Wisconsin Fishing Reports, Outdoor & Hunting Report

[Rick]

MADISON, WI - The weekly Wisconsin fishing reports & hunting report from 12/06/12 are gathered local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Wisconsin Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Wisconsin Fishing Reports - Click Here

The nine-day gun deer season and the muzzleloader season have closed for 2012, but opportunities remain to harvest a deer, and fill the freezer for the holidays.

The late archery season is underway and continues until Jan. 6, 2013. There is also a statewide antlerless hunt beginning today, Dec. 6, through Sunday, Dec. 9, and a holiday hunt in the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) zones of south central Wisconsin, which starts Dec. 24 and runs until Jan. 6, 2013.

With weekend snow in the forecast, hunting conditions are expected to improve for the antlerless deer hunt, and hopefully, enough snow for snowmobile trail grooming to also begin. State park and forest properties have also cleared ski trails and are prepared to begin grooming ski trails as soon as adequate snow arrives.

Please note all hunters – with the exception of waterfowl hunters -- are required to wear blaze orange through Dec. 9, and waterfowl hunters are encouraged to wear blaze orange when travelling to and from blinds.

Cold weather sent a large number of diving ducks – scaup, bufflehead, golden eye, red head and canvasback – south, but when warm weather moved in, many slowed their migrations and hunters reported mixed success before hunting in the southern zone ended last weekend.

The first ice has come and gone, frustrating many ice fishermen, but with cooler weather predicted, conditions should be improving, depending on location in a week or two. Be cautious when you head out with your auger, the early ice will be uneven and potentially unsafe.

Perch are still biting on minnows in Oconto County, and also in Brown County both from shore and by boat on the Oconto River at the Oconto Boat Landing.

Crappies and walleyes are still being caught in good numbers on the Wolf River in Waupaca County with live bait being the best bet. Crappie anglers also reported good success in Kenosha and Dodge counties.

Brown trout fishing in Milwaukee remains hot with many browns and a few Lake Trout being caught on the lake and in the inner harbor. Most methods have been producing results with the best being short lead cores in 2-4 colors and stick baits or crankbaits fished off of planer boards, crankbaits fished off of downriggers has been equally productive.

There is exceptional eagle watching along in Grant County at Mississippi River Pool #11. Eagles may be sighted from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service landings at Far Nuff and Lynn Hollow.

Large numbers of migrating Canada geese have been seen resting on the Oconto River between Oconto and Stiles in Oconto County. Most inland bodies of water are still ice free or have very thin ice.

On Lake Superior along Ashland County, swans and other waterfowl remain on the big lake’s open water. And a northern shrike was spotted in Waupaca County this week.

Northern Region

Ashland DNR Service Center area

Ashland County - The muzzleloader season began last weekend and weather conditions have been okay for hunting with snow cover being found across the Ashland area. Ice fishing on some smaller inland lakes has started with ice conditions being iffy at best. Swans and other waterfowl still are holding out on the open waters of Lake Superior.

- Matt Mackenzie, conservation warden, Ashland

Hayward DNR Service Center area

Sawyer County - There were a few people ice fishing on smaller lakes and bays last weekend, but that ended during the week when warmed weather moved in. Many are talking about going out this weekend if ice conditions improve. Caution is advised when venturing out on ice, which may vary in thickness from one place to another. And never go out alone.

Very few individuals were seen hunting during the muzzle loading season and there seemed to be even less interest in the four-day antlerless season. Those harvesting deer during the muzzle loading season had better luck finding natural food sources such as acorn crops versus hunting over artificially baited areas. Same should hold true for the antlerless hunt for those that are still trying to harvest deer.

The dusting of snow melted during the week. First ice beaver trappers had to pull their traps at the start of the week because of the warm weather and rain. Temperatures this week should put the under ice beaver trappers back on track this weekend or early next week.

- Thomas Heisler Jr., conservation warden, Winter

Spooner DNR Service Center area

Polk County – Muzzleloader hunters were not having much success harvesting deer. Hunters also stated seeing low numbers of deer during the regular gun deer hunting season.

- Shaun Tyznik, conservation warden, Amery

The mild damp weather of recent days has melted all the snow which has made wildlife viewing more difficult, but there is snow in the forecast. Ice conditions vary across the county and have diminished with the warmer weather. Use caution when traveling on any frozen lakes. There are still many good days of grouse and pheasant hunting with good numbers of birds in the area.

- Christopher Spaight, conservation warden, Grantsburg

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the end of the musky fishing season on Nov. 30, the open-water fishing season has basically come to an end in the Park Falls area. Many of the medium-size lakes in the area saw the start of ice cover last week, but the recent mild weather has caused much of that ice to weaken or disappear. Ice depths had reached 2-3 inches on some of the lakes and the first ice fishermen of the season were starting to venture out, but the ice had greatly weakened with the warm temperatures over this past weekend. Colder nighttime temperatures during this week should add some thickness to the ice cover, but any “fishable” ice is still a week or more away.

- Skip Sommerfeldt, senior fisheries biologist, Park Falls

Northeast Region

Oconto County – Perch are still biting in Oconto with minnows being the preferred bait. With the warm weather this past week, very few were seen muzzleloader hunting and deer movements during the day seem to be down. A cold spell should get things moving again. Large numbers of migrating Canada geese have been seen resting on the Oconto River between Oconto and Stiles. Most inland bodies of water are still ice free or have very thin ice.

- Mike Stahl, conservation warden, Oconto Falls

Shawano County - Hunters reported good successes in Shawano County throughout the gun deer season with many nice bucks were harvested. Ice conditions were improving on area lakes until the latest warm spell which pushed everything back to open water

- Mark Schraufnagel, conservation warden, Shawano

Green Bay DNR Service Center area

Brown County – Duck season has closed in the southern waterfowl zone leaving only goose season open. There are numerous Canada geese roosting on the southern bay of Green Bay, although historically hunters had not had much success hunting geese on the water. Be careful if you plan to venture out onto the bay of Green Bay. The water levels are still very low and a majority of the navigation aids have been removed by the Coast Guard in preparation for the ice.

Perch anglers are having success both from shore and by boat on the Oconto River at the Oconto Boat Landing. The quantity is there but the perch are small.

- Darren Kuhn, conservation warden, Sturgeon Bay

The light snow cover is gone and water levels remain low. Deer hunters reported seeing more and nicer looking bucks this year during the gun deer season in Brown County. Duck hunting in the southern duck hunting zone closed last weekend.

- Andy Lundin, conservation warden, Green Bay

Manitowoc County – Given the unseasonably warm weather, muzzleloader season hunters are finding deer holding tight until after dark. Most waterways with ice have lost it with 50-plus degree days. Otters have been very active and trappers have been having success.

- Robert Stroess, conservation warden, Mishicot

With warm weather conditions there has been no lasting ice formation on the lakes and rivers in Kewaunee and Manitowoc counties. Decent sized flocks of mallards and geese have been observed migrating south and sightings of deer at dusk have been common despite just finishing up with the gun deer season.

- Ryan Volenberg, conservation warden, Mishicot

Wautoma DNR Service Center area

Waupaca County - Trappers are appreciating the recent warm weather. They have been busy getting traps out before the colder temperatures arrive. Muzzleloader hunters had great weather to enjoy their sport this past week. However, hunter participation was low and not many hunters were seen in the Waupaca area.

A Northern Shrike was seen for the first time this year. The bird was seen a few miles south of Waupaca. Several large flocks of ducks (mostly mallards) were seen in the Waupaca area recently. The birds may be moving south – now that the season is over.

- Ted Dremel, conservation warden, Wautoma

Walleyes and crappies can still be caught in good numbers on the Wolf River around New London. Walleyes can be a little hit or miss though. Live bait is still a safe bet. There are still a few pheasants on the Mukwa Marsh and Larson State properties west of New London for the taking, just remember to get your pheasant stamp before you go.

- Bryan Lockman, conservation warden, Wautoma

Oshkosh DNR Service Center area

Calumet County - Weather conditions remain warm throughout the county, impacting both deer movement and hunter success following the traditional nine-day gun season. With both muzzle-loader and late archery seasons open, some deer hunters are still out looking for that trophy buck.

Raccoons are active again due to the above normal temperatures and trappers are taking advantage of it. The little ice that formed on small streams and rivers in the area is now gone and some late migrating waterfowl are stopping to rest. Waterfowl hunters on Lake Winnebago are enjoying good success on both diver and puddle ducks along the east shore. Most outdoor users are hoping for some colder weather and tracking snow. The statewide late season antlerless deer hunt is only a few days away for those with unfilled tags.

- Michael Disher, conservation warden, Stockbridge

Outagamie County - Deer hunters still have a chance of filling the freezer with venison with the four-day December season running Thursday through Sunday. Mild weather has kept area lakes and bays from freezing up. Early season ice anglers are reminded to use extreme care when venturing out onto the ice. Holiday gift ideas for the outdoors person would be new blaze orange to replace the old faded and stained jackets. Hunter harnesses for the tree stand hunters a good quality harness is expensive and makes a good gift. Inflatable PFDs for the fisherman in your life and ice fishing gear with floatation such as ice rider gear.

