Getting Out Outdoors Magazine - September 2015

HUNTING LAKE MONSTERS CROSSBOW HUNTING TAKING FLIGHT

+Plus

wasting

Chronic Wasting Disease in the Chipewa Valley

POTENTIAL

The Blind Spot

SPONSORED CONTENT

Real People Real Stories

Article provided by General Coin & Gun Exchange.

It was my first deer hunting season using a Redneck Hunting Blind. From the very beginning, with Brian helping me to set the blind up, I knew my experience was going to be awesome. The hunting knowledge he shared with me and the location selected for setup were great! I eagerly cleared out some brush, thus opening shooting lanes to get better shots. The true test came when it was time to bow hunt. The result was successfully shooting my first deer with a bow, an eight-point buck, from my new blind! It was the second weekend of bow season, and the deer never knew I was there!

But, the best experience of all was when I took my 13-year-old grandson to the Redneck Hunting Blind for the gun deer season. We were comfortably sitting and talking in the blind. It was a cold, opening day, about 2:00 pm, when my grandson turned to me and said, “Grandpa, I sure wish we would see some deer.” We had all the windows closed except for the smallest window. I looked over at him and smiled. I said, “Brayden, I wish we would see a buck right there,” as I pointed in the direction of the open window. No more than 30 seconds later, I blinked several times, as I could not believe my sighting. There stood a buck in the area where I directed my wish. With overwhelming excitement, I pointed and said to my grandson, “A buck is right there!” He swiveled in his Redneck hunting chair toward the buck, took the shot, and the buck was down! The smile and excitement on his face were totally awesome to see! This was my grandson’s first buck, a nine-pointer! We experienced two firsts with our first Redneck Blind…my first deer bow hunting and his first buck. I will be buying another Redneck Blind for another spot on my property. They are the best hunting blind out there, and the support is superior!

Andrew Herold, Arcadia, WI

I’m really enjoying my redneck blind! I got the buck palace and it has plenty of room for me and my grandkids. My grandson isn’t old enough to hunt yet but enjoys going with me.

I don’t have to worry about him falling out of stand. I have a 12 year old granddaughter that went gun hunting with me this year and got her first buck.It’s a 10 pointer, with a 17 inch spread. She was excited and so was grandma!

I didn’t get a buck but I got a nice doe. So as you can see I love my stand and so do my grandkids! The weather is never really a factor, I can go when I want! Thanks again for selling me a great blind!

Tammy Frye

We love our Redneck Blind we purchased from Brian at General Coin in Eau Claire!

Everything from determining which blind would suit us best to the final professional installation was flawless! We hosted 5 girls and Dads for the 2014 Youth Deer hunt and went 5 for 5 (with 3 being taken from our new Redneck Blind)! I own other brands of blinds but I won’t buy anything other than a Redneck blind! The quality, size, comfort and ease of use make it the best blind on the market! Brian was excellent to work with and I plan to purchase more blinds as our needs grow! Thanks Brian!

Kirk DuLac, Eden Praire, MN, Neillsville, WI

I purchased a blind for this past season and it paid off bagging a great 10 point buck. The blind was quiet, warm, convenient with the high quality windows, and roomy enough to share the hunt with my 3 small boys. More importantly was Brian and General Gun and Coins customer service. He delivered and offered to help assemble the blind free of charge.

100% satisfied and I will be buying another one in the near future!

Nathan 784550 9-5-15

2

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

11

Wasting

Potential

15

CONTENTS

Lake 7 Monsters Hunting

Crossbow Hunting

Order Now For Fall Delivery!

Flight Getting Out Editor

Dan.Lyksett@ecpc.com

715-830-5926 or 800-236-7077 Graphic Artist

Angela Rediess Sales Director

Kathy.Hayden@ecpc.com

715-833-7420

Call for sizes and pricing

Magazine Advertising & Distribution Coordinator Catie.Carlson@ecpc.com 715-830-5823 Next issue: March, 2016

Published twice a year by the Leader-Telegram Advertising Department.

P.O. Box 570. Eau Claire, WI 54702-0570.

2832 London Road • Eau Claire

715-835-2646

Hours: Mon. - Wed. 9-5, Thurs. & Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-4

Copyright 2015 Eau Claire Press Company.

All rights reserved.

Available online at www.leadertelegram.com

784551_9-5-15

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

GO

17

Taking

3

SPONSORED CONTENT

How to avoid injury during these popular workouts The risk of suffering an injury while exercising will never disappear entirely. Even the most seasoned athletes suffer setbacks from time to time, and even the most popular exercises are not completely risk-averse. With that in mind, the following are some favorite exercises and how to avoid injury when performing them.

JOGGING: Joggers should get adequate rest between

running sessions and wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes when jogging. Avoid loose shoes so your feet don’t develop blisters, and ice your knees after each workout to facilitate their recovery. Knee and foot problems tend to plague many joggers, so it’s important that joggers take steps to reduce injury rather than telling themselves to push through the pain.

CIRCUIT TRAINING: Circuit training is popular

because it allows time-pressed men and women to workout several areas of their bodies in relatively little time. When done correctly, circuit training is an efficient way to enhance cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance. Circuit training participants do not typically do as many repetitions when working their muscles as they might when working out one muscle group at a time, and that leads many to lift extra weight. That can cause damage to the shoulders or other areas of the body that are engaged as part of strength training. Such injuries can be avoided by adding rest to a circuit training routine and taking more time between exercises. This may run counter to the point of such a routine, but it’s well worth avoiding injury.

YOGA: Yoga is an increasingly popular exercise that can improve flexibility and overall strength. But some yoga participants have suffered wrist injuries, pulled muscles and hip problems as a result of their yoga routines. Such injuries can be easily avoided by reinforcing your wrists with supports and not overdoing it when you feel your muscles are tight before or during a workout. If your instructor tries to push your body into a position you’re uncomfortable in, speak up and say you want to avoid that position.

Marine ➙ ➙ ➙ ➙ ➙ ➙ ➙

Fishing boats - Crestliner, Lund Hurricane Deckboats Bennington Pontoons Mastercraft Ski/Wakeboard Boats Hobie Cat Kayaks Surftech Stand Up Paddleboards Engines - Mercury, Yamaha, Honda, Mercruiser, Volvo ➙ Docks/Lifts - Hewitt, Pier Pleasure, Shorestation, Sea-Leg pontoon lifts, Shoretracker rail systems Completely remodeled 15, 000 sq. ft.

Marine Showroom!

Powersports

➙ Honda - Yamaha - CF MOTO ➙ Motorcycles, scooters, side by sides, atvs, snowmobiles

➙ Bad Boy Buggy - All electric and hybrid side by sides

➙ EZ Go golf carts ➙ Mastercraft customized golf carts ➙ Golf cart rental available Check out the all new dedicated 10, 500 sq. ft. powersports building!

Parts/Accessories Service

➙ West Central Wisconsin’s largest selection

➙ Award-winning, factory-trained technicians

WEIGHTLIFTING: Weightlifting injuries are often the result of overdoing it with weights or not adhering to proper form when lifting. When strength training, don’t go overboard with how much weight you are lifting. Start out with light weights and then gradually increase the weight until you reach a figure you are comfortable with. Before beginning a weightlifting regimen, consult with a trainer at the gym or read your equipment owner’s manual at home to ensure you are following the proper form for each exercise.

For more infromation on exercise and fitness, contact Highland Fitness and talk with one of our coaches.

Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.

