Wisconsin Natural Resources Magazine | Fall 2024

OPENING SHOT

COVER PHOTO BY DAVID NEVALA

2024 WISCONSIN HUNTING AND TRAPPING SEASONS

F OR MANY IN WISCONSIN, fall means hunting season. Find open dates for deer, furbearers, small game, bear and turkey here. For game birds and migratory birds, see Page 27. Plus, check out more great hunting coverage in this issue!

Get your license at gowild.wi.gov and always consult the complete Wisconsin Hunting Regulations for the latest on dates and rules before heading out. You’ll find them and much more about hunting in Wisconsin at dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt or scan the QR code for details.

DEER

Archery and crossbow: Sept. 14–Jan. 5 (No bucks may be harvested during the antlerless-only hunts identified below.)

Extended archery and crossbow: Sept. 14–Jan. 31 (For metro sub-units and counties with extended archery seasons; see map at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3051)

Gun hunt for hunters with disabilities: Oct. 5–13 (Not a statewide season; for more information, visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/disdeer)

Youth deer hunt: Oct. 5–6

Gun: Nov. 23–Dec. 1

Muzzleloader: Dec. 2–11

Four-day antlerless-only hunt: Dec. 12–15

Antlerless-only holiday hunt: Dec. 24–Jan. 1 (Open only in select Farmland/Zone 2 counties; see map at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3051)

FURBEARERS

Coyote

y Hunting: year-round

y Trapping: Oct. 19–Feb. 15

Fox (red and gray)

y Hunting and trapping: Oct. 19–Feb. 15

Beaver (trapping only)

y Zone A (northwest): Nov. 2–April 30

y Zone B (northeast): Nov. 2–April 30

y Zone C (south): Nov. 2–March 31

y Zone D (Mississippi River): Dec. 2–March 15

Mink and muskrat (trapping only)

y Northern zone: Oct. 19–April 15

y Central zone: Oct. 26–March 22

y Southern zone: Nov. 2–March 15

y Mississippi River zone: Nov. 11–March 9

Bobcat (hunting and trapping)

y Period 1: Oct. 19–Dec. 25

y Period 2: Dec. 26–Jan. 31

Fisher (trapping only)

y North and South zones: Oct. 19–Jan. 5

dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1196

Otter (trapping only)

y North zone: Nov. 2–April 30

y South zone: Nov. 2–March 31

Raccoon (hunting and trapping)

y Resident: Oct. 19–Feb. 15

y Nonresident: Nov. 2–Feb. 15

SMALL GAME

Cottontail rabbit

y Northern zone: Sept. 14–Feb. 28

y Southern zone: Oct. 19 (9 a.m.)–Feb. 28

y Milwaukee County: year-round

Squirrels (gray and fox)

y Statewide: Sept. 14–Feb. 28

BEAR

See map of black bear management zones at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3056

Zones A, B, D (where dogs are permitted)

y With the aid of bait and with all other legal methods not using dogs: Sept. 4–10

y With the assistance of dogs, with the help of bait and with all other legal methods: Sept. 11–Oct. 1

y With the help of dogs only: Oct. 2–8

Zones C, E, F (where dogs are not permitted)

y With the help of bait and with all other legal methods not using dogs: Sept. 4–Oct. 8

TURKEY

See map of wild turkey management zones at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3061

Statewide: Sept. 14–Nov. 22

Zones 1–5: Nov. 23–Jan. 5

NOTE: Hunting protected species like badgers, jackrabbits, flying squirrels and moose is prohibited. Elk hunting (bull only) is limited to the handful of licenses previously awarded by drawing — don’t mistakenly shoot elk when deer hunting!

NEWS YOU CAN USE

TREE SEED COLLECTION

Another tree seed collection season is underway. Earn a little extra cash this year by selling your hard-earned bounty to the DNR’s Reforestation Program.

The work is labor-intensive, with specific guidance to follow. Still, local collectors across the state provide many of the seeds, cones and berries purchased by the DNR’s three state nurseries for tree and shrub regeneration efforts. Prices paid per bushel range from a few bucks for black walnut trees to hundreds for tamarack, black spruce and eastern hemlock.

The seed program has a long history “going back to 1911,” said Jeremiah Auer, a regeneration specialist for DNR Forestry. Last year, seeds from more than 30 different native trees and shrubs were collected.

“We purchased more than 1,200 bushels of cones, 900 bushels of nuts and 850 pounds of fruit and other seeds from hundreds of adventurous landowners and collectors from almost every county in Wisconsin,” Auer said.

If you’d like to join the ranks of tree seed collectors, here are a few tips.

y Most importantly, contact a state nursery before collecting to be sure seed for a given species is still needed and to confirm purchase prices and dates (most are in September): Griffith Nursery in Wisconsin Rapids, 715-424-3700; Wilson Nursery in Boscobel, 608-375-4123; and Hayward Nursery, 715-492-1204.

y Be sure the tree providing your seed is of natural origin; this generally means older, well-established trees. Trees from a landscaping company or private nursery are not appropriate for seed harvest.

y If someone else is the landowner where you plan to collect, get permission before you begin, including for state properties.

Learn more: dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3046.

CAMPING FUN — NOW OR LATER

With striking seasonal colors and often the ideal mix of sunny days and crisp nights, fall can be the perfect time for camping in Wisconsin. State parks and forests offer some of the best spots for an autumn camping adventure, from southern and central parts of the state to the Northwoods.

If you’d rather look ahead to next year to plan camping fun, you can make reservations up to 11 months before your desired dates. There are more than 6,000 campsites in Wisconsin State Parks, including group sites, rustic locations, accessible campsites, equestrian spots and more.

Learn more: dnr.wi.gov/tiny/1551

DEER HUNTING DATES

Sept. 14 kicks off the archery and crossbow deer hunting season in Wisconsin, and the gun deer season will be close behind. The 2024 gun deer season is Nov. 23–Dec. 1; Thanksgiving is Nov. 28 this year.

Please note that the 2024 calendar from the winter issue of Wisconsin Natural Resources magazine lists inaccurate Thanksgiving and gun deer season dates. As you turn the calendar to November, remember the correct dates above — and happy hunting!

Learn more: dnr.wi.gov/tiny/104

Black walnuts, red oak acorns and blue spruce cones are among the tree seeds collected as part of the DNR’s Reforestation Program.

Fall camping at High Cliff State Park.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

BACKYARD ABUZZ

This photo was taken June 3 in our backyard, just after no-mow May. Thank you for the good work!

Ed Johns Milwaukee

ANOTHER LOOK REVEALS LOOK-ALIKE

What’s that plant flowering in yellow umbels? It might be wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), shown below at left, an invasive species that can cause blistering to the skin if touched. Or perhaps it’s golden alexander (Zizia aurea), shown below at right, a native species in Wisconsin. The plants are strikingly similar and easily mistaken for each other.

The summer magazine included a photo in a story on invasive plants, with an image of golden alexander incorrectly labeled as wild parsnip.

Golden alexander is typically shorter than wild parsnip and has fewer leaflets. Wild parsnip is much more robust, with a thick, grooved central stem, and will often form dense patches that exclude other plants.

Given the at-a-glance look-alike nature of these plants — and the discomfort that can be caused by wild parsnip — it might be best to avoid anything with a similar look.

BLACK AND BLUE

I thought this was a black butterfly, but as I followed it until it landed, I got a picture. It was not just black, it was a nice blue-black.

Steven Sandberg Caledonia

Thanks for the photo, Steven, and you can check out the recent summer issue at wnrmag.com for a look at several common Wisconsin butterflies.

FOX MAKES ITSELF AT HOME

As an avid fan of the DNR magazine, I thought you would enjoy this photo of a red fox. We’ve had a pair in our yard for two years now. They raised four kits last year, hopefully, more this year!

Thanks for a great magazine. I read every issue cover to cover! P.S.: The DNR magazine makes a great inexpensive gift for any outdoor enthusiast.

Elaine Jacobsen Okauchee Lake

BLANDING’S TURTLE ON THE MOVE

I saw this turtle in Fond du Lac County on April 15. Can you ID it for me?

Tom Neubauer Whitefish Bay

DNR conservation biologist Andrew Badje replies: “This is a Blanding’s turtle ( Emydoidea blandingii), which can be identified by the hint of a yellow chin slightly evident in this photograph. It’s quite an old one, based on all the wear on the shell.

Other ways to identify them are based on their highly domed shell (compared to a painted turtle, which is much less domed) and the yellow speckling on the shell as well; the latter becomes less obvious as the turtle ages. We track this species for conservation purposes, as it is of special concern and protected.

PUBLIC ACCESS LANDS

Q: How can I find public lands to hunt?

A: Use our recently updated Public Access Lands tool! This interactive online map shows all the public lands in Wisconsin.

You can use the PAL tool to find parcels of land by searching for a property name (like Dewey Marsh Wildlife Area or Horicon Rough Fish Station) or using coordinates. Then, you can find details for the property, including activities allowed there. You also can zoom in on an area or region, find boat launches and shooting ranges, see topographic information and much more.

Although the tool can help you find a property and get you there, it’s up to you to verify details such as hunting hours and regulations or whether the property has seasonal restrictions for wildlife management.

Scan the QR code for details on using the PAL tool to find your next public land hunting spot, or visit dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3031.

Q: Can I look up GPS coordinates on the map to see if I can hunt in a specific spot?

A: Yes. Sometimes, you may find a parcel of land to hike, fish or hunt, but you may need to check if it’s public or private. Find the Basic Tools tab in the public access lands mapping tool, then click “Coords.”

In the pop-up window that appears, enter the latitude and longitude to find the parcel and its details, such as whether it’s public or private, who manages it and what activities are allowed there. You also can right-click an area on the map to display the coordinates of your particular spot.

