December 07, 2009
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

Weather conditions can change quickly this time of year, and what a difference in the past week! The moderate and enjoyable temperatures of November are now only fond memories, and this past weekend the Hayward area was hit with temperatures on the wrong side of zero. The lakes are making ice, but good ice conditions will still take some time.
According to a preliminary count from the DNR, the nine-day gun deer harvest for the Nov. 21-29 season was 195,647, including 86,251 bucks and 109,396 antlerless deer. (The preliminary count was 276,895 in 2008.) This decrease was anticipated due to season changes to reduce antlerless harvest and a decline in fawn production the past two years.
Muzzleloader deer season ends Dec. 9, and late archery season is open through January 3. A statewide antlerless-only hunt Dec. 10-13 is only for herd control units and hunters in regular units with valid antlerless tags. Antlerless tags are still available for some units. And please (again) make it easy on yourself – know the rules for the unit you hunt and have the correct tags. Check the availability of antlerless tags on the DNR website or by calling a DNR service center.
In the past week, registrations at the Hayward area stations (Shooting Star, Hillman’s Store, Hayward Bait) for archery and muzzleloader seasons include 17 antlerless deer and 11 bucks (a few nice 10-pointers) for muzzleloader season, and three bucks and one antlerless deer for archery season.
If you are interested in hunting turkeys this spring or applying for a bear permit, December 10 is the permit application deadline for both.
For the spring 2010 turkey season, the DNR will issue 225,420 permits, and the drawing will take place in late January or early February. Permits remaining after the drawing will be sold over the counter starting sometime after March 10.
The regular 2010 turkey season runs April 14 through May 23. The Spring Turkey Youth Hunt is April 10-11, the weekend prior to the opener of the first regular season. Wisconsin’s Mentored Hunting Program opens the youth hunt is to any youth 10-15 years of age (both resident and nonresident) with or without a hunter education certificate.
The number of permits available for the 2010 bear season is not yet set, but is scheduled for discussion at the Jan. 27-28 Natural Resources Board meeting.
You can purchase spring turkey or bear permit applications ($3 each) online, through license sales locations and DNR service centers, or by calling 1-877-945-4236. Take your time and do it right. If you fill out the application incorrectly or it is postmarked after Dec. 10, your application will not be in the drawing.
Anglers are reminded the Chippewa Flowage closed December 1 for game fish and crappie, though it is still open for panfish fishing. Managed trout lakes are open until the end of game fish season March 7, 2010.
Finally, if you are looking to stretch your Christmas gift dollars (who isn’t?) have I got a deal for you. (Stick with me – this is good.)
For the second consecutive year, the Hayward Chamber of Commerce is adding a 15-percent “bonus” to Chamber gift certificates they issue, valid at more than 250 Hayward Chamber member businesses. You can receive the bonus on the purchase of up to $300 worth of gift certificates (issued in $50 increments.)
There is no minimum purchase, and sales will continue through Jan. 15 or until $30,000 worth of certificates are sold. The certificates are going fast, and is it any wonder? Compare the 15 percent gain to the returns you currently receive on your savings or investments! According to Hayward Chamber of Commerce executive director Kevin Ruetten, last year the Chamber sold the $30,000 worth of certificates in just 10 business days.
You can purchase the gift certificates in person at the Hayward Chamber office (corner of Hwy 63 and Main Street) using cash, check, money order, Master Card, Visa, or Discover cards, or call the Chamber at 715-634-8662 or 1-800-724-2992. The gift certificates are valid for one year from date of purchase, and issued with a list of all current Chamber members.

Upcoming Events
Dec. 10: Application Deadline: Spring turkey; Bear.
Dec. 10-13: Antlerless-only firearm hunt in specific units. (See regulations.)
Dec. 12: Canada goose season closes in the north exterior zones.
Dec. 31: Seasons Close: Pheasant; Hungarian partridge Bobcat hunting and trapping; Fisher trapping; Frog.
Through Dec. 31: Illegal to shine for wild animals between 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
Jan. 3: Late archery deer season closes.
Jan. 25: Crow season opens.
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Ruffed grouse (northern zone.)

For more information on area events and activities, see the Calendar of Events, visit Hayward Lakes Visitor and Convention Bureau, or call 1-800-724-2992.