Roger's Outdoor Notes

OUTDOOR NEWS:   28 ELK from Kentucky have arrived at their new home in the Flambeau River State Forest in Sawyer County. Once released into the wild, the “class of 2017” will join the current Clam Lake herd.  The Clam Lake herd resides primarily in Ashland, Price and Sawyer counties, and was reintroduced to the area in 1995 from Michigan. They are hoping by introducing new genetics it will boost the herd growth. ( Writer’s opinion: Get rid of the wolves, and the Elk will survive more years. ) Their efforts mark the third year of a five year reintroduction program being conducted with assistance from multiple partners. The Elk will be enclosed in a seven acre holding pen to satisfy quarantine and animal health testing requirements and allow the Elk to become familiar with their new surroundings. The areas around the holding pens are closed to the public to allow the elk a safe time, not saying the wolves aren’t sizing up their next meal. For more information regarding the Elk in Wisconsin, visit,  dnr.wi.gov and search keyword “elk”.

Just a note to all of you grass burners, there was over 36 wildfires last week and half of them were caused by burning debris. Fire Danger ranged from LOW to HIGH across the state. Rain started falling last night and hopefully and will lower fire danger temporarily, but as things dry out, fire danger will increase.  Male turkeys can be seen fanned out and displaying as the breeding season is nearing. Leftover turkey permits went on sale Monday and the licensing center processed 13,000 permits that day.  All remaining leftover permits go on sale at 10am Saturday March 25^th.

Last, Maple sap collection seems to be in full swing with buckets and bags hanging in many woodlots right now. Other signs of spring were spring peepers being heard in wetlands and skunk cabbage emerging in the south. Also, please keep your eyes on the ditches for deer on the move also. Does are carrying right now and we don’t want to kill any of them until hunting season. Drive safe please. Also the marshes are filling up with ducks and geese right now. Tundra Swans are making this week their big push for the tundra nesting areas.