- Mike Young, conservation warden, Wautoma

Winnebago County - The southern duck hunting season ended with a bang. The cold weather hit at the right time and many duck hunters found late season success. Duck hunters should be aware that now is a great time to remove those waterfowl blinds on state bodies of water. Hunters have seven days after the close of waterfowl season (exterior goose) to remove blinds.

- Jason Higgins, conservation warden, Oshkosh

Southeast Region

Milwaukee DNR Service Center area

Lakeshore State Park – Lakeshore has more than a mile of concrete-paved trails. All park trails are open and in good condition. The Summerfest loop is now open for public use and will remain open until next year’s festival season.

The marina is now closed for the season. Reservations for next year can be made up to 11 months in advance by calling 414-274-4281.

Fishing has picked up. Browns and perch have been hitting in the lake, lagoons and channel on spawn sacks and minnows with some success with spoons and plastic. Several kayakers have done well using crank baits in the lagoons. Use care when fishing the basins from boats due to the extremely low water levels.

The short-grass prairie demonstration gardens are in their late fall phase, with the tan to reddish prairie grasses contrasting nicely with the blue, white and purple asters. Best viewing times are early mornings or evenings, when the sun shines through the little bluestem and highlights the fluffy white seeds.

The grey and red foxes are still regular visitors to the park. Bird activity is fairly quiet, but the winter arrivals are starting. Scaups, golden-eyes, long-tailed ducks, mergansers, scoters, coots and buffle-heads are present. Snow buntings are now present along the lakefront, and snowy owls have been spotted in the state.

Water levels in Lake Michigan are approaching the record low, and additional drops are expected over the next several months. The lake bed below the stone rip-rap has been exposed several times, presenting an opportunity to see the zebra/quagga mussels carpeting the lagoon bottom.

Lake Michigan fisheries team report - Compiled from creel clerks by Cheryl Masterson, fisheries technician, Milwaukee

Sheboygan County - Boat trollers were getting a few browns north of Sheboygan in 30-50 feet of water on small spoons or crankbaits fished off downriggers and lead cores fished off of planer boards. The Pigeon River still held a few coho in the deeper pools and anglers were getting a few on spawn or small flies drifted near bottom but overall stream fishing was slow.

Ozaukee County - Fishing in Port Washington improved over the weekend with several browns and a few steelheads being caught at the power plant discharge and the Rotary Park rocks. Spawn sacs fished off bottom or casting spoons and crankbaits have all been good. Some boat anglers were catching browns trolling crankbaits off of downriggers or on lead core fished off of planer boards in 20-40 feet of water.

Milwaukee County - Brown trout fishing in Milwaukee remains hot with many browns and a few Lake Trout being caught from out in the lake and in the inner harbor. Most methods have been producing with the best being short lead cores in 2-4 colors and stick baits or crankbaits fished off of planer boards, crankbaits fished off of downriggers has been equally productive, other anglers are having success casting and jigging spoons or plastics off bottom as well. Spawn and minnows fished off of bottom or under a float have also produced a few fish.

The wet warm weather has spiked the Milwaukee River some and a few anglers are having action for steelhead floating spawn sacs or flies in the deeper slower holes. Shore fishermen near the Hoan Bridge and Summerfest grounds have been catching browns and some perch using spawn sacs fished off bottom with a three-way rig.

Racine County - Fishing in Racine slowed somewhat with only an occasional brown caught by shore anglers or small boat fishermen casting crankbaits or spoons at the river mouth and inner harbor. The marina gave up a few browns for shore anglers using spawn or minnows fished beneath a float as well.

Waukesha DNR Service Center area

Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area - The floating boat ramps and cattail barrier at the Theresa Marsh dam were raised out of the water this week in preparation for freeze-up. The entire marsh is once again ice free (it had been entirely frozen over last week). Very few Canada geese remain on the property. One final pheasant stocking is scheduled to occur this week on Theresa, Allenton and Jackson Wildlife Areas. The two waterfowl refuges on Theresa Marsh opened for the remainder of the season to small game, pheasant and late bow hunting, and trapping last weekend.

- Tom Isaac, wildlife biologist, Hartford

Sturtevant DNR Service Center area

Kenosha County – It certainly doesn’t feel like fall, let alone winter, but hunters and fishermen are still taking advantage of the abnormal weather conditions to enjoy the outdoors.

Muzzleloader and holiday hunt deer hunters should see cooler temperatures than those who hunted the traditional nine-day gun deer season. Hunters are encouraged to take advantage of the plethora of state properties, as well as properties enrolled in the Voluntary Public Access (VPA) program

Goose hunters are reporting an excellent number of birds around. Some of the intermittent weather conditions to the north have a lot of birds holding in the Racine/Kenosha/Walworth area. Even though the duck season has closed, hunters are reminded the Exterior Zone Canada geese season runs through Dec. 21.

Anglers have reported good luck at their local “crappie holes.” Minnows and jigs have been the bait of choice, landing some fish upwards of 16-inches

- Kyle Dilley, conservation warden, Burlington

South Central Region

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area

Grant County – There is a very large number of bald eagles in Mississippi River Pool #11. Eagles may be sighted from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service landings at Far Nuff and Lynn Hollow.

There are also large concentrations of Canadian geese and mallards in the closed area waterfowl refuge between, Cassville and McCartney Boat landing at County Highway N. the duck season ended this past weekend and the Mississippi river trapping season opened. Many trappers noted that the muskrat population appears lower than past years, and can be linked to the lower than normal water levels this past summer. Beaver trappers are noting fresh signs of beaver activity throughout both Pools #10 and #11.

The few walleye and sauger anglers venturing forth noted very slow fishing activity and small fish in the 6-10 inch range. Late season bluegill and crappie fishermen noted ice on Long Pond slough on Jack Oak Island, and Bertom Lake, but recent warm weather should open these areas. No ice fishing yet.

- Richard S. DeWitte, conservation warden, Cassville

It has been a late-coming, dry, warm fall season. We had almost enough ice to walk on for a few days last week. Some eager trappers got a few rat sets out, but then the ice melted. Raccoon have been hard to find this fall. Coon hunters and trappers suspect that distemper may have knocked their numbers down. Lots of mallards and divers are on Mississippi River pools. A few big flocks of geese are hanging out on the Wisconsin River, but most of the ducks have been gone for a while. Turkeys are gathering into large boisterous flocks. Hunters are optimistic for the upcoming antlerless season. Hopefully the weather will cooperate.

- Daniel Goltz, wildlife biologist, Boscobel

Iowa County - Pheasant hunters are reporting good luck with a lot of birds seeking cover in the tall grasses. A lot of birds are being seen south of Barneveld and Ridgeway. A lot of this land is private, but with permission hunters could have a great hunt. Be sure to wear enough blaze orange while hunting in the Iowa/Sauk County area – 50 percent from the waste up. This applies to all hunters, except waterfowlers. There are a number of different gun deer hunts still taking place in the area. Also make sure your orange is bright enough. Wardens in Iowa County have been finding some hunters without bright enough orange. Deer movement has been slow with the unusually warm weather lately.

- David Horzewski, conservation warden, Reedsberg

Lafayette County - Raccoon have been moving well, but the change in temperatures will more than likely change things a little. Fishing has been sparse and the deer hunters as having a mixed bag of luck. Some are seeing a lot of deer while others are seeing none. A few even report still seeing bucks rutting.

- Nick Webster, conservation warden, Darlington

Richland County - Muzzleloader hunters report having good success after the regular gun deer season. The four-day antlerless season starts Thursday, Dec. 6, and runs through Sunday.

- Michael Nice, conservation warden, Richland Center

Horicon DNR Service Center area

Dodge County - Large flocks of tundra swans have been seen in Dodge County in recent days. Fishermen are having good success on crappies from shore on Beaver Dam Lake and the Beaver Dam River at the Lowell Dam. Most anglers are having success with small jigs and tails.

- Paul Nell, conservation warden, Horicon

Horicon Marsh State Wildlife Area - The marsh has thawed and re-frozen in the past week. There is currently very thin ice in many areas, but a fair amount of open water remains. There are still some waterfowl around.

Some swans and snow geese can be seen in the area. Eagles, rough-legged hawks and a few snowy owls have been using the marsh. Deer hunting pressure has been light since the gun season, and there are still good opportunities for harvesting a deer. Turkeys have been seen in good sized winter flocks. Trapping has been productive, but challenging with the low water levels and freezing and thawing cycles in the past couple of weeks.

- Paul Samerdyke, wildlife biologist, Horicon

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area

Jefferson County - Not many hunters have taken part in the muzzleloader season. However, it appears there may be more for the upcoming antlerless hunt. Pheasant hunters are still chasing birds. The weather and cover conditions are still very good.

Migrating swans have been seen on area waters. Numerous bald eagles, adult and juvenile, have been seen hunting area river corridors.

- Ryan Ellifson, conservation warden, Jefferson

Sauk County - Open water fishing below the Prairie du Sac dam has been really good. Anglers are catching walleyes on jigs and minnow or a hook and minnow. Turkey hunters are reminded that the deadline for application for a spring turkey permit is approaching fast. The deadline for spring 2013 permit applications is Monday, Dec. 10. Hunters are reminded to be safe during the antlerless doe hunt and the holiday hunt coming up. If we get snow, the ground can be slippery and hunters are reminded to be safe.