Remember to read land postings before you hunt, obey the postings on private land to avoid trespassing, and respect landowner rights on private lands open to public access through easements or leases. Remember the map boundaries are not survey grade and may not display the absolute property boundary. This is where land postings are essential.

Q: Can I hike on public lands?

A: Yes. Public access lands are here for all of us to enjoy and are used by a variety of recreators, including hunters, anglers, hikers, dog walkers and bird watchers. When heading to a public land to hike, always read posted signs at the parking lots, trailheads and boat access sites and be familiar with state and local laws and ordinances that might affect your use of these public lands.

Be aware that hunting is allowed on most DNR public lands and could occur any day of an open hunting season and at all hours of the day and night. If you’re hiking on public land during a hunting season, we recommend wearing bright colors like blaze orange or pink — for your dog, too (and keep them on a leash).

Q: Can I get a paper copy of the public land maps?

A: You bet. You can purchase the full Public Access Lands Atlas or just county portions of it. Find details and purchase options at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3026

landscape

Fall foliage brightens the

at High Cliff State Park on Lake Winnebago, just a short drive from greater Green Bay.

GREEN

BAY IS A FOOTBALL PARADISE — fans swarm to the area each fall to watch their favorite NFL team. You might not know it, but it’s also an outdoor lover’s haven where everyone can appreciate a visit, even if they don’t bleed green and gold.

Explore the area this fall and enjoy these outdoor activities before this beautiful part of Wisconsin turns into the frozen tundra.

EMMA MACEK

HIT THE TRAIL

If you want to see some of Green Bay’s top sites, the Fox River State Trail is the perfect choice. The 25-mile trail follows the river in Green Bay and continues outside the city, passing near river overlooks, local parks and Heritage Hill State Park.

Bicyclists or skaters age 16 and older will need a state trail pass, but you don’t need one for walking the trail.

BIRDING HOT SPOTS

Birders are in luck in Green Bay, which has several great places to spot feathered friends, including these three within 15 minutes of a Packers game.

Fox River State Trail winds along the river past some of Green Bay’s most notable sights.

y Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve, on the west shore of the Bay of Green Bay, has over 9 miles of hiking trails that meander through marshes and forests. The West Shores Interpretive Center offers educational programs and exhibits, and there’s a short driving tour to see waterfowl and wetland habitats.

y The Sensiba Unit of the Green Bay West Shores Wildlife Area has coastal marshes, woodland areas and former agricultural fields to explore. A nearly 3-mile loop provides plenty of opportunities to wander.

y Ken Euers Nature Area offers opportunities to see rare and migrating birds and has scenic walking trails.

Barkhausen Waterfowl Reserve offers educational programming at its West Shores Interpretive Center, plus 9 miles of scenic trails winding among waterfowl habitat.

Explore woodland areas and marshes at the Sensiba Unit of Green Bay West Shores Wildlife Area.

PARKS GALORE

The Green Bay area has numerous county and city parks to explore, including 60 parks within 10 miles of Lambeau Field. Check out these three locations within a 15-minute drive of the stadium.

y Pamperin Park offers a large playground and walking trails featuring rolling hills, wooded areas, a creek and a suspension bridge.

y Voyageur Park connects to the Fox River State Trail and De Pere’s riverwalk and has a beloved fishing dock near the dam.

y Fonferek’s Glen County Park has a 30-foot waterfall that can be easily viewed from a designated overlook.

LEARN MORE

For details on exploring the greater Green Bay area, check Discover Green Bay at greenbay.com.

BEAUTIFUL GARDENS

The Green Bay Botanical Garden offers 47 acres of plants, flowers and wildlife to enjoy.

ON YOUR WAY

As you head to Green Bay for a game, popular DNR properties like High Cliff State Park and Point Beach State Forest might be on your way.

High Cliff is on Lake Winnebago, about 40 minutes from Lambeau. History and geology buffs will enjoy the park’s effigy mounds and lime kiln ruins. The park has several hiking trails and a 40-foot observation tower.

Point Beach, in Two Rivers, has 6 miles of sandy beach along Lake Michigan, just 45 minutes from Green Bay. Hiking trails range from a half-mile to more than 7 miles long. Remember to stop at the scenic Rawley Point Lighthouse while you’re there.

Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

A 30-foot waterfall splashes at Fonferek’s Glen County Park.

Green Bay Botanical Garden features 47 acres of natural areas and display gardens.

Rawley Point Lighthouse at Point Beach State Forest dates to the mid-1800s.

LINDY J GILSON IMAGES

Flight of the FALCON

Peregrine population ticks upward

Peregrine falcon populations have rebounded in Wisconsin, thanks to conservation efforts of the DNR and others.

MOLLY MEISTER

ROY W. LOWE/USFWS

Recovery efforts for peregrine falcons have included working with captive-raised chicks.

WHAT’S THE FASTEST animal on the planet? Cheetahs may come to mind, or perhaps a sailfish zooming through the sea. The answer may surprise you: It’s the peregrine falcon.

When diving through the air chasing prey, peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) can achieve speeds of up to 230 miles per hour, about three times the fastest cheetah. And they live right here in Wisconsin!

For almost half a century, that wasn’t the case. By the late 1950s, peregrines were virtually extirpated from the Midwest due to the effects of DDT, a commonly used pesticide at the time. DDT passed through the food chain, eventually reaching peregrines and other birds of prey.

The chemical caused female peregrines to lay eggs with fragile shells, which either didn’t hatch or were crushed under the weight of the incubating adult.

Before DDT became a problem, experts estimate there were 24-50 naturally occurring active peregrine nests at any given time in the tri-state area of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. That may seem small, but it was as many as ecosystems could sustain.

That’s because peregrines are pretty picky about nesting sites — in the past, they nested solely on cliffsides along the Great Lakes and Mississippi and Wisconsin rivers — and they’re very territorial. The birds need at least a mile radius around their nest site, or rival peregrines will fight to the death.

In full dive mode, called a stoop, a peregrine falcon hits about 230 mph, making it the fastest animal on the planet.

After four decades of conservation work, peregrine numbers continue on the upswing in Wisconsin.

PEREGRINE PLAN

Over time, concerned folks took heed of the peregrines’ peril and, in 1987, the Wisconsin Peregrine Falcon Recovery Plan was launched.

The plan, from then-DNR conservation biologists Randy Jurewicz and Charlene Gieck, was to work with partners such as Greg Septon, a falconer and then a natural history curator at the Milwaukee Public Museum. The goal was to restore a viable wild population of peregrine falcons in Wisconsin, or a self-sustaining population of at least 10 breeding pairs by 1995.

The plan involved releasing up to 20 captive-produced birds annually, protecting nesting habitat and conducting vigorous outreach regarding conservation efforts.

“Hacking” was part of the plan — creating an artificial aerie, or “hack box,” from which to release young captive-raised falcons. In the summer of 1987, Septon used grant money and worked with local authorities to install Wisconsin’s first peregrine hack box atop the U.S. Bank building in Milwaukee.

That first year, 10 of 14 released falcons successfully fledged and survived to disperse.

‘INCREDIBLE JOURNEY’

Subsequent releases of captive-produced young were carried out in Racine, Pleasant Prairie, Madison and La Crosse. Nest boxes were installed on office buildings, power plants, grain elevators and more. Located mainly in urban settings, most have become occupied by nesting pairs of peregrines.

“Getting to where we are today has been an incredible journey,” Septon said. “After nearly 40 years of sustained efforts, peregrines are once again nesting and raising young in Wisconsin, which shouldn’t be taken lightly.”

Since those initial efforts, DNR staff have worked with community scientists, nonprofits like the Raptor Resource Project, and hundreds of passionate people to band and track peregrines, monitor nests and boost numbers.

In 2023, there were 43 confirmed successful peregrine nests in Wisconsin, including more than 60% in urban environments.

Mapping shows just how far peregrine falcon recovery has come in recent years, with current nesting sites (bottom) far surpassing the number from 15 years ago (top).

CREATING A CONNECTION

Encouragingly, the number of successful peregrine nests at natural sites on rivers and the Great Lakes continues to grow. New nests have been documented as far north as the Apostle Islands.

Now, Wisconsinites are getting to know this species using technology such as live nest cams. Amy Ries, a naturalist with the Raptor Resource Project, touts the benefits.

“By giving ordinary people intimate access to the lives of wild animals, our work deepens the connection between people and the natural world, bringing benefits to both,” Ries said.

Molly Meister is a publications supervisor in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

LEARN MORE

For details on the Raptor Resource Project, visit raptorresource.org.

On The Road for 30 years

FIFTY YEARS AGO, you’d be lucky to see a bald eagle in Wisconsin. The birds were endangered, and their small number of nests was limited to the northern reaches of the state.

Today, bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback in Wisconsin, with nests now recorded in every county. This incredible accomplishment is credited to a national ban on the pesticide DDT, added protections under federal and state endangered species laws, river cleanups, community donations and monitoring by DNR staff and partners.

The work of the DNR’s Natural Heritage Conservation program to locate and protect bald eagle nests was a contributing factor, too, and much of that work was made possible by the Endangered Resources Fund.

The bald eagle’s success story is celebrated on the state of Wisconsin’s Endangered Resources license plates, featuring the majestic bird. The funds generated from the license plates not only have helped bald eagles, they help conserve other endangered species as well as vital and beautiful places in the state.

Andi Sedlacek is a publications supervisor in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

Road Trippin’ Through Time

A number of conservation accomplishments in the past several decades can be attributed to funding generated by the sale of Endangered Resources license plates.

