DSORe eNews Vol.9 Issue S950

VOL: 9 ISSUE: 950 - 13 December 2014

• Survival advice from an outdoor expert • Mercer vacation package winner announced • Meet Dan and Jeff at the Milwaukee Ice Fishing Show this weekend at State Fair Park

Results for POLL S949

Do you believe Wisconsin's Lake Michigan percher fishery can be restored to its former glory? Comments [8]

So? What do YOU think... will there be ???

DSORe POLL S950 Was this year's lower deer harvest in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa an anomaly or a new trend?

Wisconsin deer kill lowest in 30 years This year's preliminary harvest figures indicate a total of 191,550 deer harvested. The overall buck harvest of 90,336 was down roughly 8 percent. Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa have seen a similar decline in overall harvest in 2014. Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist, said the northeast and southern counties saw buck kills that were virtually unchanged compared to 2013. The largest decline in buck harvest figures was observed in the far northern counties, where it decreased by 18 percent compared to 2013. This area also saw a 58 percent decrease in antlerless harvest. This was a designed reduction in antlerless harvest in an attempt to increase deer numbers in the Northern Forest Zone. Overall, statewide antlerless harvest saw a 21 percent decline from 2013. Western counties saw a decrease in buck harvest of roughly 8 percent, with the bulk of the decline seen in counties that are farthest north within the region and/or counties that include portions of the Central Forest Zone. A breakdown of harvest by DNR region and county is available in portable document format (pdf) on the DNR website. Read More ... FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist - (608) 261-7589 Jon King, DNR Conservation Warden - (608) 575-2294 Sawyer Briel, DNR communications - (608) 261-0751 The Question: "Was this year's lower deer harvest in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa an anomaly or a new trend?" WHAT do YOU think of this? VOTE YOUR OPINION

NEXT WEEK: Results for POLL S950

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.

JEFF DREXLER Owner of Ice Castle Fish Houses talks about ice fishing in total comfort TINA BRUNELL Director of the Mercer Chamber of Commerce reports good snow and ice, talks about upcoming events in the Mercer area and announces the winner of the Mercer vacation package giveaway EDDIE NICKENS Editor-at-large for Field & Stream magazine offers survival advice from his new book, The Total Outdoorsman: Skills & Tools MADISON OUTDOORS REPORT - Heard exclusively on FM 100.5 ESPN, ESPNWISCONSIN.COM AND PODCASTS: SPONSORED by Pappas Trading Post RON BAREFIELD Presented by Mercer, Wisconsin’s favorite outdoor playground, McFarland guide Ron Barefield reports on ice conditions and ice-fishing action on the Madison chain and Lake Wisconsin Segment sponsor: Mercer Chamber of Commerce

Dan Small Outdoors Radio -- EVENTS CALENDAR • FISHING CONTESTS: Find them ALL online: @ American Fishing Contests • RUFFED GROUSE SOCIETY BANQUETS & EVENTS: ONLINE INFO: • MILFORD HILLS ACTIVITIES & EVENTS: ONLINE INFO • WISCONSIN FNRA Banquets: ONLINE INFO • JSOnline: OUTDOORS - w/ Paul Smith - Activities & Events: ONLINE INFO

Wisconsin Deer Hunt 2014 remains alive through December !! photo c. Randy Crawford ©2014 Deer hunting opportunities continue through December in Wisconsin MADISON - While the nine-day gun deer season has come and gone, additional opportunities to deer hunt in Wisconsin are available through December. In the Central Forest and Central Farmland zones, the annual four-day antlerless-only hunt will take place Dec. 11-14. Anyone with an unused antlerless deer tag valid in these zones may participate. All hunters, with the exception of those pursuing waterfowl, must wear blaze orange during this hunt. It is important to note that this season is not open in the Northern Forest and Southern Farmland zones. Later in December, hunters in the Southern Farmland Zone will have an opportunity to hunt antlerless deer, during what is known as the Holiday Hunt, from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1, 2015. This is the first year antlered bucks may not be harvested during this hunt - this includes archery and crossbow hunters. However, any unfilled antlerless tag valid for this zone may be filled. Again, all hunters must follow blaze orange clothing rules. The late archery season continues statewide until Jan. 4, 2015, while the gun deer season for metro sub-units continues through Dec. 10, and archery through Jan. 31. For a map of deer management zones [PDF] in Wisconsin, visit WDNR web site, search keyword deer, and select the Deer Management Zones option from the Maps list. The department has provided a number of useful resources - all hunters are encouraged to review the 2014 deer hunting regulations [PDF] and FAQs, available at keyword deer. To ask specific questions before or during the hunt, hunters can also contact the DNR Call Center toll-free at 1-888-936-7463. Call center staff are on hand seven days per week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Spanish- and Hmong-speaking representatives are also available. Lastly, those interested in deer management in Wisconsin are reminded that the final County Deer Advisory Council meetings of 2014 will be held in each county in December. These meetings will provide the public with an important opportunity to provide input regarding each county's deer population objectives before recommendations are advanced to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. December meetings will be open to the public for any additional comments as the councils finalize their recommendations. To view a meeting schedule, visit the DNR web site and search keyword CDAC. Read more here: FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist - (608) 261-7589

Treat ALL ICE as unsafe - a mantra to keep your ice fishing season successful and alive photo c. Jeff Kelm ©2014 Warm-up in forecast could weaken ice conditions MADISON - With temperatures forecast to reach into the 40-degree range this weekend, state conservation wardens are cautioning people interested in venturing on to our frozen lakes and rivers that due to the early season snowfall many lakes have not had enough time to form thick, safe ice for winter fun. "In all likelihood, the ice looks thicker - and safer - than it actually is," said Todd Schaller, chief warden with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. "The best advice to follow is no matter what the month, consider all ice unpredictable. There can be cracks and changes in the thickness that you may not be able to see. This is especially true after we have the first cold nights and the early ice is spotted statewide." Schaller says ice thickness may vary or snow cover may hide weak or honeycomb ice and water pockets. "Let's make sure your first outing isn't your last. And take the time to educate your children about the dangers associated with frozen ponds, lakes and rivers." Here are tips for staying safe this season Always remember that ice is never completely safe under any conditions. Fish or walk with a friend. It's safer and more fun. Contact local sport shops to ask about ice conditions on the lake or river you want to fish. Carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you'll return home. Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a life jacket or a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss. Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice. Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas. Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself - or others - out of the ice. Do not travel in unfamiliar areas -- or at night. Know if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have currents that can thin the ice. Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water. Take extra mittens or gloves so you always have a dry pair. "At DNR, we want you to be safe enjoying the outdoors. Common sense is the greatest ally in preventing ice related accidents," Schaller said. "That includes checking ice conditions and preparing oneself before venturing out. One rule of thumb remains the same. Treat all ice as unsafe. For more information search the WDNR website for ice safety. READ MORE HERE ... FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Schaller, chief warden - (608) 266-1115 Joanne Haas, Office of Communications - (608) 209-8147

Please SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS . Their support brings you Dan Small Outdoors Radio