- John Buss, conservation warden, Prairie du Sac

Sauk County saw a good harvest in deer this past gun deer season. Bucks still chasing does in the fields. Several large bucks have been observed out in the fields during the evening feeding. The flock of swans left the Dutch Hollow Lake area, however a large flock of Canada geese remain in the area. Some fishermen have been having luck catching northern pike on the Baraboo River near La Valle.

- David Horzewski, conservation warden, Reedsburg

West Central Region

Baldwin DNR Service Center area

Pierce County - The nine-day gun deer season is over with very good success in the area. Duck hunting was very good the last couple of weeks of the Mississippi River season.

Walleye fishermen are catching fish on the Mississippi River as well as sauger. The warm weather had plenty of people on the river trying their luck with good success.

- Brad Peterson, conservation warden, Baldwin

Willow River State Park - Camping is available only in the 200 loop until April, 2013. There are nine electric hookup sites among the 20 available sites. When snow rolls in, only four sites will have limited vehicle access since there are no plans to plow campsites. The remaining sites in the loop will be walk in from the parking area with a tent. The dump station is closed until it thaws out in spring.

The lake has had up to one inch of ice, which has mostly melted and re-frozen again. We will need a solid week, or more, of below freezing to grow more ice. Park staff does not monitor ice conditions. Once ice fishing starts, it can be some of the best pan fish action of the year through that early ice. Big snow over the early ice will shut the action down.

Archery hunting for deer remains open. This hunting is essentially a non-factor for any hikers passing through the open hunting areas. If you find a tree down across a trail, please report it so park staff can clean it up.

Work continues on the Nelson Farm trails. If a trail closure sign goes up, please respect the closure. The existing ski trail maps do not show the new trail. We will be handing out that map this year to use up the supply before reprinting. There will be ample signage posted at the Nelson Farm Trail junctions before we get into ski season.

There are no plans to plow the Hunter’s parking lot on River Road but the Nelson Farm Road parking lot will be plowed. Ski trail rooming plans do not include the spur trail out to the Hunter’s lot. We expect to have a second late model snowmobile and grooming implement soon which will speed the winter trail preparation process along for skiers and other users. Remember, two new snowshoe trails were added last year.

None of the gravel parking lots inside the park are scheduled for snowplowing. A ski trail runs across the lot across from the Group Camp.

La Crosse DNR Service Center area

Vernon County - Waterfowl viewing opportunities still abound along the Mississippi River. Bluebills, canvasbacks, mallards, goldeneyes, and tundra swans remain in the area and can be viewed from numerous areas along Wisconsin 35, especially in the Ferryville and Lynxville areas. Binoculars or a spotting scope will greatly improve viewing. Keep a sharp eye out for bald eagles, gulls, and other birds.

Wild turkey hunters are faring well, as an abundance of birds and pleasant late fall weather have contributed to hunter success.

- Dave Matheys, wildlife biologist, Viroqua

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area

Black River State Forest – Snow may be around the corner for the area. One to two inches are predicted for Friday and possibly another inch on Sunday. Hopefully the winter recreation season is around the corner.

Trails are closed for the season. Trails will reopen on Dec. 15, for snowmobiling and ATVs if conditions are good.

East Fork and Castle Mound Campground are closed for the season. The new entrance station at Castle Mound will be under construction this fall. The campground is expected to open next spring when the office is complete. East Fork Campground reopens in mid-April. Pigeon Creek campground is open on a first-come, first-served basis. The group camp is on the reservation system.

- Peter Bakken, superintendent

Jackson County -ATV trails remain closed until Dec. 15 -- weather permitting. Over this past week some hunters have been very successful while deer hunting with their muzzleloaders in Jackson County. Fishermen have been catching nice sized walleyes and northern pike on the Black River.

- Jake Donar, conservation warden, Black River Falls

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area

Eau Claire County -Shoreline anglers have been catching a lot of 10-14 inch walleye at the Forest Street City Garages. The minimum legal size for walleye below the Dells Hydro Dam is 15-inches. Conditions are great for taking walks in the woods.

- Scott Thiede, conservation warden, Eau Claire

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Buckhorn State Park - Campsites 8, 9, 16, and A1-A8, B1-B3 are open for camping on a first come basis. The group camp area will be open until there is plow able snow, as those roads are not plowed in winter. All other sites are closed to camping for the season.

Water is available in the group camp and at the park office next to the restroom.

Fall hunting maps for the park, Buckhorn and Yellow River Wildlife Areas are available on the park website, in the park office, and outside the office by the bulletin board in the map box. The Yellow River Wildlife Area is open to all hunting opportunities – 1,200 acres of the park north of County G and north of 31st St. are open for gun deer hunting for muzzleloader and the antlerless hunt Thursday, Dec. 6, through Sunday. No gun deer hunting allowed south of County G or south of 31st St. See park map for correct locations. Park stickers are required for parking on roads adjacent to the park

- Heather Wolf, park manager

Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate and campground are closed. Parking is in the winter lot and park stickers are still required. The 2013 park stickers are available. If you self register, they will be sent to you. Please do not block the main gate. The stairway is open from 6 a.m. until sunset. No food, drinks or pets are allowed and visitors are restricted to the stairway to protect the natural area. Please be respectful of the park and other users while using the stairway.

Roche-A-Cri State Park is not open for hunting.

- Heather Wolf, park manager

[Rick]

Wisconsin Fishing Reports, Outdoor & Hunting ReportMADISON, WI - The weekly Wisconsin fishing reports & hunting report from 12/13/12 are gathered local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Wisconsin Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Wisconsin Fishing Reports - Click Here

While some areas of west central Wisconsin received upward of a foot or more of snow last weekend, most areas receiving from an inch or two to 4 to 6 inches. Only a few counties in northwestern and north central Wisconsin have opened snowmobile trails, and conditions are listed as poor to fair at best. In most areas, there was not enough snow for groomers to even get out and pack down snow.

State recreational safety specialists are reminding snowmobilers that it is trespass to use snowmobile trails before they are open. Opening of trails is done by county snowmobile trail coordinators based on recommendations from local snowmobile clubs that maintain the trails. Using the trails before they are open can make conditions more difficult for the volunteers, and can also jeopardize the easements that allow trails to cross private lands.

A few state parks and forests reported that they have rolled some cross-country ski trails, but there were no reports of snow deep enough to set track. Some cross-country skiers have been out, with “rock skis” recommended.

Unseasonably warm weather during and after the gun deer season has left most southern and central Wisconsin lake ice-free and prevented many northern lakes from freezing to a depth safe for foot travel. Colder weather during the past week began to form some good ice in the north, but the several inches of dry snow that fell last weekend formed an insulating blanket from the colder air above. As a result, the formation of safe ice (even for foot travel) is expected to take much longer than usual.

While ice fishing is delayed, there still are reports of open water anglers out, with some reports of good walleye catches on the Wolf River. The Root River was still producing a few brown trout and steelhead. And browns and steelhead were being caught out of Milwaukee, Port Washington and Sheboygan.

The snow was boon for deer hunters participating in last weekend’s antlerless hunt, making sight and tracking conditions much better. Late season archery deer hunters have also been taking advantage of the moderate temperatures and light snow cover; the season runs through Jan. 6.

The fifth of six wolf harvest zones will close Friday Dec. 14 after the quota for the zone was reached this week, bringing the statewide harvest to 107. That leaves only zone 3 open, with a quota of seven wolves remaining.

This season continues to be very good for many of the irruptive boreal finches. Pine siskins, redpolls, pine grosbeaks and both crossbills have been reported in higher than normal numbers. . Snowy owls were being reported in good numbers in Great Lakes harbors and a few open ag/grassland landscapes.