ANDI SEDLACEK

ENDANGERED RESOURCES LICENSE PLATES DRIVE CONSERVATION FUNDING

Bald eagles are removed from Wisconsin's Endangered and Threatened Species List. 1997

Endangered Resources license plates are introduced, with a $25 annual donation to the Endangered Resources Fund, for which the plates have become an important funding source.

Bald eagle surveys reveal a small number of nests limited to northern Wisconsin.

A bald eagle soars at Ferry Bluff State Natural Area.

Rusty patched bumble bee sightings are on the rise in Wisconsin.

RYAN BRADY

JAY WATSON

Bald eagle nests are now present in all Wisconsin counties.

Conservation Cele ations

The federally endangered rusty patched bumble bee has been documented in 46 counties, more than double that of 7 years ago.

For the second year in a row, little brown bat numbers have increased significantly at all of Wisconsin’s largest hibernation sites.

A rare wild senna plant was found in summer 2023 after not being documented in the state in over 100 years.

The Wisconsin Mussel Monitoring Program and its partners teamed up to deliver and “plant” more than hatchery-raised mussels in several Wisconsin rivers.

In 2023, NHC staff conducted prescribed burns on nearly acres of high-quality natural communities and controlled invasive species on acres of state natural areas.

18,000 Endangered Resources license plates were registered in Wisconsin in 2023.

Blanding's turtles are removed from Wisconsin's Endangered and Threatened Species List. 2014

Trumpeter swans and ospreys are removed from Wisconsin's Endangered and Threatened Species List. 2009

Bald eagles are now found in all 72 counties in Wisconsin. 2024

GET YOUR PLATES

Want to help drive the next conservation comeback? Scan the QR code or go to dnr.wi.gov/tiny/711 and learn how you can get Endangered Resources license plates. We’re celebrating 30 years of the plates by offering a $25 rebate for new purchases now through Dec. 31, so act today.

KEEPING WATCH ON WISCONSIN’S WATERS

The Pelican River Forest near Rhinelander represents one of the best recent examples of land preservation in action, with more than 70,000 acres now permanently protected through a conservation easement.

WITH NEARLY 17,000 LAKES, about 86,000 miles of streams and 5.3 million acres of wetlands, Wisconsin has an abundance of water, one of the world’s most important resources. However, it’s not the quantity of our waters but the quality that truly matters.

Although water quality efforts have historically centered on cleaning up problem areas, growing evidence shows there is more to gain by protecting the outstanding waters we have.

DNR INITIATIVE AND LAND TRUST EFFORTS

“Like many things in life, it’s easier, cheaper and more effective to maintain what you already have than to try and get it back after it’s gone,” said Lauren Haydon, DNR watershed protection coordinator. “We have some truly wonderful waters in this state, and we still have an opportunity to protect them for the future. We’re very lucky in that regard.”

PRIORITIZE PROTECTION FOR HIGHQUALITY WATERSHEDS

ZACH WOOD

That’s precisely why the DNR’s Water Quality Program launched the Healthy Watersheds, High-Quality Waters initiative in 2022. This effort identifies healthy waterbodies and watersheds around the state and prioritizes their protection.

The initiative also takes a “watershed approach,” meaning it doesn’t just focus on the high-quality waters themselves but on the watersheds that flow into them.

“In basic terms, a watershed is the total area that ultimately drains to a stream, lake or wetland,” Haydon said. “Runoff pollution on a landlocked property can negatively impact a wetland, river or lake miles away if a small creek runs through it when it rains or if it’s uphill from a waterbody.

“To meaningfully protect a body of water, our efforts must extend far beyond its shoreline or bank.”

PARTNERSHIPS MATTER

Although the Healthy Watersheds, High-Quality Waters program is a DNR initiative, much of the crucial watershed protection work happens in collaboration with local partners. Key to this work are land trusts, community-based nonprofit organizations that work to permanently protect essential lands by balancing future conservation and land uses.

Land trusts typically protect land in one of two ways, said Mike Carlson, executive director of Gathering Waters, a Wisconsin alliance of more than 40 land trusts.

The first is by purchasing properties or accepting donated lands and then managing them as nature preserves or conservation lands that often are open to the public for outdoor recreation. Alternatively, land trusts can use a legal tool known as a conservation easement.

“One of the best examples of this strategy in action is the recent Pelican River Forest, acquired by The Conservation Fund in 2021,” Carlson said.

“Through the sale of a conservation easement, this unique project will permanently protect 70,000 acres in northern Wisconsin, including 68 miles of streams in the headwaters of the Wolf and Wisconsin rivers, all while maintaining logging rights for industry, and hunting, fishing and other recreational rights for the public.”

The DNR identified all the land in this easement as a high priority, Carlson added.

“So this easement is not just protecting a lot of land, it’s protecting some of the most important waters and watersheds in the whole state.”

EASEMENTS ARE ESSENTIAL

The other way land trusts can protect our watersheds is by working with private landowners to secure conservation easements on their land. This maintains private ownership while adding permanent restrictions to the property deed, often limiting development and subdivision rights even if the property were to be sold, thereby protecting those lands and the waters they touch in perpetuity.

Although these arrangements are smaller in scale than projects like the Pelican River Forest, their collective impacts add up quickly in high-priority areas like Wisconsin’s Northwoods, noted Ted Anchor, Northwoods Land Trust executive director.

Today, Northwoods Land Trust permanently protects over 15,000 acres of land with more than 83 miles of shoreline across seven counties in northern Wisconsin, much of that within 99 private conservation easements that are managed by the organization.

“The majority of land in Wisconsin is private, so private land conservation is essential if we’re going to protect our waters and natural resources,” Anchor said. “Land trusts provide an excellent option for landowners to do that while maintaining their ability to enjoy their property.

“By partnering with a land trust … the families we work with play a major role in protecting our lands, waters and ecosystems, and they create an incredible legacy in the process.”

Belted kingfisher, Pelican River Forest.

JAY BRITTAIN

Setting aside even small parcels — like the 40-acre Dan Wisniewski Deerskin River Preserve in Vilas County — can make a big difference.

LAND AND A VISION

Before any land or water can be protected, there must be a landowner passionate about conservation.

Take, for example, Jim and Kate Weinert, who recently donated 222 forested acres to Landmark Conservancy. Located in the Spider Lake watershed and identified by the DNR as a protection priority area, the donated property offers connectivity with the Sawyer County Forest and Lake Helane State Natural Area.

The Weinerts’ donation came after their longtime friends and neighbors on Spider Lake, Margaret and Michael O’Sullivan, established conservancy protection for their own lake property, and the Weinerts followed that lead.

“To be able to protect this land and the surrounding waters is something we’re so proud to be doing,” said Jim Weinert. “We’re hopeful more people will do the same while these amazing resources can still be protected.”

For those considering a land donation or conservation easement, the first step is to contact your local land trust.

“That’s how most of these get started,” Anchor said. “Landowners, individuals or whole families, that want to help protect the natural resources they love reach out, and we start a conversation.”

From there, land trusts can tailor management to suit the needs of each property and fit owners’ wishes — from what activities will be allowed to where any future building, if any, can happen.

“Each of these properties is as unique as the folks that own them,” Anchor said. “But they’re all the same in that they play a major role in protecting Wisconsin’s waters and watersheds for future generations.”

LEARN MORE

For details on the DNR’s Healthy Watersheds, High-Quality Waters initiative, scan the QR code or go to dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3001

With significant wetlands and an abundance of freshwater glacial lakes, Vilas County’s Rock Lake Nature Preserve is considered a globally significant conservation resource.

Zach Wood is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

Forty acres purchased by Northwoods Land Trust in Iron County add to nearby protected lands that include Springstead Muskeg State Natural Area and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

Northwoods Land Trust works to protect places like Beaver Creek Hemlocks Conservation Area in Iron County.

The St. Croix River flows past Wisconsin’s Interstate Park near St. Croix Falls, an area with gorgeous views and local brews.

The Perfect Fall Pairing

AS AUTUMN WINDS blow across Wisconsin, our great state slowly transforms from lush green forests to something more reminiscent of a watercolor painting with broad brush strokes of bright reds, yellows and oranges.

For many, fall is the last chance to enjoy the outdoors while it’s still “warm” — in Wisconsin, many of us still consider this time of year shorts weather. You also can see some of Mother Nature’s best work with breathtaking fall colors.

Exploring vibrant forests is more than enough reason for a weekend adventure, but if you want to add extra incentive, try combining Wisconsin’s natural beauty with cold beverages from some great local breweries, made possible by Wisconsin’s wonderful water resources.

So plan a Northwoods adventure exploring these five places with stunning northern views and nearby tasty brews. Cheers to fall, and remember to enjoy responsibly.

GARRETT DIETZ

A cold beverage can hit the spot after a day spent outdoors.

Spanning over 1.5 million acres, the ChequamegonNicolet National Forest is an expansive tract of forest that offers trails for hiking, biking and an opportunity simply to soak in the sights. Enjoy a scenic drive along the Great Divide National Scenic Highway, where every turn reveals a new vista more breathtaking than the last. Once you’re done exploring for the day, head west and enjoy a nightcap at Angry Minnow Brewery in Hayward.

Some of the best views of Wisconsin’s autumn colors are from the water. If you’re looking for a paddle with a view, consider heading to Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest, which spans over 236,000 acres and contains more than 900 lakes. Once you’ve worked up a thirst on the water, head north on Highway 47 and treat yourself to a cold one at Rocky Reef Brewing Co. in Woodruff.

At over a billion years old, Rib Mountain is one of the oldest geological features on Earth. It also happens to be one of the best places in the state to view fall colors. A hike to the top of the park offers a spectacular birds-eye view of Wausau and the Wisconsin River nestled among vibrant bursts of color. Hike back downtown after your adventure and enjoy a beverage from one of the dozens of local breweries — there are too many to pick just one!

