The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has released its 2024 fall forecast series, which details the hunting outlook for a variety of popular game species.

The forecasts outline what hunters and trappers across the state can expect while pursuing their favorite game species.

In addition to information about specific game species, the forecasts also include helpful reminders about public land access opportunities, game registration requirements and season dates.

“The species forecasts are the result of a thorough analysis of federal and local species surveys, the findings of DNR research projects, weather patterns and the on-the-ground information we receive from our advisory committees and staff,” said Shawn Rossler, DNR furbearer specialist.

“They are based on both science and the observations of DNR professionals and experienced outdoorspeople from across our state.”

Hunters and trappers can explore fall forecasts for species they are interested in, including 2024 Fall Deer Hunting Forecast; 2024 Fall Upland Game Bird Forecast; 2024 Fall Migratory Bird Hunting Forecast; 2024 Fall Bear Hunting Forecast; and 2024 Fall Furbearer Hunting And Trapping Forecast.

For more resources and information about many of Wisconsin’s most popular game species, visit the DNR’s Hunting webpage.

Read last week’s column:A helicopter tour of Table Rock Lake impoundment and more in the latest Manitowoc outdoors report

Rifle and Pistol Club’s fall hunter safety course starts Sept. 10

Manitowoc Rifle and Pistol Club, 7227 Sandy Hill Lane, Two Rivers, will hold its fall 2024 hunter safety course Sept. 10, 12, 17 and 19 — all from 5:30 to 8 :30 p.m. — and finishing up from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 21.

Register on the Wisconsin DNR Go Wild website. Cost is $10 per person. Contact Mike Rozmiarek at 920-901-6103 with any questions.

Reedsville club’s Youth Trap Steak Fry is Sept. 14

Reedsville Sportsman Club will hold its Youth Trap Steak Fry Sept. 14. Serving will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Cost is $30 per person and includes a 16-ounce ribeye steak or chicken breast, baked potato, salad bar and dessert.

Order tickets early, as only prepaid tickets will be guaranteed a steak.

Proceeds will be used for the club’s youth activities.

For more information or to order tickets, contact Gerald Fischer at 920-901-3907.

Land Trust Days are here at Glacial Lakes Conservancy

Glacial Lakes Conservancy announced its 2024 Land Trust Days events are here and waiting for you to register.

Staff and volunteers have put together some spectacular events on private and public lands.

Events are $10 for non-members. Take cash to the event. Events are free to GLC members.

Attendance for each event is capped, so people should register in advance at https://www.glaciallakes.org/2024-land-trust-days.html.

Sports rummage sale Sept. 7 at Rifle and Pistol Club

Manitowoc Rifle and Pistol Club, 7227 Sandy Hill Lane, Two Rivers, just off Viceroy Road between State 42 and County O, will hold its second annual sports rummage sale Sept. 7. It will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with free admission.

Included will be hunting, shooting and fishing gear, plus related collectibles.

Brats, burgers, pulled pork and more will be served after 10:30 a.m.

Vendors or people needing more information should contact Randy at 920-323-1819, Bill at 920-323-0509 or email mrpclub1932@gmail.com.

Applications open for special firearm deer hunt at Sandhill Wildlife Area

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications now through Sept. 20 for a special firearm deer hunt at Sandhill Wildlife Area.

This managed hunt will give hunters a chance to hunt deer on the 9,150-acre property while helping the DNR meet deer management objectives.

The hunt will be open to licensed hunters and restricted to firearms (rifle/shotgun).

Successful applicants will be required to review the special hunting rules and regulations for Sandhill Wildlife Area before the hunt.

The two-day hunt will be Nov. 2-3. Hunters will be issued an either-sex permit and an antlerless-only permit valid for Sandhill Wildlife Area.

“This special deer hunt will provide hunters an additional harvest opportunity and assist the department in reaching our deer harvest goal for Sandhill Wildlife Area,” said Darren Ladwig, DNR wildlife biologist. “We are aiming to maintain our deer population this year and need additional hunter effort to achieve those results.”

Apply for the 2024 Sandhill Firearm Deer Hunt by Sept. 20 on the Sandhill Outdoor Skills Center webpage. Additional information can be found on the DNR website or by contacting Ladwig at 715-498-2338 or Darren.Ladwig@wisconsin.gov between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays.

More Bob Schuh:Click here to read more Scoping the Great Outdoors columns by Bob Schuh

Gun Club’s ‘Shoot For Vets’ trap shoot is Sept. 15

Mark your calendars for Sept. 15 as Manitowoc Gun Club, 3112 Clover Road, Manitowoc, will be hosting the annual “Shoot For Vets” trap shoot.

This 50-target Lewis event will run from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The first 25 targets will be shot from the 16-yard line and the second 25 targets will be handicapped, minimum from the 23-yard line.

Food and refreshments will be served throughout the day. Proceeds will benefit the Manitowoc County Veterans Council.

Direct any questions to Tom Schulz at 920-973-4905.

That’s it for this week, so have fun in the great outdoors.