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Big trout and lots of them on tap for early trout season

MADISON – Fisheries biologists from across the state are predicting an excellent early trout season if Mother Nature is kind to anglers.

The catch-and-release only season opens at 5 a.m., Saturday, March 3, with only artificial lures with barbless hooks allowed.

There are good numbers and sizes of trout in area streams, but anglers’ success ultimately hinges on the weather. With recent snowfall, snowmelt and rainfall may result in murky water. While that may benefit the angler by making it more difficult for easily spooked trout to see anglers’ shadows or movement, on balance, murky water will make fishing more difficult, according to Scot Stewart, Department of Natural Resources fisheries supervisor for south central Wisconsin.

The murky water makes it harder for the trout to see the lures, and runoff may carry soil and worms into the stream, making a meal that the trout prefer over artificial lures. If such conditions occur, anglers are advised to wait until flow returns to more normal conditions. Or, if they can’t wait, to fish “slow and deep” and use fly patterns and spin fishing lures that provide high contrast in the murky water, Stewart says.

There’s no shortage of places to fish – or of fish.

Wisconsin has 10,265 miles of classified trout waters [PDF 1.35MB] including 4,037 miles of Class 1 trout streams, and most of the trout waters are open for the early trout season. Fisheries biologists and supervisors turned in encouraging reports on the prospects for the coming season.

Stewart says Black Earth Creek is one of many terrific trout streams in Wisconsin, supporting a density of up to 3,000 fish per mile. DNR has purchased land and easements along the stream so that anglers have excellent access to this stream. Habitat improvement work DNR has done in cooperation with Dane County, Trout Unlimited and other groups, has resulted in trout densities increasing 200 to 500 percent over their previous numbers.

Surveys in 2006 revealed that the West Branch of the Sugar River, Elvers, Token, Mount Vernon, German Valley and Vermont do not have trout densities as high as Black Earth Creek, but offer an excellent opportunity to catch wild trout in a pleasing countryside.

Dave Vetrano, DNR La Crosse area fisheries supervisor, notes that his area has 900 miles of classified trout water, and that recent stream surveys in the area found good trout numbers and a large size structure in most streams.

Anglers should have plenty of opportunities to catch browns in the 15- to 19-inch size range. Scattered in the streams are also some browns 20 inches or greater. Best bet for large browns are the larger river systems, Vetrano says, and notes that anglers who want to target trophy-sized trout should try fishing sections of streams immediately downstream of classified trout waters.

In Richland and Iowa counties, water levels may be down in smaller tributaries but the blue ribbon trout streams in the area are in good condition and experienced anglers should have no problem finding fish, according to Gene Van Dyck, fisheries biologist for those counties.

Early season trout anglers should note that trout tend to move downstream into deeper, slower water than where they are typically found during the summer months. Fishing in deep pool areas will generally be more productive than fishing faster flowing riffles and the undercut banks of outside stream bends.

In northwestern Wisconsin, DNR fisheries biologist Marty Engel notes that trout reproduction was down in his management area in 2005, which includes Dunn, Pierce and St. Croix counties, but there was an excellent trout hatch in 2006. What this means for area anglers is that with fewer numbers of 2005 fish, more food is available and growth rates will be exceptional. The strong 2006 year class will result in high numbers of 8- to 9-inch fish by the fall of 2007. Anglers this year can expect quality-sized brown trout (9-14 inches) and brook trout (8-10 inches) to be very abundant on most streams throughout the area.

Justine Hasz, fisheries biologist in Peshtigo, reports that recent surveys in the northeast show high numbers of brook trout in the Pike River and its tributaries, and that the South Branch of the Oconto River with recent dam removals and in-stream habitat restoration will continue to provide excellent fishing.

