December 01, 2008
Hayward Lakes Area Outdoor Report
Steve Suman

As is always the case in the north woods this time of year, the primary topic of conversation is Wisconsin’s regular gun deer season. The nine-day season opened Nov. 22 and ended November 30, but registration reports indicate some hunters might have benefitted from a few more days in the field.
Dennis Meyer at Shooting Star Archery said as of Saturday night (Nov. 29) he had registered 1,137 deer (448 bucks, 689 antlerless) for the nine-day gun season, 24 percent fewer deer than in 2007. Meyer said hunters reported seeing fewer deer than last year, but did see wolf tracks everywhere, as well as a number of bears. On the up side, Meyer registered at least a half-dozen bucks with inside antler spreads of 20 inches or greater.
Marty at Hillman’s Store said as of noon Sunday Nov. 30 they had registered 339 deer (120 bucks, 219 antlerless) for the nine-day gun season, down 45 registrations from 2007. Hunters told him they saw fewer deer than last year, especially bucks, but reported seeing many wolves and wolf tracks, and an unusual number of bears still roaming the forests.
Statewide, according to preliminary numbers released by the DNR, opening weekend harvest of 133,828 was down about 22 percent (bucks 25 percent; antlerless 20 percent) compared to 2007. Biologists say lower deer numbers, cold temperatures, a late opener missing peak rut, low fawn production, and a tough winter last year are all probable factors in the decreased harvest. The DNR will release a report on the full season Tuesday Dec. 2.
Hunters who did not put a deer in the freezer during this gun season still have opportunities available.
A statewide muzzleloader season runs Monday Dec. 1 through Wednesday Dec. 10. Hunters should check the current deer hunting regulations for information on equipment restrictions and tagging options.
A statewide antlerless-only deer hunt runs Thursday Dec. 11 through Sunday Dec. 14, and includes central forest units not included in the October antlerless-only hunt.
For more information on these seasons, visit Deer Hunting in Wisconsin.
Hunters can purchase deer licenses at any time during the season from license vendors, DNR service centers, online licensing center, or toll-free 1-877-945-4236.
Due to the decreased deer harvest, donations to the Venison Donation Program are also down this year. If you have more deer than you need, please consider donating. There is no cost to you, and the venison goes to feed needy people across the state. A list of participating processors is available on the DNR Web site.
The DNR continues to encourage hunters to shoot feral pigs if they see them while hunting other game. For more information, visit Feral Pig Hunting on the DNR Web site.
Second only to deer hunting season as the main subject of north woods conversation (and some will argue the reverse), ice fishing season is starting to get serious. Open water is still found on the big lakes, but most smaller lakes and larger lake back bays have two to six inches of ice.
Pat at Happy Hooker says he is receiving many reports of nice catches of northern pike close to shallow weeds, though little about walleye. He adds some anglers are using snowmobiles and ATVs, perhaps attempting to be the first in the water this winter.
Tim at Hayward Bait says the Chippewa Flowage was very good for walleye until the season ended Sunday. He has heard reports of excellent perch success on Lake Hayward and Round Lake, and good walleye action on Lost Land, Teal, and Round lakes with walleye suckers and shiners.
At Pastika’s, Al says walleye fishing is great on walleye suckers, with some action on shiners.
Frank Pratt, DNR senior fisheries biologist in Hayward, reminds anglers the Chippewa Flowage closed to all game fish fishing December 1. Also as of December 1, Sand Lake walleye regulations switched to an 18-inch minimum and three fish bag limit. At this time, there is no word on when – or if – walleye regulation changes will take place on Lake Sissabagama.
“Early ice can be a killer,” Pratt warns, “and I encourage ice anglers to exercise extreme caution. Use the buddy system, wear a life jacket or float coat, bring rope and creepers – and if you fish alone, tell someone where you will be fishing.”
Those are wise recommendations to follow during the entire ice fishing season.

Upcoming Events
Nov. 30: Seasons Closed: Gun deer; Muskie; Turtle.
Dec. 1: Seasons Opened: Muzzleloader deer; Archery deer.
Dec. 10: Application Deadline: Spring turkey; Bear.
Dec. 10: Seasons Close: Muzzleloader deer; Bobwhite quail.
Dec. 11-14: Statewide antlerless deer hunt (see regulations.)
Dec. 31: Seasons Close: Pheasant; Partridge; Bobcat; Fisher; Frog.
Through Dec. 31: Illegal to shine for wild animals between 10 p.m.-7 a.m.
Jan. 4: Late archery deer season closes.
Jan. 18: Winter crow season opens, through March 20.
Jan. 31: Seasons Close: Squirrel; Raccoon; 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.