Both the Castle Rock and Petenwell flowages on the Wisconsin River are producing walleyes up to 17 inches in length. The snowmobile trails have a good snow base. The snow crust continues to be a problem for wild turkeys north of Wisconsin Rapids. South of Wisconsin Rapids, deer are pawing through the snow crust and are turning up acorns that will benefit the turkeys as well. There are 12 to 14 inches of heavily-crusted snow on the ground.
Most deer are able to walk above the crust and move around for food.
The deer cannot run on the snow crust without breaking through. Due to the hard crust, ruffed grouse are unable to roost under the surface of the snow. Pine siskins and redpolls are showing up at bird feeders in large numbers. Their natural food sources farther north are covered with snow. The natural food supply for turkeys is sealed off by the ice above the ground.