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EDITOR’S ADVISORY – Spring rules hearing results

[EDITOR’S ADVISORY: Results from the 2007 Department of Natural Resources Spring Fisheries and Wildlife Rules Hearing and annual Wisconsin Conservation Congress county meetings are currently being compiled. The department will issue a new release after the results are posted on the DNR Web site.]

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Wisconsin inland fishing season opens May 5

Despite rollercoaster spring weather many game fish should have completed spawning

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

“There’s a tradition to opening day that you just can’t beat, even though you can find great fishing at any time of the year in Wisconsin,” says Mike Staggs, Wisconsin’s fisheries director. “Opening day is as much about being with friends and families and their traditions as it is about catching fish. This year’s a good year to take someone fishing who’s never been, or who hasn’t been fishing for a long time.”

Staggs, who was introduced to fishing by his father and grandfather when he was two, now continues the tradition by taking family and friends out on the water, particularly waters near his home by Poynette.

More than 1.4 million people 16 and older are expected to buy fishing licenses this year in Wisconsin.

Anglers venturing out on opening day will find lots of fish, based on the fish population reports that biologists filed for individual waters in the 2007 Wisconsin Fishing Report.

Whether those fish bite depends a lot on weather conditions and water temperatures, but now that many game species have finished spawning, or will have, by the fishing opener, anglers are likely to find hungry fish ready to strike. Fish don’t feed much when they’re spawning – they’re paying attention to other biological needs, like the need to reproduce – and after that’s done, they’re ready to strap on the feedbag.

Here’s how field fisheries supervisors are seeing the season opener shape up in their regions:

Northeastern Wisconsin

For our region, the walleye spawning will be done by the opener. All the ice is out already from the lakes. Probably some of lakes to the north are peaking in walleye spawning right now. The fish are not going to be sitting up in the shallows in vulnerable areas but back to their normal habits and should be feeding readily. It’s an excellent walleye population in the Winnebago system -- good numbers of fish and good sizes. The Marinette area is also good for walleye around the spring opener. Fish the lower Menominee River or Green Bay on the west shore. Trout streams are going to be full of water, not overflowing but good water flows. We have excellent streams and a lot of public frontage on them. Great fishing opportunities there. Lake Michigan has a real good season for near-shore fisheries. It tends to slow down in May before picking up again in June. The perch fishery opens later in May in Green Bay. It should just be an excellent season – the entire season. – George Boronow, regional fisheries supervisor, Green Bay.

Northern Wisconsin

Spring made an attempt to come early in the north but failed. We had ice off of some of the smaller lakes on April 1 (April Fool's prank). Then it got cold and they all froze over again. Fisheries crews in the north just began setting fyke nets for walleyes over the last few days (April 13). Some of the larger lakes still have plenty of ice in them. Still, this is now a more normal spring for this part of the state. It is likely that walleye will have completed spawning on all but a few of the largest, deepest lakes by the fishing opener. Timing should be good for a decent post-spawn bite at that time. If things progress as they are right now, water temperatures on the opener are likely to be fairly cold which will slow down the fishing for bass. Remember that if you do catch bass it is catch and release only at this time of year in the northern zone. If you can't find the walleyes, it is a good bet that panfish, particularly crappies, will be found in the shallower, muddy bottomed bays, especially on the bigger waters. Then too, northern pike can often make your day as they are generally willing biters and we saw some fairly strong year classes across the region in the lakes that hold pike a number of years back. These fish are pretty good size right now and provide a good angling opportunity. - Steve Avelallemant, regional fisheries supervisor, Rhinelander

Musky, walleyes, and pike will be done spawning by the opener. Depending on what water temperatures do, anglers could find walleyes at night in the shallows, associated with the spawning areas, and mostly males. Females will be in deeper water. If you’re fishing for muskies, start off with smaller baits. Tendency is to go with big baits, but water temperatures are still cool for fish. Have a small crank bait or jerk bait you’re working. They will be over the top of emerging weeds so try and find new weed growth. Pike will be associated with new weeds. Bass will be looking for warm water temperatures. Panfish are already in shallow water, and even during the cold weather they were hitting pretty well for people in Madison. People ought to enjoy really good bluegill fishing. We’ve got strong populations. Trout anglers should look for cover on outside bends, deep holes or timber in the water. The weeds haven’t developed much so you’re looking for that cover. Crappies will be coming in. They will spawn early in the season, depending on water temp. – Scot Stewart, regional fisheries supervisor, Fitchburg