783697 9-5-15

784518_9-5-15

4

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

SPONSORED CONTENT

Winter Wonderland Well here we are again, the kids are back in school, the temps are dropping, a hint of Fall as the trees are starting to show their colors, with birds starting to gather for their yearly trip to warmer locations. The talk at the dinner table involves what days you’re taking off to hunt this year and who is going with you to the hunting cabin. With talk of the “Almanac says,” and the “caterpillars are sure wooly this year” to “we’re so ahead of last year on precipitation,” you can bank on one thing. Mother Nature is going to throw at us, the best fury she can muster up! Now is the time to thwart her plan of attack.

Are you hiking out to the tree stand the old way by foot?

Still shoveling or snow blowing your driveway? Feeling uncomfortable diving your new ¾ ton truck out to your ice fishing shack during early ice? We live in Wisconsin, it gets cold and snows here. Get out and enjoy it! Let’s take a look at the all-season vehicles currently available to slug it out with Mother Nature.

At Zacho Powersports, we strive to find the best tools available to help you get your game on with winter. Select from Honda, Yamaha or CFMoto ATV’s, Utility-Side by Sides, and Sport-Side by Sides. And quite electric 4x4’s hunting rigs from Bad Boy Buggies, and EZGO. Just don’t forget Yamaha Snowmobiles, too. We have the vehicle that you can get out to the ice fishing shack, hunting blind, or down the trail. Most of our 4x4 ATV’s and Side by Sides can be packaged with large diameter tire kits to get you more traction, bite and ground clearance. If the snow is measured in feet, and you need to go deep woods or vertical we can outfit your machine with tracks! There is nothing that stops them. If the driveway is drifted in, Plow it! You can equip all of our Honda, and Yamaha 4x4’s with snow plows, up to 60” wide. Side by Side plows come up to 72” wide. The Yamaha Grizzly and Honda Foreman / Rubicon models make the most durable plow rigs on the market. They easily start in our -30 degrees below days with fuel injection, when we can’t.

Game changer Honda has just released an industry first, too.

Welcome the Honda Pioneer 1000 5 Seater. Convertible from 3 seat workhorse to 5 seat SUV in seconds. Available with 4 Drive options in Turf mode, 2WD, 4WD Limited Slip Diff, and 4WD Lock Diff. Then a DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) transmission features 6 Speed Auto, Sport, or Manual Electric Shift. The Honda Pioneer 700 Side

by Side model even lets you Cab it in and heat it. How’s that for beating winter at its own game. And we’re just beginning.

So it’s time. You live here, winter is not going to go away!

Get out and experience a whole new world. We have ways to deal with cold and snow, look at the new direction that ATV’s, Side-by-Side’s, and even Snowmobiles have been going. We’re confident that we’ll have the perfect winter solution and the right vehicle to: hunt it, plow it, move it or ride it!

Ride Safe!

Contributed by Bruce Scherlin, Powersport Sales Zachos Sports Center 784515 9-5-15

GettingGetting Out Out Spring 2015 Fall 2015

LeaderLeaderTelegram Telegram xx 5

SPONSORED CONTENT

A little History lesson about the North Woods around Hayward, Wisconsin.

Article provided by Jim Onarheim, Hayward Lakes VCB.

Twelve years ago just prior to my retirement from the Eau Claire Fire Department, my wife and I bought a small resort east of Hayward, WI. I did not know when we moved here, of the history of the logging industry that went on in this area over the past 100 years. The lake we are located on is called Moose Lake. This lake was formed when logging was the number one industry in this area. Loggers needed a place to hold their cut logs until they could be sent to the saw mill. Loggers decided to create a holding pond so thousands of trees were cut out of a small long valley that three rivers flowed through. These rivers are called the Big Moose, the Little Moose River and the West Fork of the Chippewa River.

A dam was constructed on the west end of this valley and that formed a 1700 acre lake which is called Moose Lake.

industry and helped get the resort business going in the Hayward area in 1922.

Resorts started popping up throughout the county and eventually Hayward became a tourist destination place. Even Al Capone the gangster from Chicago thought he could hide out in the Northwoods of Sawyer County. Al’s hideout was referred to as Al Capone’s Northwood’s Retreat in Couderay, WI. This was turned into a tourist attraction for several years but was closed in 2009.

What really became Hayward’s claim to fame was the first World record musky that was caught by Cal Johnson in 1949. It was 67 ½ pounds caught out of Lac Courte Oreilles Lake. Also in 1949 Louis Spray landed a The closest town to Moose Lake is Hayward, World Record Musky WI. Hayward in the late 1800’s had a out of the waters population of only a few hundred people. of the Chippewa Today Hayward’s population is 2300 but late Flowage! It weighed in February it swells to 30,000 during the 69 lbs. and 11 oz., American Birkebeiner ski race. Hayward being was 63 ½ inches long a tourist destination place has a temporary and had a girth of 31 population during the summer months of over ¾ inches. Over the 20,000. Our small town is located 2 hours north years you will always of Eau Claire or 1.5 hours southeast of Duluth, have anglers doubting MN. if this was an National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, Hayward, WI. Contributed photo. accurate weight and The City of Hayward was formally organized measurement. All I can say is, this is very well documented and it in 1883. Two Lumber Barons / politicians by the name of Phileus Sawyer and Myron McCord are referred to as the founding fathers is recorded with the National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame.

Either you or I could catch a world record fish next week, and of Hayward.

I’m sure 65 years from now if the record is not broken, someone Anthony Judson Hayward, a Logger, came to the Hayward area will doubt if our measurement & weight was correct. One thing from Eau Claire in the winter of 1878. He realized that a location I do know is, the Hayward area has had more fresh water world on the Namekagon River would make it an excellent place for record fish caught out of our waters over the past 100 years than gathering and processing the logs that were to be cut from the any other area in our country. This could be length record or line area woods. The saw mill which was referred to as The Big Mill class. was located close to the dam, which is located on the west end of Over the years Hayward has grown to be a destination for Lake Hayward. This was the holding area for logs. This is where world class events. During 2015 our area has been host to the the Lumberjack Bowl is located today. Many thousand board feet World Para-Olympics back in January/February, The American were cut at the mill and shipped on the railroad line that went through the city years ago. The Big Mill burned down in 1922 and Birkebeiner Ski race, the World Lumberjack Championships, one was not rebuilt as most of the trees had been cut down in the area. of the largest Native American Pow Wow’s in North American, the Chequamegon Fat Tire Bike race.

Anthony J. Hayward became the first Mayor of Hayward on I invite you to come to Hayward sometime, I know you will not be March 31, 1915. He was a Timber locator, President of the North disappointed. We came and we stayed. We love it here.

Wisconsin Lumber Company, a strong promotor in the logging 768453 9-5-15

2 0 15 EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 18-19 | FAT TIRE FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 26 | FALL FEST OCTOBER 2-4 | MUSKIES INC TOURNAMENT REQUEST A FALL COLOR TOUR GUIDE

800-724-2992 • www.haywardlakes.com

768454 9-5-15

6

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

Canada geese families are flocking. Duck broods are taking wing off lakes and rivers. Young ruffed grouse flush short distances on humid hiking trails and gravel roads. Days grow shorter as hunting season approaches.

But for some, this is an irresistible time to hunt walleyes, bass and muskies.

Crappies and bluegills too concentrate in the northern lake country.

HuntingLAKE

MONSTERS

By Dave Carlson

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

7

Kory Kosek and a 57 ½-inch muskie caught in early August in Lake Vermilion in Minnesota. Contributed photo.

A Lake Vermilion walleye landed by Jim Bishop, Spooner, WI. Contributed photo.

Places of big water; deserted shorelines; wild islands; falling leaves and bent grasses strewn over the surface; crisp mornings and glowing evenings: Lots of elbow room and plenty of choices ahead.

