconsin ice anglers singing the blues, but it is heaven sent for anglers enjoying the fantastic brown trout fishery in the open waters of the tributaries to, and harbors on, Lake Michigan, particularly in Milwaukee County...

Wisconsin Seasonal burning permits tested in some counties

justnorth — Sat, 20 Jan 2007 11:40:00 GMT

Property owners in nine northern counties will be able to apply for a season-long burning permit for burning yard waste in 2007 under a pilot program to test a new outdoor burning permit system in Wisconsin...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - January 11, 2007

justnorth — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 13:10:00 GMT

Colder temperatures are arriving and ice is starting to form again on some southern and central Wisconsin waters, but this early ice should not be considered safe and people should refrain from venturing out until at least several inches of ice has formed. In the north, ice conditions vary but should improve substantially as the colder temperatures settle in. Most ice on northern lakes is less than 1 foot thick. Keep reading for more stories and information...

Wisconsin Guide to Lake Michigan Birding and Nature Trail now available

justnorth — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 13:06:00 GMT

The traveler’s guide to the third leg of the Great Wisconsin Birding and Nature Trail – the Lake Michigan Segment – is now available at Department of Natural Resources Service Centers and Wisconsin Welcome Centers across Wisconsin...

Wisconsin hearings set on December antlerless hunt in the north

justnorth — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 13:03:00 GMT

The public will have an opportunity to comment for the record on a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources proposal to lift the sunset provision currently in place on the December four-day antlerless gun deer hunt in areas north of Highway 8...

Study to help determine future of Wisconsin’s forests

justnorth — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 13:00:00 GMT

It has taken nearly a century for Wisconsin forests to move from a cut-over landscape to the revitalized and revered resource of today. State forestry officials give a lot of credit for this recovery to the residents who own nearly 60 percent of the forests in Wisconsin and who, in partnership with Department of Natural Resources foresters and other conservationists, have brought about the renewal of this vital asset....

Wisconsin offers great winter bald eagle viewing

justnorth — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 14:21:00 GMT

With hundreds of wintering bald eagles congregating along open water areas of the Wisconsin and Mississippi rivers, Wisconsin offers some of the best eagle viewing in nation. Wildlife officials say this is the largest concentration of wintering bald eagles in the lower 48 states. A number of communities along the rivers are planning events this winter to highlight this national treasure...

Wisconsin State Parks - Candlelight skis and hikes start January 6th

justnorth — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 14:02:00 GMT

With much of Wisconsin lacking snow cover so far this winter, people can still get out and enjoy Wisconsin state parks and trails this winter by donning hiking boots rather than cross-country skis to traverse candle-lit trails...

Wisconsin Lakes - Know ice conditions before venturing out

justnorth — Wed, 03 Jan 2007 13:54:00 GMT

Ice is thickening on northern lakes, but many waters across the rest of the state continue to have very tenuous ice cover. With ice anglers starting to venture out and take part in one of Wisconsin’s most popular winter activities, recreational safety specialists say they and anyone else heading out on frozen lakes need to constantly check ice conditions, and they should know how to travel on ice and what to do should the ice break underneath them...

2006 Wisconsin DNR Highlights

justnorth — Wed, 27 Dec 2006 03:01:00 GMT

Streamlining air and waste regulatory processes, moving the cleanup of the Fox River forward, a Fish and Wildlife Account audit that showed 98 percent of hunting and fishing license fees paid to the Department of Natural Resources are going right back into hunting and fishing around the state, and protection of thousands of acres for recreation and habitat through the state’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program were among key areas of progress in Wisconsin’s environmental and natural resources management for 2006...

Wisconsin Statewide Birding Report - December 2006

justnorth — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:39:00 GMT

Warm weather and south winds have slowed down bird migration and have left most wondering if spring is around the corner. Bird highlights from this week included...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - Mid December 2006

justnorth — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:36:00 GMT

Recent warm temperatures and rain have quickly deteriorated much of the ice that formed on lakes across Wisconsin during the recent cold spell. Recreational safety specialists are cautioning that no ice should be considered safe at this time and are asking people to stay off the ice. Similarly, mild, wet conditions have...

Awards recognize outstanding efforts to improve Wisconsin fishing

justnorth — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:33:00 GMT

Five fishing groups, two individuals, and a handful of state fish biologists and technicians have received state awards recognizing their outstanding efforts to make fishing even better in Wisconsin...

Training offered to protect Wisconsin water supplies from terrorism

justnorth — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 12:30:00 GMT

About 50 of Wisconsin’s largest communities have participated in mock exercises to practice their response to a terrorist attack or natural calamity affecting their drinking water supply. Another 65 communities are on tap to conduct such exercises in 2007, drinking water officials say...

Wisconsin nighttime snowmobile speed limit and decibel limit in effect

justnorth — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 04:14:00 GMT

People operating snowmobiles in Wisconsin this winter need to be aware of two new state laws, one setting a 55 mile per hour nighttime speed limit and a second setting noise levels for snowmobiles...

Nine wolves killed during Wisconsin gun deer season: $4000 dollar reward offered

justnorth — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 04:09:00 GMT

State and federal wildlife officials report nine wolves were shot in separate incidents during the recent Wisconsin gun deer hunting seasons and that a $4,000 reward fund has been established for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the incidents...

Wisconsin Turkey Hunters - take more than 11,900 turkeys in fall season

justnorth — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 04:04:00 GMT

Wisconsin turkey hunters took just under 12,000 wild turkeys during the 2006 fall season. A preliminary estimate shows 11,926 wild turkeys registered during the season, a slight increase compared to the 2005 fall season where hunters harvested 10,591 wild turkeys...

2007 Wisconsin state park and forest admission stickers and trail passes on sale

justnorth — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 09:43:00 GMT

Looking for a subtle way this holiday season of telling “Uncle Ernie” or “Aunt Bea” to “go take a hike”? How about giving him or her access to more than 7,200 miles of scenic trails in the Wisconsin State Park and Forest system?