Water temperatures that had been in the upper 50s have slipped back to the upper 40s. For opening day anglers, this means walleyes on our deeper, cooler lakes like Big Cedar, Geneva, Pine and Delavan may still be spawning; something that does not happen very often this far south. Largemouth bass fishing will probably be pretty slow and confined to natural bait or slow-moving natural bait imitations like plastic worms. Look for the best bass fishing under any sunny skies even if it’s at high noon. Also, try any shallow bays and inlets on the north side of the lake where sunlight has the most warming penetration. Channels should be good for bass on some lakes. Don’t forget about stocked trout lakes. Old favorites like Lower Genesee, Lower Nashotah, Ottawa, Fowler, Waubesee and Beulah lakes will be stocked with full quotas and should provide excellent fishing for browns and rainbows. Northern pike will be well past spawning and should be very active in all our lakes. Cool water temperatures and lesser amounts of growing vegetation should make it easy for foraging pike to see just about any bait offering. I suspect a lot of northerns are going to be caught on opening day. Muskies may also still be spawning, which could inhibit fishing for them a bit. Small baits fished slowly might be the best for early season muskies in this area. Good luck and enjoy your day on the water! - Randy Schumacher, regional fish supervisor, Milwaukee

West Central Wisconsin

With warmer weather, fishing should start picking up. Northern pike have completed spawning and will be feeding heavily by the Opener. Walleye anglers should also enjoy success as walleyes are finished spawning and beginning to feed. Larger females will be located on or near shallow flats, while males are generally in the deeper water. Afternoon is usually the best as water temperatures rise. Panfish anglers should look for shallow bays out of the wind. There, they will find bluegill, crappie and perch waiting for a worm or minnow. Trout anglers could face tough conditions with extremely clear water making trout spooky. Anglers will have to use the stealth approach when stalking the wily brook and brown trout. However, a little rain and minor run-off will definitely improve angler’s chances of catching the big one. – Bob Hujik, fisheries supervisor, Eau Claire

Mississippi River

Fishing conditions are changing daily. The water level crested April 6. A steady recession of discharge through the dam has since dropped water levels about two-tenths of a foot per day. Within the last week, water temperatures have been on the rise. On April 16, the main channel was 47 degrees. With warmer weather predicted, main channel water temperatures in the low 50s are not far away. Backwater areas will quickly warm to the low 60s. A typical spring brings conditions that constantly challenge anglers -- and this spring has done just that. Recent reports have anglers catching good numbers of walleye below Lock and Dam 4, 5, 7, and 8. Many anglers are reporting that this spring has been the year to catch big walleye, with many 10-plus pound fish being caught. Spring can be a very productive time to catch walleye and sauger. Anglers are taking nice some nice fish trolling and hand lining in 12-18 ft of water along the main channel borders of the Mississippi River. Hot lures include bright colored minnow type crank baits with rattles, bounced along the bottom. Fishing for other species is also picking up. The first bass fishing tournament occurred recently with a top weight of more than 20 pounds for six smallmouths for a two-person team. The largest fish of the tournament was a smallmouth that tipped the scales at 5 pounds, 9 ounces. Decent shore fishing for bluegill, crappie and perch has also occurred. Fishing for panfish will only improve with a dropping water level and warmer water temperatures. – Ron Benjamin – fisheries supervisor, La Crosse

Season dates and regulations

The hook-and-line game fish season opens May 5 on inland waters for walleye, sauger, and northern pike statewide. The largemouth and smallmouth bass southern zone opens May 5, while the northern bass zone opens for catch and release only from May 5 through June 15. From June 16 to March 2, 2007, there’s a minimum length limit of 14 inches with a daily bag limit of five fish in total. The northern zone is the area north of highways 77, 64 and 29.

The musky season opens May 5 in the southern zone and May 26 in the northern zone, with Highway 10 the dividing line.

The seasons for rock, yellow and white bass, panfish, bullheads and rough fish, catfish, cisco and whitefish are open all year. Check the 2007-2008 Guide To Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations for special regulations listed by county, for regulations on the Great Lakes and boundary waters, and for tributary streams to Green Bay and Lake Michigan.