Favil Lake in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, where a scenic drive eventually might lead you to Hayward for a little rest and relaxation.

DAVE MIESS

Head to the western side of the state and stop by Interstate Park, the oldest state park in Wisconsin. Located on the Dalles of the St. Croix River, this park provides scenic views over the river and steep-sided gorge. If one stop isn’t enough, consider driving along the Mighty Mississippi, enjoying rolling hills and gorgeous countryside before ending the night in St. Croix Falls with a local brew from Trap Rock Brewing Co.

If you want to put on some miles, head to the northernmost part of the state and enjoy a beautiful lakeshore drive on the Lake Superior Scenic Byway. While you’re there, check out the views of the mainland from the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore or Big Bay State Park, and end your day with a pint at Adventure Club Brewing in Bayfield.

Whether you’re driving down the backroads, hiking through a forest of colorful, towering giants, or tasting a pint at a local brewery, you’ll find Wisconsin’s Northwoods captures the essence of fall in every way.

Dietz is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

Garrett

The scenery from atop Wausau’s Rib Mountain is unrivaled in autumn, while down below dozens of local breweries await a visit.

Bayfield harbor turns every shade of beautiful in fall.

DUCK-DUCK-HUNT

THE DAYS ARE GETTING SHORTER, and mornings feel cooler — Wisconsin’s duck season is right around the corner!

This year is shaping up to be another excellent season with few changes from prior years. The 2024 season again offers a 60-day duck hunting period in each zone, along with a six-bird daily bag limit. Hunting in the open water zone will continue two weeks later than in the southern zone, allowing for later opportunities on Lake Michigan.

As always, hunters should check all season dates before heading to the field.

NEW FOR 2024

Although little has changed, hunters should note a few new things for the 2024 season.

Last December, President Biden signed the Duck Stamp Modernization Act of 2023 into law. This act modifies provisions regarding the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, known to many as the duck stamp, allowing for legal hunting with only an electronic copy of the federal stamp.

That ends a longstanding requirement that hunters carry hard copies of the stamp while afield. Hunters who purchase their federal duck stamp online will still be mailed a physical copy.

With this change, Wisconsin hunters can now use their driver’s licenses or phones and the Go Wild app to carry every document they need to hunt ducks.

DAVID NEVALA

The basics of Wisconsin’s waterfowl season

ZACH

WOOD

Duck hunting is a great way to enjoy autumn in Wisconsin.

SEASON DATES

Here are hunting dates for waterfowl and other migratory birds plus additional game birds; seasons are statewide, unless noted.

Youth waterfowl hunt

Sept. 14–15

Northern duck zone Sept. 21–Nov. 19

Southern duck zone Sept. 28–Oct. 6, and Oct. 12–Dec. 1

Open water duck zone Oct. 12–Dec. 10

Coot

Early goose

Same as duck season for each zone

Open now through Sept. 15

Northern goose zone Sept. 16–Dec. 16

Southern and Mississippi River goose zones

Fall turkey

Rail (Virginia and sora), snipe and common gallinule

Mourning dove

Sept. 16–Oct. 6, Oct. 12–Dec. 1, and Dec. 21–Jan. 9

Sept. 14–Nov. 22; additionally in zones 1–5, Nov. 23–Jan. 5

Open now through Nov. 9

Open now through Nov. 29

Woodcock Sept. 21–Nov. 4

Pheasant Oct. 19 (9 a.m.)–Jan. 5

Ruffed grouse

Zone A, Sept. 14–Jan. 5; Zone B, Oct. 19–Dec. 8

Crow Nov. 23–March 26

Hungarian partridge Oct. 19 (9 a.m.)–Jan. 5 (but closed in Clark, Marathon and Taylor counties)

Bobwhite quail Oct. 19 (9 a.m.)–Dec. 11

THE RULES

Complete hunting regulations can be found online, but here are some general rules and reminders for duck hunters to keep in mind.

y To lawfully hunt ducks in Wisconsin, hunters age 16 and older must purchase and carry their small game license, Wisconsin waterfowl stamp and federal migratory bird stamp.

y Waterfowl and other migratory bird hunters also must register each year with the federal Harvest Information Program. HIP registration is free and can be completed at the time of license purchase or added later.

y State licenses and stamps, permits and HIP registration are all available through Go Wild online at gowild.wi.gov.

y While hunting ducks, it is illegal to hunt with anything other than a shotgun fired from the shoulder, a bow and arrow or crossbow, or by falconry.

y Always follow shooting hours for your location.

y Total daily bag limit is six ducks, to include not more than four mallards (two hens), two black ducks, one pintail, two canvasbacks, two redheads, three wood ducks and scaup. For species of ducks not listed, such as teal and ring-necks, the combined total with all other species may not exceed six ducks. In addition, five mergansers to include not more than two hooded mergansers.

Boats big enough to handle rough water are best for those duck hunting on a large river or lake.

REPORT A VIOLATION

See something sketchy? Report it to the DNR Violation Hotline via call or text to 1-800-TIP-WDNR (1-800-847-9367) or online at dnr.wi.gov/contact/hotline.html

The principals of firearm safety include being sure of your target before shooting.

DAVID NEVALA

SAFETY TIPS

Water temperatures are rapidly cooling at this time of year. An accidental fall overboard can quickly turn dangerous as hypothermia sets in. Wearing a life jacket can keep individuals on the surface and allow energy to be used to keep warm rather than working to stay above the water.

Other important tips:

y Remember to protect canine companions on the water — they need life jackets, too.

y Never overload the boat. If hunting on a large river or lake, use a boat that is big enough to handle rough water.

y Balance the boat evenly and keep weight low for stability.

y Be on the lookout for elements outside your control, such as changing weather or a slightly submerged stump, rock, sandbar or floating debris.

y If in a boat or canoe with a hunting partner, establish and communicate a safe fire zone; do not stand to shoot if a partner is shooting from a seated position.

y Know the danger of waders in the water. If a boat capsizes and the hunter is ejected, the waders could fill with water, creating suction around the hunter’s legs and feet, making it difficult to remove the waders.

y Always carry a cell phone in case of an emergency.

y Share the water. Fall is a great time for all sorts of water recreation — hunters, paddlers and anglers may all be using the same areas at the same time. Be mindful of other recreators while afield. Wisconsin’s waters belong to everyone.

LEARN MORE

For complete duck hunting dates, shooting hours, regulations, zone designations and more, scan the QR code or check online at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2981.

Additionally, hunters should follow the four rules of basic firearm safety, known as TAB-K:

y Treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Never assume a gun is unloaded, and never treat it that way, even if you watch as it is unloaded.

y Always point the muzzle in a safe direction. About one-third of all hunting incidents are self-inflicted injuries. That means the muzzle was pointed at some part of the hunter’s body. A safe approach is one where the bullet will travel and harm no one in the event of an unwanted discharge.

y Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. Positive target identification is a must. In addition to identifying the target, a hunter must know that a safe backstop for their bullet is present in every shooting situation.

y Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. If a hunter stumbles with a firearm in one hand and nothing in the other, whatever that person does with their free hand — such as reaching out to break their fall — will automatically happen with the hand holding the gun.

Zach Wood is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

DAVID NEVALA

DUCK ID GUIDE

Mallards in flight, female on the left

The most common duck in Wisconsin. The males are easily identified by their green head feathers, which are separated from their chestnut body feathers by a white neck ring. Female mallards are a mottled brown with a violet patch bordered by black and white on their wings.

Canvasbacks, male on the left

Canvasback

Male canvasbacks have brownish-red heads, black bodies and blackish-brown tails. The sides, flank and belly are white, and the wings are grayish with some black. Females have light brown heads and darker brown chests with gray or brown sides. Males and females both have black bills and bluish-gray feet.

American black duck male in flight

American black ducks are about the same size as mallards, and males and females resemble the female mallard in coloration, albeit slightly darker. An easy way to identify them in flight is by looking at the undersides of their wings, which are lined with white feathers in contrast to their dark bodies.

These ducks have a boxy shape, crested heads, thin necks and a long, broad tail. Male wood ducks are easily identified by their red eyes, which can be quite striking against their green and purple heads. A white stripe leads from the eye to the end of the crest, and another narrower white stripe from the base of the bill to the tip of the crest. Female wood ducks have a gray-brown head and neck with a brownishgreen crest and a white teardrop-shaped patch around their eyes.

Mallard

Black duck

Wood duck

Wood duck male

Pintails have long necks and tails, making them appear much longer than mallards. They are fast fliers, often seen zigzagging while descending to land. Males have brown heads, long white tails, white chests and white stripes on their necks. Females have tan heads.

As their name suggests, male redheads have red heads, necks and chests, with blackish backs that turn gray further from the neck. They have bluegray bills. Female redheads have brownish-red heads, necks and chests, with white chins and throats. Their sides are light brown with some gray.

Common merganser

This duck is a larger size compared to many others. Males have green heads like mallards. Their bodies are mostly white with some gray. They are identifiable by their long, straight bills, which are orange-red. Females have red-brown heads with long, almost disheveled feathers, gray bodies and straight bills. Both sexes sport a “bed-head” look.

Hooded merganser male

Hooded merganser

Smaller than many other ducks, males have brown sides, white chests and black heads with a prominent crest (hood) that the duck can raise or lower. Females have large cinnamon-colored hoods with gray or brown bodies.

Pintail

Redhead

Pintail duck male

Redhead ducks, female on the left

Common mergansers, male on the left

JOIN THE HUNT

GROUPS WORK TO INCREASE

ACCESS FOR ALL

Mentorship creates connections that can draw new people to hunting.