46 percent of Wisconsin land area covered by forests

justnorth — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 09:35:00 GMT

Wisconsin currently has 16 million acres of public and private forests, accounting for 46 percent of the state’s land area, according to a recently finalized inventory of the make-up, productivity and health of Wisconsin’s entire forest resource...

Wisconsin Boater surveys show progress on invasive species front

justnorth — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 09:31:00 GMT

State and volunteer efforts to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species in Wisconsin waters are making progress, according to four years of surveys at boat landings that show more people cleaning their boats and other equipment to avoid accidentally spreading Eurasian water-milfoil and other invaders that can displace native species, disrupt ecosystems and hamper recreation...

Wisconsin Drinking Water - deadline for radium approaches

justnorth — Fri, 08 Dec 2006 09:28:00 GMT

More than 40 Wisxonsin public water systems that have historically produced drinking water with high radium levels have until Dec. 8 to meet the deadline for fixing their problem...

Birding - Wisconsin statewide birding observations

justnorth — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 16:59:00 GMT

With the warm temperatures and steady weather last week, bird migrations had entered a bit of a holding pattern across the state. There were still thousands of tundra swans and other waterfowl species being seen along the Upper Mississippi River Wildlife Refuge. The highest numbers seem to be...

Wisconsin Outdoors Report - December 1, 2006

justnorth — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 16:36:00 GMT

Deer hunters had mild weather statewide for Wisconsin’s nine day gun deer season that closed last Sunday. Hunters registered a total of 336,211 deer during the season...

Wisconsin Spring turkey, bear harvest permit deadlines Dec. 11

justnorth — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 02:52:00 GMT

Hunters have a day longer to apply for next year’s spring turkey and bear harvest permits. Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials say hunters looking to participate in both season can look forward to excellent hunting opportunities...

Wisconsin Deer Hunting - Dec. 7-10 statewide antlerless deer hunt set to open

justnorth — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 02:48:00 GMT

Wisconsin deer hunters - next big opportunity takes place next week during a statewide antlerless gun deer hunt that runs from Dec. 7 through 10...

Wisconsin Muzzleloader Deer Hunting - continues statewide Nov. 27 to Dec. 6

justnorth — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 16:45:00 GMT

People venturing out into Wisconsin woods and fields over the next few weeks should note that while the traditional nine-day deer hunting season in Wisconsin closes on Sunday, Nov. 26, a statewide muzzleloader season runs from Nov. 27 through Dec. 7, deer hunting in the chronic wasting disease (CWD) management zones continues through Dec. 10, and a statewide antlerless only hunt will be held Dec. 7-10...

Wisconsin Deer Hunters - Register more than 167,000 deer opening weekend

justnorth — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 16:41:00 GMT

A preliminary call-in count of deer registered over the opening weekend of the 2006 gun deer hunting season showed hunters harvesting 167,573 deer. The hunt was also the safest opening weekend on record according to officials. Hunters registered 161,000 deer over the same period in 2005...

2006 Wisconsin Deer Opener Report

justnorth — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 22:00:00 GMT

Seasonably mild and relatively pleasant conditions greeted hunters for the opening day of the 2006 Wisconsin nine-day gun deer season. With minimal precipitation reported and temperatures in the mid 30s through most of the day, hunters apparently were able to stay in the field longer...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - Nov 14, 2006

justnorth — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 02:34:00 GMT

The rut, or white-tailed deer mating season is now at or near peak across Wisconsin and bucks have been very active during daylight hours, moving frequently to follow does and may seem unaware of the presence of vehicles. Drivers should be use extreme caution this time of year on rural roadways and even in more urban areas...

Deer Hunting Saftey - Follow rules of firearms safety to avoid injuries

justnorth — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 02:19:00 GMT

Each year, more than 600,000 hunters participate in Wisconsin’s annual November nine-day gun deer season. According to state hunting safety specialists, firearms safety is imperative with that many hunters afield in Wisconsin...

Wisconsin - Lake, stream shorelines off limits to motorized vehicles

justnorth — Wed, 15 Nov 2006 02:16:00 GMT

Lake and stream levels are at historic lows across northwestern Wisconsin and other areas of the state, exposing environmentally sensitive shorelines that state officials are reminding people are off limits for the operating motor vehicles such as all terrain vehicles (ATVs)...

Wisconsin nine-day gun deer hunting season opens Nov. 18

justnorth — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 05:13:00 GMT

With the Nov. 18-26, 2006 gun deer season just around the corner, Wisconsin wildlife managers would like to wish hunters “good luck and safe hunting.” They also remind hunters that there are a number of hunting rule changes in place for 2006, rules hunters requested...

Earn-a-Buck requirements in place in 21 units this year

justnorth — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 05:10:00 GMT

Deer hunters need to note that Earn-a-Buck (EAB) requirements are in place in 21 Wisconsin deer management units this fall. Hunters who plan to hunt in any of these units must first register an antlerless deer with the free “Herd Control & EAB” antlerless deer carcass tag that they receive with their license, unless they are prequalified to harvest an antlered deer by having harvested an antlerless deer last year from a unit that is designated as EAB this season...

Deer Tagging guidelines, regulations available online

justnorth — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 05:05:00 GMT

“Based on feedback from hunters, biologists, wardens and licensing staff we made changes to simplify tagging deer,” says Brad Koele, assistant deer and bear ecologist with the Department of Natural Resources...

An open letter to Wisconsin deer hunters from DNR Secretary Scott Hassett

justnorth — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 03:00:00 GMT

By all accounts the stage seems set for deer hunters to have a great season this year. The herd is large, farmers are working hard to get their crops in and with a little cooperation from the weather, conditions seem almost ideal...