The complete guide is available at DNR offices and license agents and can be found on DNR's Web site, http://dnr.wi.gov, then click on “fishing” and then “regulations.”

Fishing licenses

Wisconsin residents and nonresidents 16 years old or older need a fishing license to fish in any waters of the state. Residents born before Jan. 1, 1927 do not need a license, nor do people who exhibit proof they are in active service with the U.S. armed forces and are a resident on furlough or leave.

People can buy licenses: 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).

Fishing by the numbers

• 1.4 million licensed anglers
• 22 million annual fishing days #2 ranked fishing destination
• 69 million fish caught a year including:
• 25.7 million bluegill
• 8.7 million yellow perch
• 8.2 million bass
• 7.8 million crappie
• 7.5 million walleye
• 3.7 million northern pike
• 11 million fingerlings and yearlings stocked a year
• $1.2 billion in retail sales
• $2.3 billion economic activity
• $90 million in state tax revenues
• 26,000 jobs
• 15,081 lakes, 44,000 river miles
• 10,265 miles of trout streams
• 4,037 miles of Class I trout streams

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Hearings set on proposal to control mercury emissions

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

“Controlling mercury emissions is vital in protecting Wisconsin’s environment and public health,” said Al Shea, administrator of the Department of Natural Resources Air and Waste Division. “The public has already been vocal on this issue, and we are looking forward to having additional input.”

The DNR has proposed revisions to NR 446, which requires each utility with coal-fired electrical generating units affected by the federal Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) to meet an annual mercury emission cap. There are currently 48 such units in Wisconsin, operated by eight utilities in Wisconsin. The proposed changes would allow the department to implement the CAMR in Wisconsin.

At the March 2007 Natural Resources Board meeting, DNR staff proposed the following changes to the state’s mercury rules:

• Require that the state rule be consistent with CAMR standards.
• Compliance with the CAMR would require each Wisconsin utility with affected coal-fired power plants to meet an annual mercury emission cap without participating in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s national trading program.
• Adopt rules by June 10, 2010 aimed at a 90 percent mercury reduction at all coal-fired power plants. Incentives will also be developed to encourage early achievement of the 90 percent reduction. Gov. Jim Doyle directed the agency to reach a 90 percent reduction by 2020.

In addition to authorizing hearings on NR 446, the board also requested that the agency offer additional options for reducing mercury, which include:

• Reducing mercury emissions by 90 to 95 percent by Jan. 1, 2012, from all coal burning electrical generating units in the state as requested in a January 2007 Citizen Petition to the department [PDF].
• Participating in EPA’s optional national mercury allowance trading and banking program to achieve the reductions required in the federal Clean Air Mercury rule.
• Participating in EPA’s national allowance trading and banking program that would sunset on Jan. 1, 2015, which would allow Wisconsin utilities to participate for five years in the national trading and banking program from the inception of the first reduction phase of the CAMR (Jan. 1, 2010).

The public hearings on revisions to NR 446 will take place:

• May 15, Green Bay - Green Bay State Office Building, Room 152-A, 200 N. Jefferson St.
• May 17, Stevens Point - Portage County Annex Building, Conference Room 2, 1462 Strongs Ave.
• May 22, Eau Claire - DNR Office Building, Front Conference Room, 1300 W. Clairemont Ave.
• May 23, Madison - Room 041 (Department of Public Instruction’s room in GEF III), 125 S. Webster St.
• May 24 Milwaukee - DNR Southeast Regional Headquarters, Room 141, 2300 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Jon Heinrich, Bureau of Air Management Environmental Analysis Section Chief - (608) 267-7547

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Switching to compact fluorescent lights can reduce greenhouse gases

MADISON – Wisconsin consumers can take a simple and easy step to reduce their personal contributions to global warming by switching from incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs).

“National studies show that compact fluorescent lights use two-thirds less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer,” says Suzanne Bangert, director of the Department of Natural Resources Waste and Materials Management program.

Bangert notes that in addition to energy savings, switching to compact fluorescent lights can save money and be more convenient.

“Replacing a 60-watt incandescent with a 13-watt CFL can save you at least $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. Because they last longer they help homeowners avoid the hassle of changing bulbs and, since they generate 70 percent less heat, they are safer to operate and save on cooling bills,” Bangert says.

While there is concern about the mercury -- a contaminant and poses a threat to human health and the environment -- contained in CFLs, Bangert says that overall they are a better choice for the health of the environment.