Catching the fish is only half the battle; releasing them safely is as important. Handle fish gently with wet hands and return the fish to the water as soon as possible. By holding a fish belly-up they’ll typically stop struggling. Dry hands can remove the protective mucus that covers a fish’s body, and cold air temperatures can easily damage exposed gills. Better yet, purchase a 7 inch-long pair of hemostats, which often allows one to unhook a fish by clamping onto the lure sometimes without removing the fish from the water. The fish greatly benefit, and the angler is at less risk of being accidentally impaled by an errant hook.

More information on waters open for the early season, regulations, and outdoor reports are available on the DNR’s Fishing Wisconsin Web site. The Web site also has maps showing stream access areas on state lands and where DNR has purchased stream easements or land leases to improve angler access.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Larry Claggett (608) 267-9658

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Lack of snow and continued drought has state forest fire fighters concerned

SPOONER - As northwest Wisconsin enters its third year of below average precipitation and with the current winter’s lack of snow, state forestry officials are concerned that the wildfire fighting season may already be heating up. As of mid-February, fire fighters have already fought seven wild fires including one in Douglas County.

“Much of northwestern Wisconsin has been classified as in the extreme drought category as calculated by the Palmer Drought Index,” says Mike Luedeke, regional forestry leader for the state Department of Natural Resources in Spooner. Many stations in the northwest corner of Wisconsin recorded annual precipitation totals for 2006 that were 10 to 15 inches or more below 30 year averages, he added.

Area lakes, streams, and wetlands are showing clear signs that moisture levels are well below normal. The lack of precipitation has also caused vegetation and soils to be much drier than normal increasing the risk of forest fires and their rate of spread.

“We don’t have the saturated soils, snow compacted grasses, and moisture soaked surface fuels that help reduce fire spread in normal years”, Luedeke says. “Fires that burn into wetlands this year will become very difficult to extinguish if the dry organic soils ignite and burn below the ground line. Standing vegetation is still suffering significant moisture stress from last growing season.”

Forestry officials are encouraging landowners and visitors to northwestern Wisconsin to use extra precautions with any open burning, whether on uplands or wetlands. Landowners are asked to either delay burning brush piles until later this summer after green up occurs or complete all burning while the ground is 100 percent snow covered.

Landowners are also encouraged to consider other options such as composting, chipping, or waiting till normal precipitation patterns returns.

Current statewide forest fire conditions are available on the DNR Web site or by contacting a local DNR ranger station.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Mike Luedeke (715) 635-4157

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Remaining spring turkey permits on sale March 23

MADISON – More than 43,000 permits for the 2007 Wisconsin spring turkey hunting season will go on sale beginning at 10 a.m. on Friday, March 23. The permits can be purchased over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; at any DNR Service Center; at automated license issuance system sales locations; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).

In the past if the number of spring turkey permits exceeded the number of applications for a specific zone and time period, remaining permits were issued through a preference drawing. Again this year, those permits will be available for sale on a first-come, first served basis.

The spring hunting season will run from April 11 through May 20. The season is divided into six 5-day (Wednesday through Sunday) time periods. A total of 46 zones, 15 state parks and Fort McCoy will be open for hunting.

Over-the-counter permits are available for many units for periods four through six. A list of units with permits available is on the DNR Web site or from a DNR service center. The number of permits in each unit is limited and many are expected to sell out quickly.

There are disabled hunter permits available for early period (periods one through three) in a number of state park turkey hunting zones. Hunters interested in Disabled Hunt Units (5B. 10B, 11A, 12A, 15 B, 25A) must visit a DNR service center to purchase their permit

Hunters will be able to purchase one turkey permit per day until each zone and time period is sold out. Permits cost $10 for residents and $15 for non residents in addition to an annual hunting license and turkey stamp. All hunters must first purchase a spring turkey license and stamp fee in order to purchase a bonus permit, unless they are a Conservation Patron license holder. DNR encourages patron license buyers to purchase their license prior to March 23 to expedite buying additional spring turkey permits. Permits cannot be purchased for another individual, with the exception that a parent/guardian can purchase a permit for their minor child.

In 2006 there were 200,725 permits issued with a harvest of 46,662 birds for a success rate of 23 percent.