ENJOYING OUTDOOR SPACES, watching wildlife, harvesting wild game and spending time with family and friends are just a few of the joys hunting can bring. Yet barriers exist that prevent some from experiencing these benefits.

According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2022 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and WildlifeAssociated Recreation, people of color comprise only about 23% of hunters.

Groups like Color in the Outdoors, the Minority Outdoor Alliance, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and Hunters of Color encourage people of all backgrounds to try hunting by providing new opportunities through welcoming and inclusive programs.

Bringing new people into hunting increases interest in and support for wildlife conservation, allows more Wisconsinites to benefit from the state’s natural resources and helps grow the next generation of hunters.

PUBLIC LANDS FOR ALL

A recent study of Black hunters was led by the Wildlife Management Institute and partners with funding from the Multistate Conservation Grant Program, jointly managed by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies and the USFWS. Supported by Hunters

of Color and the Minority Outdoor Alliance, the study found three significant barriers to participation: land access constraints, competing time commitments and costs.

Jimmy Flatt, executive director of Hunters of Color, said land access issues have long existed for minority groups, partly because most privately held land in the U.S. is owned by white Americans.

“That means public land is even more important to communities of color,” Flatt said.

The study of Black hunters found that 35% of respondents use public land, with 24% hunting on public lands exclusively, higher percentages than the national hunter population.

Although that seems to drive home the importance of public lands, fear of using such areas might remain a deterrent — especially given recent high-profile incidents of discrimination against people of color recreating outdoors.

Christopher Kilgour, founder of Wisconsin-based Color in the Outdoors, said going to public lands can be scary for people of color who hunt.

“When people use that response of, ‘It’s public land; anybody can show up,’ well, yeah, but a haunted house is a house and the door’s open, but do you want to go in?” Kilgour said.

EMMA MACEK

“It’s a terrifying-looking building. I’m not going in there, even if the door’s wide open.”

Learn to Hunt programs can support new hunters in using public land, said Keng Yang, a board member of the Minnesota chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers.

“The main thing we’re highlighting is public land,” Keng said. “We’re hoping brand-new hunters will go out on their own and be comfortable on public land.”

Such hunting was common for Keng’s family.

“My parents are immigrants from Laos, and we’re Hmong,” Keng said. “When I was born in California and we moved to Minnesota, my dad brought back a whole bunch of skills and knowledge and traditions (as did) my uncles, and the only opportunity they had to hunt was public land.”

Experienced hunters who are working to increase opportunities and use of public lands for hunting include Durrell Smith (left), co-founder of the Minority Outdoor Alliance; Keng Yang (above), a board member for Minnesota Backcountry Hunters and Anglers; and Jimmy Flatt (below), executive director of Hunters of Color.

HUNTERS OF COLOR

START SMALL AND LEARN

Perceptions about costs can be another deterrent, but hunting doesn’t have to be expensive, Flatt noted.

“You can start small and build up from there,” Flatt said. “You don’t need very fancy things to go out. The key thing is going out and learning as you go.”

These groups offer workshops around the state that provide a safe space for new hunters to learn about hunting through classroom and field instruction before hunting with a mentor. They may provide equipment to borrow for getting started.

Durrell Smith, president of the Minority Outdoor Alliance, said Learn to Hunt programs provide a safe space for beginners.

“There are a lot of self-motivated people in this world, but you’re not going to be self-motivated if you don’t know where to start,” said Smith, who co-founded Minority Outdoor Alliance with his wife, Ashley.

The group is dedicated to uniting people through the joy found in the outdoors and in being a good steward of our natural resources.

“There is way more that unites us than divides us,” Ashley Smith said. “And we are all one human family tasked with taking care of our shared home.”

Color in the Outdoors, founded by Christopher Kilgour (back row far right), works with the DNR and other partners such as the Minority Outdoor Alliance to offer hunting-related opportunities.

Hunting brings a sense of satisfaction from learning new skills and being outdoors with others.

HUNTERS OF COLOR

‘WE’RE A PART OF THAT’

Flatt said the first step to hunting is to gain confidence.

“A lot of us have that perceived notion it’s something we can’t do. First, get over that,” Flatt said. “Resources are supposed to be held in the public trust, and we’re a part of that.”

Joining a group that promotes hunting can help, Keng said. “Meet people and have conversations, and eventually you’ll find someone who’s going to really want to help you get out and hunt.”

As with anything, making time for hunting can be a big part of the challenge. Start somewhere and go from there, Smith advised.

“Figure out what you want to hunt and go,” he said. “You have to take the first step, even if you don’t know anything.”

Growing into hunting can lead to great rewards, said DNR hunting and shooting sports program specialist Emily Iehl.

“Keep chipping away at it, even if it’s for an hour or two at a time,” Iehl said. “Start by building the skills you enjoy most — the longer you stay with it, the more doors will open.”

About 23% of hunters are people of color, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, with groups like the Minority Outdoor Alliance holding events to encourage learning and participation.

LEARN MORE

To explore DNR Learn to Hunt opportunities, scan the QR code or check online at dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2971. To learn about grant opportunities for groups to help expand hunting education, visit dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3021. For details about specific groups mentioned here, visit their websites:

y Color in the Outdoors — colorintheoutdoors.com

y Minority Outdoor Alliance — minorityoutdooralliance.org

y Backcountry Hunters and Anglers — backcountryhunters.org

y Hunters of Color — huntersofcolor.org

Emma Macek is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

CWD AND THE SCIENCE BEHIND

BAITING AND FEEDING BANS

SINCE

CHRONIC WASTING DISEASE was first detected in Wisconsin in 2002, the state has employed a wide array of strategies to slow its spread. As our understanding of CWD has grown, one of the earliest approaches — localized bans on the baiting and feeding of deer — has continuously shown to be a crucial available tool.

To understand why these bans are so important, we must first understand what CWD is and how it spreads.

CWD is a contagious, fatal neurological disease that affects the nervous system of deer, elk, moose and caribou. It belongs to the family of diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, or prion diseases.

Prions are misshapen proteins that can spread CWD through direct animal-to-animal contact or through the environment via bodily substances or the carcass parts of an infected deer. Prions are extremely resilient and capable of remaining in the soil for years, potentially infecting several deer from a single source.

In short, when deer get together in the same place, the odds of infection increase.

ZACH WOOD

Chronic wasting disease affects the nervous system of infected deer, causing progressive loss of body condition.

A single deer with CWD can spread the disease to countless other animals, especially where baiting and feeding occurs.

farm fields invite safer above-ground foraging and have a finite amount of food that’s not as concentrated as bait piles. Once it’s gone, it doesn’t come back until the following season, if at all, and deer tend to move on.

Bait piles, on the other hand, can be replenished when they run low. This means deer will continue congregating around the same spot throughout the season. CWD prions can linger in the environment long after an infected deer leaves the area, spreading the disease to far more deer.

Baiting creates a continuing risk for healthy deer, even if they aren’t infected on their first visit to a bait pile. Each return trip carries a greater chance of infection from any diseased deer that might have visited the spot since the healthy deer’s last visit.

Baiting and feeding encourages the unnatural congregation of deer, which allows for increased contact that otherwise would not occur in natural feeding environments. Bait piles are not the only way CWD spreads from deer to deer, but they increase the risk of transmission.

That’s why Wisconsin state law requires the DNR to implement a temporary baiting and feeding ban in any county where a CWD-positive deer is identified. Bans last three years within a county with a confirmed case of CWD and two years in an adjacent county if the confirmed case was within 10 miles of the county border. Ban periods must restart any time a new positive case of CWD is detected.

FARMS AND FOOD PLOTS

With regard to transmitting CWD, food plots and farm fields are different than bait piles. Although they also can be communal spots for deer, food plots and

Deer do come into close contact with one another and spread the disease in the wild, of course. However, baiting and feeding bans aim to address the unnatural congregations — those that can be controlled. These measures are just one piece of a larger puzzle in battling CWD, but they are an important one.

Zach Wood is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

LEARN MORE

For details on deer baiting and feeding regulations in Wisconsin, check online at dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/bait . For more on chronic wasting disease and ways to help stop its spread, see dnr.wi.gov/topic/wildlifehabitat/cwd

Baiting and feeding encourages unnatural congregation of deer and leads to greater risk of CWD.

ISTOCK/CYNTHIA SHIRK

RECYCLING MYTHS

RECYCLING IS PART of everyday life, but something so familiar can sometimes still be confusing. Let’s bust some common recycling myths so we can each take small steps to benefit our planet.

All recycling ends up in the landfill or overseas.

Recycling is going strong in Wisconsin with 44 recycling facilities — called materials recovery facilities, or MRFs — processing Wisconsin material here and in neighboring states. Each year, these facilities report to the DNR on the cardboard, paper, metal, glass and plastic containers they successfully sent to end markets and the “residual” they landfilled. Residual includes trash and recyclables not captured by their system.

The residual rate has consistently been around 14% over the last several years. That means approximately 86% of the materials sent to recycling facilities in our state gets recycled, and over 700,000 tons of materials are diverted from landfills every year. Much of this material stays in the Midwest, including feeding Wisconsin’s robust paper industry.

ANDI SEDLACEK

Old batteries can go in a curbside recycling bin.

No! Curbside recycling programs in Wisconsin do not allow batteries or battery-containing devices in bins or carts. Some rechargeable batteries create a significant fire risk at recycling facilities.

Single-use alkaline batteries that no longer work can be thrown away in the trash. Rechargeable batteries, like those found in cell phones, laptops, radios and cordless power tools, can be recycled at a drop-off location.

Visit dnr.wi.gov/topic/ecycle to find battery and electronics drop-off locations.

When you recycle an old computer or smartphone, your data can be stolen.

Responsible electronics recyclers will wipe your data or destroy hard drives/memory storage if the device isn’t being reused.

