DNR OUTDOOR REPORT FOR 2-12-2019

Hunters register 3,782 birds during 2018 fall turkey hunt

Contact(s): Mark Witecha, DNR upland wildlife ecologist, 608-267-7861; Jaqi Christopher, DNR assistant upland wildlife ecologist, 608-261-8458

MADISON – Hunters registered 3,782 birds during the fall 2018 wild turkey season, very similar to the 3,971 turkeys registered during the 2017 fall season.

In total, 73,915 harvest authorizations were issued for the 2018 fall season, an increase of 7,099 from 2017. Of the 73,915 harvest authorizations issued, 70,420 were awarded with a fall turkey license and 3,495 were sold over the counter as bonus harvest authorizations.

The fall 2018 season marked an important change – rather than a draw, anyone with a fall turkey license and stamp was awarded one harvest authorization for the zone of their choice. In addition to the harvest authorization included with a fall turkey license, a total of 13,000 bonus harvest authorizations available for purchase in zones 1-4.

Although a higher number of harvest authorizations were issued, the number of birds registered declined compared to last year. This resulted in a harvest success rate of 5.1 percent, a decrease from 5.9 percent in 2017. Success rate is calculated based on the number of harvest authorizations sold and is not corrected for non-participation.

“We have seen a steady decline in the number of turkeys harvested in the fall over the past decade,” said Mark Witecha, Department of Natural Resources upland wildlife ecologist. “Recent reductions in harvest are largely due to a decline in hunter effort–the annual fall hunter survey shows that more and more hunters are pursuing turkeys secondary to other species.

The department first initiated a fall turkey season in 1989 after an increase and expansion of turkeys throughout the state. Since then, hunters have been able to pursue turkeys during both fall and spring seasons.

To learn more about wild turkey management in Wisconsin, be sure to check out an episode of the Wild Wisconsin: Off the Record podcast featuring Mark Witecha. Podcasts are available on YouTube, iTunes, Stitcher and PodBean.

For more general information regarding Wisconsin’s wild turkeys, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “turkey.”

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Winter weather conditions can pose challenges for ducks

Contact(s): Nancy Businga, DNR wildlife disease specialist, 608-221-5375

MADISON – As winter continues in Wisconsin, harsh weather conditions can pose challenges for Wisconsin’s ducks.

Freezing drizzle and ice can make road surfaces look like water to many species of ducks, including a group of species known as diving ducks. The position of their legs makes diving ducks suited to diving underwater for food but can also make takeoff from land extremely difficult. When diving ducks mistake ice for open water, they can become stranded.

Diving ducks can also become injured from landing on roads or from being hit by motor vehicles.

“People should not put their own safety or the safety of others at risk to assist stranded ducks,” said Nancy Businga, wildlife disease specialist for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. “Diving ducks found stranded on land need to be assessed for injuries before being safely returned to water areas.”

Those interested in assisting a stranded duck should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. For more information regarding ducks in Wisconsin, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “waterfowl.”

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Willow River State Park dam reconstruction proceeding on schedule

Contact(s): Cameron Bump, Wisconsin State Parks, 715-839-2786

HUDSON, Wis. – Reconstruction of the Little Falls Dam in Willow River State Park, which began in the summer of 2018, is on schedule to be completed later this year.

The initial work that was completed this past summer and fall included building a diversion channel for the Willow River to flow through during construction. Once the channel was completed, an access road was built across the river to the site of the old dam. The remaining components of the old dam were removed so the site could be prepared for the new dam foundations.

Parts of the dam that were recently completed include the grout mat and grout curtain, as well as concrete footings for other components. The intake tower, which will act as the primary gate for the flowage, is currently being built. This tower will enable downstream water temperatures to be regulated as necessary.

The general contractor for the project is Miron Construction Company, Inc. of Neenah Wis.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources fisheries staff will soon begin working on providing additional fish habitat in Little Falls Lake. Crews will take advantage of the frozen ground to install boulder clusters in selected locations on the lakebed. These boulder clusters will attract smallmouth and largemouth bass once the lake is refilled. More habitat work is planned for later in the year. In addition to bass, the department is also planning to stock bluegills, crappie and perch once the dam project is complete and conditions allow for their introduction.

The Little Falls Dam is being replaced in response to inspections identifying significant deficiencies to the structural integrity of the dam. The department initially breeched the dam in 2015 to draw down the flowage and alleviate safety concerns. The design process began later in 2016 after the department determined that dam replacement was the best option moving forward.

For more information or to view the construction progress, visit dnr.wi.gov and search for “Willow River State Park” then select “Little Falls Dam” in the right-hand column.