Winter wild turkey survival should be good this year, according to Scott Hull, DNR upland wildlife ecologist.

“Snow cover and cold have been low to moderate and as long as there is access to ample food supply, turkeys can handle nearly any Wisconsin winter,” Hull said.

Youth hunt

Starting in spring 2007 Wisconsin will have its first youth spring turkey hunt. This year’s hunt will occur on April 7 - 8, 2007. The youth hunt will occur each year on the weekend prior to the opening of the first spring turkey hunting period. The hunt will be open to youth 12 through 15 years of age (both residents and non-residents) who possess a hunter education certificate of accomplishment and a spring turkey license, stamp, and a valid carcass tag for spring 2007. The bag limit is one bearded or male turkey during the two-day youth hunt.

More information on the youth turkey hunt is available on the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Hull - (608) 267-7861 or Andrea Mezera - (608) 261-8458

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Hunting and fishing licenses on sale March 9

Licenses will be available March 9 at Milwaukee Sports Show

MADISON – 2007-08 Wisconsin hunting, fishing, trapping and other licenses and harvest permits for fish and wildlife activities in Wisconsin go on sale March 9. Licenses are valid April 2007 through March 2008. Department of Natural Resources license customer service agents will be selling 2007 hunting, fishing and trapping licenses beginning March 9 as a convenience to hunters and anglers visiting the Milwaukee Sports Show. The DNR booth is a popular stop at the show, with more than 3,500 people buying licenses at the show.

Hunting and fishing licenses can be purchased over the Internet through the Online Licensing Center; at any DNR Service Center; at 1,450 automated license issuance system sales locations; or by calling toll-free 1-877-WI LICENSE (1-877-945-4236).

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Bureau of Customer Service and Licensing at - (608) 266-2621

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Late season snowmobile safety reminder

MADISON – With just one month until the official start of spring, snowmobilers are still finding some trails in Wisconsin open and in good condition. As the season winds down, the Department of Natural Resources is asking snowmobilers to ride safe and be especially cautious when rounding icy corners and tackling hills.

Gary Eddy, snowmobile administrator for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, says many accidents can be prevented if snowmobile operators avoid drinking alcohol. Drinking alcohol before or during snowmobiling can impair judgment and slow reaction time. Alcohol also causes body temperature to drop at an accelerated rate, which increases the likelihood of hypothermia.

As the season continues, snowmobilers should avoid traveling across bodies of water when uncertain of ice thickness or water currents. Rapidly changing weather and moving water in streams and lake inlets also affect the thickness and strength of ice on lakes and ponds. Snow cover can act as a blanket and prevents thick strong ice from forming.

“I’d like to remind all snowmobilers that they need to think about their families when they are out riding,” Eddy says. “They need to ride smart and come home safe so that they can ride another day.”

Eddy also reminds snowmobilers to abide by a new state law that sets the nighttime speed limit at 55 mph. “Nighttime speeds over 55 mph don't allow you to react in time to avoid a collision and traveling faster than this will cause you to over-ride your headlights,” Eddy says. “Several of our 15 fatal snowmobile accidents this season have involved alcohol and/or speed.”

More information is available on the snowmobile education pages of the DNR Web site

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Contact: Gary Eddy, DNR snowmobile administrator, (608) 266-2142

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Winter a good time to prune trees

Pruning while trees are dormant can help reduce the spread of oak wilt.

MADISON – Snow shoveling isn’t the only winter yard work home and landowners may want to undertake. Winter is a good time for tree pruning, especially on oak trees. Winter pruning greatly reduces the likelihood of spreading oak wilt and other tree diseases and minimizes pruning stress on trees, according to tree health experts.

“I tell people that the best time to prune trees in Wisconsin is during the winter, when the tree is dormant, which is before early to mid-April, for a number of reasons,” said Don Kissinger, an urban forester with the Department of Natural Resources in Wausau. “Insects and diseases that could attack the open wound aren’t present in winter and without leaves, broken, cracked or hanging limbs and branch structure are easy to see and prune.”