You also can take steps to protect yourself. First, back up the data you need from a smartphone, tablet or computer. Then, sign out of every account possible and perform a factory reset. If your smartphone has a SIM card, remove it before recycling.

All plastic items with a recycling symbol can be recycled, regardless of the number on them.

The number you see on a plastic item is the code used to identify the type of chemical resin making up the plastic. Different resins cannot be mixed to create new products, so to help keep resins separate, the plastics industry developed a standardized numerical resin code system.

By law, all local recycling programs in Wisconsin accept plastic containers with resin codes #1 and #2. For all other plastics, check with your local recycling program before putting them in your curbside recycling bin.

The recycling facility that serves your area may not have the equipment and resources to process #3-7 plastics. As a result, your local recycling program may request residents keep some or all of these out of their household recycling bins.

Some of these other plastics can be dropped off at collection points or sent to specialized recyclers. For example, plastic bags and wraps are commonly collected at grocery stores.

Old medications can be safely thrown away or flushed down the toilet.

Flushing medications down the drain is not recommended. Most water treatment systems do not remove pharmaceuticals, and septic tanks can leak, potentially contaminating water supplies.

Taking old medications to a permanent drug drop box is the most environmentally friendly disposal option. Review the packaging before dropping off a medication to see if it offers specific disposal instructions. If it doesn’t, you can dispose of the medication at a permanent drug drop box. Protect your personal information by removing labels or covering information with a permanent marker. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services provides a list of permanent drug drop box sites; check dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3006.

Andi Sedlacek is a publications supervisor in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

THINK FIRST AID FIRST

JONNA MAYBERRY

ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN WHEN EXPLORING

the great outdoors. Packing first-aid essentials is, well, essential.

Remembering the right gear and steps can be tricky, so we’ve compiled everything in one place to help you deliver the proper care at the right time.

We spoke with Jennifer Warren, regional communications director for the American Red Cross of Wisconsin, to learn what’s most important for your first-aid kit and a few quick tips for treating common outdoor injuries.

WHAT TO PACK

Keep a first-aid kit in your car and carry one wherever you go. Stash one in your backpack so you're ready for anything.

First-aid kits come in many shapes and sizes. If you want a ready-made solution, your local store likely sells them. Some kits are for specific activities like hiking, camping or boating. Alternatively, you can make your own.

Ensure a store-bought or self-assembled kit has supplies to treat insect stings, sprains, cuts, bruises and other common injuries. Consider including:

y Disposable gloves: Wear nonlatex, preferably nitrile gloves, when providing care.

y Bandages, gauze pads and tape: Assorted sizes of self-adhesive bandages and sterile gauze and adhesive tape may come in handy after mishaps around the campsite or while hiking.

y Antibiotic ointment: Having it nearby is crucial to reduce the chance of an infection.

y Pain reliever: This can reduce pain, inflammation and fever.

LEARN MORE

The American Red Cross firstaid mobile app is a great tool for instant access to information on handling common outdoor emergencies. You’ll learn to treat wounds, broken bones, bites, stings and more. For details on downloading this and other Red Cross apps, scan the QR code or visit dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3011.

INJURY TREATMENTS

Sprains and falls are some of the most common outdoor injuries. A sprain or strain may occur if someone makes a sudden movement to a part of the body and experiences pain, swelling or bruising around a joint or muscle.

Keep RICE in mind if you think someone has a strain or sprain.

y Rest: Have the person rest the injured part of the body.

y Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injury for up to 20 minutes.

y Compression: Wrap the injured area with an elastic bandage to provide comfortable support, reduce blood flow and limit swelling.

y Elevation: Keep the injured part of the body supported in a raised position above the heart. Most strains and sprains will feel better after rest and ice. Seek medical advice if the injury does not improve or if you suspect a bone is broken or there are other injuries.

OTHER ADVICE

Falls are also common outdoors, and many are due to poor decision-making, lack of skill or improper preparation. Dehydration is a threat, too. Remember these tips:

y Share your travel plans and locations with a family member, neighbor or friend.

y Bring nutritious food items, like a granola bar, and water.

y Layer using lightweight clothing to adjust as the day gets warmer.

y Pack pet supplies if adventuring with a furry friend.

Jonna Mayberry is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

Most sprains will improve with rest and ice.

Poisonous when eaten, jack-o-lantern mushrooms are best admired and left to grow — and glow!

JADA THUR

Color like a pumpkin and underside gills help identify Omphalotus illudens .

PICTURE THIS: It’s an early fall evening, and you’re wandering through the enchanted woodlands of Wisconsin. Suddenly, you spot a mysterious thing among the foliage — glowing mushrooms!

These aren’t just any mushrooms; they’re jack-o’lantern mushrooms (Omphalotus illudens), lighting up the forest floor with their eerie, greenish-yellow glow. Common throughout North America, you can find these luminous fungi during summer and fall. Generally growing in clusters on decaying wood, they’re often found near tree stumps or fallen logs.

Jack-o’-lantern mushrooms grow about 2-8 inches tall and release a strong but pleasant odor. With vibrant orange-to-yellow bodies and dark orange underside gills, their color resembles a pumpkin. Add in the glow, and it’s easy to see why they’re named jack-o’lanterns.

But their glow is no trick. They’re bioluminescent, meaning they cast their own soft light. These mushrooms are nature’s own little night lights.

ADMIRE THE LIGHT SHOW

How do these mushrooms pull off such a fun party treat? It’s all thanks to a chemical reaction in their cells where enzymes oxidize a compound called luciferin. Nature’s glow can serve many purposes. For organisms like jellyfish or fireflies, it acts as a means of communication or camouflage.

In the case of the jack-o’-lantern mushroom, this light show plays a vital role in its lifecycle. By attracting nocturnal insects with their light, the mushrooms ensure their spores get dispersed far and wide, helping them reproduce and thrive.

Find jack-o’-lantern mushrooms in summer and fall, generally growing in clusters on decaying wood.

Encountering jack-o’-lantern mushrooms can be a unique experience. If you’re up for a spooky adventure, head into the woods after dark. Bring a flashlight fitted with a red filter to keep from giving off too much light, then wander the trails and watch for glowing clusters.

But a word of caution whispers through the trees — these poisonous mushrooms should not be foraged or eaten. It’s best to admire the bioluminescent wonders where they grow, leaving them to contribute to the beauty and biodiversity of Wisconsin’s woodlands.

Jada Thur is a communications specialist in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

AS THE SUN SETS and diurnal animals, or those active during the day, retreat to rest, others are just getting started: nocturnal animals. Often elusive and sometimes feared, Wisconsin’s nighttime creatures are fun to get to know.

RACCOONS

You might hear them trying to get into your garbage or snooping around your campsite at night. Raccoons are found throughout Wisconsin and are easily identified by their distinctive black masks and ringed tails. Most adult raccoons weigh 10-20 pounds.

Raccoons venture out after sunset to look for food. They’re omnivorous and not picky eaters, dining on nuts, fruits, berries, seeds, insects, frogs, turtles, eggs, crayfish, carrion (dead meat) and, of course, garbage. They use their paws like little hands, washing them and their food in water.

MINK

Mink are not just nocturnal, they’re also semi-aquatic, living partly on land and partly in water. They have short, dense, chocolate-colored fur, sometimes with a white patch on their chest and belly, and are pretty small, weighing 1½-2 pounds.

They eat muskrats, fish, reptiles, amphibians, waterfowl, eggs and small mammals like mice, preferring to hunt near waterbodies. If you startle a mink, it might squeal, hiss or snarl and release a scent similar to a skunk, so watch out.

While We Hit The Hay, These Animals Come Out To Play

ANDI SEDLACEK

OPOSSUMS

BADGERS

These nocturnal creatures are the only Wisconsin marsupial, which means they carry and nurse their young in a pouch, where the babies stay until they’re the size of a mouse. Adult opossums weigh between 4-12 pounds. They have hairless tails, which they can use to grasp tree branches.

Opossums are like nature’s garbage disposal, eating fallen fruit before it rots, as well as crickets, beetles, mice and other household pests. They’ll also munch on your garden, compost or garbage and may raid a chicken coop if you give them the chance.

It’s a common myth that opossums carry rabies, but their body temperature is lower than that of most other mammals, making them less susceptible to common viruses like rabies.

SKUNKS

We know badgers as Wisconsin’s state animal, but other than our pal Bucky, it’s uncommon to see one. Badgers stay hidden in shallow dens during the day and come out at night to hunt. Weighing 12-16 pounds, badgers have wide bodies, short legs, grizzled gray fur, distinctive black patches on their faces and a white stripe from their nose to partway down their back.

Badgers are carnivores that eat ground squirrels, moles and other small mammals. When bothered, they snarl and growl, and they give off a musky scent like skunks and mink.

You’ve likely smelled a skunk but may not have seen one. Wisconsin’s striped skunks, which average 4-6 pounds and have long, bushy tails, spend most of the day in a burrow or den. They are adaptable and can live wherever they find sufficient water, food and shelter.

You might not like their smell, but skunks are excellent at controlling pests like mice, rats, shrews, moles and ground squirrels. They’ll also eat insects, insect larvae and fruit — including your garden plants.

SKUNK SMELL REMOVER

If your dog or cat has an unfortunate encounter with a skunk, whip together some of this to get rid of the stink.

y 1 quart hydrogen peroxide

y 1 cup baking soda

y 1 teaspoon liquid dish soap

Mix all ingredients in an open bucket. Massage into your pet’s fur, avoiding eyes, ears and mouth. Allow to soak in for a few minutes, then rinse. Do not store. Keep out of eyes!