Statewide Birding Report

Last weekend’s winter storm and subsequent cold has waterfowl and water birds on the move! Canada geese, many species of ducks and tundra swans have largely left their fall haunts and have moved in to southern Wisconsin or have left for traditional wintering areas. With the forecast for warmer temps up until Christmas, birders in southern Wisconsin should see higher than normal diversity and numbers of waterfowl in larger bodies of open water. Madison birders have reported all three species of scoter and long-tailed ducks in the past two weeks. Sandhill cranes have largely departed for Indiana staging areas, but some cranes do remain in southern and central Wisconsin. This fall saw higher than normal numbers of rufous hummingbirds in Wisconsin. A couple of these hummers are still lingering at feeders in La Crosse. This season continues to be very good for many of the irruptive boreal finches. Pine siskins, redpolls, pine grosbeaks and both crossbills have been reported in higher than normal numbers. It appears to be an average bohemian waxwing year and the early push of evening grosbeaks now appears to have ended. Snowy owls were being reported in good numbers in Great Lakes harbors and a few open ag/grassland landscapes. Check the break walls of most Great Lakes harbors for birds during the day. A northern hawk owl has set up a winter territory near Egg Harbor in Door County. This boreal owl is an occasional visitor to Wisconsin. Finally, it appears that the artic gull species are now moving into Wisconsin. Birders at large gull concentrations are reporting glaucous, thayer’s, and Iceland gulls in good numbers. As always, check Wisconsin eBird (www.ebird.org/WI) for more information on the latest sightings AND to report your own sightings so that we can track our migratory bird populations. - Andy Paulios, wildlife biologists and Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative coordinator

Northern Region

Ashland DNR Service Center area

Ashland County - Last week saw the end of a warm weather stint changing the area from to snow covered back to brown. Deer movement during daylight seemed to slow or even stop as the temps went higher since deer could find natural food in the woods. As baiting starts to wind down, when there is snow cover, it tends to encourage deer to start moving more during daylight hours. - Matt Mackenzie, conservation warden, Ashland

Spooner DNR Service Center area

Burnett County - A fresh blanket snow has fallen in Burnett County, which has made wildlife viewing considerably easier. Ice conditions vary across the county and will be questionable for some time with the blanket of snow insulating the ice. Use caution when traveling on any frozen lakes. Area trails for cross country skiing and snowmobiling will be opening and should be in good shape for the coming weekend. - Christopher Spaight conservation warden, Grantsburg

Polk County - Muzzleloader hunters in northern Polk County report not seeing many deer. Warm temperatures and no snow kept the deer moving very little and mostly at night. Some hunters got deer but participation seemed to be down from past years. Gun deer numbers were up in Polk County a little from last year but conditions opening weekend were warm and windy. The end of November some local anglers were venturing out on some of the smaller lakes that had very thin ice. Conditions warmed and melted most of the ice that had formed. The thin layer of ice that is on some of the lakes now are not safe. Temperatures are dropping this week, which will assist in forming some more ice but there is some snow in the for cast but that could slow the ice making process. - Jesse Ashton conservation warden, Luck

Crex Meadows State Wildlife - There is about 8-10 inches of snow, making for good hunting conditions for predator callers. It is also easy viewing for pheasants. With cooler temperatures and snow cover, deer metabolism slows down and they become less active. A Carnivore & Wolf Ecology Workshop is scheduled Saturday, Jan. 12. Check out the Crex Meadows website for more details. http://www.crexmeadows.org/events.htm. - Heidi Rusch, natural resources educator

Interstate Park - Winter recreation trails are open; however, the Skyline Cross Country Ski Trail has NOT been groomed. Hiking is not recommended on the bluff trails as they are not maintained for winter use. Ice conditions are variable; please check at the park office before ice fishing on Lake O’ the Dalles or the St. Croix River. A drive through the park may provide views of winter wildlife or evidence of their presence. Check at the park office for recent sightings and recommendations for best wildlife watching opportunities. - Julie Fox, natural resources educator

Cumberland DNR Service Center area

Baron County - Most of the small bays on area lakes are frozen over and angers are out on the thin ice for the early ice bite; however, action has been slow. Most lakes are still open in areas and the protected bays have no more than 2-4 inches of ice. Recent heavy snows will provide a good base for the still closed snowmobile trials and area clubs are out grooming and packing trails. The recent snow has pushed the majority of migrating Canadian geese who were loitering here enjoying the plentiful grain fields through the Rice Lake area. - Russ Fell, conservation warden, Rice Lake

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - Unseasonably warm weather during and after the gun deer season has prevented many area lakes from freezing to a depth safe for foot travel. Colder weather during the past week began to form some good ice, but that process was delayed by the addition of several inches of dry snow on Dec. 9. Powdery snow over thin ice forms an insulating blanket from the colder air above. As a result, the formation of safe ice (even for foot travel) is expected to take much longer than usual. Under no circumstance should ice anglers or others drive snowmobiles or ATVs onto the ice at this time. Deep lakes like Lac Courte Oreilles still had vast areas of open water on Dec. 11. Smaller lakes have a surface layer of ice covered with snow, but ice thickness is not yet predictably safe for foot travel (4 inches), so ice anglers must hope for sustained cold weather and be careful to check local ice conditions before venturing out. - Dave Neuswanger, Hayward field unit supervisor, Park Falls

Woodruff DNR Service Center area

Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area - Winter finally returned after last week’s melt down. Ice is back on the Flowage with some places having 2 inches but most areas are not that thick. Use extreme caution if venturing onto the ice. The brunt of last weekend’s snow missed the flowage, allowing only 3 inches. Several more inches are need before the cross-country ski trail can be groomed. - Christine Paulik, parks and recreation specialist, Mercer

Antigo DNR Service Center area

Langlade County - Snow has been falling in Langlade County! At the current pace, the trails will soon have enough snow for all types of outdoor enthusiasts but snowmobile trails aren't open yet. Although the groomed cross-country ski trails are not open, skiers are finding enough snow to go bush-whacking and exploring new areas. Deer hunters are taking advantage of snow to stalk their prey. Also, people using hounds are having success running bobcats every morning there is a fresh dusting of snow. Rabbit hunters were also using it to their advantage when running beagles. Winter is upon us and has brought several large flocks of snow buntings into the area. A shortage of lemmings in Canada on the tundra has caused a few sightings of snowy owls in the area, too. These birds can be seen sometimes hunting large parking lots. This is presumably because the parking lots resemble their native tundra. - Tim Otto, conservation warden, Antigo

Northeast Region

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area

Marinette County - The short day length and 30 degree temps has turkeys gobbling! Northern Marinette County has around 6 inches of fairly dry fluffy snow. While the snow is not ideal tracking snow, it still offers a great time for deer hunters to get out and get a good feel for how much deer activity there is in the areas they hunt. There have been some early reports from “brave” ice-anglers venturing out onto area lakes with less than 3 inches of ice. Most anglers are patiently waiting for a stretch of cold weather and thicker ice before venturing out. The late antlerless hunt helped some fill their freezers, but hunting pressure seemed light. - Aaron McCullough, wildlife technician, Wausaukee

Oconto County - The Oconto Falls Station received about 4 inches of new snow. Snowmobile trails are still closed. Ice conditions in the area are poor and with the warm up being forecast for the middle of the week until Saturday will probably remain that way. The new snow should help small game and coyote hunters with tracking. - Mike Stahl, conservation warden, Oconto Falls

Shawano County - Ice is just starting to form but is not close to what is needed for ice fishing. Snow from last weekend made it easier to hunt and see deer so hunters are excited. There isn’t enough yet for snowmobiling so hopefully we get some more soon. - Jim Horne, conservation warden, Shawano

Green Bay DNR Service Center area

Manitowoc County - Snowfall ranged up to about 7 inches in parts of Manitowoc County. Snowmobile trails are closed. For those who enjoy animal tracking, get afield and follow some now easily found tracks in the snow! Deer are already congregating in some larger numbers just after dark and visible in the backs of snow-covered fields along larger wooded tracts. Ice is not thick enough on most lakes and ponds so stay off. - Robert Stroess, conservation warden, Mishicot

Sturgeon Bay DNR Service Center area

Door County – There was no fishable ice in the county as of Dec. 11, and there are still a handful of boat anglers taking advantage of the open water. Boaters are reminded that having a float plan, wearing a PFD with proper clothing, and knowing what to do should you find yourself overboard in near freezing waters is an absolute for survival. Exhaustion or unconsciousness from hypothermia can happen in under 15 minutes and expected survival time can be less than 15 minutes to approx. 45 minutes in 32 degree water. There were a fair number of people participating in the four-day December antlerless gun deer hunt. Late season archery deer hunters are also taking advantage of the moderate temperatures and light snow cover, with the season running through Jan. 6. Snowmobilers need to register their snowmobiles before the snow flies and the trails open. Snowmobilers can register their sleds on-line, at a DNR service center, or a local business offering registration service. Check on-line or call the 1-888-WDNR-INFo line for the business offering recreational vehicle registration nearest you. - Christopher J. Kratcha, conservation warden, Sturgeon Bay

Snow conditions in northern Door County vary widely. Snow conditions from about an inch to 6 inches are being observed across the peninsula. Snowmobile trails remain closed along with most cross-country ski trails. Anglers also need to be very cautious in regards to ice conditions as inconsistent temperatures are making form marginal ice conditions at best. - Neal Patrick, conservation warden, Sister Bay

Potawatomi State Park - There is about 3 inches of snow on the ground after Sunday’s snowfall. Volunteer ski groomers rolled the trails on Monday evening to try to establish a base. Trails are in poor condition at this time. - Lois M. Hanson, visitor services associate

Wautoma DNR Service Center area

Marguett County - Coyote hunters have started to run coyotes with dogs since the recent 3 inch snowfall. None of the area lakes are iced over and anglers are still fishing the open water. Deer numbers look good for the late archery hunting season. - Judi Nigbor, conservation warden, Wautoma

Waupaca County – There was about 4 inches of new snow in Waupaca/Wautoma area. There is little to no ice on area lakes. There have been reports of good walleye catches on the Wolf River. Archery deer season is open until early January and can be very a productive time to hunt if hunters can withstand the cold. Most all migratory birds except Canada geese are now gone. - Karl Kramer, wildlife technician, Wautoma