Timing is especially critical for pruning oak trees in order to limit the spread of oak wilt, a devastating fungal disease of oaks that has been present in Wisconsin for probably a century or more, according to forest health specialists. The oak wilt fungus spreads from tree to tree by hitchhiking on sap feeding beetles that are attracted to freshly pruned or injured trees and root grafts between neighboring trees.

“Oak wilt causes the water and nutrient conducting channels in the tree to plug up and fail,” explains Kyoko Scanlon, DNR forest health specialist in Fitchburg. “Once a tree is infected, water and stored nutrients can’t move upward from the root system, causing the tree’s leaves to wilt and fall.

“Red oaks, which include red, pin and black oak, are particularly vulnerable to this disease. Once wilting symptoms appear, trees in the red oak group die very quickly, often within a month.”

Oak wilt is found mainly in the southern two-thirds and in the extreme northeast corner of Wisconsin. Prevention is the best defense against this disease say tree experts. The only other treatment options are costly fungicide applications or trenching between healthy and infected trees to sever connected roots.

In general, people should stop pruning, wounding or cutting oak trees from April to July. A more cautious approach approach limits pruning until Oct. 1.

“The most critical time for oak wilt infection through insects is the spring and early summer,” Scanlon said. “In some years, spring comes much earlier than we expect. If daytime temperatures begin to reach the 50F degree mark, stop pruning oak at that time, even if it’s still the middle of March.”

Pruning can be beneficial for trees

Before planning any tree pruning, tree owners should consider some rules designed to help further the health of their trees. Trees should be pruned throughout their entire life, with more attention paid during the first 10 years -- every other or every third year -- to foster strong structural or “scaffold” limbs. Once proper structure is established, pruning can occur less often -- about every five years -- to maintain the structure and remove larger pieces of dead wood.

“Pruning should not take more than 25 percent of the live crown of a tree. The lower third of established trunks of deciduous trees should be free of limbs,” Kissinger said.

Kissinger offered these tips for pruning shade or deciduous trees:

• Remove limbs growing toward the ground.
• Remove limbs that are crossing, rubbing or growing parallel to one another, competing for the same space in the tree crown.
• Remove limbs growing vertically or toward the interior of the tree.
• Remove broken, cracked, diseased or dead limbs.
• Maintain one central trunk or “leader” for as long as possible.
• Never remove so many interior branches that leaves are only present at the outside edge of the tree.
• Never prune a branch flush to the trunk as the large wound reduces the tree’s natural barrier to decay. The cut should begin just outside the branch bark ridge and continue at a slight outward angle until completed.
• Never “top” your trees or allow any tree service to do the same. This leaves the tree vulnerable to decay, sucks energy from the tree and leads to an early tree death.

Communities where oak wilt disease is a problem include Adams, Baraboo, Black River Falls, Durand, Eau Claire, Ft. McCoy, Green Bay, La Crosse, Madison, Menomonie, Mosinee, Onalaska, Richland Center, Shawano, Stevens Point and Waupaca.

Additional information on oak wilt and tree pruningDNR Forestry Web pages.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Kissinger: (715) 359-5793 or Kyoko Scanlon: (608) 275-3275

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Badger State Sportsman Club receives hunter ethics award

MADISON - The Badger State Sportsman’s Club, of Stoddard, Wis., has been awarded the 2006 Hunter Ethics Award, after being nominated by Ron Lichtie, Department of Natural Resources wildlife biologist in La Crosse. The award is sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the La Crosse Tribune.

“When people enjoy the outdoors, we want them to experience a safe and ethical hunt,” says Steve Dewald, La Crosse area warden supervisor. “To encourage this behavior in all hunters, we want hunters to acknowledge good behavior in other hunters when they see it.”