Wisconsin - Early reports indicate good waterfowl hunting season

justnorth — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 02:58:00 GMT

Early reports and preliminary numbers from the field indicate that Wisconsin waterfowl hunters are having a good season, and they should have good hunting opportunities in the remaining weeks of the 2006 waterfowl season, according to wildlife officials...

Now is the time to look for gypsy moth infestations

justnorth — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 02:54:00 GMT

With leaves falling or down in many areas, now is the best time for property owners to determine whether the gypsy moth will be a problem on their property next year. Gypsy moth populations collapsed in 2004, but have risen since then because the last two summers have been warm and dry, state forestry health specialist say, but they caution that the gypsy moth could be at outbreak levels in parts of eastern and central Wisconsin next summer...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - November 2nd, 2006

justnorth — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 02:49:00 GMT

The Canada goose migration through Wisconsin is at its peak and as of this week there were approximately 200,000 geese at Horicon Marsh. The recent cold temperatures brought snow and ice to the breeding grounds in Canada forcing the last remaining birds south. They will remain in Wisconsin until the winter weather catches up with them here. The geese are providing some fantastic viewing as they...

Deer donation program off to a strong start

justnorth — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 16:58:00 GMT

Wisconsin deer hunters can donate venison from deer they harvest this fall for distribution to food pantries across the state...

Deer-vehicle collisions highest in October and November

justnorth — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 16:55:00 GMT

Reports from state wildlife biologists and archery deer hunters indicate that white-tailed deer are nearing their rut, or mating season, and deer movement will increase over the next few weeks, resulting in a significant increase in car-deer collisions...

Surveys find no sign of tree-killing beetle in Wisconsin state parks

justnorth — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 16:52:00 GMT

Researchers looking for the emerald ash borer in Wisconsin State Parks have found no evidence of the dreaded insect that’s responsible for the demise of nearly 20 million ash trees in three Midwest states and one Canadian province...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - October 22nd, 2006

justnorth — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 04:20:00 GMT

DNR offices around the state are receiving inquiries about October antlerless deer hunting opportunities. There will be no statewide four-day antlerless deer hunt in herd control deer management units, formerly called the October Zone T hunt...

44 stream segments designated as outstanding or exception resource waters

justnorth — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 04:17:00 GMT

Odds just improved that Wisconsin residents and visitors will continue to enjoy for generations the same clean water, outstanding recreation, and valuable fisheries they now treasure on 44 pristine northern stream segments...

Conditions good, participation up, for two-day youth gun deer hunt

justnorth — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 04:14:00 GMT

Good conditions and a relaxed atmosphere greeted youth hunters participating in Wisconsin’s youth gun deer hunt held on Oct 7 and 8...

Wisconsin Outdoors Report - October 2006

justnorth — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 08:22:00 GMT

Wisconsin received its first measurable snowfall this week with the Hurley area in Iron County receiving 3 to 4 inches by Thursday morning, nearly half an inch reported near Cuba City in Grant County, and trace amounts through much of the state...

Recycling in Wisconsin continues to show strength

justnorth — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 08:08:00 GMT

Results of a household survey on recycling in Wisconsin show residents remain committed to recycling and are recycling more kinds of items at higher rates. The survey is the ninth taken since 1990, when Wisconsin began its statewide recycling program...

Wisconsin Sturgeon Spearing

justnorth — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 08:03:00 GMT

A new chapter in Wisconsin’s lake sturgeon management success story opens this winter with a new Lake Winnebago spearing season structure that is intended to keep the harvest of adult females at an acceptable level while continuing to allow anyone who wants to participate to do so...

Geese Are Looking Up

justnorth — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 07:57:00 GMT

'This number exceeds all earlier years’ totals for the early goose season,' says Kent Van Horn, migratory game bird ecologist for the state Department of Natural Resources. “We predicted it would be a very good year for Canada goose hunting in Wisconsin and we’re happy hunters had a good early season.

Pheasant season to open at noon Oct. 14

justnorth — Mon, 09 Oct 2006 10:09:00 GMT

Pheasant hunters venturing into the prairies and marshes of southern Wisconsin can expect good success in 2006, with summer brood surveys showing a slight decrease in naturally-reproducing birds but stocking levels increasing substantially from last year, according to state wildlife officials. The 2006 Wisconsin statewide pheasant hunting season opens at noon on Oct. 14...

Wisconsin Public hearings set on draft fishing tournament rules

justnorth — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:44:00 GMT

Proposed changes to rules governing fishing tournaments are the topic of public hearings set for late October and early November, with Wisconsin’s fisheries director urging anglers, boaters, and other interested citizens to attend the hearings or submit written comments on the proposals...

High grouse numbers call for greater safety in the forest

justnorth — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 16:39:00 GMT

According to reports from the field, ruffed grouse numbers are on the rise in Wisconsin, and an increase in grouse means an increase in hunters...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report

justnorth — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 04:08:00 GMT

Fall colors are coming on strong in the north, with the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Fall Color Report indicating some areas are 60 to 80 percent color with peak a week or less away...

Waterfowl hunters advised to wear lifejackets and to not overload boats

justnorth — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 03:50:00 GMT

As waterfowl hunters head out in boats in search of geese or ducks, state boating safety specialists are reminding them to pay as much attention to their safety on the water as to their success in bagging a limit...

Wisconsin prairie chickens get genetic boost from Minnesota birds

justnorth — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 03:47:00 GMT

Can introducing some fresh blood from the land of the Purple and Gold across the Big Muddy reinvigorate a flock of rare birds in the land of the Green and Gold?

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of September 21, 2006

justnorth — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 14:01:00 GMT

Fall officially arrives at 11:03 p.m. this Friday with the arrival of the autumnal equinox, but Wisconsin’s Northwoods has a jump on fall, with some areas already reporting 40 to 60 percent color change in the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Fall Color Report...