“There is a trade-off,” Bangert says, “but the benefits are clear. By switching to CFLs we use less energy, resulting in a net reduction in mercury emissions. Each CFL can prevent more than 450 pounds of emissions from a power plant over the lifetime of the bulb while the mercury in a CFL is contained and can be safely recycled.”

Bangert said CFLs from businesses and, ideally, households should be treated as hazardous waste once they reach the end of their long life. For households, Bangert advises people check to see if local stores have a take back programs for CFLs. People can check the Energy Star Web site [exit DNR] for stores that take back CFLs or Wisconsin’s Focus on Energy Program’s Web site [exit DNR] for product/service provider information.

If no local stores are part of the program, people can take used CFLs to local hazardous waste collection site or to a Clean Sweep program. If the bulb is broken, place the entire contents in a sealable plastic bag. If there are no other options, the sealed bag can go into the garbage.” Information about Clean Sweep [exit DNR] is available on the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer protection Web site. For information about companies that recycle fluorescent bulbs is available on the recycling markets pages of the DNR Web site.

Bangert also said there is confusion about the green-tipped ‘green’ CFLs. “The CFLs that have a green band near the base are a good step in the right direction. They’re made with less mercury but mercury is still present. These bulbs should be treated the same way as the other CFLs,” she said.

“It’s clear that the positives strongly outweigh the negatives when it comes to switching to CFLs, said Bangert. “This is a simple and effective step that everyone in Wisconsin can take.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Suzanne Bangert - (608) 266-0014

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Wisconsin wolf population continues to increase

PARK FALLS – The population of gray wolves in Wisconsin has increased to between 540 and 600 animals, according to a preliminary estimate compiled by the state’s wolf population monitoring team. The estimate is based on aerial surveys tracking packs with radio-collared wolves, on snow track surveys by Department of Natural Resources trackers and volunteers, and through wolf observations by the general public.

This estimate is for the number of wolves living in Wisconsin in late winter, and does not include any wolf pups that will be born this spring. The wolf count won’t be official for several weeks after careful study of all the reports.

Biologists estimated the wolf population was between 465 and 502 animals over the 2005-2006 winter.

The preliminary numbers put the wolf population at from 539 to 590 outside Native American reservations with an additional nine wolves living on reservations. The Department of Natural Resources consults with Native American biologists in managing wolves on Native American lands.

This is the first wolf population estimate taken since the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service removed wolves in Wisconsin from the federal endangered species list. Wolves are now managed by the Department of Natural Resources as a protected species.

The State of Wisconsin and the U. S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services now can use lethal control where chronic wolf depredation occurs. They can also now utilize proactive controls to reduce wolf populations in areas where wolves may become a chronic problem.

In addition, a landowner now can kill a wolf that is in the act of attacking domestic livestock on the landowners property, and are required to call the local conservation warden within 24 hours.

Wolves were listed as a state endangered species in 1975, when wolves from Minnesota began to move back into Wisconsin, after having been absent from the state for 15 years. The wolf population increased steadily through the 1980s and 1990s and wolves were reclassified as a state threatened species in Wisconsin in 1999. In August 2004 they were removed from the state list of threatened and endangered wildlife and listed as protected wild animals.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven - (715) 762-1363

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Wolves kill bird dog in Lincoln County

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

The depredation was verified by investigators of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Wildlife Services section.

A wolf pack has resided in the Harrison Hills area in recent years, according to Adrian Wydeven, a Department of Natural Resources mammalian ecologist at Park Falls who is in charge of the state’s wolf management program.

“It is highly unusual for wolves to attack bird dogs,” Wydeven notes. “But at this time of year it’s advisable for anyone working dogs in areas where wolves are found to check for wolf caution areas and take steps to avoid those areas.”

The reason for this attack, he said, may be that the wolves may have a den with newly born pups nearby and the dogs unwittingly ventured close to the den. Wolf pups are normally born in early or mid April in Wisconsin.

“In such circumstances the wolves would be protective of their pups and den and would be reluctant to flee from the area,” Wydeven said.

A wolf caution area has been established near the site to warn individuals to exercise greater caution if they train or run their dogs in this area. Pet owners will want to stay close to their dogs and maintain verbal contact with their dogs. Areas with lots of wolf activity (tracks and droppings) should be avoided.