Most lakes in the Waupaca area still have open water. The few smaller lakes that are ice covered have thin weak ice. Ice anglers are awaiting some colder temperatures so they can enjoy their sport. Late season archery hunters have been enjoying the warmer temperatures and a few have been successful in harvesting deer. About 2-3 inches of snow is on the ground at this time…so hikers are still able to get out and get some fresh air. Watch for rough-legged hawks in the open agricultural or marshy areas. These birds have recently been cited moving into the Waupaca area. - Ted Dremel, conservation warden, Wautoma

Oshkosh DNR Service Center area

High Cliff State Park - High Cliff received approximately 4 inches of snow recently creating opportunities for “postcard” pictures. Hundreds of ducks were actively displaying along the shoreline during the snowstorm on Sunday. Bald eagles are still being observed daily flying along the shoreline and ledge. Small areas of ice are forming along the shores of Lake Winnebago but lake freeze has a long way to go. More than 20 deer were reported as being harvested with muzzleloaders during the regular gun deer season. - Cynthia Mueller, naturalist

Fond du Lac County - The fluctuating temperatures are preventing any ice development on Lake Winnebago and any thin ice that forms over-night in small bays or in the Fond du Lac harbor melts during the day with the sun and warm temps. No ice for fishing yet and not enough snow to allow for the opening of the snowmobile trails. - Alan D. Erickson, conservation warden, Fond du Lac

Outagamie County - With the recent snow, the annual migration of snow buntings have come to Calumet County. Harriers are present on Killsnake Wildlife Area with a few sightings of northern shrikes on both Brillion and Killsnake wildlife areas. Along the Fox River through the Fox Cities, eagles are becoming more noticeable with the November survey being average of around 20-plus eagles. The December survey was just completed and results are not tabulated. Best observation points are the Trestle Trail Bridge (Menasha), Alicia Park (Appleton), Lutz & Vulcan Parks (Appleton), Lawe Street Bridge Area (Appleton), College Ave Bridge (Appleton), Telulah Park (Appleton), Sunset Point Park (Kimberly), Doyle & Heesakker Parks (Little Chute), Prospect St or Hwy Z (Combined Locks), Riverside Park & Thousand Islands Nature Center Area (Kaukauna), Wrightstown Park (Wrightstown), Lost Dauphin Park (Little Rapids), Voyager Park & Ashwaubomay Memorial River Park area (De Pere) and Bay Beach (Green Bay). The upcoming holidays provide opportunities to get out in the areas mentioned to see additional eagles (see January’s graph). In January there will be an “Eagle Days” event on Jan. 26, 2013 at several places along the Fox Cities including Thousand Islands at Kaukauna. Brochure is not finalized yet. - Dick Nikolai, wildlife biologist, Appleton

Southeast Region

Milwaukee DNR Service Center area

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lapham Peak Unit - The snow guns were running again at Lapham on Monday night through Tuesday night. Unfortunately with temperatures staying above 25 degrees and humidity between 80 and 100 percent - conditions were not good for making snow. Some piles of snow have been produced (snowmaking was also done on Nov. 26 - 28) but not enough to spread out and make any length of skiable trail. It appears that colder temperatures are not expected for at least the next five days. No natural snow at all on the ground so at this point it is "ski-less in Delafield". Do a cold or snow dance. - Paul Sandgren, forest supervisor, Eagle

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Pike Lake Unit - All trails are open and in good condition. Though we had 1.5 inches of snow – not enough accumulation to groom. - Rob Wessberg, forest supervisor

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Southern Unit - The area of the state around the Southern Unit received a mixture of rain and snow on Sunday, but sadly, no accumulation. The temperature does not want to stay below freezing and accommodate the winter sports enthusiasts! The cross-country trail grooming equipment is lined up and ready for use as soon as Mother Nature cooperates. In the meantime, all trails are open to hikers. Take advantage of a sunny, dry winter day and visit trails you haven’t hiked before. The John Muir trails are usually very busy with mountain bikers in the summer but makes a wonderful, quiet hike in winter. - Amanda Prange, visitors services associate

Lake Michigan fisheries team report - Compiled from creel clerks by Cheryl Masterson and Jeffrey Zinuticz, fisheries technicians, Milwaukee

Sheboygan County - In Sheboygan some browns were taken by shore anglers fishing in the marina area and off the piers. Casting spoons or using spawn and minnows below a float was best, early morning was the most productive. Heavy waves and wind kept most trollers off the lake over the weekend.

Ozaukee County - Fishing in Port Washington was good last weekend with some browns and a few steelhead being caught near the power-plant discharge and Rotary Park area, spawn sacs or minnows fished along bottom or below a float worked best. There was no reported trolling activity over the weekend due to high winds.

Milwaukee County - Brown trout fishing in Milwaukee slowed some over the weekend but a few perch and browns were still being caught out on the lake and also from shore. Boat anglers were having success trolling spoons off of downriggers or drifting and casting plastics and or soaking minnows and spawn sacs beneath a float in the inner harbor and river mouth area. Shore anglers near the Summerfest grounds were getting browns and small perch using minnows or spawn fished off bottom, early mornings have been best. The Milwaukee River was still low and clear but several browns and a few steelhead were biting spawn sacs fished beneath a float in the deeper slower pools.

Racine County - Fishing in Racine remained consistent with several browns trout, northern pike and a few steelhead being taken in the marina and inner harbor areas, spawn or minnows below a float or casting spoons was the best presentation. The Root River produced a few browns and steelhead as well with fish hitting spinners or spawn fished in the deeper slower moving sections of river, mid-day was best.

Plymouth DNR Service Center area

Washington County - Snow conditions in Ozaukee and Washington counties vary greatly with areas only receiving a light dusting and other areas a couple of inches. Snowmobile trails remain closed and additional snow will be needed before any trail systems are opened. Snowmobilers are reminded that trails are opened at the local level. For Washington County trail reports call 1-262-334-6061 and for Ozaukee County trail reports call 1-262-284-8259 and 1-262-238-8259. Inland waters remain open and colder weather will be needed to ice up. - Sean Neverman, conservation warden, West Bend

Theresa Marsh State Wildlife Area - The last pheasant stocking of the year for Allenton, Theresa and Jackson Wildlife Areas was done last week. A few pheasants remain on the properties for hunters willing to work at locating them in thick cover. Other hunters are taking advantage of late season hunting for squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, fox, geese and archery deer. The area received 1-3 inches of snow on Sunday. Much of it still remains on the ground as of Tuesday but will likely disappear over the next couple days as temperatures warm up. It’s a good time to take advantage of the snow cover to look for tracks. - Tom Isaac, wildlife biologist, Hartford

Sturtevant DNR Service Center area

Kenosha County - Goose hunters are still reporting an excellent number of birds around. Lakes should be freezing up in the near future (knock on wood), congregating birds to areas of open water. Some hunters have been having excellent luck on the Fox and Des Plaines rivers, focusing on backwater areas. Colder temperatures are in the forecast, but ice fishing and snowmobiling still seems a bit further away than most would like. The unseasonably warm temperatures give anglers and snowmobilers ample time to prepare their equipment for the upcoming season. When the first legitimate snowfall does arrive, snowmobilers are reminded to check with the area trail hotlines for openings and closures of the trail systems. Kenosha County – 262-671-4944. Racine County – 262-554-0133. - Kyle Dilley, conservation warden, Kansasville

South Central Region

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area

Grant County - Snowfall averaged 2-4 inches across the county. The snowmobile trails are not officially open due to lack of a 6 inch base snowfall. Ice fishing has not yet commenced in the backwater areas, due to thin ice conditions. Ice thickness is an inch or less in some areas. Pheasant hunters have commented the recent snowfall has aided their pursuit of late season pheasants. The cooler temperatures and slow buildup of ice on the backwaters has moved the trumpeter swans from the area north of the Potosi boat landing, to and area closer to the Corps of Engineers campground south of the landing. The swans and a large concentration of geese and mallards may be seen from River Lane Road south of Potosi. A large raft of diving ducks – canvasback, bluebills or scaup, goldeneye and red heads is visible off shore from the Corps of Engineers campground boat landing. - Richard S. DeWitte, conservation warden, Cassville

Iowa County - Snow cover varies, but there is still about 1-2 inches on the ground. Warming weather over the week will reduce this, but new snow is in the forecast for the weekend. A reminder to deer hunters that the “Holiday Hunt” rifle season is on the horizon. The season starts on Dec 24 and ends Jan 6. Bonus buck rules apply during this season (see page 11 in the 2012 Deer Hunting Regulations). For hunters who are interested in having their deer tested for CWD, please visit the following web page for deer registration stations that will sample deer: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/registersample.html. Please call the station in advance as their hours may have changed since the nine-day season. DNR staffed stations at Barneveld and Black Earth will be CLOSED for the remainder of the 2012 deer season. - Travis Anderson, wildlife biologist, Dodgeville

Richland County - Snowmobile trails remain closed in the county. - Michael Nice, conservation warden, Richland Center