Early fall colors arriving in Wisconsin

justnorth — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:58:00 GMT

Trees in Wisconsin’s Northwoods have begun to change, but state forestry officials are urging people traveling to the northwestern portion of the state to view nature’s fall extravaganza of color to be extremely cautious with any potential source of fire...

Fall wild turkey hunting season opens Oct. 1

justnorth — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 13:32:00 GMT

In contrast to Wisconsin’s spring turkey hunting season, the fall season generally has a more relaxed atmosphere, with fewer turkey hunters, different tactics and certainly different scenery...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of September 14, 2006

justnorth — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 13:18:00 GMT

Along with the archery deer season, a number of other hunting seasons begin this weekend including the Canada goose season in the exterior zone and the first Horicon and Collins zone hunting periods. Migratory Canada geese were moving...

Special deer hunt for youths to be held Oct. 7-8th

justnorth — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:54:00 GMT

Young people ages 12 to 15 will have two days this year when only they can hunt deer with guns, under the mentoring of an adult hunter. State wildlife officials hope the youth hunt, which in previous years had been just one day, will help foster Wisconsin’s hunting heritage by allowing youths to learn to hunt in a more relaxed atmosphere than when fields and forests are filled with other deer hunters...

Watch for invasive mussels when removing piers and boats

justnorth — Sun, 17 Sep 2006 12:46:00 GMT

If you thought zebra mussels were bad, wait ’til you get a load of their cousins...

2006 Wisconsin Deer Season Forecast

justnorth — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 12:46:00 GMT

In 2006, Wisconsin’s deer herd remains above population goals. Wildlife managers estimate it to be at 1.5 to 1.7 million animals going into the hunting season...

2006 Wisconsin Fall Hunting Forecast

justnorth — Wed, 06 Sep 2006 12:41:00 GMT

The fall seasons outlook presents a picture of opportunity. The ruffed grouse population appears to be on the upswing, pheasant stocking is up, and we’ve increased the number of available fall turkey permits due to a thriving turkey population – a species DNR reintroduced to Wisconsin a few short decades ago using your license dollars...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - August 24, 2006

justnorth — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:23:00 GMT

While there is still officially nearly a month of summer left, there are increasing signs of the approaching fall. One of the earliest signs is...

Huge Wisconsin chinook caught

justnorth — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:12:00 GMT

Near record chinook catch may be sign of trend toward larger fish

KEWAUNEE -- Fisheries biologists hope the massive chinook salmon caught in the port of Kewaunee earlier this month is a sign of things to come: bigger chinooks...

66,700 permits issued for fall turkey season

justnorth — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:09:00 GMT

MADISON – Nearly 66,700 permits for the Wisconsin 2006 fall turkey season that opens Oct. 1 are being issued through the recently completed fall turkey preference drawing, leaving more than 23,600 permits available for over the counter sales beginning Sept. 7...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - August 17, 2006

justnorth — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 09:29:00 GMT

Fishing success was good in the Northwoods this week with both the weather and the fish cooperating. Seasonal summer temperatures and low humidity made for some pleasant...

2006-07 CWD zones hunting seasons set

justnorth — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 09:09:00 GMT

181 deer from 2005-06 hunting season tested positive for CWD

FITCHBURG, Wis. – Either sex harvest for bow and gun hunting, shorter seasons, and a longer break between the seasons highlight changes to deer hunting rules for southern Wisconsin’s chronic wasting disease (CWD) zones this fall...

Recycling Means Business in Wisconsin

justnorth — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 09:07:00 GMT

MADISON – Recycling has long been touted as an important component of keeping Wisconsin’s environment “green,” but state environmental officials say that recycling has been increasingly becoming more “green” in another area vital for Wisconsin: the bottom line...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of August 10, 2006

justnorth — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 14:19:00 GMT

Most of Wisconsin, with the exception of the far northwest corner, received additional rainfall this week, which has continued to improve water levels on lakes and rivers and kept fire danger levels at low to moderate statewide. Most rivers are now flowing at or near seasonal norms and paddling conditions are good across much of the state, with the exception of the Bois Brule in Douglas County...

Whooping crane management plan topic of public meetings

justnorth — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 11:38:00 GMT

MADISON – What steps should the State of Wisconsin take to balance a high level of protection for the whooping crane, which is a federally endangered species, with the needs and interests of the public and Wisconsin communities?...

Increased protection sought for shovelnose sturgeon

justnorth — Wed, 09 Aug 2006 11:35:00 GMT

PRAIRIE Du CHIEN, Wis. – An international ban on the harvest of sturgeon for caviar from the former Soviet Union is shifting interest to other sources of the high-priced delicacy, including the Mississippi River...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of August 3, 2006

justnorth — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 18:28:00 GMT

Rainfall amounts ranging from 5 to 8 inches in the north and 1 to 3 inches in the south in the last week have greatly moderated fire danger levels across the entire state. As of Thursday, were low to moderate across the entire state and all burning restrictions had been lifted statewide and burning permits are once again being issued...

Comments sought on outdoor recreation plan

justnorth — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 18:23:00 GMT

MADISON – Wisconsin residents love outdoor pastimes, according to a new report on outdoor recreation that finds participation rates in Wisconsin higher than most other regions of the country...

Scientists monitoring wild birds for the Asian strain of bird flu

justnorth — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 18:20:00 GMT

Wisconsin wildlife health scientists are increasing sampling and testing of wild birds for the H5N1 Asian strain of avian influenza – or bird flu – in their ongoing wild animal health surveillance program...

21 deer units will be EAB this fall

justnorth — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 18:15:00 GMT

While many deer hunters hunting in 21 of Wisconsin’s 130 deer management this fall will have to harvest an antlerless deer before being able to harvest a buck, more than 70,000 hunters have already “prequalified” and earned the right to harvest a buck in the 2006 archery and firearm deer hunting seasons by registering an antlerless deer from those units last year...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of July 27, 2006

justnorth — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 05:06:00 GMT

Welcome recent rainfall has reduced wildfire danger levels in eight northwestern Wisconsin counties, allowing fire control officials to lift emergency outdoor burning restrictions in Polk, Barron, Rusk, Price, Taylor, Chippewa, Eau Claire and Clark counties, effective Thursday, July 27...