The caution area is bounded on the north by County Highway D, on the east by County Highway D and State 17, on the south by Dudley Road and on the west by County Highway J, Grundy Road and County Highway H.

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service removed wolves from the list of federal Endangered Species on March 12 of this year, and they are now managed by the Department of Natural Resources as a protected species. Anyone who believes he or she may have wolf depredations should contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Wildlife Services directly at 1-800-228-1368 in northern Wisconsin, or 1-800-433-0663 for central and southern Wisconsin.

In addition to the Lincoln County attack, on March 28, a landowner near Park Falls shot and killed a gray wolf, which he said was chasing his border collie. That landowner notified the DNR within 24 hours, as required by law.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Adrian Wydeven, Park Falls, (715) 762-1363

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Stevens Point, Fremont wastewater facility laboratories receive awards

MADISON – Two laboratories that are registered to conduct environmental analysis to help ensure Wisconsin municipalities and industries are meeting standards that protect public health and the environment have been recognized as “2007 Registered Laboratories of the Year” for their exceptional efforts.

“Registered laboratories play an important role in helping us protect Wisconsin’s environment and the people who live and recreate here,” said Department of Natural Resources Secretary Scott Hassett, who presented the awards with DNR Environmental Science Services Section Chief David Webb at the March Natural Resources Board meeting. This is the twelfth year the department has presented Laboratory of the Year award.

The Stevens Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory and the Fremont-Orihula-Wolf River Joint Sewage Commission Laboratory were recognized in the Large Registered Facility and Small Registered Facility categories respectively.

DNR Audit Chemist, Camille Johnson noted in her nomination of the Stevens Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Laboratory that the operators “are very dedicated and make changes when they learn that there is a better way of doing something.” Johnson said no deficiencies were identified at their last lab evaluation and the operators are all dedicated to doing accurate lab analysis.

DNR Engineer Mark Corbett and DNR Audit Chemist Camille Johnson noted in their nomination that the Fremont-Orihula-Wolf River Joint Sewage Commission Laboratory has an “impressive laboratory self monitoring program, which has clearly led to improved plant performance and the banner compliance record. Impeccable lab procedures and testing protocol is continuously demonstrated at the facility lab. This meticulous attention to testing and recording detail, establishes the on site lab as a true model facility.”

The efforts of staff who operate wastewater treatment plants to protect Wisconsin’s waterway are often “unsung,” noted Amy Smith, administrator of the DNR Enforcement and Science Division, adding that that these awards are a chance to recognize that good work.

More than 250 registered laboratories were eligible for this award. Nominations for the 2008 Registered Laboratory of the Year awards are now being accepted. Anyone may nominate a facility as long as they fall into therRegistered category (labs in the certified category are not eligible). To obtain a nomination form contact Camille Johnson at (715) 831-3272 or by email at Camille.Johnson@wisconsin.gov.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Camille Johnson at (715) 831-3272

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More than 6,000 spring turkey hunting permits still available

MADISON – The 2007 spring turkey hunting season kicked off on April 11. Hunters still interested in hunting the spring season can buy one of the 6,000 harvest permits still available. 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).

“More than 37,000 permits have been sold over-the-counter and through Internet and phone sales since they went on sale March 23,” said Diane Brookbank, director of DNR’s license sales bureau. “Sales really took off at the start. During the first three hours more than 16,000 licenses were sold.”

Sales continued hotly throughout the first day with almost 22,000 being sold by the end of business on March 23. Another 5,200 were purchased on Mar 24 and almost 2,000 on Mar 25.

Turkey hunting is popular in Wisconsin and many hunters buy permits for more than one period, stretching out the season and providing more opportunity or perhaps to have a fallback plan in case of bad weather. More than 24,000 of the over-the-counter permits were sold to hunters who had already received a permit through the drawing process. One hunter purchased 11 permits, and three others purchased 10 each.

Over-the-counter sales also gave a second chance to 2,700 hunters who put in applications but missed out in the drawing and to 10,600 hunters who never applied for a permit but decided to hunt anyway.

The remaining 6,000 spring turkey permits are for the last two time periods, May 9-13 and May 16-20. Turkey mating activity usually slows during these later periods but it’s still a nice time of year to get out in the woods, wildlife officials say.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: DNR Customer Service and Licensing (608) 266-2621