Serving Algoma, Casco, Kewaunee, Luxemburg and all of Kewaunee County
Another thaw this week was not what Green Bay ice anglers wanted, but you have to deal with the hand that’s been dealt.
Those who haven’t been out lately should check with a local bait and tackle shop for the latest conditions, and areas to avoid.
Most bays and harbors had plenty of ice heading into the thaw, and should survive a few milder days just fine.
But the offshore areas — especially spots with working cracks, shallow reefs with current, and recent shipping traffic — should be avoided.
Rivers, too, should be explored only with extreme caution, since currents erode ice from underneath while sun and warmer air works on the top.
Most inland lakes should be in good shape, but steer clear of sections with springs and creek mouths where current and warmer water occurs.
On the hunting scene, areas with extended bow and crossbow deer seasons had their last hurrah Jan. 31.
Raccoon and fox hunting ends Feb. 15, and squirrel and cottontail rabbit seasons conclude Feb. 28.
Coyote hunting is open year-round.
The Wisconsin DNR will get more than $39 million in federal money this year for fish and wildlife restoration, research and educational programs, and boating, fishing and hunting access.
The critical funding is part of more than $1.3 billion generated by manufacturers who pay federal excise taxes on ammunition, firearms, archery and angling equipment and a fuel and small engine tax.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service distributes it.
Wisconsin’s share includes more than $25.6 million in wildlife restoration funding, more than $12.8 million in sport fish restoration dollars, and more than $1 million for state wildlife grants to support species of greatest conservation need.
Money is used for management and research, stocking, access and habitat projects, target ranges, hunter and angler education, and more.
Learn more about how the money is distributed and see who got what at www.partnerwithapayer.org/funding-sources/.
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) asked the NRB to approve recommendations for a 14% increase in black bear harvest permits.
Zones B, C and D would see the biggest increases.
In 2023, nearly 135,000 people applied for either a harvest license (33,733 applicants) or preference point (101,035 applicants) for the 2024 season. The minimum number of preference points needed to draw a license was one in Zones D, E and F; 3 in Zone C; 10 in Zone A; and 11 in Zone B.
Zones A and C each increased a point from the previous year; all the others saw no change.
Should Lake Michigan commercial whitefish netters be allowed a limited bycatch of lake trout?
A public hearing on Statement of Scope for establishing such a commercial bycatch fishery in Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan will take place Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. via Microsoft Teams.
Comments on the proposed scope statement can be emailed to Kari.LeeZimmermann@Wisconsin.gov and DNRAdministrativeRulesComments@wisconsin.gov by Feb. 13.
The scope statement may be viewed at dnr.wisconsin.gov/news/input/ProposedPermanent.
The WBAY RV and Camping Show runs Jan. 30-Feb. 2 at the Resch Expo Center, across from Lambeau Field.
Get all the details at www.reschcomplex.com/events/detail/green-bay-rv-camping-expo-1.
Next up, the Green Bay Boat Show is Feb. 14-16 and the Wisconsin State Hunting expo Feb. 21-23, both at the Resch Expo.
For more information, visit www.reschcomplex.com/events/detail/green-bay-boat-show-8 and www.wisconsinstatehuntingexpo.com/.
The Algoma Hunting & Fishing Club’s annual fisheree Feb. 1-2 is open to all waters in Northeast Wisconsin.
Fishing prizes will be given in five categories: perch, bluegill, crappie, northern and whitefish. The club is located at N7809 Willow Drive, Algoma.
For more information, visit (920) 255-0813.
If you plan to try ice fish or explore frozen area rivers, lakes or the icy waters of Green Bay, consider wearing a pair of cleats on your boots.
Available in a variety of styles and sizes, ice cleats pull over your footwear to help prevent falls on the slick surface.
Lake Michigan water levels have dropped about nine inches in the past year, and were six inches below the 100-year average.
Levels are down 43 inches below the record January high, in 2020, and about two feet above the monthly low, set in 2013.
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