Superior harbor and Chequamegon Bay), Lake Wissota, Shell, Upper Long, Red Cedar and an assortment of other (300 to 1,000 acre) mid-size lakes in Washburn, Burnett, Sawyer and Polk counties.

Fall fishing can be as good or better than spring, if you pick the right water. It all goes back to habitat.

A diverse habitat — features like woody shores, steep breaks and shallow rubble, mid-lake reefs, clean vegetation, back nays, manmade structure (docks, dams, etc) and natural inlets and outlets — spells a mixed bag of fish and angling opportunities.

In Minnesota, I lean toward Vermilion, Red, Lake of the Woods, Rainy, Mille Lacs (walleye season closed now for fishery recovery) and several Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness lakes in the Superior National Forest.

No shortage of that in Wisconsin and Minnesota. If you go by license plates and billboard advertising, there are about 25,000 lakes to choose from. And that doesn’t include thousands of miles of rivers and trout streams.

When asked about my favorites from that Scrabble pile of names, I offer some of the waters where I’ve experienced wonderful trips with great companions for the crosssection of freshwater species.

In Wisconsin, in no particular order, my minnow-tipped light jigs and Lindy rigs have brought home autumn walleye fillets from the 17,000-acre Chippewa Flowage, western Lake Superior (Duluth8

Getting Out

Many lakes, such as 40,000-acre Lake Vermilion, have slot size limits to prevent overharvest of walleyes.

On Vermilion, a Canadian Shieldtype lake with rocky reefs, deep water and shallow weedy bays, anglers can keep walleyes under 18 inches and over 26 inches.

“The fishery overall is doing well; the slot (size limit) has accomplished what we wanted,” said Duane Williams, big lakes specialist for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at Tower, Minn.

Walleyes feed on minnows, small perch and, during summer, mayflies. They prefer cooler water temperatures and migrate in and out of the depths, cruising windwhipped shorelines.

A lot of small walleyes are being caught on the Chippewa Flowage,

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

“and more are coming down the chute,” said Max Wolter, Wisconsin DNR fish manager for the flowage and smaller surrounding lakes.

Habitat work related to eradicating Eurasian millfoil in annual drawdowns by Xcel Energy have resulted in strong year classes of walleyes while wiping out the invasive plant. That work, plus a three-fish daily bag slot limit protecting walleyes under 15 inches and over 20, have combined to improve the size and numbers, which in a 2011 survey averaged three adult walleyes per acre, Wolter said.

As for smallmouth bass, I again turn to Lake Vermilion. Even though there’s a no-size, six-fish daily bag limit, many anglers keep a few smallies for shore lunch or lodging supper and put the larger ones back in the lake.

“Lots of smallmouth bass in the lake (are) good size fish, with good reproduction and good growth,” Williams said. “Harvest of smallmouth is fairly low.”

Smallmouth feed aggressively in the fall and migrate to deeper overwinter areas. Some, like walleyes and northern pike, can be coaxed to bite into November and even during ice fishing season.

“Some of the biggest smallmouths of the year are caught in the fall,” Williams said.

A northern pike limit of fish under 24 inches or over 36 inches on Lake Vermilion is producing bigger pike, Williams said.

Crappies and bluegills can be found in good numbers around reefs and shallow bays.

Perch, which presently tend to run a bit small, will peck away at your walleye offering until chased off.

Back in Wisconsin, “crappies have been the star of fishing the past couple years on the flowage,” Wolter said.

Rounding out my fall fishing choices on a typical diverse habitat/diverse fishery is the muskellunge.

Wisconsin’s wilderness-feeling Chippewa Flowage at Hayward, where Louie Spray’s 69-pound, 11-ounce, 63.5-inch world record musky was born and died, always holds potential for trophy fish of any species. Wolter said 43 to 46-inch muskies are “pretty common” on the flowage today and annually 50-inchand-over fish are landed.

Outside of several Canadian waters, few lakes can match the ability to grow big muskies as, you guessed it, Lake Vermilion.

In two recent spring surveys, 2011 and 2012, state fishery crews netting

muskies reported that almost 15 percent of the fish they handled were over 50 inches in length, Williams said.

In mid-August of this year 225 participants in a two-day Professional Musky Tournament Trail caught and released 79 muskies. The largest was a 57½-inch monster caught by the team of Chris Chase of Farmington, Minn., and Kory Kosek of Stewart, Minn.

“One of the primary forage for (Lake Vermilion) muskies is the highcalorie cisco,” Williams said.

Is a 60-inch musky still possible?

“It would be unlikely, but not impossible,” Williams said.

By the way, this year motor trolling, an often-used musky fishing tactic, became legal in Wisconsin in July.

An effective but also controversial technique, the new rule allows only two trolling lines per boat, and each angler can continue to cast a line.

Dave Carlson, former TV outdoors broadcaster, is a freelance writer out of Eau Claire.

Anglers also are reminded by lake managers to clean their boats, live wells and trailers before moving lake to lake. This summer Lake Vermilion’s pristine waters turned up with the first invasive species of any kind to hit the lake...the spiny water flea.

“Most likely it was angler or boater transported,” William said.

A popular narrows attracts anglers on the Chippewa flowage near Hayward, WI. Contributed photo.

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

9

SPONSORED CONTENT

Boating Pleasure

Bear Defense Whitetail deer bow hunting is the epitome of adventure and enjoyment for many an outdoor enthusiast! While hunting the deer is the main objective, it has become important to also have protection in case of a possible encounter with a black bear.

Due to the increase of hunter/black bear interfaces, a handgun is an option that is exercised by an ever increasing number of bowhunters.

There are several factors that one must consider when deciding to carry a handgun:

CALIBEROne must have a large

enough caliber so that if the report of the weapon doesn’t frighten the bear, if it becomes absolutely necessary to kill the bear to protect yourself, you have “enough” weapon.

SIZE

The selected gun should be easily handled with some proficiency. Quality ammunition should be available for practice and protection.

GUN USEHandguns can be a

dual service firearm. The correct gun can be used as a bear deterrent as well as a legal hunting arm during firearm season.

GUN TYPE

In handgun use, revolvers generally never fail whereas a pistol can jam. Also, most semi-auto pistols while fine as bear deterrent or as protection, may not have enough power or barrel length to be used legally for hunting depending on just exactly what you are hunting!

Three common revolver rounds that are recommended are the .357 Mag, .45 Long Colt and the venerable .44Mag. Each of these cartridges can be used for bear protection and firearm hunting when purchased with the correct barrel length.

With the number of black bears on the increase, the carrying of a back-up handgun makes sense. Consult Toli’s Arms or your local gun dealer as to the correct firearm for you!

Article provided by Toli’s Arms, LLC. 784464 9-5-15

Toli’s Arms, LLC Open Wednesday-Friday 10am-6pm • Saturday 10am-5pm

• 400+ Guns in Stock • Buying and Selling Guns at Competitive Prices for Cash • Trading and Consigning Guns • Gunsmithing On Site

Whether it’s a back-up bear defense handgun or a new rifle, we have what you need!

784451 9-5-15

604 Main Street, Colfax • 715-704-6500 • www.tolisarmsllc.com 10

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader-Telegram staff

wasting

— Terry Moulton

By Joe Knight

POTENTIAL

“As of now we don’t have an answer for eradicating it. It’s a threat to deer hunting.”

Leader- Telegram

11

Local bow hunting experts aren’t pleased that chronic wasting disease has been detected in Eau Claire County.

But now that a baiting ban exists in Eau Claire, Clark and Jackson counties because of that discovery, they are looking forward to having an “old-fashioned” hunting season.

