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 VOL: 9 ISSUE: 911 - 15 MARCH 2014 |
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  When you LEAVE a COMMENT & YOUR NAME AND EMAIL ADDRESS, you are entered into the drawing - for a ZipVac
portable vacuum sealer starter kit, complete with a rechargeable pump, a
hand-operated pump and reusable, resealable storage bags. |
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 Dan Small Outdoors Radio -- EVENTS CALENDAR• FISHING CONTESTS: Find them ALL online: @ American Fishing Contests | |||||||||||
DNR is measuring winter's impact on deer and turkeyMADISON - As one of the harshest winters on record continues its icy grip on Wisconsin state wildlife officials are monitoring its effects on wildlife, particularly deer and turkey."We have received some reports of dead deer and turkey, especially in northern Wisconsin where snow is more than 30 inches deep in some areas," said Tom Hauge, director of wildlife management for the Department of Natural Resources. While animals native to Wisconsin are equipped to handle snow and cold, too much for too long can overwhelm an individual animal's resources. DNR biologists use a "winter severity index" to gauge winter stress levels. Points are assigned for each day with snow deeper than 18 inches and temperatures below zero. WSI measurements are recorded at 43 stations across the northern third of the state and in several east-central counties. Winter conditions are considered mild if a station accumulates less than 50 points, moderate between 51 and 80 points, severe between 81 and 100, and very severe if more than 100. Many stations in northwestern counties have already reached "severe" on the index, said Mike Zeckmeister, DNR northern wildlife supervisor and more stations likely will record a severe winter index in coming weeks. The 2013-2014 Winter Severity Index [PDF] is available on the DNR website. People asked to report any deer mortalitiesDNR biologists are asking the public to report any observations of winter deer mortality. The reports can be submitted through the DNR website by searching for keywords dead deer.Concerned citizens can also search the DNR staff directory for local wildlife biologists and technicians to receive their reports. Additionally, DNR biologists are working in the field this time of year, monitoring deer and their habitats and talking to loggers, foresters, trappers and others who frequent the winter woods. Sam Jonas, DNR wildlife biologist for Iron County surveyed a 4-mile stretch near the Wisconsin-Michigan border that runs through a wintering area and observed about 70 deer and 16 turkeys. "The deer are browsing cedar, hemlock and other brush in area," Jonas said. "I am sure we do have some winter mortality in areas, however, the deer I have seen in this wintering area look like they are faring pretty well so far, including the fawns. Late March and April is historically when we see winter mortality so I will be doing a lot of snowshoeing into deer yards at that time to check on things." Conditions generate questions about feeding deerThe harsh winter is generating questions from the public about feeding deer. Zeckmeister said it is a legitimate and compassionate inquiry but one without an easy answer."I understand people want to try to help deer through a hard winter, but feeding can do more harm than good," he said. Feeding unmixed corn or hay can actually be harmful to deer in late winter. A commercialized pellet - or mixes containing small quantities of corn, plus alfalfa, oats and soybeans, as well as various vitamins and minerals - is the best choice. The food should be spread out to reduce fighting, kept away from roads or snowmobile trails to avoid collisions, and placed near areas sheltered from the wind. Deer feeding is regulated under Wisconsin law and is prohibited in counties affected by chronic wasting disease. In all other counties, feeding is limited to a maximum of 2 gallons per site. Feeding sites must be placed within 50 yards of a dwelling or a business building open to the public and may not be placed within 100 yards of a roadway with a posted speed limit of 45 mph or higher. Interested individuals can search the DNR website for baiting and feeding regulations. Read more here: FOR MORE INFORMATION:
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It’s Maple Syrup Time in Wisconsin!POYNETTE, Wis. -- The Maple Syrup Festival, a fun-filled educational event for families, is scheduled for April 5 from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the MacKenzie Center near Poynette. Maple Syrup Festival is hosted by the Friends of MacKenzie and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources."The event features free guided tours of the sugarbush, demonstrations of how to tap a maple tree for sap, making syrup, interpretative talks about how Native Americans and pioneers made maple sugar and syrup and current methods used in our own MacKenzie sugarbush," said Ruth Ann Lee, MacKenzie Center educator. "This is a great way to celebrate the beginning of spring and a wonderful opportunity to learn about the sugar maple tree and the unique process of making maple syrup in our Wisconsin climate." Participants will have the opportunity to watch home-made ice cream being churned with an antique engine, listen to live, old-time country music and take a horse-drawn wagon ride. The wildlife habitat area with animals native to Wisconsin and the museums on property also will be open. An all-you-can eat pancake breakfast, sponsored by Friends of MacKenzie, will be served from 8 a.m. until noon at the main lodge. The cost is $7 for those 12 years and older and $5 for people aged 3 to 11 years. Refreshments, maple products and souvenirs will be sold by the Friends of MacKenzie. The Friends will also draw the winners for their raffle at noon. The MacKenzie Center is located two miles east of Poynette on County Road CS/Q. For more information go to dnr.wi.gov and search MacKenzie. MacKenzie Center online chat March 18 on maple syrup, environmental education, and outdoor skillsJoin MacKenzie Center staff to chat about new programs, outdoor opportunities for families, and the maple syrup program. During March and April the MacKenzie Center taps about 100 trees and teaches more than 1,200 students how to make maple syrup. People can join this online chat to learn more about the center and what it offers.How is maple syrup made? How does the weather effect syrup production? A DNR forester will answer any technical maple syrup questions. Why do turkey vultures have bald heads? How much does a wolf eat in a week? This is an opportunity to ask a wildlife technician about any of the more than 15 species of native Wisconsin wildlife living at MacKenzie. What activities can people participate in at the MacKenzie Center? There are trails, museums, and a native wildlife area on site to explore at MacKenzie. Ask center educators about the environmental education and outdoors skills programs we have to offer. Maple syrup workshop March 29 at Crex MeadowsPeople interested in a more hands-on approach to making syrup can sign up to attend a two hour Maple Syrup Workshop that will be offered on Saturday, March 29, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Crex Meadows Wildlife Area near Grantsburg in Burnett County.The workshop will include the history and process of making maple syrup and demonstrations that include winter tree identification, tapping a tree, sap-collecting methods past and present, observing the boiling process, and ending with a sample of some pure maple syrup! Participants will meet at Crex Meadows Wildlife Area and then caravan as a group 5 miles offsite. The workshop is free but pre-Registration is required. Space is limited to 25 Adults. Participants should dress for cold weather conditions and deep snow. To register for the program or for more information, please contact: Kristi Pupak, Wildlife Conservation Educator at (715) 463-2739. For complete details and updated information, visit Crex Meadows Wildlife Area (exit DNR). Read more: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
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Thursday, March 13, 2014
DSORe eNewsletter Vol.9 Issue S911
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