LEARN MORE

Some night creatures can be a nuisance. Check dnr.wi.gov/tiny/3036 for strategies to discourage animals from paying you a visit.

ISTOCK/FRANK FICHTMULLER

Andi Sedlacek is a publications supervisor in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

Classrooms can incorporate hands-on Snapshot Wisconsin activities as a way to teach about the state’s important natural resources.

LESSONS IN NATURE

SNAPSHOT WISCONSIN BRINGS WILDLIFE LEARNING TO THE CLASSROOM

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER Peter Dargatz’s students at Woodside Elementary School in Sussex want to know a thing or two about wildlife. What’s that animal? Why are some animals only busy at night? What’s migration? What do animals do when winter comes?

Snapshot Wisconsin, a volunteer-based project for year-round wildlife monitoring, helps the classroom answer all those questions and more.

Launched in 2016, Snapshot employs a statewide network of trail cameras and a crowdsourcing website to provide information the DNR uses to support wildlife management. People can host trail cameras or analyze data from cameras hosted by others.

For educators, Snapshot offers a unique opportunity to integrate science and technology into the classroom. The project also allows educators and their students to help monitor the state’s valuable natural resources and learn about local wildlife.

Even if a classroom doesn’t host its own camera, students can visit the Zooniverse crowdsourcing website to help identify and count species in Snapshot photos captured across the state.

Additionally, Snapshot Wisconsin has a Data Dashboard, which allows anyone to visualize, explore and download data collected from the project’s statewide network of trail cameras.

JONNA MAYBERRY

A curious buck, Waukesha County.

SEASONAL SNAPSHOT

In Dargatz’s classroom, Snapshot’s use evolves throughout the school year.

“For the first month or two, we just discuss if the kids can identify the animals pictured,” Dargatz said, and maybe start talking about when certain animals seem most active based on what students see in the photographs.

“And then, once we get a little more familiar with identifying the animals, we will ponder questions like, ‘What were some of the animals we saw in late summer and fall?’ ‘What will happen as winter comes?’

“We learn about hibernation and migration, the animals that will stay during the winter. And when spring comes back, some of the animals that were gone or not as visible are a little bit more visible.”

That leads to a whole new set of fun questions, Dargatz said.

“We ask, ‘What are the reasons for that? And what are the connections?’ We start making predictions about what we will see next month.”

GLIMPSE AT THE UNSEEN

Images captured on Snapshot cameras are often surprising, said Skylar Primm, lead teacher at Koshkonong Trails School in Cambridge, a projectbased public school serving students in 7th-12th grades. The school hosts a Snapshot trail camera on its grounds.

“We don’t usually get to see how these animals behave when people aren’t around,” Primm said.

Students see what happens on school property during daylight hours on school days, but “they have no idea what’s going on when there are no people around and at night, on the weekends, in the summer.”

“I was excited to (give my students) an opportunity to get to see some of that through the Snapshot camera,” Primm said.

Young students also learn about the circle of life through the Snapshot project, Dargatz added.

“A couple of years ago, we saw a coyote with a bunny in its mouth,” Dargatz said. “So, we talked a little bit about lifecycles, in that case.”

Student-supported trail cameras contribute to Snapshot Wisconsin’s

Elk in Sawyer County, part of the Flambeau River herd.

success.

ABCS, NATURALLY

Classrooms throughout the state use Snapshot Wisconsin in some form, including just over 200 that maintain their own trail cameras, said DNR research scientist and program coordinator Christine Anhalt-Depies.

“Snapshot Wisconsin provides a hands-on learning experience and is a unique opportunity for educators and students to contribute to wildlife research and science,” Anhalt-Depies said.

For Dargatz, the hands-on nature of the program is most appealing.

“I was excited because (Snapshot) allows students to contribute to community science in a concrete way,” Dargatz said. “Other community science projects, like online crowdsource-type things, are abstract. This is something our students can really see right in their backyard.”

Snapshot provides free exercises for educators to use in their classrooms, regardless of whether they host a camera. Dargatz, for example, has found great success with the Animal Alphabet resource.

“It’s like an alphabet, and every picture represents the letters A-Z. Each picture has a snapshot of an animal with something connected to the letter,” Dargatz explained. “We’ll use that when introducing new letters and sounds to make those little connections.”

Snapshot Wisconsin volunteers maintain a statewide network of trail cameras, including changing batteries when needed.

Sandhill crane, Portage County.

NATURE WHERE THEY LIVE

Monitoring trail cameras doesn’t take much time, which can be another plus of the project.

“We, as educators, have a lot on our plates. Time is often our most precious resource,” Dargatz said. “But when I do camera checks, they take 10 minutes.”

Snapshot Wisconsin helps introduce lessons in the outdoors, no matter where a school is located, Primm added.

“This brings nature into the classroom, and not every school is blessed to have green space they can take their kids to,” Primm said. “Snapshot can bring a placebased nature-infused feel into any classroom.

“That is really cool because some kids don’t get to see much nature where they live, or they don’t have a lot of green space.”

Using Snapshot Wisconsin’s many tools, resources and images can “bring nature to you,” Primm said.

“And kids can learn about their own community in their own state in a way that’s a little bit more engaging than just reading a book about it or looking up random Google photos. This is Wisconsin; these are the animals we share our home with.”

Jonna Mayberry is a public information officer in the DNR’s Office of Communications.

LEARN MORE

For details on Snapshot Wisconsin, scan the QR code or check dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2131. Sign up for the Snapshot Wisconsin Educator’s Bulletin to get emails about using Snapshot in the classroom and in outreach settings, dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2996.

Identifying wildlife in Snapshot Wisconsin photos can be fun for any age.

Bobcat kitten, Oneida County.

BACK IN THE DAY

GAMEBIRD GOES FROM DEMISE TO SUCCESS STORY

CAITLYN NALLEY

Turkey reintroduction efforts draw a crowd, mid1950s. It wasn’t until two decades later that such efforts took hold in Wisconsin.

WILD TURKEYS are a big deal in Wisconsin.

This past spring alone, hunters applied for or purchased 224,630 harvest authorizations and registered 50,435 birds statewide. The wild turkey stamp required for hunting serves as a crucial funding source for the DNR, and new research seeks to monitor the population of these historic birds more effectively.

Not long ago, however, there wasn’t a single turkey in the state.

Turkeys are a popular gamebird whose name traces back to the Ottoman Empire. In the 15th century, the Ottoman Turks commonly traded African guineafowl with Europeans. Eventually, when Europeans came to the Americas, they encountered a wild bird they called “turkey” because of its similarities to the familiar guineafowl.

The arrival of European colonists brought more than just a new name for the bird. It also marked the beginning of decades of unregulated hunting and deforestation. As a result, by the late 1800s, wild turkeys were wholly eradicated from Wisconsin.

From 1887 through the 1970s, several reintroduction efforts tried but failed to restock the state’s once-thriving populations. This was most likely because the birds used in restocking were not wild but pen-reared.

Extirpated from Wisconsin in the late 1800s, turkeys now grace the landscape in abundance.

TRADE IS MADE

It wasn’t until 1976 that the tide began to turn, following an agreement between the DNR and the Missouri Department of Conservation. At the time, each state had what the other wanted. Missouri boasted a healthy turkey population, and Wisconsin was flush with ruffed grouse.

A trade ensued, and that year, 29 wild turkeys from Missouri were released in the Bad Axe River watershed in Vernon County. The move proved to be a success. Over the next decade, 363 Missouri turkeys were released throughout southwestern Wisconsin.

When it was clear these wild turkeys were faring better than their game-farm counterparts, the DNR, with support from the National Wild Turkey Federation, began a trap-and-transfer program to relocate birds from the newly established southwestern populations to the rest of the state.

FUN FACTS ABOUT WILD TURKEYS

Did you know…

y Wild turkeys cluck and purr.

y An adult turkey has as many as 6,000 feathers.

y For young turkeys, or poults, insects are a favorite — they eat them like candy! At around 4 weeks old, poults start to eat plants.

y Awkward as they might look, turkeys are fast, reaching running speeds of 18 mph and up to 50 mph in flight.

y Benjamin Franklin was a bigger fan of the turkey than he was the bald eagle, calling the former “a much more respectable bird.”

y There are about 6.5 million wild turkeys in the United States today, a far cry from the 200,000 of the early 1900s. Thanks to conservation efforts nationwide, turkey populations have taken off!

— Source: Susan Morse, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Considered an overwhelming success in Wisconsin’s wildlife management history, these repopulation efforts paved the way for the regulated spring and fall turkey hunting seasons many Wisconsinites know and love today.

Stanley Plis of the Wisconsin Conservation Department releases a wild turkey at the Meadow Valley Wildlife Area, circa 1956.

Sale of the annual turkey stamp required for hunting — like the 2024 version designed by Jim Tostrud — generates more than $750,000 each year for species management.

WALTER BARITSKY/DNR

RESEARCH FOR THE FUTURE

As the DNR conducted early research following reintroduction, one of the most critical findings involved the survival of poults, or baby turkeys. It became clear this was the main driver of population growth for wild turkeys in the state.

Fast forward to today, and this concept has helped inform a current study on turkey population monitoring methods led by DNR upland gamebird research scientist Chris Pollentier.

“We’ve identified poult survival as what is really driving population growth,” Pollentier said. “So the thought for this project was, can we use Snapshot Wisconsin to monitor that?”

Snapshot Wisconsin is a statewide network of more than 2,000 volunteer-managed trail cameras used for education and research. For this study, Pollentier and his team combine turkey detections and brood counts captured by Snapshot’s trail cameras with on-theground turkey tagging and monitoring.

The goal is to see if incorporating trail camera data will allow scientists to estimate poult-to-hen ratios more accurately and efficiently, which will inform management decisions.