Allen Jacobson of Hixton, chairman of the Jackson County Conservation Congress, said he expected the baiting ban to be a nonissue in the agricultural western side of Jackson County where he hunts because it’s not an effective technique.

“I’m sorry to hear that we’ve got chronic wasting disease this far up, but as far as changing hunting tactics for the white-tailed deer, I haven’t heard one complaint,” he said. Baiting isn’t too effective at attracting deer in this area because the hunter is usually in a woodlot surrounded by corn fields. The deer have plenty of sources of corn, he said.

In eastern Jackson County, which is mainly forest, baiting may be used more, but again Jacobson said he hasn’t heard complaints.

“While I don’t agree with the panic associated with CWD, I am excited about seeing natural deer movement around my hunting area, as opposed to deer moving form bait pile to bait pile,” said Tammy Koenig of rural Fall Creek.

dimmed the enthusiasm of bow hunters visiting his shop. Around the beginning of August, as is usually the case, hunters realized the bow season was only a month away and began coming into the shop.

“I think it will bring those of us who grew up hunting without the use of bait back to our roots, having to put our homework in before harvesting a mature buck.”

The business sells corn, so there will be some lost income because of the ban,” he said. They also sell seed for food plots, which are still allowed under the ban.

Koenig has hunted in several states and Canada, taking over 100 deer with a bow. She has led groups of women bow hunting and stars in her own bow hunting television show, “Leading Ladies”, usually accompanied by her daughter, Brittany.

Moulton said so far he has not heard people say they weren’t planning to hunt or were going to hunt elsewhere because of the discovery of CWD on the Fairchild farm or the baiting ban.

The discovery of CWD in a 7-year old doe in a deer farm near Fairchild in June triggered the Aug. 1 ban on baiting and feeding of deer in the three counties.

Portions of Clark and Jackson three counties were within a 10-mile radius of the Eau Claire County deer farm.

Moulton said he has seen baiting change deer patterns in his own hunting. With baiting banned, he thinks hunters may well see more daytime movement of deer.

“I definitely think one of the reasons we’ve got more deer moving nocturnally is because people are baiting,” he said.

Now with baiting banned in the county, it’s one expense she won’t miss, she said.

“I used to do a lot of late season bowhunting in the Eau Claire County Forest and the Clark County Forest,” he said. There would be deer trails leading from cover where the deer bedded to oak ridges or logging sites where the deer fed. But over the last four or five years, if he found a well-established deer trail and followed it, he usually ended up at a bait pile.

Terry Moulton, owner of Mouldy’s Archery and Tackle and a Republican state senator, said the discovery of CWD on the farm does not appear to have

If there is more daytime deer movement, hunters will be seeing more deer, and if they are seeing more deer, they’ll be more enthusiastic about hunting, Moulton said.

CWD has not been detected in wild deer in the three counties.

Koenig said although she dislikes baiting, as the practice grew in popularity she reluctantly started putting corn out on her hunting property to hold some does, although she doesn’t hunt over the piles.

12

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

Hunting pressure is probably going to be light this fall in eastern Jackson County because the deer herd is still low in the central forest, he said. Because of low deer numbers, Jackson County east of Highway 27 will be the furthest county to the south with “bucks only” regulations this fall.

“I think CWD is such a mystery yet as far as how it’s spread. We don’t have a cure, or even a live test for it,” he said. “All you can do at this point is come up with best management practices, and getting rid of baiting and feeding would probably be the first step in that management plan … but it’s such a touchy issue.”

Because the State Legislature passed the baiting and feeding rule, the Legislature would have to ban baiting statewide — it couldn’t be done by the Department of Natural Resources.

Elk in the Mix

Because of the elk reintroduction in eastern Jackson County, the DNR has heavily tested the area for CWD during the past two years and found none in the wild deer herd.

“We don’t think it exists in the wild here, but unfortunately it exists in that deer farm,” he said.

Jacobson said instead of worrying about CWD, he was more concerned that hunters in eastern Jackson County will be able to tell the difference between an elk and a deer. There will be 23

wild elk in the area — the first stage in a reintroduction of elk to central Wisconsin.

As the hunting season draws near, supporters of the elk reintroduction plan to put up signs and send out news releases reminding deer hunters that elk are in the area and that they are protected. The elk will also be wearing orange radio collars.

The elk, brought in from Kentucky and kept in isolation for further health checks, were finally released in midAugust. The released elk include 19 adults from the original group and four calves born in Wisconsin after the relocation.

Bill Hogseth, DNR wildlife manager for Eau Claire County, said he’s been getting mixed feedback from hunters on the baiting and feeding ban. But he said it’s clear the word is out on the ban based on the number of inquiries he got around Aug. 1 when the ban went into effect.

People frequently asked about bird feeding, which is still allowed in counties where a deer feeding ban is in effect, he said.

The DNR will be doing some intensive sampling for CWD of deer shot within a 10-mile radius of the deer farm with the CWD. Because there will be no in-person registration this fall, they will rely on getting samples from taxidermists and meat processing plants, Hogseth said.

Scott Thiede, DNR warden in Eau Claire County, said he also has received a number of inquiries about the baiting and feeding ban. If a deer comes by and eats sunflowers from your bird feeder, you aren’t going to be cited for deer feeding.

“We understand the occasional deer will come by,” he said. But if deer are coming to your bird feeder every night, you need to change your setup to comply with the ban, he said.

And providing water for birds and other wildlife is OK, he said, noting that any feeding for birds or small wildlife must occur within 50 yards of a dwelling.

A neighbor in Altoona had a low wooden feeder for squirrels that he removed before the ban went into effect on Aug. 1, which was the right thing to

do to comply with the ban, Thiede said. Although the food may have been intended for squirrels, it was readily accessible to deer, he said.

“People are asking good questions. I think compliance will be high,” he said.

Eating Venison

When CWD was first detected in deer in southwestern Wisconsin in 2002, there was a lot of concern about eating venison from areas with CWD and whether the disease could be transferred from venison to people. Many people had read how mad cow disease arose in England and how it impacted people who consumed infected beef. In 2002 the number of deer hunting licenses sold dropped about 11 percent in Wisconsin.

But after over 10 years of living with the disease in Wisconsin, those concerns appear to have subsided among deer hunters. Hunting, and venison consumption, continues in the core area of southwestern Wisconsin, even though the CWD infection rate has grown to one out of every four adult bucks in Iowa and western Dane counties.

There is no known case of a prion disease jumping from a CWD-infected deer to a person, either from people eating venison or from field dressing or otherwise contacting deer.

But health officials remain cautious.

The Centers for Disease Control advises hunters to avoid eating meat from deer that look sick or that test positive for CWD. The CDC also advises hunters to wear gloves when field dressing deer, to bone-out the meat from deer, and to minimize handling the brain and spinal cord if they are hunting in a place where CDC has been identified.

Koenig, who eats venison year-round, including meat from Western states where CWD has been found, said she doesn’t worry.

“There’s never been a recorded case of someone getting sick from it. I believe

that CWD has been around a long time with no name,” she said. “I love eating venison way too much to quit over something like that.”

Moulton similarly doesn’t see a potential human health issue.

“Back when it was first discovered in southwest Wisconsin, there was a lot of fear regarding it, but I think that has pretty much subsided. It’s not a disease that is passed on to humans,” he said.

But Moulton is concerned about the effects on the deer herd.

“As of now we don’t have an answer for eradicating it. It’s a serious problem. It’s a threat to deer hunting. I think we need to do everything we can to control it,” he said.

Only one case has been confirmed at the deer farm, and hopefully further testing of the herd will not find any more cases, he said. All deer at the farm are scheduled to be killed and tested.