Wyalusing State Park -Wyalusing State Park had its first taste of winter this week. Heavy, wet snow fell early Sunday morning and throughout most of the day, with accumulations of about 2 -3 inches. It was a beautiful winter wonderland earlier this week with the snow-laden trees and blue skies. Trails may have slight snow cover but with temperatures in mid 40s today and Friday, that should be all but gone. Sightings at park office feeders include: juncos, chickadees, goldfinches, cardinals, bluejays, redbellied, downy and hairy woodpeckers, and purple finches. With the warmer temps, raccoons are wreaking havoc with the feeders. Mississippi River water levels at Prairie du Chien have been fluctuating between 7.3 and 7.4 feet the last week. The boat dock has been removed at Wyalusing State Park boat landing. Ice was beginning to form at the park boat landing. The ice is too thick for boating but not thick enough for ice fishing. With the warmer temperatures predicted again for the next few days, we may see a few boats at the landing. - Beverly Pozega, visitor services associate

Horicon DNR Service Center area

Dodge County - Snow cover as of Dec. 11 was about 3 inches. It is great conditions for beagles and bunnies. There are still some geese in the area and winter flocks of turkeys can be found. Eagles, northern harriers, juncos, horned larks and a few snowy owls can be seen on the marsh. Ice cover is still thin to non-existent on many bodies of water. - Paul Samerdyke, wildlife biologist, Horicon

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area

Jefferson County - Large flights of Canadian geese have been moving through the area. Late goose hunters may have a very successful hunt if they are set up in the right field or body of water. Songbirds are beginning to visit birdfeeders on a more regular basis providing viewing opportunities. Water levels remain low on area rivers and Lake Koshkonong. With the snow on the ground and more in the forecast area trappers are looking for cable restraint set locations. The snow will also increase the predator hunting, both by hounds men and callers alike. - Ryan Ellifson, conservation warden, Jefferson County

Sauk County - Thin ice is forming on bays and sloughs along the Wisconsin River. Thin ice can be very dangerous and outdoor users need to be careful until ice gets thick. Even if the ice is thick enough to walk on, there can be thin spots due to currents and other natural factors. Hunters are starting to hunt coyotes. Coyote hunters are reminded to be careful shooting rifles, especially after dark. Good numbers and varieties of birds are being seen at backyard feeders due to the colder weather. Back yard feeders are fun for the whole family and visitors during the holiday season. If people feeding birds save their mesh orange or fruit bags, suet can be placed in the bags for feeding birds. Woodpeckers and nuthatches love to dine on suet. - John Buss, conservation warden, Prairie du Sac

Devil's Lake State Park - It’s finally beginning to look a lot like winter at Devil’s Lake! There are a few inches of snow on the ground, but not enough for any winter sports – skiing or snowshoeing. The warmer temperatures in the next few days will melt some of the snow in the open areas, but many of the wooded areas will still be snow covered. No ice has started forming on the lake just yet and the water is still open. Hopefully with these colder nights and cooler days the ice will begin to form. Wildlife has been relatively quiet lately with the exception of the birds. You can find pileated woodpeckers, downy and hairy woodpeckers, white-breasted nuthatches, and dark-eyed juncos flitting around the park. Some waterfowl (geese, coots, and mallards) have been spotted on the lake along with large numbers of gulls. A bald eagle has been spotted over the lake as well. - Sue Johansen, natural resources educator

West Central Region

Baldwin DNR Service Center area

St. Croix County - Heavy snows recently fell in the area with up to 14 inches in northern St. Croix and southern Polk Counties to 7 inches in southern portions of Pierce/Pepin counties. Ice conditions were poor to none prior to snows and this will slow down the formation of good lake ice. Snowmobile trails are still closed until groomers get out and in some areas the trails needed some more Ice on ponds and small lakes to open. Please check your County’s Trail hotline. Walleye fishing on the Mississippi River had been very good in the evenings, recent cold and snow seems to have slowed the bite. - David A. Hausman, warden supervisor, Baldwin

La Crosse DNR Service Center area

Vernon County - When snow falls during the night, one need only step outside to find that visitors have been to our yards, gardens, fields, or woods. Though none may be in view, their footprints in the snow are evidence that they have been there: a grouse, sparrow, crow, squirrel, fox, mouse, weasel, or deer perhaps. All prints tell a story if one knows how to read and interpret them. Prints in the snow are best studied when freshly made in newly fallen snow, for when snow becomes packed or blown about, prints become distorted. Check out a tracking book from your local library to assist you with track identification and reading the story that the tracks tell. Looking for some late season hunting opportunities? How about setting your sights on squirrels? These abundant mammals are found statewide and offer plenty of challenges for beginning and advanced hunters alike. Squirrels remain active throughout winter but will hole up for several days during the nastiest winter weather. Squirrel populations throughout much of the Coulee Region are high, promising hunters plenty of action. With a daily bag limit of five and an open season that runs through Jan. 31, 2013, there are numerous opportunities for squirrel hunters. - Dave Matheys, wildlife biologist, Viroqua

Merrick State Park - All trails are open and in good condition. Now is the time to see some of the local birds that stay around for the winter. Woodpeckers, cardinals, and juncos are easy to spot. Barred owls are in the south campground. If the water is open you may see an eagle. The river levels are slightly lower than normal. Ice conditions may vary so be sure to check before heading out on the ice. If you use an ATV or snowmobile for ice fishing, you must use the boat landings to access the water. - Lois Larson, park manager

Perrot State Park - All of the trails are in good condition. The park did not receive enough snow to groom for cross-country skiing, although some people have headed out to enjoy an early ski. Water levels are slightly below normal for this time of year. Open water along the Trempealeau River has brought in a few eagles. Mallards can still be seen in Trempealeau Bay near the campground. The pileated woodpeckers are easier to see as the glide through the trees. - Lois Larson, park manager

Black River Falls DNR Service Center area

Black River State Forest - Winter has arrived with seven heavy inches of snow falling on Sunday. Cross-country ski trails were packed on Dec. 10 but no track was set. A lot of snow in the woods is still hung up on trees so many sections of the trail had closer to 4 inches to pack. Conditions are poor to fair. More snow is predicted for next weekend. Snowmobile and all-terrain vehicle trails are currently closed. Jackson County Forestry and Parks grooms and maintains all winter snowmobile and ATV trails in the state forest. They are planning on grooming the trails to set a base and help freeze down the trail. - Peter Bakken, superintendent

Jackson County -A decision has been made to keep the Jackson County ATV and snowmobile trails closed until further notice. A reminder that UTVs are only allowed on the trails during the summer months. Anglers are still catching walleye on the Black River. - Jake Donar, conservation warden, Black River Falls

Trempealeau County - As of Dec. 11, the snowmobile trails in Trempealeau Co. remain closed. To check the status of Trempealeau Co. snowmobile trails call (715) 538-2311, ext. 205 and listen to the recorded message. Outdoor enthusiasts should be wary of ice conditions and use caution on or near frozen lakes, streams, and ponds. Always let someone know where you are going, when you plan to return, and use the buddy system for safety. - Robin Barnhardt, conservation warden, Osseo

Wausau DNR Service Center area

Marathon County - Ice anglers are just beginning to appear on the smaller lakes and flowages along the Wisconsin River. Ice conditions are very variable, with the anglers walking out on 1-3 inches with open water found on the river channels. Fishing has been slow. Anglers are reminded to use extreme caution if venturing out on the ice. Safety precautions should be taken, including personal floatation devices, ropes, ice spades to test ice etc. - Benjamin Herzfeldt, conservation warden, Wausau

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Adams County - There are several inches of snow on the ground, but the county snowmobile trails do not have a set open and close date this year as in years past. Contact Adams County to see if trails are open. - Wade Romberg, conservation warden, Friendship

Portage County - The Stevens Point area received 3-4 inches of snow out of the first storm of the year. This will not be enough to open up the snowmobile trails in Portage County. Ice anglers are out on the ice after pan fish and some in some cases northern pike. People are urged to use extreme caution out on the ice. Ice conditions are treacherous at best. It is not worth a limit of fish if someone falls through the ice. This could lead to a catastrophic event. The antlerless hunt wound up this past weekend with limited participation and success. - Barry Meister, conservation warden, Stevens Point

Buckhorn State Park - Ice is starting to form again on the lake but forecast is warmer temperatures the rest of the week. Park staff do not monitor ice conditions. A small amount of snow is on the ground – not enough for grooming yet. When there is at least 4 inches of snww, the office has adult sized snowshoes to check out to use in the park. We do not have child-size snowshoes yet. The group camp area will be open until there is plowable snow, as those roads are not plowed in winter. All areas are open for the late bow season. Hunting maps for the park, Buckhorn and Yellow River Wildlife Areas are available on the park website, in the park office, and outside the office by the bulletin board in the map box. - Heather Wolf, park manager

Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate and campground are closed. Parking is in the winter lot and park stickers are still required. - Heather Wolf, park manager

[Rick]

MADISON, WI - The weekly Wisconsin fishing reports & hunting report from 12/27/12 are gathered local DNR officials, angler creel surveys, and county and state parks staff. They are compiled. There are always current Wisconsin Fishing Reports and hunting reports as well as outdoor reports in this forum. Enjoy.

For Current Wisconsin Fishing Reports - Click Here

Colder temperatures in the last week have allowed the snow that fell Dec. 19-20 to remain on the ground in most areas and are making ice on lakes across the state. Snow depths range from just an inch or two in far southeastern Wisconsin, to a foot or more in some south central areas of the state. The north generally received less snow, and has snow depths ranging from 4 to 10 inches.