Dewald and La Crosse Tribune outdoor writers Jerry Davis and Bob Lamb created the award in 1997. This is the first time a traditional outdoors club has received the award. The theme for the award is “Hunters helping others, or hunters who are engaged in behavior that positively reflects on the tradition of hunting, rather than pursuing personal gain.”

“The general public needs to hear about hunters teaching outdoor traditions to our youth, hunters helping disabled citizen in enjoying the outdoors, and hunters actively working to protect natural resources for all to enjoy,” says DeWald.

Badger State Sportsman’s Club was formed in 1929 and today has about 300 members. Last year, the group managed a hunt at Goose Island for physically challenged hunters. The group also taught hunting safety courses and has donated to the Salvation Army, Hurricane Katrina Relief, Make a Wish Foundation, Take a Kid Fishing, Wisconsin DNR CWD sampling efforts and more. They are developing a scholarship program for local high school students to use in attending a natural resources management program in college.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Steve Dewald - (608) 785-9970

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Grants available to help fund projects for nongame wildlife

MADISON – Government agencies nonprofit organizations and other groups and private individuals have until March 13, 2007 to apply for grants to help fund projects aimed at protecting nongame fish and wildlife species and their habitat in Wisconsin.

The State Wildlife Grants Program provides federal funding to states to award cost-sharing grants for developing and implementing programs that benefit fish and wildlife species that are not hunted or fished, and therefore don’t benefit from funding sources directed specifically toward game species.

This funding is intended to supplement -- not duplicate -- existing fish and wildlife programs. Grants are directed at species with the greatest conservation need, species indicative of the diversity and health of the state's wildlife, and low and declining populations as deemed appropriate by the state's fish and wildlife agencies, or enhancing or restoring natural communities found in Wisconsin.

In Wisconsin, the Department of Natural Resources manages the State Wildlife Grant funds and awards them for project that will help implement the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan. The plan was approved by the state Natural Resources Board in August 2005 and accepted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in September 2005. When Congress established the program in 2001, it stipulated that each state fish and wildlife agency that wished to participate must develop a comprehensive strategy for wildlife conservation, under which projects could receive funding.

Congress has not yet set the amount of federal funding that will be appropriated for the program in 2007, so the amount of funds available for projects is unknown at this time, but DNR officials estimate that between $400,000 and $1,000,000 will be available for 2007.

Grants may be used to fund two types of projects: planning and implementation. The type of project determines the amount of matching funds that are required. Matching funds are the portion of a grant’s costs that the grant recipient must provide. Planning projects require 25 percent matching funds and implementation projects require 50 percent matching funds. All matching funds for projects must come from non-federal sources. Federal, state, and local government agencies, Native American tribes, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, industry groups and private individuals are all eligible to apply for the grants.

“Preference for funding projects is given to those that best address ecological priorities that are set in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan,” says Tara Bergeson, Wildlife Action Plan Implementation Coordinator for the DNR Bureau of Endangered Resources.

To assist agencies or organizations that are interested in applying for grants, new online Tools for Exploring the Plan are available on the DNR Web site that allow users to quickly view information from the state Wildlife Action Plan. Users can choose how they would like to access the information. For example, they can explore priorities for a particular part of the state, start with a specific habitat or ecological community type, or start with a specific species. After making a choice, the Web site provides additional options to narrow a search.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tara Bergeson – (608) 264-6043

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Deadlines approach for ice fishing shelter removal

MADISON – Deadlines are approaching within the next 30 days for ice anglers to remove ice fishing shelters from inland and boundary waters. Dates are determined by anticipated ice melting. If not removed, shanties can sink or be carried away, creating a threat to boaters.

All ice fishing shelters must be completely removed by:

• Feb. 20 – Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters.
• March 1 – Wisconsin-Minnesota boundary waters.
• March 5 – Inland waters south of State Highway 64.
• March 15 – Inland waters north of State Highway 64, Lake Michigan, Green Bay, Lake Superior and Wisconsin-Michigan boundary waters.

Failure to remove a shanty by either of those deadlines could result in a forfeiture of $208.40. Additional costs may be incurred if the shanty breaks through the ice and must be recovered.

