DNR Report

Madison — Wisconsin’s spring waterfowl population surveys show stable to increased numbers of breeding pairs, as well as relatively good wetland conditions that should result in increased production this year across most of the state. Taylor Finger, DNR migratory bird ecologist, said that while fewer numbers of birds were observed than last year, an increase […]

St. Paul — Population counts showed good results for several species of ducks that nest in Minnesota, according to the results of the annual DNR spring waterfowl surveys. “Mallard, blue-winged teal, and Canada goose counts were all improved from last year,” said Steve Cordts, DNR waterfowl specialist. “The survey is designed for mallards, and our

Superior, Wis. — Heavy rains across northwestern Wisconsin June 15-18 flooded some roads and caused washouts on some highways, roads, state parks, forests and trails. According to the National Weather Service, these areas received 7 to 12 inches of rain from Friday, June 15 into Monday, June 18. There are several Wisconsin state park properties

Bay City, Mich. — Anglers on Michigan’s Saginaw Bay caught a record number of walleye during the 2017-2018 winter months. This record is attributed to three main factors: the increase to the daily possession limit, further increases in walleye population numbers, and good ice-fishing conditions in 2018. Anglers took 123,793 walleye, the most ever measured

Madison — Hunters and trappers harvested 548 bobcats in Wisconsin, according to preliminary harvest data for the 2017-18 bobcat seasons. Preliminary data combines state and tribal harvest information; final harvest numbers should be available by mid-June. With the addition of the southern management zone, 2017 marks the fourth year of statewide bobcat harvest by hunting

Lansing — A recent regulation change gives Michigan anglers the chance to use longer nets when fishing steelhead streams this spring. Recent legislation has simplified fishing regulations for anglers, particularly those pursuing steelhead on the state’s rivers and streams in the spring. The legislation removed a net size restriction for landing the fish that has

Lansing — Anglers heading out for the trout season opener at the end of the month will have portions of nearly 40 Upper Peninsula trout streams where an additional five brook trout may be kept as part of the daily bag limit. The new regulation approved last fall added a suite of 36 streams, or

Sandusky, Ohio — Lake Erie anglers should experience another year of diverse fishing opportunities in 2018, according to Ohio DNR. Great walleye hatches from 2014 and 2015 are expected to contribute to exceptional fishing opportunities in Lake Erie this year. Anglers pursuing yellow perch in Lake Erie’s Western Basin will likely find excellent numbers and

St. Paul — Since the late 1990s, Lake Mille Lacs has become an increasingly popular destination for anglers who want to catch trophy-size smallmouth bass. Until now, it wasn’t known how many of these fish – prized more for their fight than their fillets – called the lake home. A population estimate completed in 2018