Moulton noted that testing of wild deer in Eau Claire, Clark and Jackson counties to date has not found the disease in any wild deer.

Cont. on page 14

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

13

SPONSORED CONTENT

“I love eating venison way too much to quit over something like that.”

— Tammy Koenig

Cont. from page 13

How Many Deer?

County deer advisory councils in the three counties have recommended increasing the deer herd in central forest areas of these counties, where deer numbers remain relatively low. These threeyear management goals, approved by the DNR, were made before CWD was discovered on the deer farm in June.

Biologists say high deer numbers contribute to the spread of CWD, but Moulton said the deer committees made the right call.

“I think the (deer) numbers have gone down significantly,” he said.

New hunters are not going to stay with the sport if they don’t see deer, he said.

“If you take out young hunters, they have to see deer or you lose them to other activities,” he said.

“Is this case in the deer farm an isolated case or are there more out there?” he said. “Until we know that, I’m OK with increasing the herd...This could be just an isolated case... I”m hopeful that’s it.”

Joe Knight

is on the LeaderTelegram staff.

Contact: 715 8305835, joe.knight@ ecpc.com

Jacobson also said the Jackson County Deer Advisory Council was right in calling for an increase on the eastern side of the county.

“Until something is found in the wild, there’s no point in trying to reduce the population of wild deer,” he said. xx 14

Getting Out

THE FUN’S NOT OVER Article provided by Stoney Creek RV Resort.

Summer is over, but the fun is not! At Stoney Creek RV Resort, our activities continue well into October. It’s not too late to join us for a weekend of fun! We have several themed weekends left before the season comes to an end.

Laser tag weekend is coming up! We have updated our laser tag system and it now includes brand new games and scoring! Bring your family out for an entire weekend of Laser Tag games. The next weekend is Fall Fun; crafts, games, wagon rides, scavenger hunts, and many more activities are in store. October is just around the corner, which means HALLOWEEN! We have two Halloween weekends this year at Stoney Creek, October 2nd-4th and 9th11th. Trick or Treating, pumpkin decorating, costume contest, Halloween crafts and many more fun activities will be going on both weekends.

New this year to our Halloween weekend is zombie laser tag!

Find out if you can brave the zombie apocalypse! There is more information about our Halloween weekends and our other themes on our website (www.stoneycreekrvresort.com). We had a great start to the 2015 season at Stoney Creek RV Resort. Help us end it with even more fun and memories this fall. It’s not too early to be thinking of the 2016 season, too!

We have 2016 reservation available, as well as, 2016 seasonal sites. Keep up to date on our Facebook page to find out about all the fun we are having at Stoney Creek and to get the latest updates and coupons for the year! We wish you all a great fall and winter; we hope to see you soon at Stoney Creek RV Resort, where family fun is our business!

783739 9-5-15

Spring 2015 Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram Leader- Telegram

The mean age of Wisconsin crossbow hunter’s was 52.

Contributed photo.

CROSSBOWS make an impact on deer hunting

By Patrick Durkin

Wisconsin’s first crossbow season for white-tailed deer helped generate a record archery buck kill of 46,201 and a record 275,417 licensed bowhunters in 2014, but no one is making bold predictions about how crossbows will affect bow season and license sales this fall.

Will Moulton, manager of Mouldy’s Archery & Tackle in Chippewa Falls, said the store experienced a “whirlwind” of interest and sales in 2014 after the Legislature legalized crossbows for all hunters during archery season. He said crossbow sales were strong from midsummer through Christmas in 2014. But sales have been slower so far this year.

“That’s to be expected, though,” Moulton said. “It’s the second year, so the initial rush is over. Things will probably be more calm this year, but we still expect to sell decent numbers of crossbows in September, October and November. It’s not like compound bows, where sales peak in summer so buyers have time to practice and get familiar with their

new gear before bow season. With crossbows, once you sight them in, you can hunt the same day.”

Moulton also expects that as more archers shoot and hunt with crossbows, many will continue shooting their compound or recurve bows.

“A number of people are saying that,” he said. “They find they still like shooting their compound bows for fun and practice, and for hunting the early bow season. A compound bow is easier to carry around in the woods than a crossbow. They view the crossbow more strictly as a hunting weapon. They’ll keep it handy. Once the weather gets nasty, they’ll bundle up, put the compound away and grab the crossbow.”

During the 2014 archery season, most archers used compound bows.

Of the record buck kill, for instance, regular archers — generally, those using compound or recurve bows — accounted for 30,433 (66 percent) of the total. Meanwhile, crossbow hunters killed 15,768 bucks (34 percent).

Even so, the combined kill of bucks and antlerless deer with archery gear fell 7 percent from 2013 (87,628) to 81,701, ranking it 14th in the state’s deer hunting history. That’s because the 2014 antlerless archery kill was 35,500, a 23 percent decline from 46,111 in 2013, ranking it 17th all-time. The 2014 archery antlerless kill was also the first time since 2002 that it fell below 41,700, and only Cont. on page 16

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

15

Cont. from page 15

the second time it fell below that mark since 1998.

than half as much as the southern farmland (50,360).

Bucks made up 56.5 percent of the 2014 archery kill, accounting for 59 percent of the crossbow kill and 55.5 percent of the regular bow kill.

In comparison, bucks made up 44 percent (97,196) of the firearms kill (222,588).

DNR license data also show the combined 2014 sales of firearms and archery deer licenses declined by 17,150, or 2 percent, despite the boost from crossbows. The decrease was largely in gun licenses, where sales plunged nearly 25,000 (4 percent) to 609,779 from 2013, the lowest figure since 1976, when the DNR sold 589,590 gun licenses.

And here’s a head-scratcher the Department of Natural Resources can’t explain: The crossbow kill in the DNR’s “northern forest” region was 4,446, nearly equal the kill in the “southern farmland” region, 4,676. Meanwhile, among regular archers, the northern-forest kill (5,160) was roughly a third of the southern farmland kill (14,723). For firearms hunters, the northern forest produced 26,629 deer, a little more

Meanwhile, the record archerylicense sales marked the fifth straight year this category increased. After setting the previous record, 266,435 in 2008, archery licenses slid to 254,014 in 2010 before increasing steadily from 255,426 in 2011 to 266,380 in 2013, and then rising by 9,037 (3.4 percent) to the 2014 record.

CLOSER LOOK Wisconsin

Bowhunting Data Archery Buck Year Licenses Kill

Antlerless Total Kill Kill

2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

35,500 46,111 48,279 45,757 41,718 45,839 64,622 77,999 73,837 42,515 69,397 50,109 24,831 42,217 46,220

275,417 266,380 263,860 255,426 254,014 261,964 266,435 258,854 258,394 247,309 252,602 247,211 227,124 260,239 258,002

16

46,201 41,517 45,988 44,443 42,115 41,402 34,662 38,011 40,081 35,935 33,635 45,498 29,322 40,867 40,579

Getting Out S

81,701 87,628 94,267 90,200 83,833 87,241 99,284 116,010 113,918 78,450 103,572 95,607 54,133 83,120 86,799

Fall 2015

Although 2014 was the first year hunters of all ages could hunt with crossbows, roughly 17 percent of bowhunters used a crossbow in previous seasons.

Crossbows could be used by anyone 65 and older, or those issued a disabled-hunter permit.

A DNR analysis of the inaugural crossbow season found 71 percent of first-time hunters buying a crossbow license were not yet 18 and the mean age for crossbow hunters was 52, while the mean age for regular bowhunters was 38.

Veteran researcher Brian Dhuey in the DNR’s wildlife bureau said the age data for license buyers suggests crossbows might be most effective at retaining hunters.