After the date for removing permanent shelters from a frozen lake, an angler may continue to use a portable shelter but must remove it when it is not occupied.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Bureau of Law Enforcement - (608) 266-2141

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Time to think spring; boating safety courses available

MADISON - Wisconsin has more than 15,000 inland lakes, 43,000 miles of rivers, and 650 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. With all the available surface water in the state, it is not surprising that recreational boating is a popular choice in Wisconsin’s outdoor activities, as well as a significant part of the state's economy and tourism industry.

As spring approaches and ice gives way to cool waters, consider a boating safety course to ensure healthy, happy, and safe voyages for years to come. Boating safety courses start in March and April around the state. The courses teach:

• Navigation rules, basic safety, and waterway marking systems.
• All about boats, classification of boats, hull designs, and motors.
• Legal requirements including registration and equipment requirements.
• Getting underway, preparation, loading, boarding, cruising, docking, anchoring, knots, trailering, courtesy, and maintenance.
• Boat accidents, emergency measures, aquatic safety, alcohol usage, visual distress signals, fire on board, and first aid.

Wisconsin boating safety administrator Roy Zellmer notes, “At DNR, we want you to be safe enjoying Wisconsin’s waterways. The investment of eight hours and $10 in a classroom boating safety course is a great way to protect your safety and that of your passengers.”

Wisconsin boating safety certification or out of state equivalent certification is required for operating a boat in Wisconsin for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1989 and at least 16 years of age. Operators 12 to 15 years of age must either have a certificate or have an adult on board while operating. Anyone 10 years of age or older is eligible to take the class and receive a safety education completion certificate. The certificate does not become valid until the child reaches 12 years of age.

Online boating safety courses are also now available but not recommended for children under 14 years of age. People who encounter problems with the online course should contact Susan Holcombe at [susan@boat-ed.com] or call (800) 830-2268. There is a $10 charge for the boating safety test that will be collected online. People who pass the online boating test (achieve a score of 80 percent or better), will immediately be able to print out a temporary certificate valid for 90 days. Official Wisconsin boating safety education certificates will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.

Passing the Wisconsin boating safety course also makes people eligible for a discount on boat or PWC insurance with many insurance providers. A copy of the boater safety certification card should be sent to the insurance agency.

Upcoming boater safety classes are listed on the Upcoming Recreational Safety Education Classes page of the DNR Web site.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Roy Zellmer - (608) 264-8970

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Kessler named director of state Air Management Program

MADISON - Department of Natural Resources Air and Waste Administrator Al Shea has named veteran DNR employee Kevin Kessler as director of the state’s Air Management program.

Kessler, 59, a 36-year DNR employee, had been Air Management director in an acting capacity for the past 15 months.

“Kevin has served admirably and is well versed in the many issues and challenges Wisconsin faces with air quality. I am confident the state’s air management program will continue to flourish under his leadership,” Shea said.

The Air Management Program works to maintain and improve Wisconsin's air quality in order to protect public health and the environment. Staff monitor the air for pollutants, inspect emission sources, provide compliance assistance to industry, initiate enforcement actions when necessary, operate a permit program, and educate the public about air quality issues. There are 140 permanent Air Management employees statewide.

Kessler noted his immediate priorities as the state’s air quality director are petitioning the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency to recognize that Wisconsin has attained the ozone standard in eight of our southeastern counties; furthering regulatory streamlining; addressing the air program's increasing challenges; and adopting new regulations to greatly reduce emissions from coal-fired stationary sources.

Kessler, who holds and B.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Platteville and an M.S. in Water Resources Management from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, began his career in DNR’s drinking water program. In the early ‘80’s he was the lead staff person working on Wisconsin’s forward-looking comprehensive groundwater law. He has previously served as chief of DNR’s Groundwater Management Section and deputy director of the agency’s Solid and Hazardous Waste Management program.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Kessler - (608) 266-5207