Draft corridor proposed for Lake Michigan segment of Ice Age Trail

justnorth — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 05:03:00 GMT

Open houses set to review plan, environmental assessment and possible route options.

MADISON - The Ice Age National Scenic Trail is taking another major step toward completion with a proposal for a trail corridor and possible route options for the trail through Kewaunee, Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties, where land would be acquired from willing sellers...

Vilas County fatality prompts recall of kite tubes

justnorth — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 05:00:00 GMT

MADISON – Wisconsin recreation safety officials are urging Wisconsin residents and visitors to stop using inflatable watercraft called kite tubes that have been recalled by the product’s manufacturer...

2006 waterfowl season the topic of public hearings

justnorth — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 04:55:00 GMT

MADISON – Wisconsin’s 2006 waterfowl season is shaping up as a nice long one, with spring breeding waterfowl surveys and other information supporting a proposed 60-day season, the longest possible...

State deer herd predicted at 1.5 to 1.7 million this fall

justnorth — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 04:50:00 GMT

MADISON – Wisconsin’s white-tailed deer population is projected to be 1.5 to 1.7 million this fall, 12 percent higher than last fall, according to state wildlife officials...

First wild whooping crane chicks hatch in the Midwest in over 100 years

justnorth — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 14:03:00 GMT

NEECEDAH, Wis. - The Whooping Crane Eastern Partnership (WCEP) is celebrating a milestone in its efforts to reintroduce a wild whooping crane flock in eastern North America. On June 22, two whooping crane chicks hatched at the Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Wisconsin. This historic event marks the first time in over 100 years that a whooping crane has hatched in the wild in the Midwest...

Devil’s Lake - CWD Deer Shot in Popular State Park

justnorth — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 14:00:00 GMT

BARABOO, Wis. – A chronic wasting disease (CWD) positive wild white-tailed deer was removed recently at Devil’s Lake State Park in Sauk County, the state Department of Natural Resources announced today...

Bear Dog in Training Killed by Wolves near Merrill; Warning area expanded

justnorth — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 13:48:00 GMT

PARK FALLS Wis. – On July 1, wolves killed one Trig Walker hound and injured a second in southwest Lincoln Co. Bear hunters were training the dogs for bear hunting...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of July, 2006

justnorth — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 12:38:00 GMT

A lack of rainfall in northern Wisconsin has created some very dry conditions, and fire danger is currently between moderate and high across the north. With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, state forestry officials are asking all outdoor enthusiasts to use extra caution with fire. DNR forestry fire control staff have responded to a number of wildfires in the past week, including several that were caused by fireworks...

775 sharp-tailed grouse permits available for 2006 hunt

justnorth — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 23:19:00 GMT

A total of 775 permits will be available for the fall 2006 Wisconsin sharp-tailed grouse hunting season, which is set to run Oct. 14 through Nov. 5. Four management units will be open for this fall’s season, up from three units last year...

Two new invasive plants poised to invade Wisconsin forests

justnorth — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 23:15:00 GMT

A grass that can spread like wildfire is one of two new invasive plants that state officials are asking the public to keep an eye out for and report if they find...

Lake trout populations recovering on Lake Superior

justnorth — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 23:13:00 GMT

Wild lake trout populations continue to stage a strong recovery on Lake Superior even as their cousins in the other Great Lakes struggle...

Beach monitoring season begins at Great Lakes beaches

justnorth — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 07:23:00 GMT

Beach monitoring season has begun on Wisconsin’s public coastal beaches, with 120 beaches along the Great Lakes participating in a uniform program to regularly test for bacteria and inform swimmers about...

Humans make poor substitute parents for young wildlife

justnorth — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 07:19:00 GMT

People traveling afield in Wisconsin are likely to encounter baby deer, birds, rabbits or other young wildlife that appear to be "abandoned." But Department of Natural Resources wildlife officials say such young usually have...

Ruffed grouse population appears to be on upswing

justnorth — Sun, 18 Jun 2006 07:16:00 GMT

Wisconsin’s ruffed grouse population appears to be on the upswing, according to preliminary data state wildlife managers collected during the 2006 spring drumming counts. For reasons not well understood by biologists, grouse populations cycle up and down over an 8- to10-year period. The previous high population point was in...

Gypsy moth spraying to begin

justnorth — Tue, 09 May 2006 18:25:00 GMT

MADISON – Aerial spraying to combat the potentially defoliating effects of the gypsy moth could begin in Wisconsin within the next two weeks...

Green Bay yellow perch bag limit to increase

justnorth — Tue, 09 May 2006 18:23:00 GMT

GREEN BAY – Good news for anglers on Green Bay: starting May 20, bag limits for yellow perch increase from 10 to 15 fish per day...

2006 Wisconsin gun deer hunting season set

justnorth — Tue, 09 May 2006 18:18:00 GMT

MADISON – Wisconsin deer hunting seasons will look dramatically different this fall under a trial season structure that, among other changes, eliminates an antlerless-only October gun deer hunt and replaces it with a statewide four-day antlerless-only gun hunt in the second week of December...

5300 attend spring rules hearings

justnorth — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 10:14:00 GMT

MADISON – The results are in from the 2006 Wisconsin Spring Fish and Wildlife Rules Hearings and Conservation Congress county meetings that were held in each county of the state Monday, April 10. About 5,300 participants approved 67 of 74 rule proposals and advisory questions including a Natural Resources Board proposal that would ban all...