Snowmobile trails are open in some central and southern Wisconsin counties, and across the northern tier of counties, with conditions fair to good in some locations and poor in others, on the Wisconsin Department of Tourism’s Snow Conditions Report (exit DNR). Trails remain closed in many counties, because the wet heavy snow fell in many areas on unfrozen ground, which caused it to compact and not build up sufficient base for groomers. Conservation wardens are again reminding people to please stay off closed trails, as using these trails only makes it more difficult for the volunteer snowmobile clubs to maintain them when adequate snow does arrive.

Many state parks and forests were able to groom cross-country ski trails, but in some cases there has not been enough snow to set track. The heavy snow brought down a lot of tree branches and other litter that has made it difficult to groom some trails. However, some trails in the north, such as Copper Falls State Park and the Brule River State Forest are being reported in very good condition, as are some of the southern trails, including Lake Kegonsa, Governor Nelson and Mirror Lake state parks.

Lakes in the Northwoods generally have upwards of 6 to 7 inches of ice, though some still have just 4 to 5 inches. Lakes in the south are beginning to freeze, with Devil’s Lake freezing over this week. Beaver Dam and Fox lakes have 3-5 inches of ice. Lake Monona has started to freeze over but Lake Mendota remains open.

Reports from early season anglers indicate some very erratic walleye fishing in the north. Angling pressure for northern pike is beginning to pick up and success for that species has been fair. There has been some good early success for panfish, as a few anglers have found some decent bluegill after moving around a bit to find the active fish. Panfish are biting on the Mississippi River in the La Crosse area, but the ice is still thin in areas so anglers are encouraged to be extra careful when venturing out.

Late season archery hunters are taking advantage of their last chances to harvest a deer. Oak ridges look like they have been tilled up in many locations due to the deer and turkey pawing and scratching around for the acorns. Most hunters are reporting earlier movement of the deer as well, during daylight hours. Some locations have bucks dropping their antlers already and getting shed hunters out in the woods.

With the open water still along the shore of Green Bay, waterfowl viewing has been good with some swans still around along with mergansers and goldeneyes. Rough-legged hawks are being observed throughout the Coulee Region. These large soaring hawks breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to and winter primarily in the lower 48 states. They get their name from their furry-looking legs, which are feathered to their toes with soft feathers.

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Northern Region

Superior DNR Service Center area

Brule River State Forest – Cross-country skiing on the Afterhours Trail in Brule is rated as very good to excellent for skate skiing and fair to good for classic skiing with a few thin spots and some icy stretches in the track. - Kevin Feind, ranger

Ashland DNR Service Center area

Copper Falls State Park - Winter is in full swing at Copper Falls. The park has received over 20 inches of snow so far this year. Although the first part of December was warm, recent cold weather and snowfall has made for good to excellent winter trail conditions. Cross-country ski trails, both classic and skate, are in good to excellent condition and were last groomed on Dec. 27. The Multi-use Waterfall and Red granite Falls trails were also rolled on Dec. 27. The park currently has about a 8-inch base! Please call the park at 715-274-5123 for up to the minute grooming report as trails are continually groomed as new snow falls. Light Lake Effect Snow is expected over the next several days. Over the past few years we have increased the winter trail system and now offer 21.9 km of classic trail, 10.5 km of skate trail, and 5.5 km of multi-use trail. - Ben Bergey, park manager

Hayward DNR Service Center area

Sawyer County - Ice on area lakes seems pretty consistent in the 3-5 inch depths and making it every day/night now. Anglers still need to check as they go as ice will very in spots the entire season depending on currents, bars, bogs etc. Individuals on the Chippewa flowage are getting mixed bags of panfish. Most are getting them off the cribs or deeper stumps and weeds. Plastics will get the active fish and minnows or wax worms will get the more finicky fish. Some individuals will move a lot to get the active (and most time larger) fish. Others prefer to sit it out and wait for the fish mood to shift into biting. Anglers are reminded that the walleye season is not open on the Chippewa Flowage at this time. It will not open until the opening of fishing season in May 2013. All walleye must be immediately released. Late season archery hunters are moving to logging operations and oak ridges for some of their last chances to harvest a deer. Both locations are pulling in deer now with colder weather. The oak ridges look like they have been tilled up in many locations due to the deer and turkey pawing and scratching around for the acorns. Most hunters are reporting earlier movement of the deer as well, during daylight hours. Some locations have bucks dropping their antlers getting shed hunters out in the woods if the already harvested a deer or are hanging it up for the year due to antlers dropping. Some report seeing bucks w/out antlers as earlier as December 16 this year. - Thomas Heisler Jr., conservation warden, Winter

Park Falls DNR Service Center area

Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) - With the cold weather of the past week, ice cover on lakes across the Northwoods has thickened and more ice anglers have been venturing out. However, ice thickness is still quite variable as the insulating snow cover has made for some irregular freezing conditions. Some areas of the lakes have upwards of 6 to 7 inches of ice while other areas may only have 4 to 5 inches where the snow cover was undisturbed. As such, caution is still urged when venturing out on any lakes in the north - especially with ATVs or snowmobiles. Reports from early season anglers indicate some very erratic fishing. Walleye are usually the target for many of the early ice anglers and for most so far, catches have been hard to come by. Many anglers have reported only two or three flags per trip, with the lucky ones able to ice one or two walleye in the 12- to 17-inch size. The most productive areas have been the mud/muck flats, with medium suckers or extra-large fatheads fished just off the bottom at the 6 to 12 foot depth. Some action is also being seen on the gravel drop-offs and near the hard-bottom break lines, especially if they are near any weed beds. Angling pressure for northern pike is beginning to pick up and success for that species has been fair, as the cloudy and colder weather seems to have kept their activity down. Large golden shiners fished near and over any green weeds have provided the best success. There has been some good early success for panfish, as a few anglers have found some decent bluegill after moving around a bit to find the active fish. A small tear-drop jig tipped with a wax worm has worked the best, and the nice fish have been suspended just off the bottom near deeper-water areas. - Skip Sommerfeldt, senior fisheries biologist, Park Falls

Woodruff DNR Service Center area

Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest – Cross-country ski trails have been groomed, but the base is thin. McNaughton Trail was groomed Dec. 21. Skaters loop was groomed; all other loops tracked. Full tracks set but they are soft. Base is very thin. Madeline Trail was groomed Dec. 21. All loops have been tracked. Full tracks set but they are soft. Base is very thin. Raven Trail and Escanaba Trail had all loops packed Dec. 22. - Tony Martinez, forestry facilities worker

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Northeast Region

Peshtigo DNR Service Center area

Oconto County - As of Dec. 26, all county snowmobile trails are open. Most trails need more snow. Snowmobilers are reminded that most water bodies are not safe for driving. Ice anglers are venturing out with some northern pike being caught on the Oconto Falls Pond but again ice conditions vary greatly and all should use caution. With the open water still along the bay shore viewing of waterfowl is still good with some swans still around along with mergansers and goldeneyes. Deer are very active looking for food and late season bow hunters are reporting some success. - Mike Stahl, conservation warden, Oconto Falls

Governor Thompson State Park - The 6 mile ski trail system is open and groomed. Please check our updates at www.skinnyski.com (exit DNR) for day to day conditions. Remember, no hiking or pets are allowed on the ski trails. If you wish to ski with your pet the Otter Trail is groomed flat and open to hikers and skiers with pets. Ice anglers are fishing the south bay and have been seen out on the main lake as well. The enclosed shelter building at Woods Lake is available for rent for family or social gatherings and is open for a warming shelter throughout the winter season. The park is now closed to hunting for the rest of the 2012. The hunting area of the state park will be open for bow hunting Jan. 1-6, 2013. Maps of the hunting area and refuge areas are available in the office lobby. No trapping may occur in this 6 day hunt. The park will be closed to all hunting and trapping after Jan. 6, 2013. - Maggie Kailhofer, park manager

Wautoma DNR Service Center area

Waupaca County - Ice is finally here, anglers just starting to venture out. Turkeys very active, little hunting pressure has been observed. Waupaca are got about 8 inches of snow last Thursday, but have already lost some due to no frost in the ground. Very good conditions for hunting predators. - Karl Kramer, wildlife technician, Wautoma

Hartman Creek State Park - The park received approximately 8 to 10 inches of snow last Thursday/Friday! Cross-country ski trails have been groomed and tracked as of Dec. 22 and were in very good condition. Please call ahead to check for condition updates before coming (715/258-2372). A park vehicle admission sticker + trail pass (for persons 16 & over) are required in order to use the park’s ski trails. Please remember: no pets on the ski trails. Other trails such as the Deer Path trail, the area north of Hartman Lake, and Hillview trail system are open for hiking, walking or snowshoeing (see map). But NO hiking or snowshoeing on ski trails. Please check the following website for Waupaca County snowmobile trail conditions or call 715/258-6243. www.waupacacountyparks.com/SnowInfo/ (exit DNR). - Fred Viste, ranger