“That first year suggests crossbow hunting might add 10 to 12 years onto

Leader- Telegram

the average bowhunter’s career,” Dhuey said. “It will be interesting to see if that continues.”

Given 2014’s big mixed bag of data on license sales and deer-kill data, it’s tough to predict how crossbows will affect Wisconsin deer hunting and license-buying trends this autumn and in future seasons.

All that’s certain is that crossbows are here to stay, and their popularity will likely keep rising. Moulton expects to see people upgrading their equipment, perhaps selling their used or lower-end entry-level crossbows for higher end equipment.

Further, because crossbows and other archery gear require more attention than firearms, Moulton urges crossbow hunters to regularly inspect their gear.

“Most people will get three to four years out of a crossbow’s strings and cables if they keep them waxed,” Moulton said. “Watch the strings and cables for frays. Also, keep the crossbow’s barrel lubricated to reduce string wear. When a string breaks, things can get frightening. Limbs can break and the cams can fly off the bow.”

Patrick Durkin

is a free-lance writer who covers outdoors recreation in Wisconsin. Write to him at 721 Wesley St., Waupaca, WI 54981; or by e-mail at patrickdurkin56@ gmailcom.

Merlin. Contributed photo.

Autumn is a long season – the longest of the year if defined by bird activity.

From the end of July until nearly December, birds — many of them newly fledged — are slowly, methodically plodding their way south to wintering grounds. It’s possible for us to enjoy them every step of the way at some premium locations in our area.

Taking

FLIGHT Getting Out

F

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

17

White Pelican. Contributed photo.

Wisconsin Point, Superior Wisconsin Point, a natural spit of land that shelters Douglas County from Lake Superior, is a legendary birding locale.

Reports of exotic bird species, almost too odd to credit, pour forth each autumn; Pacific and red-throated loons, Sabine’s, Iceland, mew and little gulls, black-legged kittiwake, surf, black, and white-winged scoter, Lapland longspur, lark and Harris’s sparrows, parasitic and pomarine jaegers.

(Pause for much needed breath of air!) On the third weekend of September each year, the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology hosts an outing to the point that has become known as “Jaegerfest.”

People from all corners of the state convene then, attracted by the promise of bird riches. Even when the weather is cold and wet, there will often be several dozen birders present — all with scopes pointed at the lake to help spot interesting birds.

ADVERTISEMENT

Stormy Kromer hats designed for men, women & children to withstand winter’s worst and look good doing it.

The Lil’ Kromer (pictured) $31.99 The Original Cap (pictured)) $39.99 The Petal Pusher Cap (pictured)) $44.99

A lousy day — with winds out of the east or south — means you’ll see 20 hawks total. But on a good day, when the wind of fortune blows kindly, you’ll win the jackpot; a front row seat for the passage of tens of thousands of birds of prey.

Available at Muldoon’s Mens Wear 1506 S. Hastings Way Eau Claire, WI, 54701 www.muldoons.com 715-832-3502 Getting Out

Fall 2015

The hawk-watching at Duluth’s Hawk Ridge is one of the Midwest’s most spectacular natural events, and only a twenty minute drive from Wisconsin Point. Your odds of success increase dramatically if you know how to read a weather map. On a dry day in September, October, or November, winds out of the west or northwest push more than 14 species of migrating raptors “up against” the north shore of Lake Superior. Fearful of crossing of the vast expanse of Lake Superior — and being assaulted by countless gulls — hawks will follow the shoreline over the bluffs of Duluth and disperse again south of the city.

The bulk of sharp-shinned and broadwinged Hawks pass through in midSeptember during the Minnesota Ornithological Union’s annual “Hawk Weekend Festival” (Held this year Sept.

18 to 20. hawkridge.org). This year the mad “ridge party” — replete with birding field trips, guest speakers, banding presentations, food and refreshments — falls on the same weekend as nearby Jaegerfest. Flights of turkey vultures, northern harriers, northern goshawks, red-tailed hawks and even golden eagles often peak in October. And birds such as peregrine falcon, merlin, bald eagle and Cooper’s hawk are always possible.

HAT’S ON FOR EVERYONE

18

Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Duluth, Minn.

Leader- Telegram

Claim a comfortable rock or set out your lawn chair. Arguably there’s no better way to learn about hawks or their distinguishing traits than to study hundreds of them streaking by at eye level or circling overhead in swarming “kettles.”

To get to the main lookout, take Interstate 35 out of Superior and follow it until it turns into Highway 61 or London Road.

Northern harrier. Contributed photo.

Turn left on 43rd Avenue East, go about a mile and turn left again on Glenwood. property with miles of roads and lots After a half mile, turn right on Skyline of habitat to cover. It’s best enjoyed at a Parkway and follow this for another mile leisurely pace which allows the birds to to the top. “come to you.”

Crex Meadows State Wildlife Area, Grantsburg

Situated in western Burnett County north of the town of Grantsburg, Crex was once the center of a commercial sedge carpet-making operation. Today, the sedge meadows, cattail marshes, forests, savannas and prairies commerce strictly in wildlife - including 270 species of birds.

Common Loons, bald eagles, ospreys, red-necked grebes and trumpeter swans can be found nesting on the refuge.

Around Labor Day, fall migration moves into high-flying gear and crests in October when 6,000 sandhill cranes pass through, along with numerous Canada, snow and sometimes white-fronted geese.

Mudflats at pool drawdowns throughout the refuge can attract greater and lesser yellowlegs, dunlin, short-billed dowitcher, marbled godwit, pectoral sandpiper and those look-alike little shorebirds called “peeps” which have swung south from arctic breeding grounds to return to wintering destinations in the southern U.S. or South America.

Generally the Phantom Flowage in the southwest of the refuge is the prime location for birdwatching. The largest of Crex’s lakes, it can be best viewed along its southern edge, both from a parking lot overlooking the flowage or from the Phantom Lake Trail. It can also be accessed from the west by driving Phantom Lake Road. Bitterns, terns, ducks, cranes, wrens, shorebirds, cormorants, herons, swans, Wilson’s phalaropes and white pelicans can all be found here.

Rarities like western grebe, burrowing owl, cinnamon teal, western kingbird, scissor-tailed flycatcher, lark bunting, or tricolored heron also make unscheduled appearances. Crex is a huge and complex

National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minn.

Just call us eaglecentric. The Chippewa and Mississippi River Valleys of western Wisconsin are some of the best places on earth to experience bald eagles. Since recovering from the dark age of DDT (nesting pairs hit a low of 417 in 1963 in the lower 48 states), bald eagles hug our lakes and rivers as tightly as French explorers once did. By venturing west out of Nelson, one can enjoy the ultimate in eagle-watching at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, Minn.

Located on the west bank of the Mississippi River, the shiny National Eagle Center is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Its river deck is open around the clock for observing hundreds of annual over-wintering eagles, local breeders in summer and migrant traffic in the spring and fall.

Rehabbed eagles can be admired close up in a cage-free viewing area, and informative staff provide programs and answer questions.

Bald eagles molt into the distinctive white head and tail during their fourth or fifth year of life. Golden eagles sometimes mix with the much more common balds, especially away from the river. Be cautious, however, not to assume that birds without white heads or tails are goldens. An immature bald Eagle displays patches of white plumage on its body, tail, and wing coverts. The white on a golden eagle is limited to the base of the tail and flight feathers, and the back of the head displays a golden sheen.

Bald Eagles can be found all along our big rivers at places like Lake Pepin, Alma and La Crosse. Basically, if there’s open water, there will be bald eagles present. Use your car as a blind. All birds are less nervous about cars than about the people who get out of them. (It’s also warmer inside!)

Saw-whet owl. Stock photo.

Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, Juneau County This sprawling preserve is of course Ground Zero for the re-establishment of the experimental whooping crane flock in the eastern U.S. — but it’s also a hotbed for eagles — both bald and golden — wild turkey, red-headed woodpecker, pied-billed Grebe, common loon and osprey.

The best way to see whooping cranes is to climb the observation tower near the refuge headquarters north of Grand Dike Road while the birds are “training.”

This deck is the best access for scoping Rynearson Pool No. 1 at any time of year. The young whoopers will “buzz” you while following the ultralite planes around the marsh. At other times of year (spring through fall) the cranes can sometimes be seen foraging out in the marsh. (Their white plumage makes them easy to spot, but caution: There are also swans possible here.)

There’s also a nice accessible trail that loops through the wetlands north and east of the new Visitor Center and out into a “prairie peninsula” — all with longer views onto the water.

October is prime time for catching the departing whooping cranes at Necedah.

The young birds follow ultralite planes south beginning about the second week of October and fly all the way to Florida where they spend the winter. (N11385 Headquarters Road, Necedah, WI 54646, 608-565-2551, Necedah@fws.gov)

Saw-whet Owl banding, Beaver Creek Reserve, Eau Claire County The autumn owl banding operation at Beaver Creek Reserve in Eau Claire County is a great hands-on opportunity.

This is a place where wildlife-watching moves at “family speed.” The little 6-inch owls with huge eyes — lured into mist nets by recorded calls while migrating south through the state in October — are

Cont. on page 20

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

19

SPONSORED CONTENT

Whatever you’re doing...

Article provided by Indianhead Federated Library System.

Everyone knows that fall in Wisconsin is a beautiful time of year. When you think of libraries and fall, you might have a picture of curling up with a book in front of a fire, but Wisconsinites know that fall is the last opportunity we have to get outdoors before the long winter sets in.

Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Contributed photo.

Cont. from page 19

measured, banded and then released. You can also stroll the forested trails along the Eau Claire River or stake out the Wise Nature Center’s feeders (Contact the Citizen Science Center at Beaver Creek Reserve, Highway K, Fall Creek, WI 54742, 715877-2212.

“Birds in Art” Show, Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausau

Your local public library has everything you need to prepare for, enjoy, and recover from your outdoor activities.

unpredictability of migrant waves.

To find the museum, simply follow the blue directional “Art Museum” signs prominently located throughout the city or contact Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum (700 N 12th St., Wausau, WI 54403, 715-8457010) lywam.org

To prepare you for your adventures, we have:

There you go. Fall as measured by a bird is more than four months long. Plenty of weekends to get out and enjoy birds north to south in the west.

Circle the first Saturday after Labor Day on your calendar, then find any excuse to be in Wausau that day — or anytime during the two months following.

For nine weeks each fall, the birds are unfailingly active at what is arguably the world’s most prestigious exhibit of bird art. Never been there? And you call yourself a bird lover? All the color, grace, and beauty of birds is arrayed before your eyes — without the incessant me-meme of mosquitoes, exposure to changing weather or the

•

All the popular hunting magazines like Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Deer & Deer Hunting, and Wisconsin Sportsman.

•

All the popular fishing magazines like Bassmaster, and In-fisherman.

•

Thousands of books for when you want to dive deep into a topic.

•

If you travel a lot, you’ll be interested in our Books on CD and Music collections (many are downloadable too so you can listen on your smartphone or MP3 player).

•

Interesting classes like Foraging for Wild Edibles and a Perennial Plant Exchange.

While you’re out on your adventures, you’ll want to bring some of our wide range of guidebooks, field journals, and identification guides with you to keep you on the right track.

Once you come back from that hunting or fishing trip, we’ve got you covered with cookbooks, taxidermy information or just a good book to help you wind down.

All this, plus information on regulations and ordinances, maps, and proposed DNR rules changes, are available year-round and free at your local public library. We can’t wait to see you and help you get ready for your fall adventures.

Steve Betchkal is a freelance writer from Eau Claire.

783741 9-5-15

BOOKS ARE JUST

THE

BEGINNING 783740 9-5-15

20

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

Note: Some information my be subject to change. Always check with the Department of Natural Resources for updates before taking the field.

HUNTING/TRAPPING Deer Other game birds

Pheasant: Statewide, Oct. 17 (noon) - Dec. 31.

Archery and Crossbow: Sept. 12-Jan. 3, 2016 Youth deer hunt: Oct. 10-11

Bobwhite quail: Statewide, Oct. 17 (noon) - Dec. 9.

Gun: Nov. 21-29

Ruffed grouse: Zone A, Sept. 12 - Jan. 31, 2016; Zone B, Oct. 17 Dec. 8.

Muzzleloader: Nov. 30-Dec. 9

Sharp-tailed grouse: Season is under review.

Statewide antlerless hunt: Dec. 10-13 Gun hunt for hunters with disabilities: Oct. 3-11

Small game

Cottontail rabbit: Northern zone: Sept. 12, Feb. 29, 2016 Southern zone: Oct. 17 (noon)-Feb. 29, 2016 Squirrels (gray and fox): Statewide Sept. 12-Jan. 31, 2016

Wild turkey

Fall: Statewide, Sept. 12-Nov. 19; Zones 1-5, Nov. 30-Dec. 31.

ADVERTISEMENT

COMFORT & STYLE Camo Chair The ultimate addition to your Man Cave.

Real Tree Fabric $599.99 Economy Furniture 16051 County Highway J Chippewa Falls, WI 54729 715-723-1444 www.economyfurniture.us Getting Out

Hungarian partridge: Statewide (closed in Clark, Marathon and Taylor counties), Oct. 17 (noon) - Dec. 31.

Crow: Statewide, Jan. 24 - Mar. 20; Sept. 12 - Nov. 19.

Woodcock: Statewide, Sept. 19 - Nov. 2.

Mourning dove: Statewide, Sept. 1 - Nov. 29.

Waterfowl

Canadian Goose Early Season: Statewide, Sept. 1 – 15.

Exterior Zone North Sept. 16-Dec. 16; Exterior Zone South Sept. 16-Oct. 11; Oct. 17Dec. 21; Mississippi River Subzone Oct. 3-Oct. 9; Oct. 17Jan. 9, 2016; Horicon Zone Period 1 Sept. 16-Nov. 1; Horicon Zone Period 2 Nov. 2-Dec. 16 Snow, Blue, Ross’s, White-fronted Geese and Brant: Same as the Canada goose zone or subzone in which you are hunting Ducks: Youth Hunt Sept. 19 & 20: Exterior Zone North Sept. 26-Nov. 24; Exterior Zone South Oct. 3-Oct. 11; Oct. 17-Dec. 6; Mississippi River Subzone Oct. 3-Oct. 9; Oct. 17Dec. 8 Early teal season: Statewide, Sept. 1 – 7.

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

21

SPONSORED CONTENT

Don’t Throw Away Money!

Other furbearers Coyote: Hunting, continuous open season; trapping, oct. 17-Feb. 15, 2016.

Fox, red and gray: Hunting and trapping, Oct. 17-Feb. 15, 2016.

Beaver: Trapping only, Zone A, Nov. 7-April 30, 2016; Zone B, Nov. 7-April 30, 2016; Zone C, Nov. 7-March 31, 2016; Zone D, Day after duck season closes to March 15, 2016.

With temperatures rising and energy costs soaring, there are a variety of steps you can take to cut the expenses of cooling your home.

“Cooling and heating equipment use more energy than any other appliance. This inevitably shows up every month on the energy bill, but it’s important to remember that energy costs can be controlled,” said Greg Mericle, of Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing.