Walleye bag limits revised for ceded territory lakes

justnorth — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 10:10:00 GMT

MADISON -- The daily walleye bag limits have been revised on 274 lakes in the Wisconsin Ceded Territory in response to harvest declarations made by six bands of Chippewa in Wisconsin, the state Department of Natural Resources has announced. These bag limits are effective between May 6, 2006 and March 4, 2007, inclusive...

Spring wild turkey season opens April 12, 2006

justnorth — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 18:07:00 GMT

MADISON – 2006 marks the 30th anniversary of the reintroduction of wild turkey in Wisconsin, and several firsts this year highlight the successful effort to re-establish this native species...

Sharp-tailed grouse blinds available for public use - April 2006

justnorth — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 18:04:00 GMT

SPOONER, Wis. -- The public has an opportunity to observe one of Wisconsin’s most unique and fascinating wildlife spectacles – the mating dance of the sharp-tailed grouse – by reserving a spot in an observation blind in an isolated wildlife area in northwestern Wisconsin...

State wildlife action plan aims to keep species from declining

justnorth — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 19:34:00 GMT

MADISON – Wisconsin has an impressive record in restoring and protecting endangered and threatened species like bald eagles and has been very successful managing game species, like turkeys and deer. But these are just a fraction of the wildlife that enrich Wisconsin’s landscape. About 85 percent of the wildlife species found in the state don’t fall into these categories...

Anglers catch nearly 419,000 Lake Michigan chinook in 2005

justnorth — Fri, 10 Mar 2006 19:31:00 GMT

MILWAUKEE – Chinook fishing in Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan got even hotter in 2005: anglers reeled in the highest recorded harvest of chinook and caught them faster than ever before, according to recently analyzed angler surveys...

Hunting and fishing licenses on sale March 10; Turkey permits on sale March 25

Buck — Sun, 05 Mar 2006 18:58:00 GMT

MADISON – Hunting, fishing, trapping and other 2006 licenses and harvest permits for fish and wildlife activities in Wisconsin will go on sale March 10. Over-the-counter sales of spring turkey permits will start at noon on Saturday, March 25...

Spring wildlife and fish rules hearings April 10, 2006

justnorth — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 17:43:00 GMT

MADISON – Electronic voting is coming to every county in Wisconsin with the 2006 Spring Wildlife and Fisheries Rules Hearings on April 10. All-electronic balloting is being installed to improve accuracy, maintain voting privacy and reduce the time and workload of tallying the statewide votes...

Winnebago sturgeon spearing results

justnorth — Tue, 21 Feb 2006 17:37:00 GMT

While pollution and overfishing have threatened lake sturgeon nearly everywhere in North America, this fish is thriving in and around Lake Winnebago...

State, federal and tribal wardens cooperate on wolf trapping case

justnorth — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 15:10:00 GMT

Endangered species violation took place on Menominee reservation

SHAWANO/MENOMINEE, Wis. -- A Green Bay man, Robert A. Roland, 35, pleaded no contest in Shawano/Menominee County Court on Oct. 3, to illegally trapping and killing a gray wolf in violation of the Endangered Species Act...

Now is time to plan for boating safety courses - Feb. 14, 2006

justnorth — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 15:01:00 GMT

MADISON – With more than 15,000 inland lakes, 42,000 miles of rivers, and 1,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, Wisconsin’s waterways are a focal point of outdoor recreation. As the estimated 1.5 million boaters gear up to use these waters this year, courtesy, safety and education are important issues...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report as of February 2, 2006

justnorth — Sat, 04 Feb 2006 12:28:00 GMT

Additional snowfalls have added 6 to 10 inches of new snow to many areas across the Northwoods this week, greatly improving outdoor recreation conditions in the north, but unseasonably warm weather continues to hamper winter activities in the south, where most areas are reporting...

Free angler education clinics offered

justnorth — Sat, 04 Feb 2006 12:21:00 GMT

MADISON – People can assure Wisconsin’s good fishing legacy and the health and well-being of young citizens by attending one of the free angler education workshops that begin statewide Feb. 7. Teachers who want to be fishing instructors can mark their calendars for...

Spring turkey hunt drawing completed - 2006

justnorth — Sat, 04 Feb 2006 12:16:00 GMT

MADISON -- More than 160,000 permits have been issued through the spring turkey preference drawing for the 2006 spring Wisconsin wild turkey season. Another 40,000 spring turkey permits will be...

Natural Resources Board approves 2006 deer season rules

justnorth — Sat, 04 Feb 2006 12:14:00 GMT

MADISON – In a conference call arranged to address modifications to deer season hunting rules requested by the legislature, the state Natural Resources Board voted Tuesday, Jan. 31 to limit a proposed statewide December antlerless deer gun hunt to...

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Report as of December 22, 2005

justnorth — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 18:00:00 GMT

As of mid week, most of Wisconsin remained snow covered with snow ranging from about 5 to 10 inches in most areas, with a few isolated areas in the north having as much as 15 inches. Cross-country ski trails at most parks and forests were open and conditions ranged from fair to excellent. Snowmobile trail conditions are highly variable. Because of warm temperatures in the forecast...

Hunters take more than 10,500 turkeys in 2005 fall season

justnorth — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 17:54:00 GMT

MADISON – A preliminary harvest estimate shows Wisconsin turkey hunters harvested 10,591 wild turkeys this fall. This is just a slight increase compared to the 2004 fall season where hunters harvested 10,362 wild turkeys...

Hunters register 312,519 deer over nine-day season

justnorth — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 19:44:00 GMT

MADISON – A preliminary total of 312,519 deer were registered by hunters at the close of Wisconsin’s nine-day gun deer season. Hunters registered a preliminary 303,162 deer during the same period in 2004...

Hunters register 161,000 deer opening weekend of Wisconsin Deer hunting

justnorth — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 00:32:00 GMT

MADISON - A preliminary tally of deer registration stations across the state showed that hunters registered 161,286 deer over the opening weekend of the Nov 19-27 gun deer hunt, say state wildlife officials. This compares to 153,462 in 2004...