It’s just one more way the DNR works to stay on top of the science in support of a healthy turkey population. The hope is to prevent declines, as have been seen recently in some other states, and to avoid a repeat of history involving these prized game birds.

“By doing this research and trying to answer some of these potential questions, I think we’re ahead of the game,” Pollentier said. “Then, if there are signs of decline, we’ll have more confidence in the data and in our ability to tackle the issue.”

Caitlyn Nalley is a communications specialist in the DNR’s Office of Applied Science.

For information on turkey management in Wisconsin, scan the QR code or visit dnr.wi.gov/tiny/2986. Turkey hunting in Wisconsin requires a harvest authorization, license and wild turkey stamp; deadline to apply for a 2025 spring turkey harvest authorization is Dec. 10. Check dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/turkey for details.

Turkey tagging is one way for DNR scientists to monitor populations.

Trail camera images from the Snapshot Wisconsin program help to estimate important poult-to-hen ratios. Can you spot the poult in this picture?

LEARN MORE

MAKE SAFETY YOUR #1 TARGET.

Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.

B e certain of your target and what’s beyond it. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.

STUDY UP ON THE STATE’S SPECIAL FEATURES

MANY PLACES IN WISCONSIN have been shaped by moving glaciers, wind, water and other things, making cool-looking rock formations for billions of years. Look for these features on your next outdoor adventure.

Igneous rocks: Lava under the Earth’s crust can turn into igneous rock when it cools off and hardens. When lava cools beneath the surface, it’s called intrusive igneous rock. To spot this rock, look for large crystals, like you’ll find in granite. When lava cools above the surface, it’s called extrusive igneous rock, like basalt. It will have small crystals because it cools fast.

DID YOU KNOW?

The official Wisconsin state rock is red granite, an igneous rock named the state rock in 1971. It is abundant in the state, and there’s even a place in central Wisconsin called Redgranite.

MOLLY MEISTER AND SUE JOHANSEN-MAYOLETH

Red granite, an igneous rock, is Wisconsin’s state rock.

Metamorphic rocks: Deep in the Earth, any rock can become a metamorphic rock from heat, pressure or adding hot liquid with minerals in it. This process doesn’t melt the rocks but turns them into a new rock. Some of them are marble (once limestone), slate (once shale) and quartzite (once sandstone).

Sedimentary rocks: These are made when different materials are layered on top of each other. You might find fossils in this type of rock, which includes sandstone, limestone and shale.

Roche-a-Cri State Park features good examples of sedimentary rock in its colorful sandstone cliffs.

Many of the bluffs and rock formations at Devil’s Lake State Park are made of quartzite, a type of metamorphic rock.

Kettle: This is a shallow hole left behind by a glacier moving backward as it melted. As the glacier moved, a block of ice broke off and got stuck in the ground. When the ice melted, it filled the hole with water, soil and sand, creating a kettle lake or pond.

Kettles, or pits on the landscape, can fill with water and become kettle lakes or ponds, like this one in the Northern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest.

NICK COLLURA/ TRAVEL WISCONSIN

Dane County’s Goose Lake Drumlins State Natural Area contains all or part of six drumlins left by Wisconsin’s receding glacier.

Drumlin: This is a hill shaped like a teardrop that has a smooth surface. While glaciers melted, they took away materials in one spot and put them in another.

Moraines like this one along the Ice Age Trail in Cross Plains were formed when glaciers left mounds of debris as they pushed through the area.

Moraine: These also are made from material left behind by moving glaciers. Large ice sheets pushed rock and soil across the landscape like a bulldozer. Some rocks were left on the sides (lateral moraine) and some in front of the ice (terminal moraine). These moraines show us where the glaciers moved.

Molly Meister is a publications supervisor in the DNR’s Office of Communications. Sue Johansen-Mayoleth is a naturalist at Devil’s Lake State Park.

MAKE YOUR OWN SEDIMENT LAYER BARS

PAIGE HUDSON

These sediment layer bars are made layer by layer, just like sedimentary rocks.

INGREDIENTS

½ cup butter

1½ cups graham cracker crumbs

1 cup chocolate chips

1 cup chopped nuts

1 cup peanut butter chips

1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk

DIRECTIONS

1. Have an adult preheat an oven to 350 degrees and use the heat to melt the butter in a 9-inch-by-13-inch baking pan.

2. Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the butter.

3. Next, sprinkle the chocolate chips over the crumbs, followed by the nuts and peanut butter chips.

4. Being careful of the hot pan, press down gently, then pour the condensed milk evenly on top.

5. Bake the cookies for 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Let the cookies cool a bit before cutting them into squares. After they cool completely, you can eat and enjoy your sedimentary rock treats!

This activity originally appeared in Elemental Science, an online resource for educators, found at elementalscience.com. Paige Hudson is the author of the website’s award-winning science curriculum.

JOSHUA MAYER

DANIEL ROBINSON

By Gary Mohrman

mallet

spatula

hockey stick

drinking straw

pennant

drinking glass

seashell

fish

crayon

goose

NEW YORK TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD

NEW YORK TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Fills, as a moving van 8 ‘‘Incorrect!’’

Country on the Gulf of Guinea

19 ‘‘Oh, really?’’ informally 20 River through the Black Forest 21 Corkscrew-shaped pasta

22 All crossword fans love this puzzle; anyone who doesn’t love this puzzle can’t be a *real* crossword fan!

24 Capable

25 ‘‘Seat’’ for a toddler

26 Bygone auto inits.

27 Pieces of apparel that might have concert dates printed on them

28 Mars, a star 29 Flash

30 Why was this chosen as today’s puzzle? Because it’s great! What makes it great? I mean, it was chosen for publication!

35 Kind of candidate

36 Plastic ____ Band

37 Sport with the rank yokozuna (‘‘grand champion’’)

38 Light beige 39 Tear 42 Comic-book sound

44 What ‘‘you better not’’ do, in ‘‘Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town’’

46 Nintendo avatar

47 I sent this crossword to 100 friends, and two of them really liked it!

53 Fixed sum, for some

55 Make like a nomad

56 Story ____

57 ‘‘What did I say?!’’

58 Hint of color

59 Balance provider

60 Shrank (from)

62 16th-birthday present, sometimes

63 Locale

65 What’s more, one of those friends won the lottery right after solving it — coincidence? I think not!

72 Piece worth approximately five pawns

73 Many, many years

74 ‘‘Capeesh?’’

75 Squeeze (out)

76 Paintball impact sound

79 Beetle juice?

80 Opposite of bien

81 ____ gift (common spring purchase)

82 Lizard’s grippers

85 If you criticize this puzzle, where will it end? Before long, you’ll be criticizing your mother’s cooking!

89 Make a choice

90 Expresses disapproval, in a way

92 Aberdeen denial

93 World capital or the name of its gulf

94 Sled-dog command

96 Punishment for goofing off in practice, perhaps

98 Org. whose website has a ‘‘What Can I Bring?’’ section

100 Certain publication, in brief

101 Besides, The New York Times said it was good!

106 Trisolarans in ‘‘The ThreeBody Problem,’’ e.g., for short

109 Model material

110 Humble reply to a compliment

111 ‘‘Go on . . ’’

112 Blind piece

113 Home of Mount Doom in ‘‘The Lord of the Rings’’

114 Part of a flawed argument, examples of which are seen throughout this puzzle

118 Corpulent

119 Previously, poetically

120 Not touched, in a way

121 Zoom alternative

122 What fingerprints and mountains have

123 Credulous quality

DOWN

1 Hot ____ (breakfast side)

2 Global protection

3 Onetime pyramid builder

4 Go out on a limb

5 Bassist Cook of Creedence Clearwater Revival

6 Email address, often

7 Wannabe

8 Bachelor’s last words

9 Part of a sleeve, in brief

10 Commercial lead-in to cart

11 Region of ancient Mesopotamia

12 Pro hoopsters

13 React to a sensitive subject, say

14 Camera that comes with a head strap

15 Harmonize

16 Certain cyborgs

17 What Homer Simpson gives to Marge as jewelry

18 Very conservative player, in poker lingo

21 Erases

23 Pixar movie with the song ‘‘Un Poco Loco’’

30 Singer with No. 1 hits in the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s

31 Insensitive, in a way

32 Style

33 Old Testament book

34 Tourist’s aid

35 Treatment whose name suggests its long-lasting effects

39 Quarrel

40 Snap

41 Stationery stacks

43 Where Barbie is originally from, according to her creators

45 Giggle

48 ‘‘Yippee!’’

49 Cause to pop, say

50 Summer treat

51 Semimonthly tide

52 Leader of the Pacemakers in 1960s pop

54 Fishing spot

60 Aimed for

61 Last sips

63 Weapon for Achilles

64 Four-time FIFA World Cup winner

66 Hunter’s construction

67 Cry from a hockey commentator

68 ‘‘Great heavens!’’

69 Night ____ (bird)

70 Mammal endemic to the Democratic Republic of the Congo

71 Gives up

76 Leaf opening

77 Story with many dimensions?

78 ‘‘Time to celebrate!’’

81 Noise at a beer festival

83 Slow-witted sort

84 Number in a recap

86 Way

87 MXN, on a currency chart

88 Hotel visit

91 Plot ruiner

95 Aged well

97 Enlightened state in Zen Buddhism

99 Asia’s ____ Sea

100 13,000+-foot peak in Yosemite

102 All together

103 Prodded

104 Like a dramatic ninth-inning run, perhaps

105 Just for kicks

106 Overjoy

107 ‘‘Don’t play,’’ on a music score

108 ‘‘Funny Girl’’ composer Jule

112 Eastern European

113 Title awarded after a match?

115 Iowa college

116 Sympathetic sounds

117 Gift tied together with string