Mink and muskrat: Trapping only, Statewide, Oct. 24-March 6, 2016 Mississippi River zone, opens day after duck season closes or Nov. 9, whichever comes first-March 6, 2016.

Annual Maintenance

One step to control energy costs is to schedule annual maintenance checks to make sure your unit is running efficiently. Most cooling systems require very little owner maintenance. However, operating dirty cooling equipment can result in an unnecessary loss of efficiency and can damage the furnace. You play a vital role in making sure your cooling system continues to operate at peak performance.

Bobcat: Hunting and trapping, Peirod 1, Oct. 17Dec. 25; Period 2, Dec. 26-Jan. 31, 2016.

Fisher: Trapping only, various zones, Oct. 17-Dec. 31.

High Efficiency Cooling Equipment

If you’re in the market for a new cooling unit, consider purchasing a high efficiency model. They can help reduce your energy costs as well as conserve our natural resources.

When selecting an air conditioner or heat pump, pay close attention to the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).

This is a measure of cooling efficiency for air conditioners.

The higher the SEER, the higher the savings. The minimum SEER rating is 13.

Otter: Trapping only, North zone, Nov. 7-April 30, 2016; Central zone, Nov. 7-March 31, 2016; Southern zone, Nov. 7-March 31, 2016.

Raccoon, hunting and trapping, resident, Oct. 17-Feb. 15, 2016; Non-resident, Oct. 31-Feb. 15, 2016

Zoning

Opossum, skunk, weasel and snowshoe hare: No season limits, bag limits, size limits or possession limits, but a license is required.

Zoning can drastically lower your heating costs. With zoning, you no longer have to pay to heat or cool areas of your home that are rarely used. You won’t have to heat or cool the whole house just to make one room comfortable.

Zoning divides your home into separate comfort areas, which are heated or cooled based on your needs, saving you money and making your occupied areas more comfortable.

FISHING (Dates inclusive)

General inland trout: May 2 (5 a.m.)-Sept. 30

Programmable Thermostats

Programmable or setback thermostats can make a big difference in energy consumption. These thermostats deliver maximum comfort, efficiency, and energy savings.

Programmable thermostats are used to achieve the temperatures you want throughout your home. For example, if you’re going to be away, you can set the whole house at an energy-saving temperature to avoid heating or cooling an empty house.

Musky-northern zone: May 23-Nov. 30 Musky-southern zone: May 2-Dec. 31

To find out more about reducing your cooling costs, call Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing at 715-283-4422. Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing has been providing service in the Chippewa Valley area since 1959.

Article & photos submitted by Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing.

785332 9-5-15

22

Getting Out

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

✯ Mike’s Star Market ✯ Eau Claire’s Only Meat Shop!

out here

All Orders Processed Separately

Full line of meat, specialty sausages, brats (25 avors) burger patties and more

Deer Processing Available!

Jerky • Summer Sausage • Ring Bologna Snack Sticks • Brats • Wieners & More!

Call for Pricing (715) 552-3842

WE ARE YOUR...‘Deer donation drop off spot in Eau Claire’ *Quest and EBT Card Accepted *State Inspected 2238 Heimstead Rd. (Heimstead Plaza) Eau Claire Call us today: (715)-552-3842 • www.mikesstarmarket.com

785300_9-5-15

GUNS

NEED STEEL? STEEL TOWNE:

Elk Mound 715-879-5559 | River Falls 715-425-1138

Pollen season Volume Discounts Given | Delivery Available: Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, Menomonie is here.

Pricing at: steeltowne.com

BREATHE EASY. Lennox Quality

785054 9-5-15

BUY-SELL-TRADE NEW-USED-ANTIQUE

JEWELRY -DIAMONDS-GEMSTONES-

GUNS

Open all year ’round Get ready for hunting & ice fishing!

KNIVES-SCOPES-AMMO

405 S. STATE ST., MONDOVI, WI 715-926-BAIT (2248)

COINS

FOR LESS

785165 9-5-15

-COLLECTABLES-GOLD & SILVER-

Call Company Name.

715-832-0075

HIGH-EFFICIENCY ML195 GAS FURNACE

Worms • Crawlers •Waxies Full Line of hunting and fishing supplies

HOURS:

783924 9-5-15

CALL

By the inch or the pou by nd

SPORTING GOODS

TUESDAY-FRIDAY 9:30-5:30 SATURDAY 9:30-5:00 CLOSED SUNDAY & MONDAY

42/mo.

$

installed

Fall Creek’s LARGEST SELECTION of beer, wine and liquor.

Hwy 12 • Fall Creek 715-877-1351

$2995 cash price

785298_9-5-15

Chicago Bob’s

• 95% AFUE • 20-Year Limited Warranty on heat exchanger • 5-Year Limited Warranty on parts and controls

•24-Hour Emergency Service •We Service All Makes and Models

Expert TV Repair Plasma & LCD 30+ yrs.

Experience

10% Off A Service Call Limited Time

Also available:

MIKE’S

Gun Shop & TV Repair

GUNS- We got ’em AMMO- We have it

Heimstead Plaza• Eau Claire 715-552-3842 785299_9-5-15

GET OUT OF THE HOUSE

612 E. Lincoln St., Augusta

715-286-2660 • 715-559-2661 Tues.-Fri., 10-5 • Sat., 10-3 Collectibles to New New Guns Firearms & Ammo Arriving Daily!

784884_9-5-15

Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing, Inc. Inc. N6705 State Hwy 25 www.HurlburtHP.com Durand, WI 54736 715-283-4422 715-283-4422 785331 9-5-15

Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing Inc. Getting N6705 State Hwy 25 Durand, WI 54736 715-283-4422

Out

Your go-to directory for all things outdoors, to be a part of this grouping call 715-830-5823.

785330 9-5-15

Fall 2015

Leader- Telegram

23

Everything an outdoor wood Payments as low as furnace should be.

$125/mo 1 year or 6.99%

No interest, No payments.

financing for five years

Introducing the revolutionary new patentpending, certified, clean-burning Classic Edge from the leader in outdoor wood furnaces.

• The Classic Edge is the perfect combination of performance and value • Easy to operate — FireStar II controller takes guesswork out of operating • Easy to maintain — firebox design and heat exchanger system make for easy maintenance and cleaning

Hurlburt Heating & Plumbing, Inc. www.HurlburtHP.com 715-283-4422

806 S. Hastings Way 715-831-6303 785101_9-5-15 785101_9-5-15

783696 9-5-15

WE’RE CHANGING LIVES

715-833-2100 Free 1-Week Pass (New members only)

Free Weight Loss Consultation Restrictions apply

» Comfortable Atmosphere » Group Fitness Classes » 24 Hour Access » Personal Training » Bootcamps » Results Weight Loss

Outdoor Wood Furnace

*Price shown is base price for a Classic Edge 350 and excludes tax, freight, dealer setup and system components. Prices may vary. See your dealer for details. All Central Boiler outdoor wood furnaces adapt easily to new or existing heating systems. It’s important that your outdoor furnace and system be properly sized and installed. See your local dealer for more information.

15-1001

785717 9-5-15

n u F y l Fami usiness B Is Our • Themed Weeks & Daily Activities

Open Through October

(see our website for details)

• Playground • Train Rides • Laser Tag • Mini Golf • Big Rig Sites • Jumping Pillow

Family Owned and Operated

3 Convenient Locations!

Eastridge Center 2221 Eastridge Center

Westridge Center Lake Hallie 2405 Folsom Street

3022 Commercial Blvd.

50483 Oak Grove Rd., Osseo, WI 54758

715-597-2102 • www.stoneycreekrvresort.com

783737 9-5-15

www.highlandfitness.com