‘Ideal conditions’ and ‘lots of big bucks’ highlight Wisconsin 2005 deer season opener

justnorth — Tue, 22 Nov 2005 00:27:00 GMT

MADISON – Hunting conditions that don’t get any better than this around most of Wisconsin and reports of lots of larger bucks with excellent antler development -- especially in areas of the state that had Earn-A-Buck requirements last year -- were early indications of a memorable opening day for the 2005 Wisconsin nine-day gun deer hunting season...

State Wildlife Action Plan received federal approval

justnorth — Wed, 16 Nov 2005 00:09:00 GMT

MADISON – A Wildlife Action Plan submitted by Wisconsin has been approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. All 50 states and six U.S. territories submitted plans earlier this year establishing a blueprint for conserving imperiled species so they don’t become threatened or endangered...

DNR distributes hunter safety public service announcements

justnorth — Tue, 08 Nov 2005 14:02:00 GMT

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is rolling out two new public service announcements (PSAs) to state radio and television stations. The PSAs urge hunters to keep the tradition of hunting safe and enjoyable by seeking permission from property owners before they hunt and following safe hunting practices. DNR hopes the PSAs will begin airing statewide in early November...

New Web site provides photos, information about Wisconsin fish

justnorth — Wed, 02 Nov 2005 12:00:48 GMT

MADISON – While a laptop isn't standard tackle box gear, anglers and others can now turn to the Internet to help them identify Wisconsin fish...

With mulching, homeowners can leave leaves in the yard

justnorth — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 16:59:22 GMT

MADISON – Each fall, homeowners need to deal with the leaves that accumulate in their yards. Raking and bagging them can be hard and time consuming work and the bags of leaves still have to be disposed of. Raking and burning them is also hard and time consuming work, pollutes the air, creates a fire hazard, and is not allowed in many communities. Composting is an excellent alternative, but sometimes the volume of leaves is too large for home composting containers to conveniently handle...

Reporting system will allow hunters to track deer harvest by DMU

justnorth — Thu, 27 Oct 2005 05:00:00 GMT

MADISON – Results from a new data recording system that tracks information on white-tailed deer that hunters register in Wisconsin are beginning to come in and are revealing some very interesting trends, according to state wildlife managers...

Feral pig numbers increasing in Wisconsin

justnorth — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 14:47:46 GMT

MADISON – With the population of feral pigs increasing across Wisconsin, state wildlife officials are urging the public to report sightings of the animals and are asking hunters to help eliminate them from the landscape by shooting them if they encounter them in the field while pursuing other game...

Baiting and feeding deer still illegal in 26 Wisconsin counties

justnorth — Mon, 24 Oct 2005 14:44:18 GMT

MADISON – Hunters and wildlife watchers are reminded that it is illegal to feed deer for hunting or non-hunting purposes in 26 Wisconsin counties and that these practices are restricted in the amount of food and placement allowed in all other counties. State laws do allow for feeding of birds and small mammals in the restricted counties as long as the food is not accessible by deer. Information sources on Wisconsin’s Deer Baiting and Feeding laws...

Fall gun deer seasons to begin Oct. 27 in Zone T and CWD zones

justnorth — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:11:53 GMT

MADISON – The first of the 2005 gun deer hunting seasons is set to open on Oct. 27 with antlerless deer only hunts in deer management units that are designated as Zone T and in southern Wisconsin’s Chronic Wasting Disease zones. An annual youth deer hunt will take place on Oct. 29...

Oct. 31 deadline to purchase sturgeon spearing licenses

justnorth — Wed, 12 Oct 2005 14:07:26 GMT

OSHKOSH, Wis. -- People who want to participate in the Lake Winnebago lake sturgeon spearing season in 2006 must buy their license by Oct. 31, 2005, unless they are military personnel home on leave or will be turning 14 years old between Nov. 1 and the last day of the 2006 spearing season...

Pheasant stocking to increase in 2005

justnorth — Mon, 10 Oct 2005 16:41:47 GMT

MADISON – Pheasant hunters should be seeing substantially more birds on public hunting grounds in 2005 than in recent years thanks to additional funding earmarked in the current state budget specifically for raising and releasing this popular game bird. The 2005 pheasant hunting season runs Oct. 15 (noon opener) to Dec. 31...

Ring-necked pheasant season to open at noon Oct. 15th

justnorth — Thu, 06 Oct 2005 14:57:29 GMT

MADISON – Pheasant hunters venturing into the prairies and marshes of southern Wisconsin can expect good success in 2005 according to state wildlife officials. The 2005 Wisconsin statewide pheasant hunting season opens at noon Oct. 15 and runs through Dec.31st...

Warm, dry summer to produce bumper crop of multicolored Asian ladybeetles

justnorth — Mon, 03 Oct 2005 16:42:15 GMT

Sealing off exterior cracks and crawl spaces is best prevention method. GREEN BAY, Wis. – The summer of 2005 will be remembered for its lack of rain and warm temperatures across much of Wisconsin. For some, it may also be remembered as the year of the multicolored Asian lady beetle invasion...

Emerald Ash Borer Gets Closer to Wisconsin

justnorth — Thu, 29 Sep 2005 05:00:00 GMT

MADISON, Wis. – Scientists in Michigan working to contain a tiny, green beetle have confirmed that the aptly-named emerald ash borer (EAB) has made the leap from the Lower peninsula of Michigan to the Upper Peninsula. The ash-killing insect was recently found in Brimley State Park near Sault Ste. Marie on the eastern edge of the U.P...

Food Pantry Program: DEZ Deer Hunters Can Donate Deer

justnorth — Mon, 26 Sep 2005 13:48:17 GMT

FITCHBURG – Once again, hunters interested in donating deer harvested in the chronic wasting disease (CWD) western Disease Eradication Zone (DEZ) of southwest Wisconsin to food pantries have that option thanks to many area meat processors...