Oshkosh DNR Service Center area

Fond du Lac County - Beaver Dam Lake, Fox Lake and Lake Emily seem to have 3-5 inches of ice as reported by anglers. Some success with walleye, northern pike, bass and panfish on these lakes though not wide spread. The snowmobile trails are currently open in Dodge, Fond du Lac and Green Lake counties. Good snow cover in most areas with a few thin spots in the wide open fields. The trails are in excellent shape in the Waupun area due to the work of the local club, The Waupun Drift Jumpers. Riders have commented over the last week how well the trails are groomed in the Waupun area. - Ben Nadolski, conservation warden, Waupun

Outagamie County - The Wolf River bayous are freezing up enough where ice anglers are venturing out. There is 3 to 5 inches of ice on many of them. Remember that a large number of people standing together is a tremendous amount of weight for the thin ice. Some catches of crappies and small northern pike were observed. Anglers are reminded to check the fishing regulations for size and bag limits. - Mike Young, conservation warden, Shiocton

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Southeast Region

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Lapham Peak Unit – As of Dec. 24, all cross-country ski trails have been groomed. Skate lanes were in pretty good shape throughout except the section from the Evergreen Trailhead up to Summer Stage Hill, which was in fair condition. A new classic track was put in on the "Green Trail" only and is in 20 percent poor and 80 percent fair condition with a few short segments exposing ground underneath. Crews have finished making snow on the inner trail sections of the man-made loop and hope to spread snow this week. After the snow is spread, cress will begin making snow from the trailhead up to Summer Stage to complete a small loop. - Brett Johanen, ranger

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Pike Lake Unit – Cross-country ski trails are all open and were last groomed and tracked on the evening of Wednesday, Dec. 26 and are in good to excellent condition. Trail passes are not required for cross-country skiers at the Pike Lake Unit. When trails are snow covered hikers, snowshoers, and dogs are not allowed on trails east of Powder Hill Road (groomed ski trails). Multi Use Trails: are in good condition with the exception of several trees downed across the trail system which are passable at this time. Crews are currently working on removing the downed trees. Pets are not allowed on the Black Forest Nature Trail and must be on a leash 8 feet or less at all times in other areas. - Drew Starch, ranger

Kettle Moraine State Forest, Northern Unit - Snowmobile and cross-country trails are all open; grooming will be occurring over the holidays. Conditions at Zillmer are rated as good. The Brown, Red, and Green trails have been packed and groomed for classical and skate skiing numerous times since the Dec. 20 storm. There are stretches of the trail where the forest litter (twigs and branches are numerous / bothersome. Crews planned on clearing the Yellow Loop of trees and branches and then pack and groom on Dec. 26. - Jerry Leiterman, forest superintendent

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South Central Region

Dodgeville DNR Service Center area

Grant County - Certain areas of the county received in excess of 10 inches in the last snowfall, which made great snowmobile trail conditions in the valley, but with the 50 mile per hour wind gusts, blowing and drifting snow on the ridges, it made for many barren trails across most of the ridges. As of Dec. 26, many ridge top areas are bare of snow, but greatly populated with corn stalks and chisel plowed fields. The late fall, also provided local farmers ample opportunity to chisel plow area for spring planting. Snowmobiler are urged to use caution when traversing farm field areas. According to the TravelWisconsin website, as of Dec. 24, the Grant County trails are open, but in poor conditions with snow depths noted 4-10 inches. Trails are not groomed, but snowmobilers will find certain sections of the trail system have been groomed. The Cassville area north has been groomed. Ice anglers at the Bertom McCartney and Hoosier lake are finding a few bluegills. With the advent of the new snowfalls, many larger turkey flocks have been spotted in many farm fields searching for waste grains. - Richard S. DeWitte, conservation warden, Cassville

Fitchburg DNR Service Center area

Dane County - Keep an eye out for winter visitors such as the snowy owl. - Nancy Frost, wildlife biologist, Madison

Devil's Lake State Park - More than a foot of snow fell at Devil’s Lake on Dec. 20. Some places received 16-18 inches. The cross-country ski trails are now groomed, tracked, and in good condition. The lake finally froze over completely on Christmas day, but of course the ice is still very thin after so recently freezing. The sledding hill in Quartzite campground is closed because it is in a construction area. All of Quartzite campground is closed to visitors for safety reasons as work progresses on the campsite electrification project. Archery-only deer season goes through Jan. 6. The most popular hiking areas around the lake and bluffs, the campground and picnic areas, and Parfrey's Glen are all within the no hunting areas. Because of the campground electrification project, all family campgrounds are currently closed for the season. Year-round family camping is available at Mirror Lake State Park, about 15 miles from Devil's Lake. Only the nine campsites in the Devil’s Lake group camp will remain open for the off-season. Sites may be used by family campers as well as groups, and all campsites will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers must park in the CCC parking lot in the middle of the Group Camp, and walk up to 200 yards to a campsite. There are two non-flush restrooms and one winterized water tap available. No electricity, showers, or running water rest rooms are available. The project work includes upgrading all electrical campsites to 50-amp service, and some current non-electrical sites will become electrical sites. Call the park at 608-356-8301 and press "3" for the "current conditions" message for the most up-to-date information. - Richard Hesed, visitor services associate

Governor Nelson State Park - All cross-country ski trails have been groomed and tracked and are in good to excellent condition. - Rene’ Lee - park manager

Lake Kegonsa State Park -All cross country ski trails are in good condition and were last groomed and tracked on the evening of Dec. 23. Pets, hiking and snowshoeing are prohibited on all designated cross country ski trails. Please see our winter map for alternate locations. - Sarah Bolser, park manager

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West Central Region

La Crosse DNR Service Center area

La Crosse County - Panfish are biting on the Mississippi River in the La Crosse area. The ice is still thin in areas (3 inches or less) so anglers are encouraged to be extra careful when venturing out. Anglers are also having luck using tip-ups for bass. - Edward McCann, conservation warden, La Crosse

Vernon County - Rough-legged hawks are being observed throughout the Coulee Region. These large buteos or soaring hawks breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to and winter primarily in the lower 48 states. They feed mainly on small rodents and often hunt for them by hovering above a grassy field before diving down on the unsuspecting prey. Deep snow cover tends to push the birds farther south. Rough-legged hawks get their name from their furry-looking legs, which are feathered to their toes with soft feathers. For a raptor, these hawks have relatively small feet and bill. In flight, rough-legged hawks display long, rounded wings, smooth, shallow wingbeats, primary feathers with very pale undersides, and square, dark wrists or carpal patches. - Dave Matheys, wildlife biologist, Viroqua

Wildcat Mountain State Park – The park received 6-8 inches of snow last Wednesday night and Thursday. The accompanying high winds caused significant blowing and drifting of the snow. Cross-country ski trails were groomed and tracked on Friday, Dec. 21. Due to the winds, snow depth varies from very little, including a few bare spots, to more than a foot. Overall, conditions are good for the first groomable snow of the season. - Joseph Fieweger, park manager

Eau Claire DNR Service Center area

Chippewa County - Ice anglers have been trying their luck on several smaller lakes and ponds. Ice thickness will vary, and many of the larger lakes are not frozen over yet. Bluegill action has been steady on Lake Hallie using small jigs tipped with waxies in about 8 feet of water. Glenn Lock was very busy over the holiday, with nice sized bluegills and a few northern being caught near the island. Some anglers are catching 10-12 inch crappie on Little Lake Wissota, but ice thickness does not seem consistent. Round Lake near New Auburn saw some fishing activity on Christmas Eve; however, the bluegill bite was slow. Snowmobile trails opened in portions of Chippewa County. The colder weather has prevented the trails from becoming too muddy. Some of the stretches along farm fields show bare ground, but conditions are reported to be fair along the Old Abe section. Check out up-to-date trail conditions at chippewasnowmobiletrails.com (exit DNR) or the Chippewa County Parks and Forestry website. Don't forget to pick up a trail map before departing. Intersections and trail numbers are well marked, helping you to find your location in the event of an emergency. Hunters should take advantage of the new opportunities on Wisconsin state park lands, for maps and hunting locations in your area. Stay safe, and remember when you're out there to say hi to your local conservation warden. - Shaun Deeney, conservation warden, Chippewa Falls

Hoffman Hills State Recreation Area - The cross-country ski trails are groomed and in good condition, there are several bare spots. Tracks have not been set. - Penny L. Thiede-Klish, visitor service associate

Red Cedar State Trail – The trail was groomed for skating and tracked for classic skiintg from Menomonie to Downsville. Trail is in very good shape as the few inches of new snow really helped. - Penny L. Thiede-Klish, visitor service associate

Wisconsin Rapids DNR Service Center area

Buckhorn State Park - Ice is starting to form again on the lake. Park staff does not monitor ice conditions. Cross-country ski trails are groomed and have a base of 1 to 5 inches of snow. When there is at least 6 inches of snow, the office has adult sized snowshoes to check out to use in the park. We do not have child size snowshoes yet. - Heather Wolf, park manager

Roche-A-Cri State Park - The main gate and campground are closed. Parking is in the winter lot and park stickers are still required. Please do not block the main gate. - Heather Wolf, park manager