Keep Eyes To The Sky For Bald Eagles
This weekend brings another Bald Eagle Watching Days, the annual event in Sauk County co-sponsored by the Ferry Bluff Eagle Council, Sauk Prairie Area Chamber of Commerce, the Tripp Museum and the DNR. It’s been drawing visitors for more than 30 years to view eagles roosting in and around Ferry Bluff State Natural Area.
A full slate of events is scheduled for Saturday, including bus tours to see eagles, special presentations, family-friendly activities, and live birds-of-prey demonstrations. Excellent eagle viewing opportunities are available Saturday and Sunday from the overlook at 490 Water St., Prairie du Sac, where eagles congregate to hunt for food at the Wisconsin River.
The recovery of the bald eagle in the state and nationwide over the past 50 years has been truly remarkable. In Wisconsin, bald eagles have gone from only 107 breeding pairs in a handful of northern counties in 1974 to about 1,700 nesting pairs throughout the state today.
Winter is a wonderful time for a good look at these magnificent birds as they gather to seek food at open water areas, including below dams along the Wisconsin, Mississippi and Fox rivers. Plus, with leaves gone from the trees, it creates some of the best eagle-watching opportunities of the year.
You can read more about bald eagles and wintertime eagle watching in “Frigid Flyers,” from the latest issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine, the DNR’s quarterly outdoors publication. And check the DNR’s Eagles in Wisconsin webpage to learn more about bald eagles, find eagle viewing locations and events and learn how you can help protect them — including by buying a bald eagle license plate.
This Weekend Is Winter Free Fishing Weekend!
For two days (Jan. 17 – 18), residents and non-residents may fish most state waters without purchasing a fishing license, trout stamp or salmon stamp (see exceptions regarding trout waters).
Winter Free Fishing Weekend gives families, friends and newcomers an opportunity to try ice fishing, open water angling or to introduce another to the sport.
- All fishing regulations remain in effect — size limits, bag limits and species restrictions. The 2025-2026 hook and line fishing and trout season regulations are online and print in English, Spanish, Hmong and large print
- The DNR’s “Tackle Loaner” sites can help you. Many state parks offer loaner gear for both open water and ice fishing.
- Ice safety is critical. If you plan to fish through the ice, watch the weather, check conditions locally and carry safety gear. Download the brochure
Need help finding a spot to fish? The new Wisconsin Fish Finder is a one-stop shop for fishing regulations, launch locations and access points, stocking information and more.
Anglers can also find additional information on the DNR’s Fishing webpage or by contacting their local fisheries biologist.
Photo Credit: Council to Advance Hunting and Shooting Sports |
Register Today For Spring Hunter Education Classes; Be Ready To Enjoy Fall Hunts
Register for a hunter education course now before courses begin filling up in the spring. Whether you’re looking to learn more about firearm safety or want to give hunting a try, the DNR has classes available to help you get started.
Hunter education plays a vital role in keeping Wisconsin a safe place to hunt. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1973, is required to hold a hunter education certificate to purchase a hunting license unless hunting under the Mentored Hunting Law.
The first months of the year are a great time to secure your spot to earn your hunter education certificate this spring. The DNR offers multiple course options and locations, so hunters can choose the best format for how and where they’d like to learn.
Individuals aged 17 and younger are required to take the traditional or internet + field day and are not eligible for the online-only course. Individuals ages 18 and older are eligible to take any option, including the online-only course.
- Traditional: Students attend a multi-day, in-person course to learn hunter responsibility and safety. This course has the widest availability statewide.
- Internet + Field Day: Students complete an online course and then attend a one-day field day.
- Online-Only (Ages 18+): The online-only course has the same general content as the other course option, but it is entirely online. This course is specifically for students with prior hunting or firearms handling experience and is only available to individuals 18 or older.
Search for upcoming courses in your area through your Go Wild account. Additional courses will be posted as they become available.
To learn more about hunter education and the individual course offerings, visit the DNR’s Safety Education webpage under the “Hunting” tab. |
Snowmobile Riders: Stay On Marked Trails, Off Closed Trails
Remember to operate only on marked trails, routes or other areas with permission and to stay off closed trails.
Wisconsin snowmobile clubs work hard all year to secure one of the best riding experiences in this country. Remember — operating a snowmobile off a designated trail can be dangerous and can damage private property. Operation on closed snowmobile trails is also illegal.
Trails do not open at the same time. Check Travel Wisconsin’s Snow Report to make sure trails are open before heading out.
Also, remember to ride sober and be aware of unsafe ice.
Alcohol affects your risk perception and reaction time. If you choose to consume alcohol, wait until after you’ve safely returned home — it could save your life.
Additionally, monitor ice conditions by consulting with local experts, such as outfitters, bait shops and fishing clubs. Remember that the DNR does not monitor ice conditions. Be aware that several factors determine ice quality; follow ice safety tips. Float coats, life jackets and rescue ropes can be lifesavers.
Visit the DNR’s Snowmobiling webpage for additional information on snowmobile safety classes, regulations, safety tips and how to register your snowmobile.
Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin |
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