Crane Watch Clinic offered at Sandhill - Oct. 22, 2005

justnorth — Thu, 22 Sep 2005 18:20:48 GMT

BABCOCK, Wis. – People have an opportunity to join wildlife biologists in a unique evening viewing the daily return of thousands of sandhill cranes to the Gallegher Marsh on Sandhill Wildlife Area, following a day of feeding in surrounding agricultural fields. These majestic birds, once nearly extinct in Wisconsin, have rebounded and now number in the tens of thousands...

Wisconsin Outdoor Report

justnorth — Thu, 22 Sep 2005 05:00:00 GMT

Almost all of Wisconsin received some much needed rain in the last week, moderating drought conditions some and reducing wild fire danger levels throughout the northern and central part of the state. However, wild fire danger levels remained at high in the southern part of the state. While the rain raised water levels on some rivers and lakes, in general most water levels remain well below seasonal norms...

New species of dragonfly discovered in Wisconsin

justnorth — Fri, 16 Sep 2005 19:02:26 GMT

Six years after the original specimen was collected along the banks of Wisconsin’s Eau Claire River, the scientific community has officially recognized a new species of dragonfly discovered by a state Department of Natural Resources biologist...

October hearings scheduled for 2006 deer hunting rule changes

justnorth — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 18:59:03 GMT

People around Wisconsin will have an opportunity to comment on proposed hunting regulations changes for 2006, including an experimental two-year suspension of the October gun deer hunting season known as Zone T, at a series of public hearings around the state in October...

Fall colors arriving early

justnorth — Wed, 14 Sep 2005 18:54:06 GMT

Drought conditions causing some trees to turn earlier than normal. Wisconsin’s fall color show has begun in the Northwoods. State forestry officials report that color change is less than 10 percent in some places while as many as 25 percent of the trees – especially the birch, basswood and red maple – have begun to turn color in other spots across Northern Wisconsin...

2005 Deer Season Forecast

justnorth — Fri, 09 Sep 2005 15:15:24 GMT

MADISON -- In 2004 Wisconsin deer hunters harvested more than 517,000 deer, setting the second highest single season deer harvest total in Wisconsin’s deer hunting history. The total included record archery and muzzleloader harvests of 103,572 and 7,074 deer respectively. The 2004 total is only surpassed by the 2000 season when Wisconsin hunters set a national record harvesting over 617,000 deer...

Deer carcass tags now include information on where tag may be used

justnorth — Thu, 08 Sep 2005 05:00:00 GMT

MADISON – Sharp-eyed deer hunters may notice some changes to the Antlerless Deer Carcass Tags included with their regular Wisconsin archery and gun deer licenses and purchased in over-the-counter sales...

Rotting algae collecting on Great Lakes beaches draws complaints

justnorth — Tue, 06 Sep 2005 19:00:06 GMT

GREEN BAY - The stinky, slimy black mess coating some Lake Michigan shorelines stretching from Door to Racine counties is a naturally occurring algae, not raw sewage, as some people have reported to water quality officials and wardens, those officials say...

Venison donation program invites meat processors to sign up

justnorth — Fri, 02 Sep 2005 15:54:29 GMT

MADISON – Venison processors across the state are encouraged to contact their county governments if they are interested in participating in the 2005 Venison Donation Program...

Habitat projects start long process to restore fish, wildlife habitat on Mississippi River pool

justnorth — Thu, 01 Sep 2005 12:15:23 GMT

Hunters, anglers, wildlife watchers to benefit immediately. BUFFALO CITY, Wis. – Three multi-agency, multi-million dollar habitat projects unfolding along a dammed up stretch of the Upper Mississippi River near here are starting the long process of bringing back the river’s splendor...

Trees help create strong communities

justnorth — Tue, 30 Aug 2005 17:09:58 GMT

Have you ever stopped to think how trees affect us? Not economically or environmentally, but how they affect us socially and psychologically? Trees and greenspace have an influence on our emotional and physical health and even on our behavior. Trees affect our well-being in ways that are seldom understood, and often underestimated...

Hook and line sturgeon season opens Sept. 3

justnorth — Mon, 29 Aug 2005 16:20:31 GMT

Low water heightens concerns about popular fisheries. POYNETTE, Wis. – The hook and line season for sturgeon opens Sept. 3 on several Wisconsin waters amid concerns from state fisheries managers that low water flows on river systems could result in high harvests of these slow growing fish...

New maps show upgraded air monitoring information on the Internet

justnorth — Tue, 23 Aug 2005 14:39:03 GMT

MADISON – People interested in finding out more about the quality of the air where they live in Wisconsin can now take advantage of an improved interactive Internet mapping system through the Department of Natural Resources Web site. The revised air monitoring Web pages take advantage of the DNR’s Geographic Information Systems capabilities that make current and past air quality data more accessible...

State park camping fees to increase August 16

justnorth — Mon, 15 Aug 2005 20:08:35 GMT

MADISON – Campers at Wisconsin State Parks and Forests will pay slightly higher camping fees beginning August 16, under fee increases that were approved as part of the recently approved state budget...

Early Canada goose season runs Sept. 1-15

justnorth — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 02:45:34 GMT

Season will be open over Labor Day weekend

MADISON -- Hunters anxious for the fall waterfowl hunting seasons should have excellent opportunities to get in some early goose hunting during the 2005 Wisconsin Early Canada Goose Hunting Season that runs from Sept. 1 through 15.....

Changes proposed to Lake Winnebago sturgeon spearing season

justnorth — Wed, 03 Aug 2005 02:41:55 GMT

OSHKOSH - Changing food supplies affecting where lake sturgeon congregate and a subsequent increase in sturgeon harvest rates in the Lake Winnebago system are spurring proposals to change how the state preserves populations of this late-maturing, long-lived species while still allowing broad participation in a unique spearing season...