Outdoor Report for September 19, 2013 View current conditions for Wisconsin State Parks, Trails and Forests Check out the Wisconsin Department of Tourism (exit DNR). For current statewide information on statewide fall color, log onto the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Fall Color Report (exit DNR). General | Northern Region | Northeast Region | Southeast Region | South Central Region | West Central Region The first day of fall officially arrives this Sunday with the autumnal equinox, and outdoor conditions are pretty much in line, with some areas of the north starting to report good fall colors arriving, migrant Canada geese are moving into the state, and white-tail bucks have begun rubbing trees. Conservation wardens and wildlife staff from around the state reported an unusually high number of bucks brought in on the opening weekend of the archery deer season with antlers still in velvet and they are reminding hunters that they must get a permit from a warden to keep velvet antlers. Archers reported seeing good numbers of deer with some very good success harvesting deer opening weekend. Oak tree have produced a heavy acorn crop this year so turkeys, deer, and bear have been feeding heavily on the fall crop. Some bear hunters report it has been difficult to attract bear to baits due to the heavy mast crop this year. The recent cold spell has pushed down some Canada geese and more and more agricultural fields are being harvested offering some good hunting opportunities. This past weekend’s youth waterfowl hunt proved successful for many youths with wood ducks prevalent this year in many areas. This coming weekend’s duck opener should provide large water fowl numbers for the hunters. Many of the birds will still be in eclipse plumage so hunters will have to brush up on their identification skills. Several concentrations and morning flights of wood ducks and teal have been seen along the Mississippi River, with a few scattered mallards also observed. Water levels remain very low, and for the opening weekend, Mississippi River duck hunters will find large expanses of water lilies and other emergent plants that harbor ducks and hinder their retrieval. Ample late summer rains have extended the paddling season on some popular rivers, including the lower Flambeau, Pine and Brule, providing opportunity for lovely and rare autumn river runs. However, the lower Wisconsin River continues to be very low with many exposed sandbars. Musky continue to provide the most consistent action in the Northwoods and most musky anglers have been reporting a lot of follows and sightings, with quite a few hook-ups and catches as well. Walleye fishing continues to improve and more anglers are starting to target this species. Lake Michigan tributary fall salmon and trout runs have still not kicked into high gear. Some fish were seen in the Manitowoc, Twin, Sheboygan, Milwaukee and Root rivers but not in high numbers. Strong winds and high waves have kept many trollers off the lake and most who did venture out stayed near harbors, with some success. Shore and pier angler numbers have been high with some success for chinook salmon and brown trout. While many think that spring time is when you see newly hatched turtles some species, such wood turtle, are making their appearance now. It takes these Wisconsin threatened turtles 10 to 12 years to reproduce so please “give them a break” if you see these youngsters crossing the roads. Recent cold fronts and northwest winds have migration humming across most of the state. In the north observers have noted good flights of broad-winged and sharp-shinned hawks along with turkey vulture flights. Warblers and other Neotropical migrants are now past peak, but orange-crowned, palm and yellow-rumped warblers are still being seen. Statewide Birding Report Recent cold fronts and northwest winds have migration humming across most of the state. In northern Wisconsin observers have noted good flights of broad-winged and sharp-shinned hawks along with the expected turkey vulture flights. Observers statewide looking to do some hawk watching would do well to head out to their favorite bluff-top locations this Saturday with expected northwest winds to see the peak of broad-winged hawk migration along with other early migrating raptors. Warblers, thrushes and other Neotropical migrants are now past peak for the fall, but they can still be found in good numbers in your favorite woodland patches. Good sites in the fall should contain sunny edges and lots of fruiting shrubs or vines. Blue jay migration is also now at peak. Backyard birders may notice that blue jays are now moving south through the state in good numbers. New migrants arriving in the past week include rusty blackbirds, pipits, longspurs, horned larks, kinglets and our first good push of sparrows into northern Wisconsin. Orange-crowned warblers are also arriving along with palm and yellow-rumped warblers as warbler migration winds down in early October. Early waterfowl migrants are also now working their way into Wisconsin. Blue-winged teal numbers are building as they build fat reserves for their migration to South America and observers in northwestern Wisconsin have noted the first push of Canada geese from their breeding grounds near Hudson Bay. This weekend is shaping up to be a great day for migrants. Birders have choices of woodland migrants, raptor migration or shorebirds, waterfowl and water birds in wetlands. Enjoy the birds and please report your sightings to Wisconsin eBird to help better monitor our migratory bird populations. - Andy Paulios, wildlife biologist, Fitchburg All-terrain vehicle or utility-terrain vehicle riding Fall is a beautiful time to take an all-terrain vehicle or utility-terrain vehicle ride on one of the great trails around the state. Pack a lunch and enjoy the changes in color that is beginning as well as wildlife sightings. Just last weekend I saw a woodpecker looking for that one special tree and tons of squirrels making little stashes of treasures for this winter to snack on. The eagles up north are starting to move a bit more than they did in that hot weather and nothing is more exciting that being out on a trail when you look up and see that beautiful bird flying overhead. ATV and UTV trails get riders out in the woods to enjoy the surroundings. Just remember, what you bring in, you should bring back out. Check out the Department of Tourism’s fall color report along with the county ATV and UTV maps for where you’d like to ride Wisconsin ATV Assoc. where-to-ride guide (both links exit DNR). ATV and UTV trails are maintained by local club members who work very hard throughout the year to provide access. These clubs, along with county sponsors make it possible, so please don’t litter or ride off the trail. Also, don’t assume that all snowmobile trails are open for ATVs and UTVs. Most are on private land and need to allow for other uses. Signs indicate where it is legal to ride. - Diane Conklin, ATV, UTV, and recreational boating grant manager, Madison
Posted on: Fri, 20 Sep 2013 17:28:05 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015